With the City gearing up to welcome the New Year 2020, Ranchiites are ready to throng picnic spots around the State Capital. Ranchi with its simple way of living and natural beauty is home to numerous waterfalls and scenic viewpoints located just within a few kilometers.
For the past few years, one of the most popular destinations with the city residents has been the Patratu Valley. The long winding roads overlooking a breath taking valley is what makes the drive perfect. One can stop by the Dam which makes for a great picnic spot and also go boating in the water body.
“While driving in the Patratu Valley, the hairpin turns are what add to the excitement. This is best time to visit the dam as it is during this time of the year where one can see migratory birds which is otherwise a rare sight in the city. At the time of sunset, the lake reflects the evening sky which is breath taking,” said Pooja Kumari, a city based resident.
The Rock Garden in Kanke is one of the most visited places in the city not just by the locals but tourists as well. Located in a small hill by Kanke Dam, small waterfalls, sculptures and statues add to the charm of the place.
“The best thing about this place is that even though it is located in one of the busiest localities of Ranchi, it still happens to remain secluded. One can always find a quiet corner here. Another good thing is the small rides which provide ample entertainment for children. Even though it will be quite crowded on January 1, I will still go there with my family for a fun filled day,” said Sanjay Singh another city based resident.
For the spiritual souls who want to start the New Year by worshipping God, the city has several temples in its vicinity. The Jagannath Temple which has a striking resemblance to the one in Puri is located at a distance of about 10 Kms from the main road.
“This place is my absolute favourite and I make it a point to come here as frequently as possible. After seeking the deity’s blessings, I always make it a point to spend some time enjoying the view of the city from the top,” said Manoj Kumar, a city based yoga instructor.
The Sun Templs and Pahari Mandir are other popular options for those planning for peaceful New Year celebrations.
Jonha Falls, Hundru Falls, Dassam Falls are some of the preferred waterfalls located around the City popular with picnickers.
“Even though it is visited by a number of tourists every day, it is never overcrowded and one can easily find a quite spot. The Hundru Falls offers the best views of the Chotanagpur Plateau. Owing to the increasing tourist traffic, a number of small eateries have opened around the area with local delicacies on the menu which makes the visit all the more exciting,” said Megha, who is planning to visit the place with her friends on January 1.