Outlook Traveller

THE MAGNIFICEN­T LAND OF FORESTS

Home to some of the country’s most incredible spots, the spectacula­r state of Jharkhand beckons you with its unparallel­ed charm and serene landscapes

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harkhand is a state with immense natural beauty, which is also evident from its name, literally translatin­g to the ‘land of forests’. In a world of checklist-style tourism, where pictures of moments are valued more than the moment itself, Jharkhand allows one to step back, relax and soak in its charm.

The state is not just home to forests that haven’t been chartered and are virtually unknown but also lush hills, with a myriad of animals living in them. If you wander close to these natural wonderland­s, you will be treated to the sight of gurgling waterfalls that swiftly morph into vibrant rivers and streams that wend their merry way through the land.

Never too far from the bountiful wealth of nature, you will find a village full of hardy residents eking out a living from the fertile land. Deeper in the forests are indigenous tribes, unsullied by the corruption of our modern existence, their lives governed by traditions that were formed in the depths of time.

Few regions in India can compare to the state when it comes to sheer natural bounty and lushness of the landscape. Charming tribals, engaging cultures and soothing greenery all around. What’s not to like? And the capital city Ranchi, itself is a land of waterfalls and verdure and serves as the perfect gateway to some of the state’s most incredible spots.

The sylvan state is also home to some of the most gorgeous temples in the country. Embarking on a spiritual

“Jharkhand is a treasure trove of natural beauty. From waterfalls, forests, megaliths, temples to valleys and lakes, you will experience serenity all around. We are committed to build Jharkhand as a preferred ecotourism destinatio­n for travellers and tourists. A comprehens­ive ecotourism circuit is being launched today worth `52.5 crores, which will further boost the overall infrastruc­ture and bring a new hospitalit­y experience to travellers willing to explore Jharkhand.”

Shri Hemant Soren, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jharkhand @Hemantsore­njmm

journey around the verdant state can be a truly enriching experience. Jharkhand may be a fairly new state but as a land it’s as ancient as they come, steeped in spirituali­ty and mythologic­al lore.

Home to tribal communitie­s as early as 1000 BCE, it was also part of the legendary Magadha kingdom, as well as the empire of the Mauryas. The region’s rich history has left a mark on its architectu­re, particular­ly the temples that dot this state, as well as a culture deeply rooted in the soil.

From the old world colonial charm of pristine hill stations like Netarhat and the wilderness of Betla National Park to the spiritual fervour of much revered pilgrimage­s like Baba Baidyanath

Dham, Rajrappa and Parasnath and the architectu­ral heritage of destinatio­ns like Terracotta temples of Maluti and structures like the Palamau Fort,

Jharkhand is a sheer delight for the discerning traveller.

The state government is putting its best foot forward to boost tourism in the state and towards developing Jharkhand as an ecotourism destinatio­n. According to the ecotourism policy, the tourism department of the state government will facilitate activities for the developmen­t of biodiversi­ty rich areas, promotion of ecotourism and conservati­on of wetlands that house migratory birds.

The state government passed a total budget of `32,000 lakhs for the developmen­t of tourism in the state.

The state government’s eco circuit project would also be launched with an estimated budget of `52.72 crores.

It also rolled out the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenati­on and Spirituali­ty Augmentati­on Drive) at Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deogarh. The Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the state government aims at developing the Dalma-chandilget­alsud-betla-mirchaya-netarhat circuit. It is also developing the Rajrappa tourist area and the tourism area in Lugu Buru in Bokaro.

Developmen­t of tourism area in Chandil is also taking place with funds worth `4 crore. A visitors’ gallery is also being developed in Chutupalu Valley, while a museum and open air theatre is being built in Dumka. A food craft institute is being set up in Deogarh and a tourist guest house in Patratu Dam is also under constructi­on.

The tourism department has also proposed new schemes like Dhurwa Tribal Theme Park, Handicraft Tourism Centre in Sahibganj, Saraikela Kharsawan and Dumka districts and Rural Tourism Centre in Dumka and Ranchi. Then there’s developmen­t of the Rajmahal-Sahebganj-Punai Chowk Ganga

Ferry Circuit.

Adventure tourism activities are proposed to be developed at Shivgadi, Sahebganj and Massanjore, Dumka. At Netarhat’s Magnolia Sunset Point, a Valley of Flowers has also been proposed and so has the constructi­on of wayside amenities at Basukinath. @jharkhandt­ourism

@Visitjhark­hand

Visit jharkhandt­ourism.gov.in

Did you know that megalithis­m is still a living tradition in Jharkhand? It is home to some of the most incredible megalith sites in the country.

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 ??  ?? Clockwise from facing page: the serene terracotta temples of Maluti; the magnificen­t Patratu Valley at night Temple; Netarhat at dusk; and a glimpse into the tribal way of life in the state of Jharkhand
Clockwise from facing page: the serene terracotta temples of Maluti; the magnificen­t Patratu Valley at night Temple; Netarhat at dusk; and a glimpse into the tribal way of life in the state of Jharkhand
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