Jharkhand-At a Glance Welcome to the state of

Introduction is one of the mostly preferred destinations for international tourists. Tourism is a very promising industry in India. India is a country with a large number of tourist spots and attractive features. It is a country known for its culture, heritage, history and natural resources. All the states and union territories have a good number of tourist locations attaracing to the domestic and international tourists.

State Profile Jharkhand is one of the state among 28 states of India, situated on eastern part of India. The capital of Jharkhand is . The state of Jharkhand spreads over an area of 79,714 square kilometers. Jharkhand is bordered by in the north, and Chhattisgarh in the west, Orissa in the south and West Bengal in the east. The major cities of Jharkhand are Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Bokaro and Hazaribag. The primary official language of Jharkhand is . Other secondary languages spoken here are Oriya, Urdu, Nagpuri, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Khortha, Sadri and Angika. Industrial Development & Economic Growth In Jharkhand

Physiography (Mountain and Forest)

In Jharkhand over 79,714 sq.km filled in with everlasting green forest which provides a great outlook on nature’s beauty and wildlife sanctuaries, lakes and waterfalls. This state is encamped with a lot of hill stations around starting from you have Bamiyaburu, Canary hills, Dharni Pahar, Dhwajadhari hills, Dimna Mountain, Gonda hills, Gotashila mountain, Gulgul hills, Hathi Pahar, Huluk hills, Kanhaiswar mountain, Koleshwari mountain, Kolhua hills Makamaro hills,Murhu hills, Panch Pandava Pahar, Parasnath hills, Rajmahal hills, Rakastongrithat hills, Ranchi hills, Saruat mountain, Tagore hills, Trikuti hills. Climate

There are three well-defined seasons in Jharkhand. From November to February is the cold weather season is the most pleasant part of the year and the temperature is about 10 °C to 20 °C. From March to mid-June is the hot weather season. May is the hottest month, is characterized by daily high temperatures in the about 37 °C to20 °C. Maximum rainfall takes place during the months from July to September that record for more than 90% of total rainfall in the state.

Short History The indigenous people of Jharkhand region fought against British to protect their interests. Many revolts took place from 1771 to 1900 A.D. The two brothers Sidhu and Kanhu spearheaded the Santhal Rebellion in 1855. The demand for the separate state of Jharkhand continued during the British rule in India. In 1948, Dar Commission rejected the plea for the separate Jharkhand on linguistic grounds.

In August 1989, Union Home Ministry formed a committee to look at Jharkhand Matters. In 1995, Jharkhand Area Autonomous Council was set up. Finally on 15th November 2000, Jharkhand became the 28th state of India with 24 districts.

State is known for what? Jharkhand is famous for its vast forest resources and variety of minerals like iron ore, coal, copper ore, mica, bauxite, graphite, limestone, and uranium.

Transportation

The state is well connected with other parts of India through its road network.

Airways

There are four airports in Jharkhand namely Birsa Munda Airport, Chakulia Airport, Nawadih Airfield and Sonari Airport. Among them Birsa Munda Airport located in Ranchi and Sonari Airport in Jamshedpur are the domestic airports that serve people. The Deccan Aviation, North East Shuttles, Air India, GoAir and Jet Airways operate flights from here.

Railways

Hatia Station, Ranchi Junction, Muri Junction, Madhupur Junction and Jasidih Junction are some of the prominent railway stations in Jharkhand. They come under the South Eastern Railway Zone.

Roadways

The national highways NH 100, NH 2, NH 23, NH 31, NH 32, NH 33, NH 78, NH 80, NH 75, NH 6, NH 98 and NH 99 pass through Jharkhand. Hence the state is well connected with other parts of India through its road network. Time zone, Currency and No. Of Districts Throughout the India, the time zone is same of all the States i.e. Indian standard Time +5:30

The Indian rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The issuance of the currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The new Indian rupee symbol INR is derived from the Devanagari. The first series of coins with this new rupee symbol was launched on 8 July 2011.

The modern rupee is subdivided into 100 paise though this division is now theoretical; as of 30 June 2011, coin denominations of less than 50 paise ceased to be legal tender. Bank notes are available in nominal values of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000 rupees. Coins of the rupee are available in 1, 2, 5 and 10. Paise coins of the rupee have nominal values of 50, and lower denominations have been officially withdrawn. There are 24 districts in Jharkhand. They are Ranchi, Lohardaga, Gumla, Palamu, Latehar, Garhwa, West Singhbhum, Saraikela Kharsawan, East Singhbhum, Dumka, Jamtara, Sahebganj, Pakur, Godda, Hazaribag, Chatra, Koderma, , Dhanbad, Bokard, Deoghar, Khunti, Ramgarh.

