Jharkhand

Jharkhand

Jharkhand: Untouched, Unseen, and Unbelievable

India’s fourteenth largest state by area, Jharkhand, has a history that dates back to ancient times. Evidence of early human settlement is seen in its cave paintings, which indicate habitation during the Mesolithic and Chalcolithic periods. Remarkably, excavations have unearthed iron artifacts that suggest the use of iron here as early as 1400 BCE—long before many other regions of India.

Today, much of Jharkhand remains a rural paradise where nature has been preserved in its pristine form. From captivating waterfalls to majestic hills, lush plains to vibrant cultural traditions, Jharkhand promises an idyllic retreat that leaves every traveler yearning for more.

Jharkhand: A Quick Overview

• Capital: Ranchi
• Official Language: Hindi
• Dial Code: 0651
• Population: 36.372M (as of 2018)
• Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
• Time Zone: UTC+05:30 (IST)
• Area: 79,716 square km

Highlights of Jharkhand: Things to See and Do

Jharkhand is a nature lover’s haven. Its untamed landscape, diverse flora, and fauna make it the perfect destination for those seeking to reconnect with nature. Here, you can spend time with the original inhabitants of the land and learn the ancient ways of tribal communities. Explore places of worship, wander through quaint towns, and experience the warmth of its friendly people.

Temples

Jharkhand is home to nearly 72 temples, mostly dedicated to Lord Shiva. These sacred sites not only attract pilgrims but are also architectural marvels, with many structures dating back to the Mughal era. Most temples in Jharkhand are made of terracotta, a distinct red clay material. While some have succumbed to nature’s wear, others still stand tall, showcasing ancient craftsmanship. Must-visit temples include:

• Angrabadi Temple
• Deoghar Temple
• Jagannathpur
• Pahari Mandir
• Sun Temple

A visit to Jharkhand offers a chance to experience these ancient temples before time takes its toll.

Wildlife

Jharkhand boasts an incredible array of wildlife preserved in its natural reserves and forests. For an unforgettable wildlife experience, explore the renowned sanctuaries and parks:

• Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary
• Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary
• Betla National Park
• Saranda – The Sal Forest
• Palamau Tiger Reserve

Places to Visit

Despite being a young state, Jharkhand is packed with hidden gems waiting to be discovered by the curious traveler. Some top destinations to explore include:

• Ranchi: The state’s capital, known for its picturesque waterfalls and lush green surroundings.
• Jamshedpur: India’s first planned industrial city, rich in history and greenery.
• Deoghar: A spiritual hub featuring ancient temples and scenic beauty.
• Hazaribagh: A quaint town with natural reserves and a tranquil atmosphere.
• Giridih: Known for its hills, temples, and serene landscapes.

Art and Culture

Jharkhand’s rich heritage is reflected in its exquisite handicrafts, created using local natural resources. Craftsmen here use bamboo and wood to craft boxes, windows, utensils, and fishing equipment. The world-famous Dokra art originates from the Malhar and Tentri tribes. Additionally, Jharkhand’s soil is molded into intricate clay creations, from toys to pottery. Notably, one of India’s oldest tribal painting styles, Paitkar, also hails from Jharkhand.

Music and dance are integral to Jharkhand’s culture, celebrated in various traditional art forms throughout the year.

Festivals

The rich tribal culture of Jharkhand is expressed through its numerous fairs and festivals celebrated year-round. From nature to livestock, every aspect of life is cherished and celebrated. Some notable festivals include Kunda Mela, Chhatra Mela, Kolhaiya Mela, Kundri Mela, Lawalong Mela, Tutilawa Mela, Sangharo Mela, and Belqada Mela.

Cuisines

While Jharkhand’s cuisine might not have gained national recognition, it is a delight for the culinary adventurer. Jharkhandi cuisine primarily consists of roti, rice, sabzi, and achar, but the state also offers unique flavors through dishes like Litti Choka, Pittha, Rugra, Chilka Roti, Bamboo Shoots, Dhuska, and Aloo Choka. Those with a sweet tooth should try local delicacies such as Malpua, Thekua, Mitha Khaja, and Til Barfi.

Interesting Facts About Jharkhand

• Education: Jharkhand hosts premier institutions like the Xavier School of Management (XLRI), NIT, and BIT Mesra.
• Jamshedpur: India’s first planned industrial city, established by Jamshedji Tata in 1907.
• Famous Personalities: The state is the birthplace of renowned personalities such as cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Bollywood stars like Priyanka Chopra.
• Mineral Rich: Jharkhand holds 40% of India’s mineral wealth.
• No Municipal Corporation: Unique in India, the city of Jamshedpur is managed solely by the Tata Group.
• Natural Resources: It’s home to the longest-burning coal mine fires in Jharia, and the region produces traditional rice beer and potent drinks made from mahua flowers.

Location

Jharkhand, meaning “the land of forests,” is landlocked and shares borders with Bihar to the north, Uttar Pradesh to the northwest, Chhattisgarh to the west, Odisha to the south, and West Bengal to the east. It sits on the Chota Nagpur plateau and is crisscrossed by several rivers, including the Damodar, North Koel, South Koel, Brahmani, Sankh, and Subarnarekha. The lush forests and hills contribute to the state’s rich biodiversity.

Timings: Best Time to Visit

Jharkhand experiences a tropical climate, making winter the most suitable time for travel. Summers are hot and wet, followed by a monsoon season with significant rainfall. The winter months (October to February) bring mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 20°C, making this period ideal for outdoor activities and exploration.

How to Get to Jharkhand

• By Flight: Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi is the largest in the state, with good connectivity to cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Smaller airports include those in Bokaro, Jamshedpur, and Dhanbad.
• By Rail: Jharkhand’s extensive railway network links it to major Indian cities and within its borders. Key stations include Ranchi, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, Chandil, and Tatanagar.
• By Road: The state’s network of national and state highways ensures connectivity to every corner. Private and state-owned buses serve these routes.

History: The Oldest and the Youngest

Jharkhand is both one of India’s earliest civilized regions and one of its youngest states. Archaeological excavations have revealed artifacts dating back to 1400 BCE. Over centuries, various kingdoms, including Magadha, Anga, and Samudragupta, ruled the region. It was during Akbar’s reign that Mughal influence reached Jharkhand.

Due to its fragmented rule by numerous kings and chieftains, the British were able to eventually colonize the region. Despite multiple tribal revolts against British rule, it wasn’t until 2000 that Jharkhand was carved out of southern Bihar, becoming an independent state.

Ocean6 Holidays: Your Jharkhand Adventure Awaits

With Ocean6 Holidays, embark on a journey through Jharkhand’s diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and historical splendor. Whether you wish to explore ancient temples, dive into dense forests, or experience tribal heritage firsthand, we offer carefully curated tours that promise to unveil the untouched beauty of Jharkhand in all its glory.

Plan your journey now and explore Jharkhand’s unexplored treasures with Ocean6 Holidays!

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