When it comes to hill stations, the first thing that pops up in mind are the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range. And in doing so, we often overlook the little gems that are scattered across this diverse subcontinent.
One such gem of a hill station is Netarhat. Located in the state of Jharkhand, the British named it the Queen of Chota Nagpur Plateau. A heavily forested and hilly area, Netarhat is a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts, a quick escape from the heat and din of the plains.
Netarhat itself is a plateau, with its highest point reaching an impressive 3500 ft. The weather here is charming to say the least. Nights are cold and the days are soothingly warm. Winters here are cold, although I have not stayed there during the winter months.
Regionally, the plateau is enriched by rich flora and fauna, providing a lush green cover to the surrounding landscape. Wildlife sightings here are quite common, although during peak holiday season, the sheer volume of tourists and vehicles tend to disrupt the otherwise peaceful environment.
We visited the hilly hamlet during the month of October. The weather was very pleasant, and I can tell you that it gets chilly during the night. Accommodation options are robust in Netarhat. But if you want majestic views of sunrise and sunset then the aptly named Prabhat Vihar is your pick.
Hotel Prabhat Vihar
I myself stayed there and can wholeheartedly say that ambience and views are truly spectacular. The resort compound is sprawling and perched on top of Netarhat hill. There are views of heavily forested slopes for miles around.
At night, the mercury drops quite rapidly, and it gets mildly chilly. The forest cover here includes a combination of Sal, Mahua, Eucalyptus and Kendu trees. At higher altitudes there are Cypress and Pine trees; you will mostly get to see them while entering Netarhat.
There is one steep, winding stretch of asphalt, that connects the upper reaches of the Netarhat plateau to the plains. It cuts through the deep forest of the mountain and is one of the most engaging drives that you can have, especially, if you are travelling through at dusk.
Although the spot is relatively unknown when it comes to hill stations, Netarhat is easily accessible by road. Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand is situated about 156 kms away. You can take a train of flight to Ranchi and take a short drive to reach the hills.
The Netarhat plateau is open for tourists year-round, but personally I think the spring and winter months tend to offer the best weather for exploring and sightseeing. And speaking of sightseeing this area of Jharkhand has some interesting tourist attractions.
Hills around Netarhat are dotted with springs and waterfalls. The Upper and Lower Ghaghri falls are situated a short drive away; they offer some very peaceful and tranquil natural experience. Lodh falls, said to be the highest waterfall in Jharkhand lies 70 kms from Netarhat and is a must see point on the list.
If wildlife is your area of interest, there are quite a few national parks that are situated near the Netarhat plateau. For starters, there is the Mahuadandr Wolf sanctuary; the only wildlife reserve dedicated to the protection of endangered Indian Wolves.
Palamu Tiger Reserve is a 64 km drive form Netarhat and is one of India’s first tiger reserves. The Betla National Park, which also comprises of the Palamu forest is situated 94 kms away. It is no wonder, that this part of Jharkhand is a hot favourite amongst wildlife photographers, naturalists and conservationists.
The Netarhat Residential School located in the town is one of the last remaining ‘Gurukuls’ in the country. It is a boarding school, designed with intricate grandeur. The sprawling lawns, flower gardens and school buildings are a sight to behold.
Set up in 1954, it is the premier boarding school of Jharkhand and provides world class education in one of the most picturesque settings in the nation.
So, there is a lot to be seen in and around Netarhat. A weekend invested here will yield good returns for your mental and emotional psyche. A quiet hill town, that is bustling during the day and peacefully desolate as dusk settles; it is the perfect antidote for city dwellers like me.
A welcome escape from the constant blaring horns, plying vehicles and population explosion. Take some time off and visit this hidden mecca of nature lovers, tucked deep in the woods of Jharkhand. I can promise you will enjoy the solitude while being accompanied by mother nature.
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