This City Has History, Mystery, And Magic – Here Are The 10 Facts Every Traveler Needs To Know
1. The Capital of Jharkhand
After Jharkhand was built by splitting Bihar, Ranchi became the capital on 15th November 2000. This was the turning point in the geography as it provided administrative development to the tribal areas of southern Bihar. This fictional place is still one of the preferred centers of economy and politics for Jharkhand.
2. A City With Ancient Roots
Ranchi is an Oraon tribal word, which means a piece of land surrounded by three hills. The area is considered to be the home of several indigenous tribes such as Munda, Oraon, and Santhal communities. From the available archaeological records, it can be concluded that some form of human settlements existed there in prehistoric times.
3. The Home of Beautiful Waterfalls
Ranchi is well known for its beautiful waterfalls. The most visited ones are:
Dassam Falls (Dassam Ghagh): This waterfall is located 40 kilometers from Ranchi. This waterfall also has a unique shape resembling a horseshoe and is approximately 144 feet high.
Jonha Falls (Gonda Falls): These waterfalls are roughly 40 kilometers away too and surrounded by nature which increases their beauty.
Hundru Falls: Hundru Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the region, standing at 320 feet. It is one of the most visited Waterfalls in India with billions of tourists each year.
The many waterfalls located in Ranchi make it the perfect destination for tourists.
4. Tribal Culture and Their Different Heritages
Ranchi is also famous for having over 30 indigenous tribes. These tribes have their own unique culture and this diversity adds to the cultural beauty of the city. One of the most famous Sarhul is a festival celebrated by the Oraon tribe, marking the onset of a new spring. The festival involves rituals honoring the sacred Sal tree. The way of life of the tribal people can be found in the Tribal Research Institute Museum, which has many artifacts, crafts and tribal photographs.
5. Educational Hub of Eastern India
Ranchi is fast becoming one of the important educational centers in eastern India. Some of the important institutions are:
Ranchi University: Established in 1960, it is one of the oldest universities in the region.
National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology (NIFFT): Renowned for its metallurgy branch.
Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP): A premier mental health hospital in Asia.
These institutions draw students not only from Jharkhand but also from other bordering states.
6. Rock Garden and Kanke Dam
The Rock Garden in Ranchi is one of the major beauty spots in the city, built on a hillock overlooking Kanke Dam. It is designed similar to Delhi's renowned Rock Garden which comprises sculptures made of waste materials alongside picturesque paths for walking and fountains. Close to it is the peaceful Kanke Dam that provides opportunities for boating as well as captivating views of the entire area.
7. Birsa Munda – A Revolutionary Leader
Ranchi is known in history concerning its association with Birsa Munda, a noted freedom fighter who started tribal revolts against British rule in the 19 Century. He is remembered today in places like Birsa Zoological Park and Birsa Jaivik Udyan, which are both named after him. Furthermore, Jharkhand celebrates Birsa Jayanti (his birth anniversary) as a public holiday.
8. Climate and Geography
Ranchi is situated at an altitude of around 2,140 feet above sea level. Its climate is exceptionally moderate through the year, enjoying pleasant summers (March to June) and cooler winters (November to February). The region receives substantial rainfall during the monsoon season (July to September) due to its proximity to the Chota Nagpur Plateau, which impacts its weather patterns.
9. Religious Significance
Ranchi possesses a number of religious places that attract thousand of devotees from different parts of the country:
Jagannath Temple: It is one of the leading pilgrim centers of Hindus and was constructed as a replica of Puri Jagannath Temple located in Odisha.
Pahari Mandir: This temple is located on top of a hill which is a bird eye view of the city, and also almost 300 steps that need to be scaled to access the temple.
Sun Temple: Built in the form of a colossal chariot, this temple built in honor of Lord Surya captures the imagination of worshipers who come to receive his blessings.
These holy places demonstrate Ranchi's culture.
