Ranchi District is situated at an altitude of 2,140 ft above sea level. It was formerly called as Lohardaga. Ranchi District is bounded in the east by Purulia District of West Bengal, in the west by the districts of
Gumla,
Lohardaga and
Palamu, in the north by
Hazaribagh District and in the south by
West Singhbhum District.
Important rivers are Subarnarekha, South Koel and Sankh. Rice, millets, pulses and oil seeds are the main crops. There are various scenic attractions, waterfalls, barren rocks and hillocks.
Ranchi Hill, Tagore Hill (Moradabad Hill),
Kanke Dam, Ranchi Lake, Tribal Research Institute and Museum,
Hatia Dam and Jagannath temple are the important places to visit. Ranchi is well connected by rail, road and air.