Ranchi is picturesquely situated in the heart of Chotanagpur at an altitude of 2140 feet (654.5 metres) above sea level, in the nucleus of the region.Once the summer capital of Bihar, Ranchi is well known for its scenic attractions, water falls, barren rocks and hillocks. It has a number of industrial complexes which are very important in the industrial life of a country.

While on the one hand beautiful and exciting water falls are scattered around this town, on the other hand huge industries are also to be seen there which do attract visitors. There are many scenic attractions in and around Ranchi which hold tourists for days together. It is also an important place for the study of tribal ways of life and offers an ideal opportunity to those interested in Anthropology. Bihar Tribal Research Institute and museum is well worth a visit for those seeking to know more about the tribes of Bihar . One can consider some of the village rich in tribal life and above all, it is the central point of Chotanagpur which one cannot miss to visit. Due to its good climate, lot of people come here for health sake too. It gets 1530 mm rain annually.

General Information

• Altitude: 2140 ft

•  Area: 35 Sq.kms

• Temperature (Max./Min.) Deg C: Summer - 40/21 Winter - Max. 20/6

• Rainfall: 1530 mm (61.2 inches) annually

• Best Season: October to March

• Clothing: Summer: Light Cotton, Winter:Heavy Woolen

• Language: Hindi, Nagpuria, Oraon, Mundari and Bengali

What to See

Ranchi Hill and Ranchi Lake: The scenic attraction of the town has much to offer to its visitors. The landmark of Ranchi is a hill bearing a temple of Shiva at its foot known as "Ranchi lake". One can have panoramic view of the town and the surroundings from the top of the hill.

Tagore Hill: On the periphery of Ranchi is "Tagore Hill", named after Rabindra Nath Tagore who is believed to have written a part of famous Gitanjali here, besides other poems. Ram Krishna Ashram is situated at the foot of the hill. This hill is very attractive and bigger than "Ranchi Hill".

Kanke Dam: On the other end of Ranchi is the "Kankedam" which is ever crowded with tourists. It is a popular picnic spot.

Jagannath Temple: Few kilometers from the Kankedam and 10 km form Ranchi is the 17th century "Jagannath Temple" where the annual "Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival)" is held in the month of June/July.

Hatia Dam: There is another dam known as "Hatia Dam". It is about 12 kms from the city

Bihar Tribal Research Institute and Museum is well worth a visit for those seeking to know more about the tribes of Bihar.

How to Reach
Air: Ranchi is connected by regular Indian Airlines services with Calcutta, Patna, Bombay and New Delhi.
Rail: Ranchi is on the South Eastern Railway and is directly connected with Calcutta, Patna, Rourkela etc.
Road: Ranchi is situated on National Highway No.23 & 33 and there are nets of good roads around it. Ranchi is directly connected by regular bus services with all the main places in the state and also outside the state.

Where to Stay

There are many good hotels of western and Indeian style. There are Government Guest House also. Besides there is a Tourist Bungalow, "Birsa Vihar" of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation.