Road trip to Jharkhand from Kolkata with three more friends.
Dates: 1/10/'21 - 4/10/'21
Vehicle: Maruti Suzuki Wagon R (2019).
Our travel routes were approximately a third each through highways, stretches through forested hill ranges (Ghat roads) and through unknown unsurfaced roads with dense forests winding within nascent nature. Except for the places we halted for the nights all else were almost devoid of people, traffic and noise. The only company we had were sounds of gushing water, chirps of birds and the sound of silence. A traveller's delight by all means.
The first day was an easy travel of 340 kms from Kolkata to Chaibasa. Driving through tribal belts with all the peaceful beauties of nature was the starter for what awaited us on the following days, the hunger. Chaibasa itself is a small place with a congested hamlet of concrete surrounded by natural beauties. Spending the first night was costly. Frankly, we couldn't fathom how a remote unimportant place could be that expensive.
On the following day our travel was through the eastern part of Saranda-Singbhum range with a plan to spend the second night at Ranchi. Saranda-Singhbhum range is an exceptionally beautiful range with lush dense forests, waterfalls, gushing rivers and wildlife. Peaceful, devoid of traffic and crowding, we stopped at frequent intervals on the forested ghati roads. Everything was refreshingly amazing and we took within us all the positive vibes. Being at Hirni and Panchghagh waterfalls enroute were wonderful experiences. Reaching Ranchi late afternoon we checked at a hotel we knew.
Day 3 was the most challenging day of travel. A long travel through routes on which I had absolutely no idea. I had spent long hours to chalk out the routes. They were through plentiful unknown terrains yet superbly beautiful mesmerizing nascent areas. Forget tourists, I doubt if any significant count of travellers have been through these places. All I found along the routes were occasional travelling locals. With almost zero villages or any other places of stay, serenity was all-around. Driving was challenging on long stretches but it was worth every minute. We touched on the following spots ....
1) Getalsud dam - A dam across Subarnarekha river with picturesque surroundings. Though there is a simple highway stretch to reach this place, we took an odd State road and country roads. This was to get what we wanted ---- the thrill of travel through vibrant unknown surroundings.
2) A scenic un-named beautiful stretch of road.
While studying the map of the area I came across this exquisitely charming place and found a route to be there. Travelling through some nice roads and lush forests we were here for the second 'spot'.
3) Sikidiri loops - As the name suggests, a rather long ghati loop roads through the hills and forests. Driving here was super-pleasure and with plenty of view points it was tough deciding when and where to stop. The views down below were awesome.
3) Hundru waterfall - The second highest of Jharkhand. The popular point for tourists require a descend of almost 750 stairs for a full view of the fall. That wasn't possible for us. I therefore tried and identified another location close-by that had to be reached through broken narrow winding roads down below. It was just by the side of unit 2 of Sikidiri power plant. Besides being at a remote isolated place, there were no crowds and the surrounding natural beauty was great. It was close to the waterfall and we were more than content watching the waterfall. With no great numbers of stairs to climb this was a perfect place.
4) Sonamukhi, Bankura - This was our last destination and the 3rd night's halt. For the most part the travel was through bad terrains and roads. They were through dense forests where it was difficult for two vehicles to pass by. Though we met almost zero traffic, the lonesome stretches were breathtakingly heavenly. On the way we came across a natural dam (Sita dam) and stopped frequently to devour the beauty all around.
Day 4 - Our return journey to Kolkata.
Some statistics, notes and routes.....
A) We were all ESSPEANS (Alumni of Sainik school, Purulia) and therefore as always we made it a point to meet alumni from our school at each of the places. Mini get-together events at Ranchi and other places were a bonanza. And on the return journey we couldn't resist the temptation to have a nostalgic drive into our school. At Panchghagh falls we were pleasantly surprised by a just passed out ESSPEAN. He recognised us by our attire and came to introduce himself. A student of RIMS Ranchi, he made our day.
B) Total distance covered - 954.5 kms
C) A traveller knows the importance of the routes of travel. It is equivalent, if not more than important than the 'spots' of visit. Hence, what could apparently be an easily demarcated smooth route was on purpose made a long arduous route.... a route of bountiful nascent nature through difficult / lesser known roads and off-roads.
D) Day 1 drive to Chaibasa was via Kharagpur, Ghatsila, Galudi barrage.
E) Day 2 drive was via Chakradharpur, Saranda-Singhbhum range.
F) Day 3 drive was mostly through unknown roads but for some stretches of NH/ SH. Travelled close to Gola, Jhalda and Purulia.
D) Day 4 drive was straightforward.
Drivelog by Indian Roadie Dr. Subhomoy Mukherjee narrated by him in the 1st person.
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* Road Trip To Jharkhand
* Drivelog
