Latehar is a district in Jharkhand. It was a part of the Palamu district since 1924 and later on, April 4, 2001, as enhanced into a district. The town of Latehar is the headquarter of the district. Located at a distance of 100 KM from the state capital of Ranchi, this district has an affluent history. Here are very details about why Latehar is famous.
Why Latehar is famous?
History
Latehar has been a well-known name since ancient times and plays a vital role in the history of India. The place has been invaded many times by different rulers, such as the Kharwars, Oraons, Cheros, Rakshel Rajputs, Mahrattas, the Mughals and of course the Britishers, as it was rich in resources. The chero dynasty ruled Latehar, then a part of Palamu, for more than 200 years.
Indian Rebellion of 1857
During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, North India's first war against the British, Palamu, the district Latehar was part of before 2001, was the most affected region of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. Henceforth, the district played a tough role in all the movements against the Britishers.
Forest and Mineral Resources Found In Latehar
The district is spread over an area of 4211.25 sq km out of which 2010.22 sq km is covered under dense forest. Being mostly submerged in the forest, Latehar is rich in forest and mineral resources, and wildlife.
Sal, Bamboo, Pine, Pears, and Mahua, to name a few are the common trees found in Latehar. Some of the mineral resources found in abundance here are Coal, Bauxite, Laterite, Dolomite, and Graphite, Granite, Quartz, Fireclay, Felspar, etc.
Betla National Park
Latehar houses the famous Betla National Park. The Park was established under Project Tiger as Palamau Tiger Reserve in 1973. In the year 1976, Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary was established and added to the park. It was then declared as a wildlife sanctuary and was referred to as Palamau Wildlife Sanctuary. Later, its status was upgraded to a national park and was named Betla National Park. Read more about Betla National Park.
Netarhat
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. It was once the favorite summer 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 here. Read more about Netarhat.
Palamu Forts
The ruined forts of Palamu speak about the rivalry between the Mughals and the Tribal Chero Dynasty. The two forts are the major heritage tourism of Jharkhand. The forts lie within the dense forest area of Betla National Park.
The Old Fort of Palamu, known as the Purana Qila does not have any evidence about the year it was built. It is predicted that the Fort was built by the King of Raksel Rajput Dynasty.
The new fort was built by Medini Rai, who ruled Medininagar (Daltonganj) of Palamu district for 13 years from 1661 to 1674. Read more about the Palamu Forts.
Waterfalls
Latehar can also be called a land of waterfalls. The district has some of the amazing waterfalls of Jharkhand. Here are the few of the waterfalls of Latehar.
Lodh Falls / Budha Ghag Falls
Lodh fall is the highest waterfall in Jharkhand and 21st highest waterfall in India. One of the unique features of Lodh fall is that it has multiple drops, falling from both sides of the hills, one after the other within a short distance. Lodh Fall makes a mesmerizing thundering sound as it falls from a great height, that can be heard from a distance of 10 km.
Lodh fall was the favorite destination of British Laat Saheb (high officials). They often used to visit the fall for relaxing. Another, interesting fact about Lodh Fall is that the depth of the fall is not known to anyone. Attempts have been made several times to measure its depth but no one succeeded. Once, the villagers tied huge boulders to long ropes in order to measure the depth but unfortunately, the boulders drowned in the abyss and no trace was found. Read more about Lodh Falls.
Lower Ghaghri Falls
Lower Ghaghri is the second highest waterfall in the state of Jharkhand and the 33rd highest waterfall in India. It is one of the best places to visit while you are on a trip to the Queen of Chotanagpur, the hill station of Netarhat. The fall is one of the beautiful offbeat destinations of Jharkhand hidden inside a dense forest. Read more about Lower Ghaghri Falls.
Upper Ghaghri Falls
Upper Ghaghri falls is one of the famous tourist spots of Netarhat, the hill station of Jharkhand. The fall is surrounded by forest and is known for providing an amazing backdrop for a picnic. The Ghaghri river creates two falls, Upper Ghaghri and Lower Ghaghri as its fall from above the hills. Both the falls are a must-visit place while planning a trip to Netarhat. Read more about Upper Ghaghri Falls.
Suga Bandh Waterfall
Suga Bandh Waterfall is the ultimate offbeat destination in Jharkhand. Located on the way to Netarhat from Betla National Park, the waterfall is surrounded by forest and blue hills.
'Suga' means 'Parrot' in the local language and 'Bandh' means 'Dam'. The fall has an interesting story, as narrated by the locals, on how the fall gets its name as the 'The Dam of the Parrot'. Read more about Suga Bandh Waterfall.
Indra Waterfall
Indra Waterfall is an untouched waterfall in Jharkhand. Located in the Tubed village of Latehar district, this waterfall is the ultimate offbeat destination you are searching for. The fall remains at its best during the monsoon month of August and September, however, the best time to visit the fall for a picnic or for a road trip is in the winters, i.e from the month of November to February. Read more about the Indra Waterfall.
Mirchaiya Falls
Mirchaiya Falls is located in the Tiger Reserve Area of the Belta National Park in the Latehar district of Jharkhand. Surrounded by thick forest, within the boundaries of Betla Tiger Reserves, Mirchaiya brings you close to nature and wildlife. Read more about the Mirchaiya Falls.
Art and Culture
About 45.4% of the population in Latehar belongs to the tribal community, which makes it rich in art and culture. The tribal people of Jharkhand are known for their crafts, paintings, and cuisine. Latehar is the best place to acknowledge some of the crafts made by the tribes and also to taste some amazing foods of Jharkhand. Read more about the Art, Craft, and Cusine of Jharkhand.
