Jharkhand is a state in eastern India that is blessed with abundant natural beauty. Among its many attractions, the waterfalls are the most spectacular and mesmerising. A recent report from news agency PTI mentioned that about 10,000 tourists from Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar visit seven waterfalls daily. These include Hundru, Jonha, Lodh, Dassam, Sita, Panchghag, and Hirni.
These waterfalls offer a refreshing escape from the heat and dust of the plains, and a chance to witness the power and grace of nature. Whether you are looking for a picnic spot, a trekking adventure, or a spiritual experience, you will find a waterfall in Jharkhand that suits your taste.
This waterfall is very close to Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand. It is one of the highest waterfalls in the state, with a height of 320 feet. It is formed by the Subarnarekha River, which plunges down a rocky gorge. The sight of the water splashing on the rocks and creating a misty atmosphere is breathtaking. You can climb up to the top for a panoramic view of the surroundings or simply enjoy swimming in the pool at the waterfall's base.
Getting There
From Ranchi, you can take the Ranchi-Purulia road or NH-32 and drive east for about 40 kilometres until you reach Dumargarhi village. From Dumargarhi, take a left turn and follow the signboards for Hundru Falls. You will have to drive another 5 kilometres on a narrow, bumpy road to reach the parking area near the falls.
This waterfall is also known as Dassam Ghagh, meaning “the song of the pouring water” in Mundari. It is located about 40 km from Ranchi and is formed by the Kanchi River, a tributary of Subarnarekha. The waterfall has a height of 144 feet, and is surrounded by the forest. The sound of the water crashing on the rocks is soothing and relaxing. You can visit the nearby temples and caves or enjoy boating and fishing in the river.
Getting There
You can drive to Ranchi and then take the Ranchi-Tata road or NH-33 and drive south for about 40 kilometres until you reach Taimara village. From Taimara, take a right turn and follow the signboards for Dassam Falls. You will have to drive for another 4 kilometres on a narrow road to reach the falls.
This waterfall is situated about 70 km from Ranchi and is another gem of Jharkhand’s natural beauty. It is formed by the Ramgarha River, which cascades down from a height of 120 feet. The waterfall is nestled in a dense forest, and has a tranquil ambience. You can admire the beauty of the waterfall from a distance or walk down to the base for a closer look. You can spot the wildlife of Jharkhand in the forest, such as peacocks, deer, monkeys, and elephants.
Getting There
You can drive to Chaibasa, a town in Jharkhand, which is connected by rail and road with other major cities of Jharkhand and nearby states. From Chaibasa, you can take the Chaibasa-Chakradharpur road or NH-75 and drive south for about 70 kilometres until you reach Chakradharpur town. From Chakradharpur, take a left turn and drive for another 20 kilometres to reach Hirni village. From Hirni, you can walk for about half a kilometre to reach the falls.
This waterfall is also known as Gautamdhara Falls, as it is believed that Lord Buddha bathed here during his visit to Jharkhand. It is located about 40 km from Ranchi and is formed by the Gunga River, another tributary of Subarnarekha. The waterfall has a height of 141 feet and falls into a deep gorge. The waterfall is accessible by a flight of 722 steps, leading to a temple dedicated to Lord Buddha.
Getting There
You can drive to Ranchi, take the Ranchi-Purulia road or NH-32, and drive east for about 40 kilometres until you reach Angara block. From Angara, take a right turn and drive for another 10 kilometres to reach Jonha village. From Jonha, you can take a shared auto-rickshaw or walk about 1.5 kilometres to reach the falls.
This waterfall is named so because it consists of five streams that fall from different heights and directions. It is located about 55 km from Ranchi and is formed by the Banai River. The waterfall has a total height of 82 feet and creates a spectacular sight with its multiple cascades. There's much to explore near rock formations of the waterfall, including caves, and forests. You can also play volleyball and football on the sandy riverbed.
Getting There
You can drive to Khunti, a town in Jharkhand, which is connected by road with other major cities of Jharkhand and nearby states. From Khunti, you can take the Khunti-Torpa road and drive west for about 50 kilometres until you reach Torpa block. From Torpa, take a right turn and drive for another 5 kilometres to reach Panchghag village. From Panchghag, you can walk for about half a kilometre to reach the falls.
This waterfall is named after Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama from Hindu mythology. It is said that she left her footprints here during her exile in Jharkhand. It is located about 50 km from Ranchi and is formed by the Kanchi River. The waterfall has a height of 300 feet and falls into a narrow valley. Best seen during the monsoon season, the waterfall becomes more voluminous and vibrant during the rains.
Getting There
You can drive to Ranchi, take the Ranchi-Purulia road or NH-32, and drive east for about 40 kilometres until you reach Dumargarhi village. From Dumargarhi, take a left turn and follow the signboards for Sita Falls.
By Air: The main airport of Jharkhand is Ranchi Airport or the Birsa Munda Airport. It is located about 7 km from the city centre and connects Ranchi with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Patna.
By Train: Jharkhand has a good rail network that connects it with the rest of the country. Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Hazaribagh, and Deoghar are some of the important railway stations in Jharkhand. You can find trains to Jharkhand from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
By Road: Jharkhand is well-connected by road with its neighbouring states like Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh. You can find buses, taxis, or private vehicles to reach Jharkhand by road. National Highway 2, National Highway 6, National Highway 18, National Highway 23, and National Highway 33 are some major highways that pass through Jharkhand.