10. New Areas for Industry
Much of the reserves of Ranchi lie in natural resources, but there is fast growth in industrial resources. The city contains steel plants, manufacturing industries, and IT parks which are major contributors to the economy of Jharkhand. The establishment of SEZs (Special Economic Zones) has further enhanced the employment potential and infrastructural growth of this area.
Final Remark
Ranchi city is rich in natural beauty and waterfalls, deeply rooted in tribal culture, and urbanized, all at once. It is a blend of traditions and development. Ranchi is ideal for everyone who is interested in history, nature, and travels across regions and cultures in India. Despite ongoing developments, the city is a unique example of the balance between humans and nature, and has many places to visit— a true jewel of Jharkhand.
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India.com
5 days ago
- India.com
This City Has History, Mystery, And Magic – Here Are The 10 Facts Every Traveler Needs To Know
The capital city of Jharkhand in eastern India, Ranchi, offers a unique mix of nature, culture, and modern infrastructures. Being one of the beautiful cities in India, it is famous for lush green landscapes, waterfalls, and tribal cultures, which makes it known as the 'City of Waterfalls.' Here are 10 facts about this alluring city that every traveler or enthusiast should know. Ranchi also has a lot of unexplored places which are exquisite. 1. The Capital of Jharkhand After Jharkhand was built by splitting Bihar, Ranchi became the capital on 15th November 2000. This was the turning point in the geography as it provided administrative development to the tribal areas of southern Bihar. This fictional place is still one of the preferred centers of economy and politics for Jharkhand. 2. A City With Ancient Roots Ranchi is an Oraon tribal word, which means a piece of land surrounded by three hills. The area is considered to be the home of several indigenous tribes such as Munda, Oraon, and Santhal communities. From the available archaeological records, it can be concluded that some form of human settlements existed there in prehistoric times. 3. The Home of Beautiful Waterfalls Ranchi is well known for its beautiful waterfalls. The most visited ones are: Dassam Falls (Dassam Ghagh): This waterfall is located 40 kilometers from Ranchi. This waterfall also has a unique shape resembling a horseshoe and is approximately 144 feet high. Jonha Falls (Gonda Falls): These waterfalls are roughly 40 kilometers away too and surrounded by nature which increases their beauty. Hundru Falls: Hundru Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the region, standing at 320 feet. It is one of the most visited Waterfalls in India with billions of tourists each year. The many waterfalls located in Ranchi make it the perfect destination for tourists. 4. Tribal Culture and Their Different Heritages Ranchi is also famous for having over 30 indigenous tribes. These tribes have their own unique culture and this diversity adds to the cultural beauty of the city. One of the most famous Sarhul is a festival celebrated by the Oraon tribe, marking the onset of a new spring. The festival involves rituals honoring the sacred Sal tree. The way of life of the tribal people can be found in the Tribal Research Institute Museum, which has many artifacts, crafts and tribal photographs. 5. Educational Hub of Eastern India Ranchi is fast becoming one of the important educational centers in eastern India. Some of the important institutions are: Ranchi University: Established in 1960, it is one of the oldest universities in the region. National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology (NIFFT): Renowned for its metallurgy branch. Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP): A premier mental health hospital in Asia. These institutions draw students not only from Jharkhand but also from other bordering states. 6. Rock Garden and Kanke Dam The Rock Garden in Ranchi is one of the major beauty spots in the city, built on a hillock overlooking Kanke Dam. It is designed similar to Delhi's renowned Rock Garden which comprises sculptures made of waste materials alongside picturesque paths for walking and fountains. Close to it is the peaceful Kanke Dam that provides opportunities for boating as well as captivating views of the entire area. 7. Birsa Munda – A Revolutionary Leader Ranchi is known in history concerning its association with Birsa Munda, a noted freedom fighter who started tribal revolts against British rule in the 19 Century. He is remembered today in places like Birsa Zoological Park and Birsa Jaivik Udyan, which are both named after him. Furthermore, Jharkhand celebrates Birsa Jayanti (his birth anniversary) as a public holiday. 