Ranchi, India: travel guide
The City of Waterfalls on Jharkhand's plateau, with lakes and forest
Jharkhand's hill capital of cascading waterfalls — Hundru, Dassam, and Jonha Falls — and scenic reservoirs surrounded by sal forests.
About Ranchi
Ranchi is the capital of Jharkhand, set on the Chota Nagpur plateau, and it is often described as the City of Waterfalls. The elevation keeps it cooler than the plains and the surrounding country is hill and sal forest.
The cascades are the main reason to visit. Hundru, Dassam and Jonha Falls are within reach of the city, and Patratu Valley offers a winding road and reservoir views. In town, the Rock Garden and Kanke Dam make for a pleasant evening, and the Jagannath Temple stands on a small hill outside the centre.
Ranchi travel is relaxed and suited to short trips, families and anyone exploring Jharkhand. Waterfalls are strongest during and just after the monsoon, while October to February is the more comfortable time for sightseeing.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
- Nearest airport
- IXR
Last updated
Top places to visit in Ranchi
Hundru Falls
Waterfall · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A spectacular 98 m waterfall where the Subarnarekha river plunges over rocky cliffs, Jharkhand's most famous cascade, thunderous in the monsoon.
Jonha Falls
Waterfall · 4.3 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Also called Gautamdhara, a graceful 43 m hanging-valley waterfall reached by a long flight of steps, with a small Buddhist shrine nearby.
Patratu Valley
Nature · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A breathtaking valley of serpentine ghat roads winding down to the Patratu dam reservoir, a hugely popular scenic drive and viewpoint.
Dassam Falls
Waterfall · 4.4 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
A powerful 44 m waterfall on the Kanchi river amid forest, where the water drops in a wide curtain — scenic but with strong currents, so swimming is unsafe.
Jagannath Temple Ranchi
temple · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A 17th-century hilltop temple modelled on Puri's Jagannath shrine, with sweeping city views and its own annual Rath Yatra.
Rock Garden & Kanke Dam
Nature · 4.1 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
A landscaped rock garden of terraces, sculptures and waterfalls beside the scenic Kanke Dam, a favourite spot for evening strolls and sunsets.
Birsa Zoological Park
Wildlife · 4.2 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A large forested zoo at Ormanjhi with tigers, lions, elephants and a deer park — a popular family outing on the city outskirts.
Pahari Mandir
temple · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A Shiva temple atop a rocky hill reached by ~450 steps, flying a giant national flag and offering panoramic views of the city.
Tagore Hill
Viewpoint · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A historic hill in Morabadi associated with the Tagore family, with a hilltop ashram, a short climb and lovely views over Ranchi.
Sun Temple Ranchi
temple · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A striking temple built in the form of a giant chariot drawn by horses, dedicated to the Sun God, with a sacred pond and serene grounds.
Things to do
- Ranchi Waterfalls Tour Nature · 8 h · from INR 1,500 per person
- Patratu Valley Drive & Boating Nature · 5 h · from INR 1,200 per person
- Ranchi City & Temples Tour Cultural · 5 h · from INR 1,000 per person
- Jharkhandi Tribal Culture Experience Cultural · 4 h · from INR 1,400 per person
Day trips and tours
- Ranchi Waterfalls Day 9 h · from INR 1,800
- Patratu Valley & Lake Day 7 h · from INR 1,500
- Ranchi City Heritage Tour 6 h · from INR 1,200
Where to stay in Ranchi
- City Center about INR 2,000 per night
Main commercial area with mid-range hotels
Hotels
- Radisson Blu Ranchi 5-star · INR 7,000 to INR 13,000 per night
- The Royal Retreat 4-star · INR 4,000 to INR 7,000 per night
- Capitol Hill Hotel 4-star · INR 3,500 to INR 6,000 per night
- Hotel BNR Chanakya (Heritage) 4-star · INR 3,500 to INR 6,500 per night
- Patratu Lake Resort (JTDC) 3-star · INR 3,000 to INR 5,500 per night
- Hotel Green Horizon 3-star · INR 2,500 to INR 4,500 per night
Where to eat
- Kaveri Restaurant North Indian, Mughlai, Chinese · about INR 450 per person
- Nucleus Mall Food Court North Indian, South Indian, Chinese · about INR 300 per person
- Yellow Sapphire North Indian, Chinese, Continental · about INR 450 per person
- Bansidhar Sweets Sweets, Snacks, North Indian · about INR 150 per person
- Angeethi North Indian, Awadhi, Mughlai · about INR 550 per person
- Cafe Regal Cafe, Continental, Italian · about INR 350 per person
- Pind Balluchi Punjabi, North Indian · about INR 450 per person
- Patratu Lake View Restaurant North Indian, Chinese · about INR 400 per person
Getting to Ranchi
Airport: Ranchi (IXR)
Getting around
- Auto Rickshaw
- Ride Hail
- Walking
More in India
Frequently asked questions about Ranchi
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Ranchi?
- The highest-rated places in our Ranchi guide are Patratu Valley, Hundru Falls, Dassam Falls, Jagannath Temple Ranchi, Jonha Falls.
- Where should I stay in Ranchi?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Ranchi: City Center.
- How do I get around Ranchi?
- Ways to get around Ranchi covered in our guide: Auto-rickshaw, Ride-hailing app, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Ranchi?
- The nearest airport to Ranchi has the code IXR.