Ranchi, the capital of
Jharkhand, is a picturesquely set town on the Chota Nagpur Plateau, at an altitude of 2,140 ft above the sea level. Ranchi was the erstwhile summer capital of
Bihar. The city is also an important node in the major industrial network of Southeastern India. Ranchi is 289 km south of
Patna.
Ranchi is blessed with scenic waterfalls, hillocks and barren rocks. Places of tourist interest include Ranchi Hill, Tagore Hill (Moradabad Hill),
Kanke Dam, Ranchi Lake, Tribal Research Institute and Museum,
Hatia Dam (12 km) and Jagannath temple (10 km).
Ranchi Airport is located 5 km from city center. Ranchi Railway Station is a major railhead of the South Eastern Railways and has regular trains to Patna,
New Delhi, Howrah and Gorakhpur. Birsa Bus Station links the city with major cities and towns of the country.
National Highway 23, 33 and 75 passes through Ranchi.