8. Climate and Geography Ranchi is situated at an altitude of around 2,140 feet above sea level. Its climate is exceptionally moderate through the year, enjoying pleasant summers (March to June) and cooler winters (November to February). The region receives substantial rainfall during the monsoon season (July to September) due to its proximity to the Chota Nagpur Plateau, which impacts its weather patterns. 9. Religious Significance Ranchi possesses a number of religious places that attract thousand of devotees from different parts of the country: Jagannath Temple: It is one of the leading pilgrim centers of Hindus and was constructed as a replica of Puri Jagannath Temple located in Odisha. Pahari Mandir: This temple is located on top of a hill which is a bird eye view of the city, and also almost 300 steps that need to be scaled to access the temple. Sun Temple: Built in the form of a colossal chariot, this temple built in honor of Lord Surya captures the imagination of worshipers who come to receive his blessings. These holy places demonstrate Ranchi's culture. 10. New Areas for Industry Much of the reserves of Ranchi lie in natural resources, but there is fast growth in industrial resources. The city contains steel plants, manufacturing industries, and IT parks which are major contributors to the economy of Jharkhand. The establishment of SEZs (Special Economic Zones) has further enhanced the employment potential and infrastructural growth of this area. Final Remark Ranchi city is rich in natural beauty and waterfalls, deeply rooted in tribal culture, and urbanized, all at once. It is a blend of traditions and development. Ranchi is ideal for everyone who is interested in history, nature, and travels across regions and cultures in India. Despite ongoing developments, the city is a unique example of the balance between humans and nature, and has many places to visit— a true jewel of Jharkhand.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Time of India
6k trees in elephant corridor face axe for Doon airport expansion
Dehradun: Around 6,000 trees in Uttarakhand's Shivalik Elephant Reserve are likely to be felled for the planned expansion of Jolly Grant Airport, forest officials said on Thursday. The proposal involves diversion of approximately 48 hectares (about 110 acres) of forest land, and the tree enumeration in the affected area has been completed. NS Dobhal, ranger of the Thano Forest Range under the Dehradun Forest Division, said, "About 6,000 trees have been counted in the area and the details have been sent to the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), which is overseeing the project, for further action." He added that the next step involves the user agency uploading a proposal on the Parivesh portal as per Forest Conservation Act guidelines. The forest department will then examine the proposal before it is sent to the ministry for further clearances and approvals. Shahwant Sharma, manager of Jolly Grant Airport, told TOI, "The state govt is in the final stages of identifying the land to be handed over to the Airports Authority of India for the airport's expansion. We expect the handover to be completed within the next three months. The state govt is overseeing both the land acquisition and the tree removal process." The development has drawn criticism from conservationists, especially as it comes despite chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's 2022 assurance, made during Wildlife Week, that "no trees would be cut in the reserve for development projects". The area identified for diversion falls within a riverine ecosystem that sustains elephants, leopards and several species of antelope. Conservationists have flagged concerns over habitat fragmentation in the Thano, Badkot and Rishikesh forest ranges due to rapid urbanisation and infrastructure projects. "Forests are vital for recharging river systems. The wellbeing of this forest directly affects the Chandrabhaga river, which supports both wildlife and local communities. Many animals come regularly to its banks to drink," said veteran environmentalist Ravi Chopra. The airport expansion has faced ecological scrutiny since 2020. The Shivalik Elephant Reserve was briefly denotified to facilitate the project, but was later re-notified following legal challenges and public outcry. A previous proposal had sought the diversion of 87 hectares (214 acres) of forest land, requiring nearly 9,700 trees to be cut, but it was shelved after strong opposition. In addition to the airport project, around 4,000 trees in the Shivalik Elephant Reserve were also marked for felling for the proposed four-laning of the Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh road. The road would run close to Rajaji Tiger Reserve, which is home to tigers, elephants, leopards, and several species of antelope. That project too faced protests from residents and environmentalists. In Aug 2020, around 2,500 century-old Sal trees were cut down for the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway to reduce travel time by 15 minutes. Conservationists then also objected to the removal of trees from the forest corridor.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Time of India
Jal, Jungle & Jameen - Mantra for biodiversity conservation
The state's name, Jharkhand, is a name derived from the Hindi words "Jhar", meaning forest and "Khand" — land or simply, "land of forests". Historically, the term was used to refer to the forested land between Babadham (Deoghar) and Puri (in Odisha). Jharkhand has also been home to 32 major tribal groups that associate their identities with "jal-jungle and jamin" (water, forest and land). With a rich endowment by nature coupled with its nature-loving people, it is no surprise that the state conserves some of the pristine and oldest natural sites of ecological importance — the fossil parks of Rajmahal hills in Sahibganj district. It hosts plant and animal fossils from the Jurassic era (150-200 million years ago). Noted geologist Birbal Sahni established the area as a global palaeontological site. In 2022, chief minister Hemant Soren inaugurated the Rajmahal hills, the state's first fossil park, to preserve the Jurassic era plant and animal fossils, describing them as a treasure trove. Meanwhile, the life of indigenous people of the state revolves around trees — Saal (Shorea robusta) and Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) — the two important varieties, the former being used during festivals like Sarhul and the latter forming a part of day-to-day life as a source of nutrients and raw material for brewing alcoholic drinks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Among the myriad fauna in the state, Jharkhand boasts of being home to the world's smallest wild pig — pygmy hog (Sus salvanius) — and also to the majestic Asiatic elephant (Elephas maximus). Sadly, the pygmy hog has almost vanished from the Jharkhand forests and the elephants face the challenge of shrinking corridors. While the Malabar pied hornbill is also a treat to the eyes, the silk moth and lac insects (Kerria lacca) are exclusive to the region and add to the richness of the biodiversity, besides supporting the livelihood of several thousand people. At the same time, Jharkhand is home to 40% of the country's mineral and 29% coal reserve, extraction of which often threatens the ecology and biodiversity. The state's forests, classified into eight distinct types under the Champion & Seth classification, are home to diverse flora, fauna, and indigenous tribal communities, including the Munda, Oraon, Ho, Santhal, and Paharia, who maintain a deep connection with nature. Traditional festivals like Sarhul and Karma celebrate this bond with forests. Currently, the Jharkhand Biodiversity Board is intensifying conservation efforts through documentation, community engagement and awareness initiatives. Key ecological hotspots under focus include Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Betla National Park, Parasnath Hills and biodiverse zones in places, including Gumla, Ranchi and Palamu districts. To balance development with ecological sustainability, the board plans to collaborate with major mining companies like CCL, BCCL, ECL, and NTPC. These companies will submit conservation strategies, survey reports, and restoration plans for mined-out areas with some to be designated as OECMs (Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures). "We have outlined key strategies to strengthen biodiversity conservation in the face of expanding mining activities," said Sanjeev Kumar, the principal chief conservator of forests and member secretary of the Jharkhand Biodiversity Board. The board's initiatives included planting rare, endangered, and threatened (RET) species in degraded lands and updating people's biodiversity registers with corporate support. Plans also included organising exposure visits for biodiversity management committee members to successful restoration sites and implementing livelihood programmes for mining-affected tribal communities. "The aim is to turn ecological restoration into a vehicle for community empowerment. Companies must undertake conservation efforts in mining zones to ensure that development doesn't compromise biodiversity," Kumar emphasised. At the same time, recent data shows over 690 hectares of forest land were diverted for non-forestry uses between January 2015 and February 2019. Currently, only 2.74% of the state land falls under the protected area network, comprising one national park and 11 wildlife sanctuaries.
