PARASNATH HILLS

Parasnath Hills-The word Parasnath comes from the 23rd Jain Tirthankara Shri Parshwanath Bhagwan. Parasnath hills are a range of small to medium size hills (highest peak 1350 meters) and are located in Jharkhand state, eastern India. They make up the highest mountain south of the Himalayas.
In Jainism, the Parasnath hills are referred to as Shri Sammet Shikhar Teerth. They are one of the two most prominent Jain pilgrimage centers, the other being Shetrunjaya, located in Gujarat State of Western India.

Twenty Jain Tirthankars, out of twenty-four attained salvation in the Parasanth hills. Jains believe that ordinarily, all 24 attain nirvana at this location. The current time cycle is known as the Hundav Avsarpini, in which events and situations are found to be worse than in past time cycles. These 20 Tirthankars are:
1. Ajitnath
2. Sambhavnath
3. Abhinandan
4. Sumatinath
5. Padmprabhu
6. Suparshwanath
7. Chandraprabhu
8. Suvidhinath
9. Sheetalnath
10. Shreyansnath
11. Vimalnath
12. Anantnath
13. Dharmnath
14. Shantinath
15. Kunthunath
16. Arnath
17. Mallinath
18. Munisuvrat Swami
19. Naminath
20. Parshwanath

It is an exotic place to visit with innumerable temples, shrines and meditation halls in the midst of natural scenery and wildlife. The Parasnath Hills (Madhuban) can be reached by train or by road from Giridih or Parasnath Station. Both the Jain Svetambara and Digambar sects have established their Dharamshalas or Ashrams here to accommodate the pilgrims to this the second most holy place for Jains from all over the world. One can stay in hotel Bhuvan located in Ishri Bazaar(1 km from Parasnath Railway Station). The food and snacks in this hotel specially Ras Malai is awesome.

HAZARIBAGH NATIONAL PARK

Hazaribagh National Park-About 135 km from Ranchi is also a sanctuary adorned with scenic beauties. The park has also the same features as that of Betla to some extent. The park has tigers, panthers, sambhars, spotted deer, bisons and a number of mammalian faunas. There are some towers which the tourists use to behold the beasts. A canteen is also there to cater. The park is approachable by all weather metalled road. The Cheetal, Kakar, Nilgai, Sambar and Wild Boar are among the most easily and often spotted animals particularly near the waterholes at the time of the dusk. The population of the tigers is very less. According to 1991 Census, there were 14 tigers in the park. The tigers are really difficult to sight.
A 111-km long stretch of the road in the sanctuary takes the tourists to the remotest corners and masonry towers of the park. The road, strategically laid down, offers excellent opportunities for the view of the wild animals. The tribal population also lives around the sanctuary. The ark has many watchtowers that act as the perfect hideouts to see the wildlife in its natural surroundings.

THE BETLA NATIONAL PARK

The Betla National Park-Spread across 250 km, this sprawling wildlife park houses a wide variety of wildlife, which includes tiger, elephant, bison, sambhar, wild boar, cheetal deer, 15-20 feet long pythons, wild cats, badgers, Malabar giant squirrel among others. Covered with forests, valleys and hills, the park can serve as the right address in a wildlife enthusiast's tourism itinerary. Elephant rides are offered in the park, which gives a wonderful aerial view of the wildlife. 226 km of this park has been included under the ambit of Palamau Tiger Reserve.

PALAMU TIGER RESERVE

Palamau Tiger Reserve- It was one of the nine forest reserves, which was brought under Project Tiger in 1973. It encompasses through parts of Betla National Park (226 km) and the Palamau Sanctuary (980 sq km). The tiger reserve has an enchanting variety of flora and fauna.
The wildlife population, besides tiger, includes wolves, leopards, sloth bear, four horned antelope, mouse dear and they share the space with the tribal population, which is a clear indication of nature and man harmony that our civilization needs to learn. Palamau Tiger Reserve is a chief attraction of Jharkhand Tourism.

JONHA FALLS

Jonha Falls -Just 34 km away from Ranchi, this cascade greets you with its milky white exuberance. The beautiful scenery around the falls makes the place a picnic spot. The waterfall is also called Gautam Dhara, which implies some Buddhist legacy. There is a tourist rest house in the vicinity, which houses a temple of Lord Gautam Buddha. You can reach Gautam Dhara station directly by train. After alighting from train take a narrow road to reach the wide falls.