Ranchi Dairies

Hello everyone! I hope you’re all doing great. I wanted to share a little story from a recent trip we took to Ranchi. It wasn’t something we had planned months in advance—it happened on a whim. We had a few days off, felt the itch to get away from the daily grind, and decided to explore a nearby city that would offer both relaxation and a bit of adventure.

A Quick Introduction to Ranchi

Our destination: Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, a state that came into existence on 15th November 2000, making it the 28th state of India. Ranchi is affectionately known as the "City of Waterfalls" because of its abundance of natural falls and lush greenery. It sits nestled in the Chotanagpur Plateau, offering a refreshing climate and picturesque landscapes. The Birsa Munda Airport is the nearest air link, while Ranchi Junction serves as the main railway station.

The Journey Begins

Getting to Ranchi wasn’t exactly straightforward. We couldn’t find a direct train from our starting point, so we had to hop across a few stations. Our route looked something like this: we boarded a train from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) to Rampurhat, then took a connecting train to Dumka, and finally arrived at Ranchi Railway Station—right around 4:00 AM.

The original plan was to wait at the station until morning and then look for accommodation, but to our surprise, there were plenty of hotels just outside the station, open even at that hour. We didn’t have to walk far. We managed to book a neat little hotel for ₹1200 per day for the next three days

DAY I: Exploring the Scenic Patratu Valley

After checking into our hotel and settling in, we took a short nap to shake off the travel fatigue. Once refreshed, we had breakfast and set out to arrange transportation for our local travels. For flexibility and convenience, we decided to rent a scooty.

We found a rental shop called Snap Rides, located just behind the Toplink Toyota showroom on Line Tank Road. (Address: Shop No-4, Vatika Apartment, Line Tank Road, beside Toplink Toyota, Ranchi, Jharkhand 834001.) Renting the scooty cost us around ₹600 per day, and we paid an additional ₹50 for a second helmet. All we needed were our Aadhar card and driving license.

With our ride sorted, we headed toward our first major destination: Patratu Valley. Though it’s a bit of a ride from the city, every kilometer of that journey was a delight. The road winds through lush hills, serene lakes, and stunning landscapes. With clear skies above and greenery all around, the ride felt like a scene straight out of a movie.

Our first stop was Patratu Lake, where we discovered several boating options. Visitors can choose between a peaceful Shikara ride or an adrenaline-pumping speed boat ride. We opted for the latter and managed to negotiate the price down to ₹800 per person. It was a short ride, but absolutely thrilling and offered beautiful views of the lake and surrounding hills.

After that, we decided to visit the Patratu Dam. However, this part didn’t go as smoothly—we struggled with Google Maps, ended up taking the same wrong route multiple times, and found ourselves circling back to where we started. After a few failed attempts, we decided to skip the dam and head instead to Palani Waterfall.

Unfortunately, since it was summer, the waterfall had dried up. Realizing that most of the natural falls in the area might be in a similar condition, we chose to skip any more waterfall detours and return to the city to explore more urban attractions.

Back in Ranchi, hunger had set in, so we grabbed lunch. While looking for places to visit nearby, we came across Aqua World Machhli Ghar, a small aquarium. The entry fee was just ₹20 per person. Inside, there was a compact park where kids could play, and the aquarium was located at the center. While it wasn’t very big or extravagant, it was a nice little break in the day.

Right next to the aquarium was Nakshatra Van, a peaceful urban park. ("Nakshatra" means constellation in Hindi.) We bought our tickets and entered to find a serene and aesthetically pleasing garden. Each row of trees was named after a different constellation, giving the park a unique theme. The place was well-maintained, and the blooming flowers added to its charm. It was a calm and refreshing spot—perfect for some light strolling and photos amidst the city's buzz.

As evening drew near, we visited Birsa Munda Jail Park, another beautifully maintained area. On one side, there were food stalls and play areas for children, and on the other stood a statue of Birsa Munda alongside a small museum that highlights Jharkhand’s cultural and tribal history. It was both informative and visually impressive.

After stepping out of the park, we treated ourselves to a glass of nimbu pani (lemon water) to cool down and recharge. With the day coming to a close, we headed back to our hotel, feeling both tired and fulfilled. Day one ended on a high note, setting the tone for the rest of the trip.

DAY II: Nature, Science, and a Bit of Shopping

We started early the next morning, knowing it was a public holiday and popular spots were bound to get crowded. First on our list was Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, which is essentially Ranchi’s main zoo.

We initially assumed it would be a small, leisurely walk—but we were completely wrong. The zoo is huge! After getting our entry tickets, we were informed about a small but important rule: if you're carrying a plastic water bottle inside, you have to pay a ₹20 deposit per bottle. They give you a token for each bottle, and when you bring the bottle back out, you get your money refunded. If you litter or dispose of the bottle inside, you forfeit the deposit. A smart way to encourage cleanliness!

We began our tour with the bird section, which featured a variety of species including ostriches, emus, peacocks, and many others. As we moved on, we saw the big cats—tigers, lions, leopards, and even a white tiger, which was especially captivating.

At one point, we thought we had completed the zoo, but a glance at the map revealed we had only covered half of it! Despite being tired, we pushed on because the zoo had so much more to offer—porcupines, several types of deer, elephants, snakes, and even a hippopotamus.

