Blissfully remote and uniquely beautiful, the tranquil environs of Jharkhand offers an ideal escape from the restrictions of civilization. It is still the place of bygone days tempered with moments of serenity, goodwill and charm that makes it. Impossible not to be seduced by its beauty and climate. The Landscape combines the raucous vivacity, the exquisite scenery, the creaking ox carts and innocent tribal looks that greet us everywhere, pollution is something unheard and for the fraction of the amount of what we pay in metros, one can buy fruits and vegetables with unmatched natural taste and flavor. Anthropologists would make us believe that Chhotanagpur region of Jharkhand must have witnessed the transformation of Homo Erectus to Homo Sapiens. Their claim is based on the findings of hand axes and blades that are littered here in the region of Pathalgarwa. The discovery of Harappan pottery in Hazaribag further strengthens the claim to antiquity. Senior archaeologists are staking their professional reputations on the findings of the cave paintings in the Isko Village.

Chhotanagpur has impinged on the attention of researchers as being of an ancient site of continuous human habitation. The Constitutional Order of 1950 has classified 30 different tribes of Jharkhand, spread over the Chhotanagpur plateau that encompasses several districts. These tribes not only differ Considerably from non – tribal population but even from one another. Cheros (found in Palamu and Chaibasa region) for instance, migrated from the Sub – Himalayan tract, and they bear the Dravadian physiognomy with light brown complexion, while most of the other tribes are dark skinned, short statured, curly haired and broad nosed people.

Santhals are the most predominant and prosperous among the tribes of Jharkhand. The Asurs and Lohras are given to the fast disappearing trade of iron smelting and black smithy. The Arurs are be lived to be the subcontinent’s first iron smelters who were driven from the Gangetic plains to the plateau of Chotanagpur. A number of Dravidian tribes like Gonds, Khonds and Koras are believed to have migrated from the neighboring states.

Mundas are the most ancient among the tribes of Jharkhand, who love to live in association with other tribes. The best known icon of this tribe is Birsa Munda, who was behind the Ulgulan movement of 1900 which gave expression to the tribal anguish and resentment against the English rule and fuelled the agrarian crisis. The Oldest geological formation of India are found in Chotanagpur plateau that also stores a vast deposit of a variety of minerals and caters to national and international needs. Chotanagpur plateau is a region of great unevenness and consists of a succession of plateaus, hills and valleys. Most of the plateau has an elevation exceeding 1,000 feet, while the hills rise to 3,000 feet or more. In the heart of Chotanagpur there are two main plateaus – those of Hazaribag and Ranchi.

HAZARIBAG
Meaning a thousand gardens, Hazaribag is a famous health hill resort situated on a height of 2,019 ft. above sea level. It has an excellent climate and beautiful sceneries are all around it in the midst of dense forest. It is rich in flora and fauna. Hazaribag is 93 kms from Ranchi by road and at the same time it is also well connected by road with important towns of the state. It falls on N.H. 33. The Hazaribag plateau has on its eastern margin, Parasnath – the highest hill in Jharkhand, rising to a height of 4,480 feet. The loftiness here is of another order. According to jain tradition, no less than 23 out of 24 Tirthankaras (including Parsvanatha) are believed to have attained salvation in the Sammetasikhara of the Parasnath hills. The hill seems to have been an abode of Jains.

Parsvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankar was very popular among the tribal population of Jharkhand. He is identified by the snake king Dharanendra, whose many hoods protect the meditating Tirthankar. Both the Swwetamber and Digamber jains have their many beautiful temples here on the hills.

Canary Hill

Close to the town lies the Canary Hill which has a well laid out park and is studded with three small lakes. It has an observation tower. From the top of hill one can have a panoramic view of the town.

Hazaribag Lake
The Hazaribag Lake, in the vicinity, also attracts tourists and visitors. It is a popular picnic spot and place for water sports.

