Last week of December 2023, we just finished our ISDSI 2023 Golabl conference at IIM Ranchi. On the last day of our conference on 29 December 2023, we set out for a 2N/3D tour at Netrahat, a small but beautiful hill station located at 1,071 meters (3,514 ft) altitude and 156 km from Ranchi city.
The outside temperature is 11 degrees, and the Internet shows it below ten-degree temperature at Netarhat. We booked our car for the whole tour i.e., pick up and drop at Ranchi, and the whole sightseeing tour, including the Lodha fall trip.
Journey to Netarhat
Our journey from Ranchi to Netarhat meandered through roads through a lush green landscape dotted with barren hilltops, koel rivers, and finally uphill hill drive through dense forest.
Starting from Ranchi at 10:30 am after finishing breakfast. On the way, we crossed Lohardagha after a 70 km drive. After 1 hour journey, we reached Banari, the neatest big marketplace at the downhill of Netarhat.
After Chatakpur, we took the uphill drive of 25 km to reach our hotel by 3:30 pm. It was a cool 156 km driving experience from Ranchi to Netarhat.
Day 1: day one mostly covers 4-5 hours of road journey. We visited two places in the afternoon.
2) Magnolia sunset point: It is about 4 km from the Netarhat marker. We enjoyed the nice subset view here. Don’t forget to savor local Maggie noodles and Onion pakoras after sunset.
There is a legend that makes this place special as a symbol of eternal love. Britain Lady Magnolia fell in love with a local Shepherd. But, she was dejected after failing to meet her loved one and jumped into deep George with her horse. Hence, this panoramic viewpoint is named after her name and as a remembrance of her sacrifice.
2) Netarhat Lake: lt is located right at the back of my hotel and tucked away 1 km from Netrahat market. Boating is a nice activity at the lake. Evening is the best time for boating. They charge 100/- per head for 20 minutes of boasting. A beautiful park will open up from 1 January 2024.
Day2: As we discussed in our plan, we keep the whole day for the Lodha fall trip.
3) Lodh Fall: The most beautiful and highest waterfall in Jharkhand and the 21st highest waterfall in India. This waterfall is also known as Budha Ghagh waterfall, located in a deep forest of Palamau Tiger Reserve, South division of Latehar district in Jharkhand. It is tucked away 60 km from Netarhat.
Height of fall and river: 143 meters (469 ft) high and located on the Burha River,
It took almost 2 hours to reach the Lodh fall area via Mahuadanr (famous as Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary). On the way, you can see Palamau Forests and lush green landscapes all around.
At the entry, we registered the vehicle for entry into the protected area. They charge 50/- vehicle and 10/- for entry fees per person.
It was an awesome experience to walk 2 km uphill and reach the footsteps of the falls. The views are awesome. Waters are falling from 400 ft into deep craters. Just stand on the footbridge and enjoy the ethereal beauty of Lodha Falls. You can spend a cool 2 hours here. We finished our lunch here.
When we returned to Netarhat, it was 4 pm. This time you can again go for boating.
Day 3: 3 days we keep for local sightseeing.
4) Koel River sunrise point: we got up at 6 am. The outside temperature was 5 degrees. Our driver immediately took us to a viewpoint 1 km from the main market.
Luck was good; we finally watched the famous sunrise at Netarhat.
We immediately returned home and checked out after breakfast to visit other tourist places.
5) Upper Ghaghri Waterfall: A small waterfall following through the hill and meandering through the deep jungle. You can trek down to reach the lower area of Ghagri fall
6) Koel viewpoints: very beautiful viewpoint, and we had panoramic views of the jungle and lake from the hilltop.
7) Pine Forest: You can see pine forests all across the Netarhat. We had a stroll in a pine forest near Koel viewpoints
8) Naspati garden: again winter season, you only see the trees without leaves. The gardens offer beautiful views during April end.
9) Netrahat boarding schools: This is a reputed boarding school and has a record of many IAS officers as alumni. Quite and calm environment and surrounding scenic beauty make this place more memorable.
10) Chalet house: It is located at a stone-throwing distance from the Netarhat marker area. Old wooden bungalows and beautiful architecture are some untold stories of Netarhat. The place is very nicely maintained with caution that place abounds with snakes. Hence, don’t loiter on grass and in the lawn areas.
As per government data source, It was built during the time of Sir Edward Gate (lieutenant governor of Bihar and Odisha) and Chalet House was Initially used as a summer getaway for British officers. Afterward, Charles Napier, the first principal,Netarhat Vidyalaya started its operation in 1954 and managed the operation of the school from Chalet House.
Finally, our day three tour was ended here around 2 pm. We finished our lunch and set out for Ranchi to catch our evening train for Calcutta.
Netarhat tour: some quick facts:
The best time to visit is the winter season (October to January).
Places to stay: Phrabhat Vihar (the best place to stay), and this is also a sunrise point.
There are many good hotels near Netrahat Lake. (Hotel Lake views)
Also, many hotels are there near the Netarhat market
We stayed at Hotel Green Palace, just close to Netarhat Lake.
I have listed five hotels with contacts.
I am personally happy with my hotel at Green Palace.
Car cost: we booked a Maruti Desire at 9000/- for 2n/3d tours with pick and drop at Ranchi.
Must-watching places: Lodh dam
