Jharkhand
Forested plateau state rich in minerals
Jharkhand, separated from Bihar in 2000, is a forested plateau state holding some of India's richest mineral reserves, including large deposits of coal, iron ore and mica, which have made it a centre of the country's steel and mining industries since colonial times. Jamshedpur, home to Tata Steel's original plant founded in 1907, remains one of India's major industrial cities.
Despite its industrial reputation, Jharkhand retains extensive Sal forest cover and is home to a large tribal population, including the Santhal and Munda communities, whose festivals and Sarhul spring celebrations remain central to rural life. Betla National Park and the waterfalls around Ranchi, the state capital, offer a quieter, nature-focused counterpart to the state's mining belt.
Curated Experiences
Our journeys in India.
Popular Attractions
3 places
Attraction
Betla National Park
Betla National Park, Jharkhand: sal forest in the Palamau Tiger Reserve, with elephants, gaur and two ruined hill forts.
Attraction
Hundru Falls
Hundru Falls, near Ranchi: the Subarnarekha river dropping about 98 metres off the Ranchi plateau into rock pools.
Attraction
Baidyanath Temple
Baba Baidyanath Dham, Deoghar: one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples of Shiva and the goal of the Shravani Mela pilgrimage.
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
October–March
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Stories from Jharkhand
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