Historical Monuments/ Architecturally Significant Bulding / Mansions

The historical monuments in Jharkhand has a rich history. A number of these Mounuments are recognised throughout the world. Monuments are belongs to Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim dynasties,Some of the main monuments are War Cemetery, Kauleshwari Devi Temple, Maithon-Dam and Tilaiya-Dam War Cemetery

War Cemetery is the smallest 'concentration' cemetery in India with a total of 708 burials. Located on the Ranchi - Hazaribag road, it includes a soldier of the army of India. The graves are well classified and deserve attention for some of the poignant epitaphs like "may some gentle hand in the far off land lay down a flower for us. The

The Maithon Dam is located 48 km from Dhanbad, is 15,712 ft long and 165 ft. high. This dam specially designed for flood control generates 60000-k Watt of electricity. The unique feature of maithon dam is an underground power station, first of its kind, in whole of South East Asia. The dam is constructed on the .

Kauleshwari Devi Temple

On Basant panchami and Ram navmi days, a large number of pilgrims flock to the hill top for worship. Sacrifice of goat in front of the temple is common. The temples and images are now a place of pilgrimage for the Hindus. The temple was built by the Jains with respects the the birth - place of the tenth Trithankar, Sitala Swami, and fragmented it about 150 years ago. Bhadrakali Temple

Bhadrakali Temple is located on the banks of the Mahanad River is near in of Jharkhand. The deities of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist community can be found here, The image of Buddha is presented in black stone. Hindu devotees flock here to worship Goddess Kali. Apart from this, a pair of footprints can be seen, which is associated with Sheetal Nath, the 10th Trithankar of Jainism; Mallinath, the 19th Tirthanker and Parshwanath, the 23rd Tirthanker. Surrounded by dense forest, the temple’s adjoining areas are important historically as well as culturally. The temple is connected with G T Road, and is about 35 km east of Chatra and 16 km west of Chauparan.

Ranchi Museum

The Ranchi museum has a wide range that exhibits collections of artifacts and provide a comprehensive picture of peoples lifestyles and social structure.

Hill stations The most famous Hill Stations of Jharkhand are Tagore Hills, Ranchi Hill, Gonda Hill. Tagore Hill

Tagore hill is also known as Moradabad Hill, is a 300 feet altitude hill located in the beautiful haven of Albert Ekka Chowk in Ranchi and is named after the world famous poet, Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore.

Ranchi Hill

Ranchi Hill is one of the favorite tourist attractions in Ranchi. At the summit of the Ranchi Hill there is a temple devoted to Lord Shiva. The place is also considered to be one of the prime locations for trekking and rock climbing. For this reason, many adventure lovers are also attracted to the Ranchi Hill. Local people also use the place as a picnic spot.

Gonda Hill

The Gonda hill is situated 9 km north of Ranchi. A water reservoir is at the top of the hill, Kanke lake and dam is at the bottom of the hill and a rock garden carved out of the rocks is an ideal place for a picnic. The rock garden has several structures or statues made of granite, waterfalls and a swing made of iron bar, which has only two poles. The garden is similar to the Rock Garden of Jaipur. Zoo / Parks / Jungles / Garden The Bhagwan Birsa Zoo in Jharkhand's Ormanjhi town launched 'Adopt an Animal' program to involve participation of animal-lovers in the upkeep of the zoo inmates. As per the program, any citizen, family, institute or a corporate organization can adopt a zoo animal for a day, a month, three months a year, three years or five years, by bearing the cost of the animal's food and routine care.

Birsa Munda Jaivik Udyan Garden Birsa Munda Jaivik Udyan is a zoological garden situated about 16 km from Ranchi, on the Ranchi- highway near Ormanjhi. Rare flora can be spotted here.

Deer Park

A fast emerging and eye catching tourist spot, the Deer Park in Ranchi, encloses hundred of various species of deer. Beginning with 15 dears, the park has grown in number of deer and also in number of visitors. The park is a natural habitat to the dear. The park is placed a picturesque surroundings, with beautiful gardens, well laid pathways and playing parks for children. The main attraction here is the Park safari and the facilities arranged for the visitors are very good.

City Park

Bokaro has a City Park with an artificial lake. Recently three artificial islands have also been added. These islands were designed in Japanese style.

Jubilee Park

This Park was a gift by Tata Steel to the citizens of Jamshedpur on the completion of its 50 years. It was inaugurated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India in 1956. This 225-acre (0.91 km2) park has a special rose garden and a lake. It has an avenue of specially trimmed Ashok trees and fountains and water cascades which run during the night.

Wildlife sanctuary and National Parks

The Jharkhand wildlife sanctuaries form one of the important tourist attractions in the state of Jharkhand. There are three major wildlife sanctuaries at Jharkhand in India. These are the Hazaribag National Park, the and the Jaivik Udyan. The Hazaribag National Park and wild life sanctuary The Hazaribag National Park and wild life sanctuary is located in the town of Hazaribag. The Hazaribag National Park, one of the important wildlife sanctuaries of Jharkhand, has an area of 184 square kms. The national park houses a variety of vegetation including grasslands and tropical vegetations. The Hazaribag National Park has a wide range of collection of animals. Some of them are sambar, nilgai, panther, wild boar, sloth bear, chital, and tiger.

