One of Incredible India’s greatest travel attractions, the sweep and fall of Jharkhand’s waterfalls emphasise the natural beauty of the state.
If an enchantment is what one seeks, one should visit Jharkhand state. A place as ancient as time itself, it bowls you over at every turn with its overwhelming natural beauty.
Jharkhand, located in eastern India, is a beautiful state known for its lush green forests, hills, and valleys. Apart from this, the state’s long tradition binds the past to the present in a fascinating way. Jharkhand’s past can be captured and described in varied ways – as a meeting ground, the commonplace of Indian history, a plural embracing of religious beliefs, a multitude of heroes, gods, and goddesses – the remnants of which rub shoulders with the living.
The Chotanagpur region in the state has an abundance of fossil remains and prehistoric artefacts, all of which point to the possibility of the transformation of homo erectus to homosapiens having occurred here. With such a rich history, priceless heritage, and nature’s bounty, it is unsurprisingly a highly coveted destination and leads the way for tourism in Jharkhand.
But what truly sets Jharkhand apart from other states is its magnificent waterfalls. With the state being home to over 25 waterfalls, it’s a true paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Its many waterfalls are not only scenic but are excellent picnic spots and are among the most popular places to visit in Jharkhand.
While in Jharkhand, have a rendezvous with Nature, as you experience 6 famous waterfalls that you must visit on your trip to Jharkhand:
Dassam Falls
About 40km away from Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, on Tata Road lies a village called Taimara, near which flows the Kanchi river. Falling from a height of about 144ft, the Kanchi River morphs into a pretty fall called Dassam Falls. It is also known as Dassam Ghagh. The waterfall is enclosed by verdant landscapes which embellish its beauty. The river also offers tourists the chance to engage in some recreational activities like river rafting, swimming, and other water sports.
Getting There: Situated about 40km from Ranchi off the Ranchi Tata highway, you take a right turn from NH-33 at Taimara. 3km after crossing Taimara, there’s a diversion from where a left turn takes you to Dassam.
Hundru Falls
One can locate Hundru falls about 45km away from the town of Ranchi. The Swarnarekha River, falling from a height of 320ft, is known as the Hundru Falls. A beautiful pool is formed at the base of the fall which allows visitors to enjoy themselves in various ways – bathing, enjoying a picnic, and other activities.
The diverse shape of the rocks found here which has been shaped from attrition by the continuous fall of water, thus enhancing its beauty. The ‘Gazetteer of India,’ penned by an English writer during the British Raj, extols the place highly, saying that it’s a place worth visiting despite its remoteness.
Getting There: Tourists can visit the Hundru Falls from Ranchi via the Ormanjhi- Sikidiri route.
Jonha Falls
Jonha is named after the nearest village and is also known as Gautam Dhara, due to a widespread belief that Lord Buddha bathed here. A temple and ashram dedicated to Buddha were built atop Gautam Pahar by the sons of Raja Baldevdas Birla. It’s also called Gunga Nala because the stream apparently has its origins in the Ganga ghat. A descent of 453 steps leads one to the base of the waterfall and to the far-flung villages of Konardih and Duarsini on the other side of the stream.
Getting There: From Ranchi, take the NH-32 to Angarha. From there, a left turn takes you 2km to Hundru, whereas the straight road takes you to Jonha and Sita. 16km from Angarha is Amrutbagan Chowk, from where a 5 km drive will take you to Jonha.
Usri Falls
Usri Falls, a waterfall located in the Giridh district of Jharkhand, is a popular tourist and picnic spot. The Usri River, a tributary of the Barakar River, flows down a steep gorge, before finally falling about 39ft in three separate streams. The scenery encompassing it is breathtaking, and therefore a favourite spot for picnic lovers.
Getting There: Giridh is well connected through both railway and road. Private taxis, tongas, and auto-rickshaws are available. There are regular bus services available from Giridih to other parts of the town. The nearest railway station is Giridh. The nearest airport is Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi.
Lodh Falls
Deep within the dense forests of Jharkhand, lies the spectacular Lodh Falls – the highest waterfall in Jharkhand that is situated in the Latehar district. With a height of around 468 feet, the waterfall is a sight to behold, and the surrounding landscape is equally beautiful. This natural wonder is a testament to the raw, untouched beauty of the Indian wilderness, and a must-visit for any nature enthusiast or traveller seeking an offbeat adventure.
The waterfall itself is an awe-inspiring sight, with water cascading down a series of rocky cliffs to form a pool at the bottom. The sound of rushing water and the misty spray of the falls make for a truly immersive experience that leaves visitors feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Tourists can enjoy a variety of activities in and around the falls, including hiking, swimming, and camping. The surrounding forests are home to a variety of wildlife, and visitors may be lucky enough to spot some of the rare and exotic creatures that call the area home. For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, there are also plenty of spots to simply sit back and take in the natural beauty of the falls.
For those looking to explore the area more extensively, there are several nearby attractions that are worth a visit. The Hundru Falls, another stunning waterfall in the region, is just a short drive away, as is the Panch Gagh Falls. There are also several ancient temples and historic sites in the area that offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Jharkhand.
Getting There: The nearest major city is Ranchi, which can be reached by rail, road, or air. From Ranchi, visitors can hire a car or take a bus to reach the falls, which are located about 80 km away. The journey takes around two hours, and the scenic route offers plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning landscapes of Jharkhand.
Sita Falls
Nestled amidst the dense foliage of the forests, lies a beautiful waterfall named Sita Falls. Located near Netarhat in the Latehar district, Sita Falls is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by dense forests. The waterfall is formed by the Koina River, which falls from a height of around 35 meters. The waterfall gets its name from the Hindu mythology epic, Ramayana, where it is believed that Goddess Sita took a bath in these falls during her exile.
As you approach the falls, you can hear the sound of the cascading water and feel the cool mist on your face. The waterfall is a sight to behold, with water gushing down from a height of over 50 feet into a natural pool below, surrounded by lush greenery.
Tourists can indulge in a variety of activities at Sita Falls, starting with a refreshing dip in the natural pool. The water is clean and cool, providing the perfect respite from the heat and humidity of Jharkhand. You can also go for a relaxing swim or spend some time lounging by the pool, admiring the stunning surroundings.
For adventure enthusiasts, Sita Falls offers a range of activities such as trekking and rock climbing. The surrounding forests are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and trekking through the area is an excellent way to explore the region’s natural beauty.
Getting there: The nearest railway station to Sita Falls is Ranchi railway station, which is approximately 150 kilometers away. The nearest airport is Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, which is approximately 150 kilometers away. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sita Falls. The best way to reach Sita Falls is by road. The nearest town to Sita Falls is Gumla, which is around 30 kilometers away. From Gumla, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sita Falls.
Read more: Latest
