Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand state is located on southern part of the Chota Nagpur plateau which forms the eastern edge of the Deccan plateau system. Ranchi has a hilly topography and is surrounded by dense tropical forests. Earlier the name of the district was Lohardaga with headquarter at Lohardaga, the present headquarter of a separate district.
Magadha Empire exercised indirect control over the territory, which lasted until the reign of the Ashoka. Kalinga rulers are believed to have ravaged the region during their expeditions to Rajgir and Pataliputra. which ruled Ranchi district and a larger part of Chota Nagpur Plateau as a sovereign king for almost next 1000 years.
With the expansion of the Mughal Empire, the sovereign status of the Nag Dynasty was technically affected, but they continued to rule and administer independently until the advent of the East India Company. During the period of the British Raj, adivasis and the local population of other ethnic backgrounds of Ranchi and other regions currently comprising the State of Jharkhand continued to oppose the subjugation by the British, and the region witnessed a number of uprisings and revolts.
Located at about 55 kms from Ranchi, Panch Gagh Falls is on Ranchi-Chakradharpur Road. The waterfalls consist of five streams, which look awesome as they fall from a great height.
The 17th century situated on hilltop is a major attraction in the city. Jagannath Templelooks very much like the Puri Jagannath Temple and it is considered the second largest Jagannath Temple next to Puri Temple.
Ranchi Lake is located at the foot of Ranchi Hill, which is at the center of the city and hence tourists frequent this place in great numbers. The view of the hill and the vast expanse of water mesmerize you. The lake was excavated in 1842 by Colonel Onsley. Boating facilities are available here. It is a perfect place to unwind on a quiet evening watching the sunset as the cool breeze gently plays around.
It is quite natural to name a water fall as the number one destination in a land that is called ‘The City of Waterfalls’. Located at 45kms away from Ranchi, the spectacular waterfalls is a favorite tourist destination. The river Subarnarekha falls down from 320 feet height thus forming Hundru Falls.
One of the best and considered to rank amongst the most beautiful zoos in the country,Birsa Zoological Park is worth every second you spend here. Spanning an area of 104 hectares of land, which is mildly uneven, the zoo is a real home to wild animals. It is just 16km away from the city’s center. Birsa Zoological Park is divided into two by National Highway. The larger area is the home of wild animals and the smaller area is thoroughly a botanical section. Some of the animals found in the zoo include lion, tiger, hyena, fox, wild cats, barking deer and elephants.
Sun Temple is one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Ranchi. It is a wonderful display of architecture. With 18 wheels and driven by seven horses, the uniquely designed Sun Temple looks majestic. Sanskrit Vihar, a charitable trust constructed the temple.