The Betla National Park and wildlife sanctuaries The Betla National Park and wildlife sanctuaries is situated in the district of Daltonganj and one of the significant wildlife sanctuaries in Jharkhand, is an integral part of the Palamou Sanctuary. This wildlife sanctuary has a total area of 232 square kms. The Betla National Park in Jharkhand offers the tourist’s different species of wildlife. Some major animals of this sanctuary are panthers, sambars, leopards, elephants, monkeys, jackals, gaurs, chitas, wild boars, tigers, small Indian civets, sloth bears, nilgais and langurs.

The Jaivik Udyan

The Jaivik Udyan is one of the Jharkhand wildlife sanctuaries, is well known for its range of plant life and animal life that it showcases. It is located at a distance of only 16 kms from the city Ranchi. The different types of mammals that are found in this wildlife sanctuary of Jharkhand have made it one of the popular wildlife sanctuaries of Jharkhand.

Palace/Fort/Museums/Art Galleries

The Famous places, Fort in Jharkhand, Musuem are, Bokaro Steel City, Palamu fort, Ranchi Museum Bokaro Steel City The city with the largest steel plant in India but also home to many beautiful temples. Surrounded by Parasnath Hills with the largest region’s zoological garden, Jawaharlal Nehru. Palamu fort Palamu fort is located deep in the forests of Aurangabad on path near Daltonganj.This fort is attributed to the Vanvasi kings of the dynasty. It had defenses in three directions and three main gates. The architecture is very Islamic which bespeaks of Daud Khan’s conquest. Ranchi Museum: Ranchi Museum is situated at the Tribal research institute building at Morabadi. It was opened for the public in the year 1974. The museum houses prehistoric implements, stone sculptures, terracotta, numismatics, and arms. The museum also showcases the culture and life livings of the tribal people of Bihar.

Tourist Spot The state is mostly covered by the forests, wildlife sanctuaries, minerals and industries. The most famous tourist places are; Sun Temple

Sun Temple is at a distance of about 39 km from Ranchi on Tata Road near Bundu. The elegant Sun temple is fashioned in the form of huge chariot with richly decorated 18 wheels and seven live like horses ready to take off. A pond is located within the temple premises serving as a sacred place for Chhathavratis.

Dassam falls are also known as Dassam Ghagh. Dassam falls are about 40 km. away from Ranchi on Tata Road. The Kanchi River falls from a height of about 144 feet at the Dassam falls.

Hundru Fall

Hundru falls is about 28 km. away from Ranchi town. The Swarnarekha River falls from a height of 320 feet.

Jonha Falls

Jonha is about 40 km. away from Ranchi. There is also a tourist rest house which has Lord Gautam Budha’s temple within its premises. The tourists can go up to Gautamdhara station by train also.

Temple, Churches, Mosque, Jain The state of Jharkhand is famous for its beautiful Mosque. The most famous Mosque in Jharkhand is Jami Masjid Jami Masjid

Jams masjid situated on the right bank of the river Ganges, Jams masjid is a historically important Mosque. It was the seat of Government during the Mughal period when Raja Man Singh, general of Emperor made Rajmahal the capital of Bengal in 1592. Even today relics of the old and prosperous Rajmahal are visible in this one time capital of Bengal. Shopping / Handicraft / Malls / Business centers

Jharkhand have an expert hand for preparing delicate, beautiful and elegant handicrafts. The handicrafts of Jharkhand, made by its tribal population, can present a galore of mementos to the tourists. The state has a rich tradition of art and culture. The well known Paitkar paintings and the stone carvings have become almost extinct in Jharkhand due to the lack of state patronage, and inadequate conservation and promotion of these unique skills.

The different handicrafts in Jharkhand include the following  Craft items carved out of wood.  Stone carvings  Exquisite metal works  Bamboo works

 Paitkar paintings  Tribal ornaments Festivals/ Dance / Music Festival Some of the important festivals of Jharkhand are Holi, Diwali, Dushhara and Ramnavami. Other festivals like, Basant panchami, Chath, Jityya Bhaiya Duj, Id-Ul-Fitre, Baqrid, Muharram, Shabe-barat. Specific festivals of the tribes are Karma, Manda, Sarhul, Jani shikar etc. Kunda Mela in Pratappur

This mela is held at the time of falgun Shivratri and is marked by a big sale of cattle. Kolhua mela in

It is an ancient fair held twice in a year during Magh Basant panchami and chait Ramnaumi respectively.There is a beautiful lake and ancient temple of Goddess Kali on the top of the hill. Its origin is not known. It is only a religious fair. Chatra mela

