Netarhat
Jharkhand's only true hill station
Perched at 3,700 feet on the Chotanagpur plateau, Netarhat is Jharkhand's only true hill station — once the summer retreat of the British Governor and now a quiet escape of pine forests, sunrise points and the famous Magnolia Sunset. Two days, one night is the sweet spot.
How to reach Netarhat from Ranchi
By cab from Ranchi: NH-75 west via Lohardaga, then state road through Mahuadanr towards Netarhat. The last 40 km is winding ghat road through dense forest. Total drive: 4.5 hours one-way.
Highlights
- ✦Magnolia Point — legendary sunset over the plateau
- ✦Sunrise point near Hotel Prabhat Vihar
- ✦Lodh Falls — highest in Jharkhand (143 m)
- ✦Koel View Point and Upper Ghaghri Falls
- ✦Pine forests and Naspati (pear) orchards
Suggested itinerary
- 1Day 1 · 07:00 — Pickup from Ranchi
- 2Day 1 · 11:30 — Reach Netarhat, check-in
- 3Day 1 · 13:00 — Lunch + Naspati garden walk
- 4Day 1 · 16:00 — Magnolia Point sunset
- 5Day 2 · 05:00 — Sunrise Point
- 6Day 2 · 09:00 — Lodh Falls (60 km, 90 min one way)
- 7Day 2 · 14:00 — Drive back to Ranchi
Insider tips
- 💡Carry warm clothing Nov – Feb — drops to 5°C
- 💡Stay 1 night minimum to catch both sunrise and sunset
- 💡Book accommodation in advance for long weekends
Nearby attractions
- Lodh Falls (60 km)
- Betla National Park (95 km)
- Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary (40 km)
FAQs about Netarhat
How far is Netarhat from Ranchi?
156 km by road, approximately 4 hours 30 minutes by cab via Lohardaga. The drive includes 40 km of forested ghat road in the last leg.
Is one day enough for Netarhat?
Not really — the 9-hour round-trip drive leaves little time. We strongly recommend an overnight stay to catch both the Magnolia sunset and the legendary sunrise point.
What's the temperature at Netarhat in winter?
December–February nights drop to 4–8°C and days are 14–22°C. Carry a heavy jacket. Summer is a pleasant 22–28°C — much cooler than Ranchi.
Is Lodh Falls included in the Netarhat trip?
Lodh Falls is 60 km from Netarhat town (~90 min each way). It's worth adding to a 2-day itinerary, but means a 5-hour detour. We can include it if you have time.
