Watch the Sunset and Sunrise at Netarhat

Situated at an altitude of 1,071 metres on the Chota Nagpur Plateau, Netarhat is one of the best-kept secrets of the state of Jharkhand. From this pleasantly intriguing hill station you can have awe-inspiring view of the landscape that has the potential of humbling you. 

Since location of Netarhat is like that of a plateau, the kind of view one gets from the table top is unmatched. Above all, what makes it a compelling destination is the presence of many waterfalls around the place.  It is no wonder that Netarhat is also referred to as the Queen of Chota Nagpur.

Don’t miss watching the sunset from Magnolia Point. 

Lodh Falls 

70kms from Netarhat, Lodh Falls, also known as also known as Burha Ghagh falls, is the highest waterfall of Jharkhand. Here water cascades down from a height of 140 meteres. 

Parasnath Hill: Absorb the ambience

 

    

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It is at Parasnath that 20 out of 24 Jain Tirthankaras (ford makers) attained enlightenment. Needless to say, the place is one of the most important sites of Jain pilgrimage. Situated in the Giridih district of Jharkhand, Parasnath is named after Parshva, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism, and is gateway to the Parasnath hill, also known as Shikarji (Venerated Peak). Joining Jain pilgrims on the hike to the top of the hill is a surreal experience.

Itkhori, Buddhist Destination in Jharkhand

                                                        Bhadrakali Temple, Chatra

60 km from Bodh Gaya, Itkhori in the Chatra district of Jharkhand is the site of some of the finest specimens of the Buddhist remains. 

                                Bhadrakali temple at Itkhori / Image credit
    

Located some 150km from Ranchi, the place is home to the famed 7th century AD Ma Bhadrakali temple on the premises of which is situated a five-feet high votive or wish-fulfilling Buddhist stupa with 1,008 figurines of the Buddha carved on it. The stupa is worshipped by the Hindus as Koteshwarnath Temple. 

Itkhori is a holy site to Jainism too. 

What makes Itkhori a unique Buddhist site is the presence of smiling Buddha idols which are not to be found elsewhere in the world. Numerous Buddha statues in different forms have been discovered in Itkhori.

Legend has it that the Buddha had come to Itkhori. When his aunt reached Itkhori searching for the Buddha who had renounced the mundane world and was meditating here, she did not find him and left the place with heavy heart by saying Iti Khoi, which in Pali means "we lost him here". It was from these two words Iti Khoi that Itkhori derives its name. 

How to Reach Itkhori

By Air 

There are no regular flights from other major cities of India to Itkhori. Nearest airport is Ranchi Airport which is 60 km away. 

By Rail

Chatra can be easily approached from Gaya Railway station (Bihar) and Koderma Railway station. Gaya is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains. It takes some two hours from Gaya to reach Itkhori 

By Road

You can easily get regular buses to Itkhori from several places in Jharkhand and Bihar.  

Best time to visit Itkhori 

With extreme temperatures in summers and winters, Itkhori generally has a temperate climate throughout the year. In summers, from March to June, the temperature hovers between 40°C and 30°C. The winter season, from October to February, is the best time to visit Itkhori when daytime temperatures are pleasing.

It is pertinent to note that it can get very cold in the months of December and January.