The Ultimate Jharkhand Road Trip Experience
By Dibyendu Garai |
🚗 A Dream Road Trip Begins
For a long time, I had dreamt of driving through Jharkhand’s hills and forests — to explore the untouched beauty of Netarhat, Patratu, and Ranchi.
Finally, during Durga Puja 2024, that dream turned into reality.
Our road trip started on Maha Chaturthi morning — three friends, one car, endless excitement, and a route filled with mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and nostalgia.
🌊 Stop 1: The Serenity of Topchanchi Lake
Our first stop was Topchanchi, a small town in Dhanbad district once known for its coal mines during the British era.
We stayed at a cozy highway-side hotel — the food was so delicious that the fatigue of the long drive disappeared instantly.
Just 3 km away lies Topchanchi Lake — calm, vast, and surrounded by green hills. The road to the lake winds through giant mahua and sal trees, creating a tunnel of shade and silence.
Standing beside the shimmering water, it felt like nature was looking at itself in a mirror.
🎬 A Slice of Bengali Nostalgia
If you’re a Bengali, you can’t miss this!
The legendary Uttam Kumar shot scenes of his classic film Agni Pariksha here. So much did he love this place that in 1968, he and his two partners bought around 15 acres beside the lake, planning a film studio.
Unfortunately, coal nationalization and his untimely death halted the dream. Today, the property belongs to the Jharkhand Government, and who knows — maybe one day it’ll turn into a heritage resort!
🌄 The Drive to Netarhat – Queen of Chotanagpur
The next morning, we drove toward Netarhat, and what a ride it was!
Curvy mountain roads, mist-covered forests, the sound of bells from distant temples — every turn felt straight out of a movie.
Netarhat truly deserves its title, “Queen of Chotanagpur.”
At an altitude of 1,200 meters, it was once a summer retreat for British officers. The tall eucalyptus and pine trees lining the roads still carry that colonial charm.
🏨 Stay: Sunrise View Room at Netarhat
We stayed at the Hotel, and the “Sunrise View Deluxe Room” was incredible.
From the balcony, we witnessed two completely different mornings — one shrouded in thick fog and another glowing with a golden sunrise.
Watching the sunrise over the valley was pure magic — and we understood why this is the most loved point in Netarhat.
🌿 Things to See in Netarhat
✅ Koel View Point – Stunning view of the Koel River flowing like a golden ribbon through the valley.
✅ Upper Ghaghri Waterfall – Hidden in the forest, perfect for nature lovers.
✅ Netarhat Lake – Calm and scenic, ideal for an evening walk.
✅ Pine Forest & Chalet House – Great for photos and short hikes.
Each spot felt like a frame from a travel film, where nature was the only artist.🐘 The Betla Forest Adventure
Next, we drove around 100 km to Betla Forest — one of India’s oldest tiger reserves.
The journey was breathtaking — dense jungles, sudden drizzles, and glimpses of rural Jharkhand’s simple charm.
We also explored the Palamau Fort, standing as a reminder of ancient battles between Mughal forces and local kings. The hike to the top was steep but worth every step.
Lunch at a small government-run eatery near Kecki Sangam was humble but heartwarming — rice, dal, fried potatoes, and omelette. Sometimes, it’s the simple meals that stay with you the longest.
Reflections from the Road
In those few days, I realized — travel isn’t just about visiting places, it’s about rediscovering life.
The calm of Topchanchi Lake, the mist of Netarhat, and the timeless memories of Bengali legends — they all still echo in my mind.
For anyone craving peace, beauty, and a bit of nostalgia — this trip is nothing short of a little piece of heaven on Earth.
📞 Booking & Packages
You can plan your trip easily with Izifiso — they helped us book stays and suggested routes.
👉 [Click here to Book Your Ranchi–Netarhat–Patratu Road Trip]
or call 📞 8447745964