Patratu valley is In the Land of Bushes of Forest…Jharkhand is the khand or a territory of the Indian subcontinent covered with Jhads or bushes. Amongst these bushes are invaluable treasures of Nature. You must be acquainted with the organic locations of various Indian states. Like those of Himachal, Uttarakhand, Bengal, etc. Yet Jharkhand is a state whose bushes have veiled its Natural bounties.
Pull away this veil of the boughs of its dense woods. And you would discover untrodden paths and rejuvenating stations. One such place is the breath-taking Patratu Valley
… Lies the Valley Patratu
Breath-taking I say. Because for a moment at least it will entrance your gaze. You will be dumbstruck. All that would really matter would be the valley. Nestled in the Ramgarh district is this divine valley. At about an hour’s drive from the capital city of Ranchi. And there you are to be greeted by the mesmerising view. The slithering highway road curving its way through the valley.
A Tale of Twists and Turns
Jharkhand is a relatively new state. It has grown a lot since 2001. The year it was born. And these highways and roads speak of its development. While the Patratu Dam is known for supplying water to the nearby villages. It is this road which makes the dam’s benefits accessible. The valley was constructed in accordance with the Jharkhand Accelerated Road Development Program. It has improved transportation and communication in the state. Connecting major cities like Ranchi, Jamshedpur, etc. this road leads the path to progress. The expansion of Patratu into a town bears witness to this. This growth has been recent.
Made from the best quality material, the not much trodden road gleams in the day. Thus, winding in twists and turns, it ornaments the valley.
When to Visit Patratu Valley?
Summers
Patratu lies in a tropical region. Hence, summers are not the best time to visit the place. You won’t be able to enjoy the view with a scorching sun overhead. Unless you wish to have a nice early morning or evening promenade. Or enjoy the rise and the fall of the sun in the face of Patratu’s grace.
Winters
If you want to enjoy a warm sunny day in a cold winter. With of course a long drive. Patratu is the place for you.
Monsoon
Monsoon is the best time to visit Patratu. After all the spell of hot summer is over. The forest blossoms with lush rejuvenation. The valley’s expanse is majestic. Such that while one part might be receiving rain. The other may be sunny. This magical sight paints the extraordinary portrait of Nature.
Making your Way to Patratu Valley
Reaching Patratu is not a trouble. Thanks to it’s proximity to Ranchi. Further advantaged by it’s well connectivity.
By Air
One can take a flight to the Birsa Munda Airport. It is located in Ranchi about 50km from Patratu. Flights from some of the major Indian cities and states land here. This includes Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar, etc.
By Railway
The town has its own railway station. Trains from Kolkata, Delhi, Patna, and some other North Indian states arrive here. Being a native, I would advise you to take a train to the railway station in Ranchi. Patratu Valley is only about 35 kilometers away from the Ranchi Railway Station. It is more convenient and adds to the driving spirit of the journey.
By Road
We have already noted the highway that winds through Patratu. It adds a feather in the cap of its grace. This makes roadways the best route for Patratu. It links various important cities of Jharkhand. Also, please make sure that you go by your own vehicle. Like a car or a bike. For there is no public transport available for Patratu Valley. Of course, private taxis, Ola, and Uber services are operational here.
From Ranchi to Patratu Valley
I think it’s clear by now that Patratu Valley is ideal for a long drive. Those of you who have a love for roads and tracks are in for a treat. That’s why it’s advisable to arrive in Ranchi. Then go on a longer road trip to Patratu. In order to enhance the fun. Let me guide you through Ranchi to the beauty called Patratu.
You won’t get the best roads while inside the capital city. Like various other urban spaces. But once you are out of the congested rush. You take to the Kanke Patratu road. And the real adventure begins. This highway is better and cleaner. Moreover, it’s not very crowded. As you drive forth, you get to see a good bit of Ranchi too.
Driving smoothly on the velvety road, crossing Bridges and flyovers. The scene transits. The grey man-made infrastructures disappear. A Greener environment emerges and serenity becomes our travel companion. Gradually, you reach the lasts of urban settlement. This is the marketplace of Pithauria. The last one on the way before you reach the valley.
The official Valley area starts at around 10 kilometres before the Patratu Valley view point.
Duarsini Mandir
This is a small temple in the milieus of the valley. It lies on the way to the Patratu Valley viewpoint. It is erected in a quaint location. Nestled in a side surrounded by the lush greenery. It has become a popular site these days. The temple serves as a break from the long drive. One can stop here and relax. It’s calming and mystic. It complements the vibe of the place and the tour.
There is also a waterfall nearby. It goes by the name Rarha Waterfall. It exhibits the charm of the wild. This makes it a great recreational spot.
Moving on…
Once you have crossed the temple area, the scenes of hills emerge. Ranges of terrains bedecked with exuberant flora. All descending into the valley. After about an hour of driving from Ranchi. You will find yourself in Patratu Valley.
I know the sight of the gliding road can be overwhelming. For any adventure lover, even me. But be cautious while driving here. Drive slower, with care. Even though there’s not much traffic here. But you should follow all the safety rules for driving.
What all to do?
Sightseeing
Visiting the Patratu Valley View Point is a ritual for all tourists. Breath-taking… this is the third time I am repeating the word. But what can I do? I feel powerless in the face of those glorious memories. As that fantastical scene back from my visit comes in front of my eyes. You must have seen those fanciful graphic wallpapers for desktops. The ones with hillocks of lush green forests. With a road winding through it. Or something similar like a meadow. That’s exactly how it looks.
It’s a dream come true site. Standing there watching the sunrise and set. The various hues of yellow, orange, and red colouring the heavens. The road not so often used stands clean and unworn. Reminds you of those racing tracks from movies.
Drive
Such a road invites your adventurous spirit to drive. This trip is a blessing for those who love to venture into vehicles. Patratu Valley offers you a 7 kilometers long ride on this zig-zag road. A ride is full of curves and turns. Adding to which is the drive from Ranchi. This road further takes you to the Patratu Valley Dam and the Resort. Various recreational activities are available there.
Photography
A place like Patratu full of the bounties of Nature. Mesmerising scenes around every corner. It hypnotizes you into pulling out your camera. You won’t be able to stop yourself. It would be hard to decide what to click and what not to. For you would want to capture each and every magical moment. This is a feast for those people who love Nature.
In today’s time, moreover, photography is about self-expression. You want to be there. A part of Nature in your memories and your photograph. To aid you, there are various selfie points around every curve of the Patratu road.
Refreshments
Any long drive is incomplete if you don’t stop to eat on the way. Moreover, a journey can be exhausting. It can make your stomach rumble. Especially when there is a whole array of the Indian street food. You will find carts of chatpati Chaat and sweet ice cream. Vendors selling sugary cotton candy and sweet-sour golgappe. In addition to tasty coconut water and spicy Momos. Irresistible, right?
Also Read: Kolkata: A Real Harmony of Art, Culture, and Modernity for Tourists
Patratu Valley is great for a one day trip. It has beauty, adventure, recreational activities, and everything a tourist can desire. For me, it symbolises Life. The same kind of a roller coaster ride. With twists and turns but a lot of fun. Surrounded by the spirited Nature. So if you are visiting Jharkhand or nearby, I hope you’d like to take a day out for this wonder of Nature. It’s worth it.