Netarhat, a small hill station located in the Latehar district of Jharkhand, is a hidden jewel. Often referred to as the 'Queen Of Chota Nagpur Plateau', Netarhat is stuffed with natural beauty. The hill station is covered with dense forests of Sal, Mahua, Kendu, Eucalyptus, Pine, and Pears trees. Netarhat was once the favorite destination of the British officers who visited the place quite often to relax during summers.
Located at a height of 3,696 feet, Netarhat is home to some endangered species of snakes like python and also sometimes Elephants, Tigers and Wolf are spotted as it is located close to Betla National Park.
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Places To Visit In Netarhat
Magnolia Point
Magnolia Point is known for its sunset views. Sunrises may be interrupted by fogs but sunsets here are worth watching. The view from Magnolia point is just breathtaking. Tales say that the place got its name after a British girl named Magnolia, who fell in love with a local but due to the restrictions of the society committed suicide by jumping off the cliff.
Some of us must have heard a story about Lord Hanuman that he had once swallowed the sun thinking of it as some beautiful fruit. It is believed that the place where he ate the sun was none other then Netarhat. Lord Hanuman was born in the nearby village, Anjan in Jharkhand which supports the belief. So, it is needless to say how beautiful sunrise and sunsets are in Netarhat that even the Lord was awestruck.
Sunrise Point
The sunrise point is the best point to watch a sunrise in Netarhat. The place is excellent to capture a time-lapse. Visit the place early morning to not miss the spectacular view of the sun.
Koel View Point
Koel View Point is the perfect place for peace lovers. Far away from the hustle-bustle of the cities, watch the serene Koel river flowing through the green dense forest here.
Pine Forest and Pear Orchards
The pine forest and pear orchards are the accessories that boost the beauty of Netarhat. The long pine trees and the pear orchards make it a perfect instagrammable place. Away from the torturing city life, get lost in the picturesque forest.
Netarhat Dam and Lake
Netarhat Dam and Lake located amidst the long pine grasses and hills create a perfect place for a picnic. Spend the day admiring the blue hills of Netarhat, sitting on the bank of the lake. It also an ideal place for fishing as the lake is home to many varieties of fishes such as Rohu, Catla, Mrigal and many more. Also, many local birds visit the lake for fish hunting which also makes it an ultimate place for bird watching.
Chalet House
Chalet House is a bungalow made up of wood in Netarhat. It was built during the administration of Sir Edward Albert Gait, Lieutenant-Governor of the Bihar and Orissa during the Bengal Presidency of British India. The bungalow was a summer house for British officers who were fond of Netarhat.
Lodh Falls
Lodh fall is the highest waterfall in Jharkhand and the 21st highest waterfall in India. The fall has multiple drops, falling from both sides of the hills, one after the other within a short span of distance, which is a unique feature. The most interesting fact about the fall is that the depth of it is not known and despite many attempts, no one has ever succeeded in measuring the depth. Lodh Falls is located at a distance of 60 KM from Netarhat. Know more about Lodh Falls.
Lower Ghaghri Falls
Lower Ghaghri is the second highest waterfall in Jharkhand and 33rd Highest Waterfall in India. Located at a distance of 10 KM from Netarhat, Lower Ghaghri fall is surrounded by dense forests. The fall originates from river Ghaghri as it makes its way down the hill. Know more about Lower Ghaghri Falls.
Upper Ghaghri Falls
Upper Ghaghri is a small waterfall located at a distance of 4 KM from the hill station of Netarhat. River Ghaghri gives birth to two falls in the Latehar district, namely Upper Ghaghri and Lower Ghaghri Falls. The backdrop of the fall makes it an amazing place for a picnic. Know more about Upper Ghaghri Falls.
Sadni Falls
Sadni Falls, located in the district of Gumla in Jharkhand was once the hub of diamond deposits. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the place used to produce some rare and large diamonds. Sadni fall resembles a snake sliding down the hills and is located at a distance of 28 KM from the town of Netarhat. Know more about Sadni Falls.
Weather at Netarhat
Summers rin Netarhat ranges from the month of March to June with the temperature ranging between 25 to 30-degree centigrade. The rainy season begins in the month of July and continues till the month of September. The winter season ranges between November to February with the temperature dropping as low as 8 to 12 degrees centigrades.
Best time to visit Netarhat
The best time to visit Netarhat is during the months of March to April. However, to enjoy the chilly winters, the best time to visit is between the months of November to February. Avoid visiting during the monsoon months of July to September.
Which is the nearest railway station from Netarhat?
The town of Netarhat does not have a railway station of its own. The nearest railway station is Lohardaga (Station Code: LAD), located at a distance of 84.7 km via NH143A and Ghaghra - Netarhat Rd.
The nearest Junction is Barwadih Junction (Station Code: BRWD), located at a distance of 95.9 km via Ghaghra - Netarhat Rd.
Which is the nearest airport from Netarhat?
Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi located at a distance of 148.6 km via Ghaghra - Netarhat Rd, is the nearest airport from Netarhat.
How to reach Netarhat from Kolkata or Howrah?
By Rail
There are no direct trains between Howrah Junction and the nearest station Lohardaga. So, you can board a train from Howrah Junction to Ranchi Junction and then board another train from Ranchi Junction to Lohardaga which is a one and a half hours journey. After getting down at Lohardaga book a cab to Netarhat.
The distance from Lohardaga to Netarhat
- 84.7 km via NH143A and Ghaghra - Netarhat Rd.
Another route will be to board a train from Howrah Junction to Barwadih Junction. It is a 12 hrs to 15 hrs journey. Take a cab or auto from Barwadi Junction to Netarhat.
The distance between Barwadi Junction to Netarhat
- 95.9 km via Ghaghra - Netarhat Rd.
By road
You can self-drive from Kolkata to Netarhat in your private car or book a rental cab.
The distance between Kolkata to Netarhat
- 562.3 km via NH19.
- 550.9 km via NH43.
By air
Take a flight from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata to Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi. It takes approx one to one and a half hours to reach Ranchi by air. After reaching take a cab from the airport to Netarhat.
The distance between Birsa Munda Airport to Netarhat
- 148.6 km via Ghaghra - Netarhat Rd.
- 206.8 km via NH143A and Ghaghra - Netarhat Rd.
Is Netarhat safe for tourists?
Netarhat is absolutely safe for tourists. However, the following tips will help you to have a safe and sound visit.
Tips for visiting Netarhat
- As all the tourist places in Netarhat are located at a distance from the city, it becomes isolated after dusk, therefore, avoid visiting during the dark hours.
- The safest time to visit is between 6 am to 5 pm.
Where to stay while visiting Netarhat?
Hotels
Hotel Prabhat Vihar Deluxe is a hotel run by Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC) in Netarhat just near the Sunrise point. The hotel is near to almost all the tourist places and the Netarhat bus stand. To book online visit the official website of Jharkhand Tourism.
The Dak Bungalow is another hotel which must be kept an option for staying while visiting Netarhat. The hotel is run by Latehar Tourism. To book online visit the official website of Latehar Tourism.
Tent
Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC) also provides Swiss Cottage Tent facility for tourists to have a different experience. To book online visit the official website of Jharkhand Tourism.
Recommended Read,
Betla National Park
Palamu Forts