Wild-life Sanctuary
Wildlife enthusiasts would love to visit Hazaribag Wildlife sanctuary nestling in the low Hilly terrain. This retreat stretches over 184 sq. kms. of plains, undulating country, steep hills and deep nullahs with thick tropical forest and grass meadows. The best time for a visit is early spring when the undulating hills are covered with the fresh green of Sal and miscellaneous trees. Numerous observation towers in the sanctuary make it all the more easier to have a closer encounter with the Wild animals is a very pleasant sight and wild bear, Sambhar (Hazaribag perhaps holds more Sambhars than any other area of comparable size) Nilgai, Chital and Kakar can be seen at dusk and dawn gambolling and enjoying themselves at water holes. Sloth bear might be Encountered unexpectedly while the exclusive tiger and panther demand patience for viewing. The flak – top strip of National Highway 33 passes through the sanctuary by its main gate at Pokharia, 21 kms from Barhi and 16 kms from Hazaribag. 111 kms roads in the sanctuary take motorists to the remotest corners and to opportunities for viewing the wilds during the best months of October to April. The sanctuary is surrounded by habitations of tribals.

RANCHI
Situated picturesquely in the heart of Jharkhand at an altitude of 2,140 feet above sea level is the nucleus of the region. Ranchi is well known for its scenic attractions, water falls, barren rocks and hillocks. It has a number of industrial complexes which are very important in the industrial life of the country. While on the one hand beautiful and exciting water falls are scattered around this town, on the other hand huge industries are also to be seen there which do attract visitors.

There are many scenic attractions in and around Ranchi which hold tourists for days together. It is also an important place for the study of tribal ways of life, it offers an ideal opportunity to those interested in Anthropology. Jharkhand Tribal Research Institute and museum is well worth a visit for those seeking to know more about the tribes of Jharkhand. One can consider some of the villages rich in tribal life. And above all, it is the central point of Jharkhand which one cannot miss to visit. Due to its good climate, lot of people use to come here for health sake too. It gets 1530 mm rain annually.

Ranchi Hill & Ranchi Lake
The scenic attractions of the town have much to offer to its visitors. The landmark of Ranchi is a hill bearing bearing a temple of Shiva on its summit with a lake at its foot, known as ‘Ranchi Lake’. One can have panoramic view of the town and the surrounding from the top of the hill.

Tagore Hill
On the periphery of Ranchi is “Tagore Hill”, named after Rabindra Nath Tagore who is believed to have written a part of this famous Gitanjali here, besides other poems. Ram Krishna Ashram is situated at the foot of the hill. This hill is very attractive and bigger than “Ranchi Hill”.

Kanke Dam & Jagannath Temple
On the other end of Ranchi is the ‘Kankedam’ which is ever crowed with tourists. It is popular picnic spot. Few Kilometers from the Dam and 10 Kms from Ranchi is the 17th century “Jagannath Temple” when the annual Rath Yatra (car festival) is held in the month of June/July. There is another beautiful dam known as “Hatia Dam”. It is about 12 kms from the city.

Hundru Falls
’Hundru falls’ (45 Kms on Ranchi – Purlia Road) Where the Subarnarekha river cascades down from an altitude of 320 feet is a sight not to be missed especially in monsoon or when the wind sets the motion. The pools at the base of the falls are favourite picnic and bathing spots.

Johna Falls
’Johna Falls’ (40 kms on Ranchi – Purila Road) also known as Gautam Dhara, is another enchanting retreat admist rich flora and fauna beside the Kanchi river. The scenery around it is very picturesque and it is a popular picnic spot. To admire the fall one is required to descend 500 pared steps.

Sita and Dassam Falls
Adjacent to Johna falls which can be seen at its best early in the morning. Afternoons may best be saved for the Dassam Falls (34 kms on Ranchi – Tata Road) where river Kanchi falls from a height of 114 feet.

Hirni Falls
’Hirni Falls’ is another fascinating water fall with beautiful surroundings. It is situated 75 kms from Ranchi.