Jharkhand, naturally!

AS one traverses through the serpentine, lush-green, 20-km stretch along the Hazaribagh Wildlife National Park, one discovers slogans like “Jungle is God’s temple!” and “Shoot, but don’t shoot!” — invoking a sense of conservation for flora and fauna. Although these oneliners are mostly seen, read and forgotten, their essence seems to have been well-preserved by the aboriginal inhabitants of the region. And it is for this reason perhaps that Jharkhand today is what it looks like:  “Mother Nature’s Own State” — original and pure!

Having come into being as recently as November 2000, the state’s mineral riches — iron, coal, copper, mica and uranium, among others — account for 40 per cent of the total mineral wealth of the country. It has a good industrial base as well.

However, with 29 per cent of its total area under forest cover, the state boasts of great eco-tourism potential. Evergreen forests, wildlife, lakes, waterfalls, scenic beauty, health and holiday resorts coupled with a temperate climate — are just a few of the many enticing features of the land. In fact, the state of Jharkhand is among the few destinations offering a perfect ecotourism holiday option.

The verdant landscape is dotted with waterfalls and dams. Indeed, one is tempted to call it the land of waterfalls, as they occur so naturally and frequently in the course of one’s travel within the state. About 40 km from Ranchi on Tata Road flows the Kamahi River. Falling from a height of about 144 ft, the river creates the fascinating Dassam Falls. Similarly, 45 km away from the state capital is the majestic Hundru Falls — an offspring of the Swarnarekha River’s fall from a height of 320 ft.

Besides, Usri Falls (13 km from Giridih), Jonha Falls (40 km from Ranchi), Hirni Falls (70 km from Ranchi on way to Chakradharpur), Lodh Falls (61 km from Netarhat), Panch Ghagh Falls — or five falls in a row — (55 km from Ranchi), Sadni Falls (35 km from Netarhat), Dharagiri Falls on Ghatshila-Phuljhore Road, and the hot springs at Surajkund (72 km from Hazaribagh) are some beautiful waterfalls in which you can soak your body and soul. What’s more, these locations present great opportunities to experience the thrill of adventure tourism.

Now, if flora is here, can fauna be far away? Jharkhand has nurtured a number of wildlife reserves. If fierce tigers enjoy calm strolls in Betla National Park — a tiger reserve since 1974 — elephants march majestically in Dalama Wildlife Sanctuary. There is also Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, where wolves and spotted deer roam. You can spot sambhar, chital and panthers criss-crossing the highlands of Hazaribagh National Park. At Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary, hyenas live alongside nilgai and wild boars. And, of course, it is a treat for the eyes to see Siberian cranes landing and taking off at Udhawa Bird Sanctuary.

The land, ‘unspoiled by man or time’, has a lot to offer by way of religious tourism as well. Lord Shiva reigns supreme in Deoghar — the abode of the gods. As many as 23 of the 24 revered Jain Tirthankars attained salvation at the holy site of Samved Shikhar at Parasnath and no wonder, it is a famous pilgrim site for the Jain community. Ma Chhinnamastika presides at Rajrappa, which has, over the years, also emerged as a popular picnic spot.

In addition, the Sun Temple near Ranchi, Shakti Mandir at Dhanbad, the Ma Bhadrakali temple nearby, Kulbonga Mahadev in Saranda and three temples dedicated to Goddess Rankini, are only some of the centres of ‘the pilgrims’ progress.’ However, what cannot go unmentioned is Jagannath Temple, modelled on the lines of the one at Puri. Situated atop a hill in Ranchi, a visitor can also enjoy the rare scenic beauty here.

Jharkhand has been known down the ages for its distinct tribal culture and fine craftsmanship in wood and bamboo, stone and terracotta, with the last two used mostly for tribal ornaments and paintings. The craftsmanship of the local tribals — comprising 28 per cent of the population — are exhibited at most of the imposing outlets in Ranchi and Jamshedpur. Statues of dancers performing the typically traditional Chhau dance, are a common sight here.

Although the climate of the state is generally tropical, with hot summers and cold winters, some regional variations exist, with parts of the state such as Ranchi, Netarhat and Parasnath possessing a pleasant climate even during the summers.

So, no wonder you might hear many say, "The best season to visit Jharkhand is —  year-round!"