Situated near Jharkhand Raj Bhawan, Nakshatra Van is a one-of-its-kind park and one of the most popular attractions of Ranchi. Built by the Jharkhand Forest Department, the park is divided into various sections, each representing a nakshatra or star.

Each nakshatra is related with a zodiac as in Hindu astrology. The most striking feature of the park is the sleeping statue of Dhanvantari or the Goddess of Ayurvedic medicine, located in the centre. The park is also known for its beautiful musical fountain that leaves visitors enchanted. The pathways of the park are lined with various species of flowers. The park is also known as the Constellation Garden and has a separate section dotted with numerous swings for kids.

Located in Lalkhatanga, the Biodiversity Park has emerged as a popular weekend getaway among locals and tourists visiting Ranchi, thanks to its verdant nature trails and rich variety of flora. Allow two to three hours to explore the picturesque estate.

The park boasts a sunset point, a waterfall, a turtle park and small gardens dedicated to medicinal, Japanese and Oriental flora. Constructed with an aim to conserve rare and impressive plants, the park is also home to a cactus house and an aquatic garden. It remains open on all days, except Monday, from 10 am to 5 pm.

Located in Dhurwa region, Hatia Dam covers an area of 7 sq km and is located around 15 km from the city. The dam has gazebos on one side where tourists can enjoy the cool breeze near the dam. It is an ideal location to watch a sunset or dive in for a quick swim.

The quaint little town of Patratu makes for a great one day excursion from Ranchi. The gorgeous Patratu Valley leaves one in awe of its unspoilt and unparalleled beauty. Undoubtedly, one of the most picturesque locations around Ranchi, the valley has winding roads and hairpin bends that are a treat to the eyes when seen from the hills.

One of the most rejuvenating experiences that tourists travelling to Patratu can have is taking a peaceful boat ride in the reservoir of the Patratu Dam. The scenic drive from Ranchi to Patratu is blissful as it offers natural delights that are rare to come across. Stop at the Jalebi Ghat on your way to capture splendid views of the valley. Patratu is a delight for people who love taking long drives.

Located around 45 km from Ranchi, Jonha Falls drops down a height of 141 ft. Also called Gautamdhara Falls due to a temple dedicated to Lord Buddha in the vicinity, the falls invites tourists from around the region.

Located around 60 km from Ranchi amid lush green forests, River Ramgarha plunges down 121 ft to form Hirni Falls. It is a popular picnic spot that invites tourists for its natural bounty.

Located on the outskirts of the city, the Sita Falls attracts adventure enthusiasts for its scenic surroundings, steep routes and rocky terrain. Tourists can also indulge in waterfall rappelling and camp in its vicinity.

It is widely believed by the locals that this falls was named after Goddess Sita of Ramayana as she too was known for her beauty.

The surreal Hundru Falls is formed when the gushing Swarnarekha river plunges down a height of 320 ft and gathers into a frothy pool at the base. Tourists can take a cooling dip in this pool and picnic on its side. The falls also makes for a great trekking spot and tourists need to climb as high as 750 steps to reach it.

Split into ten gushing streams, the Dassam Ghagh Falls is aptly named. Sourcing its water from River Kanchi, a tributary of the pristine Swarnarekha river, the falls plunge down a height of 144 ft. The best time to visit the waterfall is between the months of October and January when it flows in all its glory.

Located around 55 km from Ranchi, Panchghagh Falls, made of five streams of River Banai, is a scenic and picturesque stopover. Though the water does not fall from a height, the roaring can be heard as one nears it because all the five streams hit the rocks turbulently. The best time to visit the waterfalls is during monsoon and winter season when it falls in all its glory. Head to the watchtower to get beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area. The five rivulets of the Banai river make five small ponds, which one can see on the way to the waterfalls. It is said that these five ponds were used by the Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata to hide themselves in during the last year of their exile.

Lying at the foothills of the verdant Ranchi Hill, Ranchi Lake is a prominent tourist site in the city. An ideal retreat, it provides visitors boating opportunities, a perfect way to explore the natural beauty of its surroundings. The lake was built in 1842 by a British national, named Colonel Onsely. Tourists can also hike to Ranchi Hill, which houses a Shiva temple. From here, tourists can get a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery. Tourists can also enjoy a picnic on the banks of the lake. The best time to visit the lake is during monsoons, when it looks like a pristine diamond set into a crown of emerald green. Offering a beautifully unique experience, Ranchi Lake is a must-visit spot while visiting the city.

Standing at a height of 300 ft, Tagore Hill is a prominent tourist stopover that offers surreal views of sunrises and sunsets. The beauty of the hill is such that it is said that Rabindranath Tagore's elder brother, Jyotindranath Tagore, who visited the hill in 1908, was left smitten with the scenery. Soon, he set up his camp home at the hill after which it came to be known as Tagore Hill. Tourists can also visit the Ramkrishna Mission Ashram, located at the base of a hill, which is the centre of Agrarian Vocational Institute and Divyayan. The Tagore Hill can be easily reached from all parts of Ranchi. It is a delight for trekkers and hikers as the hilltop offers a 360 degree view of the city.

The Rock Garden at Ranchi's Gonda Hills is a popular picnic spot where tourists can indulge in a number of recreational activities like boating, space riding and witnessing a horror show. An ideal place to go with kids, the beautiful park has been carved out of a single rock and offers splendid views of the surrounding Kanke Dam Lake. The park is home to a small hanging bridge and a man-made waterfall, which are its most striking features. The best time to visit the park is during the early morning and evening hours when one gets to witness ethereal sunrises and sunsets from here. The sunset point in the park is its most visited area and makes for a great photography point. The park has a special playground for children, numerous joy rides and a food parlour as well. The most thrilling experience tourists can take in the park is entering the Bhoot Bangla or Horror House, which has been set up under an Egyptian pyramid-like structure.

A popular tourist stopover in the city, Ranchi Hill, at a height of 2,140 ft, offers panoramic views of the city. The main attraction is an age-old temple, which is locally known as Pahari Mandir. Devotees reach the temple of 'Pahari Baba' or Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of a lingam, after walking up a flight of 468 steps. Tourists can also visit the picturesque Ranchi Lake that lies at the base of the hills. Built in 1842 by a British national named Colonel Onsely, the lake is the tourist centre of the city. Tourists can explore its surrounding beauty through boating in the pristine waters. Tourists can picnic along the banks and soak in the peace and serenity.

Best known for the beautiful Hazaribagh Lake, the picturesque town of Hazaribagh is a popular tourist attraction. Surrounded by tall trees, the lake offers visitors a chance to witness unspoilt natural beauty. Boating facility is also available at the lake. Another popular attraction in the town is the Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a wide variety of animal species. Some of the common sightings here include cheetal, sambar, wild boar, nilgai and sloth bear. Hazaribagh is also home to numerous temples and the most visited of them all is the Rajrappa Temple. One of the 51 shaktipeethas (devotional shrines where the severed body parts of Goddess Shakti fell) in India, the temple draws devotees from all parts of the country. The grand and colourful shikhara of the temple is adorned with intricate carvings of various Hindu deities. Hazaribagh lies at a distance of 95 km from Ranchi and enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year.