Hazaribagh,Literally meaning a thousand gardens. Hazaribagh is a famous health resort situated on a height of a 2019 ft. above sea. It has excellent climate and scenic beauties all around it in the midst of dense forest which is quite rich in flora and fauna. The Hazaribagh plateau has on its eastern margin, Parasnath - the highest hill in the Bihar, rising to a height of 4480 feet. The loftiness here is of another order. According to the Jain tradition, no less than 23 out of 24 Tirthankars (including Parsvantha) are believed to have attained salvation in the Sammetasikhara of the Parasnath hills. The hill seems to have been an abode of Jains. The Prasvantha, 23rd Tirthankar was very popular among tribal population of Chotanagpur. He is identified by the snake king Dharanendra, whose many hoods protect the meditating Tirthankar. Both the Swetamber and Digamber Jains have many beautiful temples here on the hills.

General Information

• Temperature (Max./Min.) Deg C: Summer- 41.1/19.4 Winter- 25.5/07

• Best Season: October to April

• Best Tour Time: Early Spring

• Clothing: Summer - Cotton/Tropical Winter - Light Woolens

What to See

Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary: Wildlife enthusiasts would love to visit Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary nestling in the low hilly terrain. This retreat stretches over 184 sq.km of plains, undulating countryside, steep hills and deep nullahs with thick tropical forests and grass meadows. The best time for a visit is early spring when the undulating countryside is covered with the fresh green of sal and miscellaneous trees. Numerous observation towers in the sanctuary make it all the easier to have a closer encounter with the wild life. An abundance of wild animals is a very pleasant sight and wild bear, Sambhar, Nilgai, Chital and Kakar can be seen at dusk and dawn gamboling and enjoying themselves at water holes. Sloth bear might be encountered unexpectedly while the exclusive tiger and panther demand patience viewing. The flak-top strip of National Highway 33 passes through the sanctuary by its main gate at Pokharia, 21 km from Barhi and 16 km from Hazaribagh. 111 km roads in sanctuary take motorists to the remotest corners and to masonry towers, strategically located , offering excellent opportunities for viewing the wilds during the best months of October to April. The sanctuary is surrounded by habitations of tribals.

Hazaribagh Lake: The Hazaribagh lake in the town also attracts tourists and visitors. It is a popular picnic spot and place for water sports.

Canary Hills: Close to the town lies the Canary Hill which has a well laid out park and is studded with three small lakes and an observation tower. From the top of the hill one can have a panoramic view of the town.

How to Reach
Air: Nearest airport is Ranchi (100km) which is well connected with rest of the country.
Rail: The nearest railway station is Kodarma (80 km).
Road: Hazaribagh is well connected by road to Ranchi (93 km), Patna (250 km), Bodhgaya (117 km)
Bus: Regular direct bus services are available from Patna and Ranchi.. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation also runs luxury coach services Patna- Ranchi route via Hazaribagh twice a day.
Local Transport: Taxis, Tongas, Auto Rickshaws, Cycle Rickshaws are available.
Conducted Tour: Chartered buses or taxis are arranged from Ranchi and Patna by Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation.

Where to Stay

Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation runs one hotel: Aranya Vihar and has a Tourist Information Centre in its sprawling tourist complex campus. There are a few private hotels in the town. Interested tourist can also stay in more serene surroundings of Urwan Tourist Complex (45 km) or can prefer the economy accommodation of Tourist Bungalow Sheetal Vihar, at Barhi (30 km) both being run by the Bihar State Tourism development Corporation.

Excursions

Rajrappa (00km): Rajrappa is famous for Ma Chhina Mastika temple where river Bhera joins the Damodar river from a height of 20 feet. The little waterfall offers boating facilities which introduces some very spectacular rock formations in this area.

Parasnath Temple (90km): Situated at the top of the highest hill in Bihar in Giridih district, it is a famous abode for Jain tourists. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation runs a hotel Paras Vihar for the comfortable stay of the devotees and visitors.

Telaiya Dam (52km): It is the first dam and hydro -electric power station constructed by Damodar Valley Corporation across Barakar river in Hazaribag district. It is 1,200 ft. long and 99 ft. high. It is situated in an ideal surrounding with a reservoir stretching in 36 sq. kms. The main objective is to control floods. The hydro -electric station produces 4,000 kilowatt of power. The beautiful natural surroundings and the drive from Barhi on GT road to the dam site through reservoir and the picturesque hillocks are the attraction to the motorists and the tourists. There is another dam at Konar, which is 51 km from Hazaribagh

Surajkund (65 km): Situated close to the main GT road at Barkatta, it is quite popular for its hot water fountains.

Harihar Dham: Interested tourists can follow the main GT road and drive to Hari Har Dham at Bagodhar which is famous for the 52 ft high Shiv Ling which took 30 years to complete and is believed to be the tallest in the world.

Urwan Tourist Complex (62 km): Few kilometers from the Tilaiya Dam there is a tourist complex at Urwan which is run by Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation. It is an ideal site to relax where one can consider spending time by the side of the dam, where one can enjoy boating and other water sports.