A Weekend Tour To Ghatshila, Jharkhand

Ghatshila, which is also referred to as Ghatsila, is a picturesque town situated in the East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. It lies approximately 45 km away from the bustling city of Jamshedpur and around 240 km from the vibrant metropolis of Kolkata. The town is beautifully enveloped by lush forests and rolling hills, with the serene Subarnarekha River gracefully flowing through it. Ghatshila is particularly noted for its abundant mineral resources, as it was historically home to Asia’s very first copper mine, making it significant in terms of geography and history.

TOP TOURIST PLACES IN GHATSHILA

• RANKINI TEMPLE: This ancient temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kali. Visitors can admire the vibrant and colourful carvings of various Hindu gods and goddesses on the walls of this sacred space. Here, Devi Kali is affectionately known as “Rankini Mata,” who holds great popularity among the locals. They believe she possesses immense power and influence over their lives, making her worship an essential part of their spiritual practices.
• SUBARNAREKHA RIVER: This picturesque river originates from the Chota Nagpur Plateau and gracefully flows through Ghatshila, traversing both Bengal and Odisha before finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The existence of this beautiful river significantly contributes to the popularity of Ghatshila as a travel destination. Visitors can truly enjoy memorable sunsets from its banks, creating an enchanting atmosphere that captivates all who come here. The location is conveniently situated just 3.5 KM from Ghatshila Station, making it easily accessible for travellers seeking tranquillity and natural beauty.
• RAATMOHONA RIVER FALLS / GHATSHILA FALLS: Located just 4 km from Ghatshila Station, this artificial waterfall is situated on the Subarnarekha River’s bed, behind Hindusthan Copper Ltd. The view is enhanced by the old and new Subarnarekha bridges, creating a stunning view.
• BIBHUTI BHUSHAN BANDYOPADHYAY HOUSE: Bibhutibhushan is a timeless and celebrated figure in Bengali novels and literature. He was born on September 12, 1894, in his maternal home in Muratipur, near Kalyani, West Bengal, and died on November 1, 1950, at the age of 56, in his Ghatshila residence. This house, named Gouri Kunj after his wife, houses a collection of his significant works in Bengali literature.
• SUBARNAREKHA OLD AND NEW BRIDGE: The old bridge, dating back to the British era, is now in a state of disrepair. Meanwhile, a new bridge has been erected, and together, they enhance the beauty of the sunset view.
• FULDUNGRI HILLS: If you’re keen on a brief jungle trek, consider visiting this spot. While there’s not much to see, the area is tranquil and remote, and it’s rumoured that Bibhutibhusan Bandopadhyay often visited here to write his masterpieces. It’s located just 5.6 km from Ghatshila Station.
• BURUDI LAKE AND BURUDI DAM: This location features stunning scenic views, with a lake nestled among hills, making it one of the most popular destinations in Ghatdhila. The area is well-maintained and less crowded, providing a peaceful environment for visitors. Lakeside dhabas offer fresh breakfast and lunch, enhancing the experience. Additionally, boating options are available for those looking to explore the water. It is conveniently located just 12 km from Ghatshila Station.
• DHARAGIRI FALLS: To reach Dharagiri Falls, you’ll need to take a short 15-minute trek. It’s a peaceful area filled with the sounds of chirping birds, and this small hike will leave you feeling refreshed. The waterfall itself is modest, with a stream of water cascading down, especially noticeable during the monsoon season. This falls is located 16 km from Ghatshila.
• GALUDIH BARRAGE / DAM: The dam constructed on the River Subernarekha is an impressive structure that offers visitors the opportunity to walk along its length. During the monsoon season, the river reaches full capacity, providing a stunning view of the landscape. This site is located approximately 13 kilometres from Ghatshila Station, making it accessible for those looking to explore the area.
• GHATSHILA SIDDHESWAR MANDIR: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on a hilltop. Visitors need to walk uphill for approximately 30 minutes to reach it. The temple offers a stunning panoramic view, providing a bird’s-eye perspective of the surrounding landscape. However, this location may not be suitable for senior citizens or individuals with breathing difficulties due to the physical exertion required to get there.

• BY ROAD: Situated in Jharkhand, Ghatshila is approximately 50 km from Jamshedpur Tata Nagar, with a travel time of about 1.5 hours. It is also located 240 km from Kolkata, which takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach. Direct bus services are available from Jamshedpur, however, there are few or no bus options from Kolkata. For those using public transportation, taking a train from Kolkata is the most convenient choice.
  • Distance from Jamshedpur: 50 km, easily covered in 1.5 hours by car.
  • Distance from Kolkata: 240 KM / 5 Hrs Drive

• BY RAIL: Ghatshila boasts excellent rail connectivity with various regions across India, as numerous trains travelling from East to West make a convenient stop here. The train journey from Howrah to Ghatshila takes approximately 3 hours. A few popular trains operating between Howrah (HWH) and Ghatshila (GTS) are listed below; however, please note that the travel times may change later on. It is advisable to check the IRCTC portal for the most accurate and up-to-date schedule information.
  • Howrah(HWH) – Barbil Janshatabdi – Starts from HWH at 6:20 AM and reaches Ghatshila at 9:03 AM
  • Howrah(HWH) – Kantabanji Ispat Exp – Starts from HWH at 6:35 AM and reaches Ghatshila at 9:26 AM
  • Shalimar – Lokmanyatilak Exp – Starts from HWH at 3 PM and reaches Ghatshila at 7 PM
  • Steel Exp – Starts from HWH at 5:25 PM and reaches Ghatshila at 8:21 PM

Day 1: Consider taking the morning train to arrive early and check into your hotel. After some rest and freshening up, have an early lunch. Then, hire an auto-rickshaw for sightseeing at Burudi Lake and Dharagiri Falls. In the evening, spend some time near Raatmonona and enjoy the sunset by the Subarnarekha River.

Day 2: Rise early in the morning, enjoy breakfast, and then hire an auto-rickshaw for sightseeing. Visit Galudih, Sidheswar Temple, Rankini Temple, and Bibhuti Bhushan’s House. Plan to have lunch while exploring, then return to your hotel for some rest before catching the evening train back.

The best time to visit Ghatshila is after the monsoon season and during winter. After the monsoon, the forests are lush and green, the waterfalls are stunning, and the lakes are full of water. In winter, boating is available on Burudi Lake. While you can visit during the monsoon, summer is generally not recommended due to the heat and humidity, as the lakes tend to dry up and the waterfalls may not be as impressive.