Jharkhand government has been taking substantial measures to attract tourists as well as make their experience better. Sharad Mahotsav in Netarhat, a local cultural programme that is organized every evening allows one to witness the local dance, local songs and much more. The Mahotsav starts in October and concludes in February. One can choose to stay in the tents, take part in water sports or engage in the sightseeing of Elephants and animal safari – a great way of spotting tigers at Betla National Park, 90 kms from Netarhat. “In Betla, the forest department facilitates jungle safari. There are tourist places like Palamu Fort known as the twin forts,” said Kunal Rajvik, senior manager of hotel Van Vihar, Betla.
“Prabhat Vihar in Netarhat offers 70 rooms with different categories of rooms. The price ranges from Rs.1,700 – 4000 a night. It offers facilities like spa, gym, restaurant, a children’s park and also a swimming pool is being made in the resort. The booking can be done online through the Jharkhand government website or via phone. Offices are also present in various places like Ranchi and Jharkhand. Free parking has also been made available for the guests and cottage facilities are also there. People here mainly come for the view point, sunrise and sunsets,” said Arun Kumar, manager of hotel Prabhat Vihar.
“Resorts have been started in Patratu Dam which have managed to attract a number of tourists and made them visit the dam. Our main focus has been on Netarhat and Patratu. On the waterfalls like Hundru and Jonah we have tried to start adventure sports. As for the safety measures, near the falls there are tourist facilitators who guide the tourists regarding the dangerous areas and have also been successful in saving a number of lives,” said Vidyanand Sharma, Deputy Director of Jharkhand Tourism.
A number of adventure activities are also being offered across Netarhat, Betla, Chandil and Patratu Dam like Cycling, Bullock Cart Ride, 4 types of Kayaking, cliff jumping. A detailed account of all the activities has been made available on the Jharkhand tourism website with the contact number of the executives in charge.
For the religious aspect of Jharkhand, Deoghar is the holy city with its Baba Baidyanath Temple. The tourism department has constructed Ashrams here -- the perfect place to stay for the devotees. Rikhia Yoga Ashram, 12 kms from Deoghar is one of the preferred destinations here. The place was the abode to Swami Satyananda who established International Yoga Fellowship Movement.
In Deoghar, construction of an international airport has also begun and is expected to be completed by February, 2020. The purpose behind this initiative is to boost the religious tourism in the state. For now, there are no special tourist buses available but the proposal of buses has been kept into consideration, it may come into action but take time.