Netarhat: Jharkhand’s Best Kept Secret
Netarhat falls in the Latehar district of Jharkhand; and is the highest point of Chotanagpur plateau, popularly known as ‘Queen of Chotanagpur’. It is fairly acclaimed for its sunset and sunrise views, much more during summers. One is sure to come across seven hills on their way to the highest point of Chotanagpur plateau. Netarhat used to be home to tribal people until the British colonizers converted it into a hill station. However, it is known for its natural beauty today, and a public residential school that was opened in 1954.
Not to mention the exotic places in Netarhat (one of the best picnic spots in Ranchi) that attract majority of tourists here. This one’s indeed your perfect getaway for a weekend or so. Let’s get into knowing some of the most popular attractions of this place!
Tourist Attractions In Netarhat
Netarhat is a visitor’s paradise. People who visit this place are sure to get enchanted by its beauty, cool weather and lush green exuberance. Scroll through, know more!
1. Betla National Park
Betla National Park is an astounding national park on the hilly terrain of the attractive Palamau district, west of Ranchi In Jharkhand. The fauna and flora around completely enchant the tourists, not to mention the herds of wild elephants who also wander without restraints. There might be fewer tigers to watch, but at the same time you can always go around gathering enough knowledge about the tribal people, and their rich, cultural heritage. Betla stands as an acronym for Bison, Elephant, Tiger, Leopard and Axis.
2. Upper Ghaghri Waterfalls
Here’s an enthralling place to be in Netarhat. The upper Ghaghri waterfalls are heavy streams of water making noises as they callously fall on the rocks from over the cliffs. The backdrop is super duper amazing, with lush green flora and clear skies. The glistening turquoise waters make you wanna click thousands of photographs and make it truly hard to part!
3. Lower Ghaghri Waterfalls
Lower Ghaghri is located roughly 10kms away from Netarhat. The trees standing on both sides of the water body block the path of the sun-rays to again, touch the water surface. Furthermore, a dense forest, and somewhere inside it is this is waterfall falling from as high as 32ft. The falling water further flows like a small river making its way from the middle of the jungle.
4. Magnolia Point
Sunsets are an exquisite watch, more from this cozy hotshot! If you look closely, you will be able to specifically notice the movement of the sun. This includes the sky turning read, to the sun slowly moving down behind the mighty mountains of the Vindhya range. What a wow!
5. Pine Forest, Netarhat
You can go trekking along the pine forests in and around Netarhat. It’s comparatively chilly down here, and pleasanter than the rest of the city. It used to be the governor’s permanent summer station till sometime back.
All in all, this small hill station is a perfect weekend getaway for want of a noise-free, hustle-free holiday! However, as darkness looms across the hills, Netarhat draws into a shell. Tourists often retire to their lodgings after sunset and streets remain silent and empty. Everything appears to be resting after darkness, literally.
How To Get Here At Netarhat
Netarhat is about 156km west of Ranchi, the nearest airport and rail station. Usually visitors combine a visit to Netarhat with Betla National Park (about 115km away via Mahuadanr town). It’s advisable to travel in groups, as Netarhat is one of those picnic spots in Ranchi which is quiet and offbeat. Also, do ask for permission before taking photographs of tribal people. Woollens are required in winter. Carry mosquito/insect repellents and essential medicines.
Best time to visit: November to March.