This mela is said to have started from 1882 and is principally a cattle fair held during Durga Puja. Kundri Mela in Chatra

The probable year of its origin is 1930 and is held on Kartik purnima and is principally a cattle fair. Kolhaiya Mela in Chatra The probable year of origin is 1925. It is held on Magh Basant panchami and is principally a cattle fair. Dance The tribe that performs the folk dance at Jharkhand is the Kunjbans. They are the main performers of folk dances all across the state. Most of the folk dance around Jharkhand is accompanied by traditional music played by the musicians using some traditional musical equipment. Some of the very famous Jharkhand dances are as follows:  Bheja Dance  Damkach Dance

 Janani Jhumar Dance  Mardana Jhumar Dance  Phagua Dance  Sarhul Dance Educational Hub The most important educational hubs of Jharkhand are Central University of Jharkhand, Birla Institute of Technology, Bisra Agricultural University, Indian school of mines university, Ranchi, Siddhu kanchu University, and Vinoba Bhave University Hazaribag. Hotels Hotels in Jharkhand offer a wide range of choice of accommodation. A variety of hotels are located in any tourist destination within the state. Be it five star deluxe category hotels ormedium sized boutique hotels with a distinct character, or an economy class hotel with basic amenities, a comprehensive list of hotels in jharkhand cater to every budget and taste. Famous star hotels present in Jharkhand are,  Hotel Yuvraj Palace  Fortune Hotel Centre Point  Ganga Regency  Hotel Rajhans  Hotel Siddhartha  Raddison Blu  Capitol Hill Tourist Dept. Office / Conducted Tourist operators / Guide facility.

The most popular tour operators in Jharkhand are,  Regency Tours & Travels  Tej Sons Tours & Travels  Cox and Kings Ltd  Classic International Each tourist operator has their own special guide, for describing all the information about the specialty of the places.

Hospitals

Jharkhand has the greatest hospital facility in India. It is categorized as District Hospitals, Area Hospitals, Community Health Centers, Specialty Hospitals and civil dispensaries. Some of the Premium and government hospitals that are available at any time are,  NAMDHARI HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTER  GANGOTRI HOMES PVT LTD  STEEL CITY CLINIC  TATA IRON AND STEEL COMPANY LIMITED  HILL VIEW HOSPITAL . RMCH

Cinema Halls /Film Cities

The word Jhollywood, which represents a very tiny almost nonexistent Jharkhand Film Industry. The Wild Flower directed by Shri prakash who is known as the first ever director of Jharkhandi films. Prominent cinema hall of Jharkhand are  GT Talkies  Payal Cinema Hall  ilex  Ilex multiplex  miniplex  Sujata cinema Sports

Cricket, Hockey and football are popular games among the people of Jharkhand. Jharkhand has given some brilliant players like Jaipal Singh, a former Indian hockey captain and Olympian Manohar Topno, Vimal Lakra, currently playing for the Indian Hockey team. Jaipal Singh was the captain of the hockey team that won the first gold medal for India in Olympics 1928 in Amsterdam. Mahendra Singh Dhoni who was the captain of Indian cricket team and the best wicket keeper, batsman and led the Indian Cricket Team to ICC Cricket World Cup Glory on 2 April 2011 ending a 28-year wait to repeat the History achieved by former Indian captain Kapil Dev in 1983 at Lords, England.

. Stadium/Complex

  JSCA International Cricket stadium Mega Sports Complex

Food Habits Every state of India has its own specialty. In general, the food cooked in Jharkhand is considered to be very light on the stomach and easy to digest. This fact can very well be demonstrated by the nature of Jharkhand food habits that have been imbibed by the native folks. Litti and Chokha also form an important portion of Jharkhand food. And DHUSKA a popular dish of jharkand . Staple food Dal, bhat and tarkari are an integral part of a regular Jharkhand meal. This constitutes the staple food of Jharkhand. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian The mouth-watering non-vegetarian Jharkhand food preparations like spicy chicken are also popular with a considerable section of Jharkhand. The cuisine mainly associated with this state also bears a faint touch of the robust Mughals which is vividly visible in the food of Jharkhand. Safety and precautions There are many important features of vacation. It is not an option but a compulsory measure that has to be taken while travelling anywhere. General safety and precautions are,

 First aid tool kit is the most important one that everyone has to carry while travelling.  Travelling at night is safe.  Keep a photocopy of your passport and all other important documents in a safe place.  Don't share taxis with strangers.  Make a note of emergency exits, stairwells, fire escapes and emergency plans at hotels.  And always have local police and ambulance number to make emergency call.

Jharkhand has plenty of such tourist locations. Each location speaks in volume almost its uniqueness. The pride of India lies in every tourist spot.

Thank you. Team Ashwathy