This was my first ever trip to East-Central India. I have been to Kolkata, Siliguri and SIkkim in past. But the entire Bihar–Jharkhand stretch had somehow escaped me.
Though I travelled by train from Delhi to Ranchi, I explored the city on foot and in public transport. So, I guess it qualifies to be on this blog!
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At the outset though, let me start with the picture of my first sight of Jharkhand, as my train rolled along from Gaya to Koderma.
I had two days in Ranchi to myself which I put to some use by walking its roads and lanes as much as I could.
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Traveling in a six-seater auto with a goat nibbling at my trousers and her tribal owner trying to pacify it by offering it a potato from her weekly shopping.
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The Commonwealth war cemetery. It contains more than 700 graves of soldiers who fell in World War II. The name and address of each one is maintained in a folder with an index showing the exact grave. Approximately 25 such cemeteries exist across India and many more all over the world. The old but cheerful caretaker helpfully showed me how to jump across the wall from the adjoining Christian cemetery!
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Kanke Dam is one amazingly serene spot which is surprisingly close to the city. A ‘Rock Garden‘ adorns its top. The place seemed to be a hot (!) favourite with cooing couples. I had to exercise discretion while exploring its wonders.
I also saw the Tribal Museum and the Hilltop Temple.
In hindsight, I rue missing out on a trip to the crocodile breeding centre, some 35 Km from Ranchi. Maybe next time.
Chalat Musafir 