By the time we exited, we were thoroughly exhausted but also very satisfied. (Pro tip: Rent one of the electric vehicles available inside. We found out about them only after we were halfway through and wished we had taken one from the start!) If you’re in Ranchi, this zoo is an absolute must-visit.

We returned our water bottles, got our ₹20 deposit back, treated ourselves to some ice cream, and headed to our next destinations—Ranchi Aquarium and Butterfly Park, both located just across the road from the zoo.

This aquarium was far better than the one we visited the day before. It featured a lovely fountain, a mini waterfall structure, and a diverse collection of fish in well-maintained tanks. It was engaging for both children and adults. I couldn’t stop running around with my camera, trying to capture the beauty of it all—it was that impressive.

Next, we walked into the Butterfly Park. Initially, I assumed it would just be a regular garden with a few butterflies fluttering about. But once we stepped in, I was taken aback. The garden itself was beautiful, but the real magic happened inside the greenhouse at its center.

The moment we entered the greenhouse, we were surrounded by butterflies—dozens of them, in every color imaginable. It honestly felt like a scene from a Disney movie. That’s when I truly understood why it was called a Butterfly Park. If you’re ever in Ranchi, don’t skip this place—it’s enchanting.

Our next stop was the Science Centre. We did get a bit lost on the way (entirely my fault), but the unplanned detour gave us a glimpse into the rural life on the outskirts of the city, which was a refreshing change of scenery.

The Science Centre itself had interactive exhibits, a few dinosaur models, and even a short educational film. While it was fairly standard in comparison to other science centers, it was still an enjoyable visit.

We also tried going to the Planetarium, which is nearby, but unfortunately, the show timings didn’t fit our schedule, so we gave it a miss. Instead, we had a relaxed lunch just outside the Science Centre.

We had originally planned to visit Tagore Hill that afternoon, but by then, fatigue had caught up with us. We decided to save it for the next morning when we’d have more energy to enjoy it properly.

On our way back to the hotel, we noticed a Zudio store, and of course, we couldn’t resist stepping in for a bit of shopping. After picking up a few items, we returned to the hotel, freshened up, and wrapped up what had been a packed and fulfilling second day.

DAY III: Hilltop Views, Temples, and Souvenirs

Our final day in Ranchi began with a visit to Tagore Hill, a place named after the legendary poet Rabindranath Tagore. It’s said that Tagore spent time here writing and reflecting, making it a spot of historical and literary significance.

When we reached the location early in the morning, we found the main gate closed, which left us slightly puzzled. Instead of waiting around, we walked a bit further to ask a local about how to get in. In the process, we accidentally discovered an alternative path—from the backside of the hill.

Without realizing it at first, we began climbing from this unconventional route. The climb was steep and a little challenging, especially without proper steps, but the adventure made it all the more memorable. And once we reached the top, we were greeted with a panoramic view of Ranchi—the city stretched out below us, quiet and peaceful in the morning light. We took some time to relax, take in the view, and of course, click a few photos to capture the moment. We descended using the official staircase, which was much easier and safer than the route we took to get up.

Our next stop was the serene and beautifully maintained ISKCON Temple, not too far from Tagore Hill. The temple grounds were calm and inviting, providing a peaceful break after the climb. We spent a few quiet moments inside, soaking in the devotional atmosphere before heading out again.

From there, we made our way to Rock Garden, located near the scenic Kanke Dam. Due to limited time, we didn’t climb all the way to the top of the garden area, which is built on a rocky hill. However, even from the lower levels, the surroundings were beautiful. A cool breeze coming off the dam added to the charm of the place. While we stood there, enjoying the view and the fresh air, we grabbed a quick snack—jhalmuri—from a local vendor. It was simple, spicy, and just what we needed.

Afterward, we headed to Ranchi Lake for a brief stop. It’s a historic man-made lake in the heart of the city, but unfortunately, the connecting bridge that offers a closer view was closed to the public at the time. So we had to admire it from a distance.

As the trip neared its end, we made our final stop at Jharcraft, a government-run handicrafts emporium that showcases the best of Jharkhand’s local arts and crafts. The store features an impressive range of products—from handwoven textiles, silk sarees, bamboo and wooden artifacts, tribal jewelry, to home décor items—all crafted by local artisans. It’s the perfect place to buy authentic souvenirs while supporting the local community.

We picked up a few things to remember the trip by and headed back to our hotel. After resting for a while, we packed our bags and checked out. Then we returned the scooty to Snap Rides, thanked them for the smooth rental experience, and made our way to the railway station.

As we boarded our train back home, we felt a quiet sense of joy and contentment. What had started as a spontaneous trip turned out to be a memorable adventure, filled with scenic views, cultural landmarks, and heartfelt moments.

This spontaneous trip to Ranchi turned out to be much more exciting than we had imagined. The city has a unique mix of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and urban conveniences. Whether you’re looking for waterfalls, hills, parks, or just some peaceful downtime, Ranchi checks all the boxes.

If you’re thinking of a short getaway filled with charm, greenery, and a touch of adventure—Ranchi is absolutely worth visiting.

Until the next trip, take care and stay curious. 💛