Overview
Ranchi is the capital of Jharkhand, a state carved from Bihar in 2000. The city sits on the Chota Nagpur Plateau at 650m elevation, surrounded by dense forests home to bears, sambar, chital, nilgai and hares.
Day Trips · History · Museums · Nature · Trekking
Before you go
Language
Hindi dominates; regional languages include Bhojpuri, Bengali, Maithili, Sadri, Oraon, and tribal languages Mundari. English is limited outside hotels.
Money
Use HDFC, ICICI, or SBI ATMs near Main Road and Station Road. Cash is king for small vendors. Credit cards accepted at hotels and malls.
Safety
General precautions apply. Check local conditions before night travel outside city. Medical emergency: Orchid Medical Centre (9117100100).
Transport
Share autos are the budget way to get around—fixed routes, ₹10-30 per ride. Autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws also available. City buses cover major routes.
Weather
Plateau climate keeps Ranchi cooler than surrounding plains. Summer maxes at 40°C but evenings drop to 16°C. Winter nights can reach 0°C. Monsoon (June-Sept) brings heavy rainfall—331mm in July alone.