Jharkhand, meaning the ‘land of forest’ stands true to its name and is a demure place with its fair share of tranquillity and excitement to offer. Although Jharkhand as a tourist destination is a little underrated, the scenic beauty and the lush greenery of the place really comes alive during the monsoons, making it a great vacation spot.
The state has a huge reserve of naturally preserved flora and fauna. Being located on a plateau, one of the other major attractions of the place are the waterfalls. If you would like to have a taste of nature, you can visit this place between June and August when the forests are positively livid. The forests blossoming with the seasonal flowers and freshness and rain-fed rivers gushing through the mountains and flowing down the cliffs truly mesmerize you.
Most of the scenic waterfalls are located around the capital city and have easy access through roads. Here is a list of 5 such waterfalls which will leave you enchanted during the peak season.
* Hundru Falls
About 45 kilometres from Ranchi, off the Ranchi-Purulia Road and at 21 kilometrestravel from main road is the magnificent Hundru Falls. It is the 34th highest waterfall in the country and the highest in the state of Jharkhand. The Subarnarekha River, meandering through the forests reaches the scarp where it falls from a height of 322 feet. During rainy season it takes a formidable form but in the dry season it turns into an exciting picnic spot. The Suvarna Rekha Hydral Project located down the falls is also a good place to explore.
* Jonha Falls
Located 45 kilometres away from Ranchi on the Ranchi-Purulia Highway, this the sombre cascade which gains its roaring form during the monsoons. Plunging from a height of about 147 feet, the Johna Falls is surrounded by plush dense trees and thick shrubbery. The holy waters of River Ganga and River Raru come together to form these giant roaring falls. They are also known as the Gautamdhara because of a Buddhist shrine located in proximity to the falls.
* Dassam Falls
The Dassam Falls is situated at 34 kilometres from the city of Ranchi, off the NH33 and near the Taimara village. The place is also known as Dassam Garh. The waterfall is across River Kachni. Located at one of the edges of the Ranchi plateau, it is one of the scarp falls in the region. The water here flows off a 144 feet high cliff. The name Dassam is a changed form of word Da:song which means in Mundari (one of the several native languages of Jharkhand) the act of pouring water.
* Hirni Falls
At around 62 kilometres drive from Ranchi city you reach the Hirni Falls. The Ramgarha River plunges down 121 feet in a broad torrent as the Hirni Falls. The waterfall is surrounded by forest area. Decked with unencumbered natural beauty, this place is best known for the tranquillity amidst lush foliage. A hike up to the top of the cliff gives you a clear view of the panoramic surroundings.
* Panch Ghagh
Despite not being one among the highest waterfalls in the state, Panch Ghagh attracts people because of its unique 5 drops. The Banai River branches itself out in five different streams, generatingsinging rivulets through the cluster of rocks which echo in the surroundings. Off NH75 at a distance of 55 kilometres from Ranchi city, you can enjoy this marvel of nature. It is one of the safest waterfalls in Jharkhand to enjoy the rapid flow of water.