RANCHI is 240 km from Durgapur. My friend and I decided to cover it on our own car though it is also accessible by train. We decided to go via Purulia. There is also a route via Bokaro. We started around 9:30 am taking the national highway to Asansol. People going first time along this route, may continue on the highway leaving Asansol on the left till Jubilee Petrol pump. Turn left at this point which leads to a for point crossing. Turn right and proceed till Neamatpur. In the first four point crossing turn left again and this would bring you to Disergarh bridge. This road straightway leads to Raghunathpur.
At Raghunathpur you will be greated by Joychondi Hills which is a place famous for picnic. This is also a very scenic place with few lakes among the hills. Many mountaineering groups hold their rock climbing training here. The straight road passes beside Raghunathpur college towards Purulia which is about an hour from this place.
People going by this route need not enter Purulia town as this road by passes the town . A little ahead is a three point crossing at which one needs to turn right . This road would take you straight to Ranchi. About 50 km before Ranchi the road smoothly starts meandering and climbing . This is the most beautiful part of the road passing over low hill . Both Jonna and Hundru falls come in this route though we decided to stay in Ranchi and see the falls next day.Ranchi was once a very serene place. It had become a bit crowded now. Nonetheless roads in the town are wide and well maintained. One of our friends had suggested we stay in the station area. There are many hotels near the station ranging from very cheap to star category. Likewise we took left turn at the first four point crossing. This place known as the Kantatoli chowk is a vital four point crossing in Ranchi town. The road on left took us to the station area straight.
In the station area we came across a very helpful arrangement of overnight car parking at very nominal rates. At once we parked our car took the ticket and our luggage and became free .
Though there are certain parks and places in town which can well comprise of a one day sightseeing, the falls are the most noteworthy places in Ranchi. We refreshed in the hotel and soon moved out to make enquiries.
At one time Ranchi was a place famous for short trips and picnics. Though the number has fallen due to various reasons, still many tourists and locals comes to visit the falls. Next morning we got up early. Keeping in mind covering as much as possible on day one, we walked to the station parking place. Our car was safe and waiting for the days trip. Wish there was a person who could do dusting at nominal rates.
 |
| HUNDRU |
Both Hundru and Jonnah are about forty km from Ranchi and falls on Ranchi Purulia road. So we had to go back on the same road till a point where a road on the left side leads to Hundru. The falls come about 12 km from this point.
 |
| JONNAH FALLS |
Not many tourists were visible, maybe because we were too early. A barrage has been constructed upstream the river and the river has lost much of its flow. Nevertheless it is still as beautiful. While coming from Ranchi, Hundru comes on the left and Jonnah on the right a bit far off on Ranchi Purulia road. By around 3pm we were back in Ranchi after covering Jonnah.
 |
| Tribal Craftsman at Jonnah |
In the evening we went to the main market area and did a bit of window shopping. There is also a similar parking place in the market area . People staying in hotels in market area may use that. Autos ply on route basis as well as on reserve hire in Ranchi. Moving around is not a problem, in fact it is a lot better than moving in ones own car inside the city.
 |
| DASHAM FALLS |
 |
| Ranchi lake from Pahari Mandir |
After we got back to Ranchi and had lunch, we still had plenty of time to visit Ranchi Lake , the Pahari Mandir for which we took a auto on hire. Pahari Mandir can only be accessed on foot where there are steps to take you to the top. This place offers excellent aerial views of the town and its adjoining areas. There was still time to squeeze in Rock garden before sunset. We made it on a route auto.
 |
| At the Rock Garden |
There are few more other places of tourist interest in the city but we were short of time and were supposed to leave next morning. However most of Ranchi and surroundings can be covered in two days.
Local people are very helpful and we got most of the directions from people on road. There are plenty of hotels in Ranchi but most budget hotels are near the railway station. There are other waterfalls also in Ranchi on the Ranchi Bokaro route. People who are on extended holiday may also consider Netarhat which offers a hill stay although about 120 km away.
