“Netarhat”, the “Queen of Chotanagpur” is known for the mesmerizing Sunrise Point, is Jharkhand’s most famous hill station and tourist destination. Let’s explore a tour guide to Netarhat that helps you gather all the detailed information before visiting this magical tourist place of Jharkhand.
A Tour Guide to Netarhat: The Mesmerising Moments of Sunrise
I remember that sunrise of 2nd January 2018 when I witnessed Netarhat’s sunrise. It was such a heavy feeling for me and the people around me.
It was a cold morning and many tourists in my group refused to go to the surprise point of Netarhat at around 5:00 AM. But a few other tourists and I decided to go there. We waited for around 1 hour and 30 minutes for the sunrise and suddenly far away in the mountains the sunrays scattered in the sky. There were clouds in the sky and we were depressed about the scattering of sunrays due to the weather.
But, for the god’s grace, the clouds started clearing and the sun appeared, like a big golden plate. I can’t explain the experience I had in those two minutes.
And finally, we witnessed the sunrise in Netarhat.
Why Should You Visit Netarhat
Above, I have already mentioned why you should visit Netarhat, however, there are many other reasons to visit this tourist destination, because it’s the home of waterfalls, Sunrise and Sunset points, British monuments, viewpoints, and the local culture of Jharkhand.
And the best thing is, you can explore NEtarhat with a combined tour package with Betla National Park and Ranchi.
You will not only enjoy a trip to the hill station but also experience Jharkhandi culture. Most importantly you will be connected to god when you experience the mesmerising sunrise of Netarhat.
Netarhat Sunrise Point
Netarhat is the highest point of Chotanagpur Plateau in Jharkhand. It’s situated on a Plateau and Netarhat Sunrise Point is located at the highest point of Netarhat region.
The Jharkhand Tourism Hotel is also located here where you’ll find 3-star amenities. This resort has luxury and economy rooms just below the surprise point.
Jharkhand government made a big platform here on the sunrise point to perfectly watch the sunrise. You can stay in this govt. resort or you can also stay in many other resorts and hotels located near Sunrise Point.
Sunset Point Netarhat aka Magnolia View Point
Not many people know that Netarhat also has a sunset point or Magnolia point which is located 10 km away from Netarhat. It’s the witness of a true love story of Magnolia a young British girl who fell in love with a tribal shepherd boy. However their love story remained unfulfilled and she jumped from this point, and ended her life.
Here you’ll find a granite plaque in the remembrance of Magnolia and her love story.
Magnolia Point is ideal for picnics, and bird watching.
Koyel View Point
Koyel View Point is another sightseeing location in Netarhat. With panoramic views of the Koel River and its surroundings, this valley is a beautiful location for picnics and outings.
Koyel View Point is 2.3 km away from Netarhat’s main town. You can reach this location via cab or local auto. You can ask your hotel manager or tour guide for the vehicle.
Koyels View Point is an ideal location for sightseeing, photography, bird watching, and experiencing the natural beauty of nature.
Upper Ghaghri and Lower Ghaghri Waterfalls
Upper Ghaghri Waterfalls is a small waterfall in Netarhat and is located 1.5 km from the town area. It is an ideal picnic spot for tourists but it’s not as high as the lower Ghaghri waterfalls.
Lower Ghaghri Waterfalls is a great place to visit in Netarhat. It’s located about 10 kilometers from Netarhat. It is 98 meters in height and the 33rd-highest waterfall in India.
This waterfall is surrounded by dense jungle and forms a small water pond on the base. From this pond, a small river flows through the jungle.
Don’t forget to wear outdoor shoes and enough water as you have to climb down 500 meters to reach the base of this waterfall.
Lodh Waterfalls Netarhat
If you have enough time then sure visit Lodh Waterfalls which is situated 61 km away from Netarhat. It is formed by Burha River. One was the favorite winter place of the Britishers. Even today you can see Laat Saheb Bungalow in this tourist sport.
With a height of about 468 feet, Lodh Waterfalls is the 21st-highest waterfall in India. Also, this is the highest waterfall in Jharkhand.
It’s a myth that when locals tried to measure the depth of this waterfall with boulders and ropes, the rope used in this is equivalent to seven Khatias even though they couldn’t measure the depth.
The place where the boulder disappeared is called Chitidah.
Anyway, it’s one of the captivating tourist locations of Netarhat so don’t forget to visit this waterfall if you are planning to go to Netarhat.
Netarhat Dam
Netarhat Dam is located 1 km from Netarhat town and it has a main water supply facility to the town. With the breathtaking beauty of nature, it’s one of the best sightseeing locations in Netarhat.
You must visit this dam as it’s an ideal picnic spot for the tourists. It’s a perfect combination of human architecture and nature.
In Netarhat you must visit this dam for picnics and birdwatching.
Netarhat School
Netarhat School is one of the famous residential schools of Jharkhand run by the state government. It is free for the students who qualify for the entrance exam to Netarhat School. Even, I have written this exam. It’s another thing that I couldn’t qualify for this exam.
Well, it’s not open to tourists however you can visit the pear garden located beside this school if allowed.
Local Market of Netarhat
Also, you should roam in the local market of Netarhat to experience the local Jharkhandi culture and cuisine of Jharkhand.
Although there are not more things to do in the local market you will definitely enjoy conversation with the locals.
Hotels and Resorts in Netarhat
There are many resorts and hotels available in Netarhat for tourists. But the most famous and luxurious is the resort run by the govt. of Jharkhand.
You can also book hotels and resorts online for Netarhat but the best option is to book a tour package as it will cover all your stay and tour costs in one package. Also, the Betla and Ranchi tour is covered in this package.
There are varieties of hotels and resorts in Netarhat from Rs 1000/night to Rs 5000/night.
How to Reach Netarhat from Ranchi
The distance of Netarhat from Ranhci is around 160 km which can be covered in 4-5 hours. You need a private cab to reach this hill station.
The road is via Lohardaga and the road conditions very smooth. So you will not feel tired after reaching Netarhat. Public bus is also available from Ranchi to Netarhat however as a tourist it’s not ideal for you.
What to Carry
When visiting Netarhat, you must carry winter clothes and outfits along with outdoor shoes, a torch, a power bank for your mobile phone, a water bottle, and other essential things.
You may also carry a camping tent if you are an adventure lover. Several camping places around Netarhat would make your trip amazing.
When I visited Netarhat, only BSNL sim was working there. I think now other telecom companies are also available there.
Conclusion: The Paradise of Jharkhand
As the highest place of Jharkhand and with the beauty of a heavenly sunrise view, Netarhat is a must-visit place when you are planning to visit Jharkhand.
Keep in mind that Netarhat and Betla National Park can be covered in one trip so don’t forget to cover both places in your trip. The trip is 2 nights 3 days long and has a bucket of the adventure of this Plateau.
If you’ve already visited this place then you must drop a comment below about your experience in this heaven.
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Hi, I’m Gautam Roy, a passionate traveler, writer, and proud resident of the beautiful state of Jharkhand. Captivated by its natural beauty, rich culture, and untold stories, I’ve created a blog to share my experiences and uncover the hidden gems of this exotic state in India. Join me in exploring Jharkhand’s wonders and discovering its vibrant heritage!
