Emerging from River Rarhu, the mesmerizing cascade of Jonha falls is one of the most beautiful sites in Ranchi plateau. The unique panoramic view, multistep cascade, rhythmic sound of endless showers, and serene atmosphere, make this place an ideal gateway for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The blend of pristine blue sky full of cottony clouds, reflective rainbow at the falls foot, lush forest at the backdrop, and randomly blossomed catkins (during autumn) creates picture-perfect views all around;
Although it’s a less explored spot compared to the neighboring destinations, (Hudru and Dassam Waterfalls), if you love exploring offbeat wonders, Jonha falls is a must-visit place on your Ranchi trip.
Experience A Fantastic Day Trip to Jonha Falls
For reaching the bottom from the top, a short hike is required, covering approx. 450 stairs. The staircase is guided by the lush green on both sides, singing birds welcome you, the silence is disturbed by the throbbing sounds of the waterfalls far below; The hiking path lets you witness an unforgettable touring experience in the hill forests of Jharkhand.
The magnificent panoramic view can be achieved standing on the big rock just in front of the falls; feels of soothing water spray is simply mind-blowing!
The wide-angle view of the fast cascade is so beautiful, that you cannot leave the site so quickly; it’s a genuine spot to auto-snap limitless photos.
However, the downstairs is waiting with more excitement. The cascade flows in a three-stage manner creating unique views from every angle. During autumn, bloomed catkins’ random appearance adds brilliant effect to every frame.
If you seek more adventure, reach the point where the hill stair ends. Real thrill starts from here as you have to move further by jumping on the rocks. Below you’ll find a boulder-covered area where the current of the stream is relatively less; you can enjoy your bath at that spot, though you should do this very carefully because nobody going to save you if you slip out; this part of Jonha Falls is completely offbeat.
Caution: The flow of Jonha Falls produce high current in the Monsoon seasons. So, it is highly recommended to stay away from water during monsoon; just enjoy the magnificence and spend long hours with your loved one, just feeling the essence of this incredible beauty in the middle of pure nature.
Other Places to visit nearby
You can plan to visit several other spots along with Jonha Falls. Below I’m highlighting a short list of places that you may cover on the same day, partially or completely.
- Sita Falls
- Ekastha Trail
- Hudru Waterfalls
- Getalsud dam
Must visit Sita Falls on the same day, it’s only 4 km away from Jonha falls. Also, I suggest, don’t skip the short trek over the boulders to reach the closest point of Sita Falls; it’s really exciting!
How to reach Jonha Fall in Ranchi
Destined approx. 45 km away from Ranchi city center, Johna falls can be easily reached by following Ranchi-Purulia Highway. If you are traveling by personal car, just follow Google map, it’s pretty perfect to navigate this destination.
The Journey takes approx. 1 hour or a little more to reach the Jonha falls parking area. Next, you have to hike 450 stairs downwards to reach the falls foot, which is not a difficult task unless you have some sort of sickness. I have seen several senior citizens affording this hike seamlessly.
- Nearest Airport: Birsa Munda Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Jonha, Ranchi Junction
Fees and Timings of Jonha falls
- Timings: 8 AM to 4 PM
- Entrance fee: INR 10 per person
- Parking fee: INR 20 per car
Preferably visit Jonha falls in the morning session to enjoy the crowd less ambiance. A part of the tourists who visit Hudru in the morning session, often attends Jonha falls in the afternoon. Although many of them deny hiking again after attending Hudru Falls (700+ stairs), in the afternoon session Jonha falls’ parking area remains crowded by their cars. They just relax in the food shops or nearby parks.
When to visit Jonha Falls
Except hot summer, you can visit Jonha falls any time of the year; Jonha falls appears in altered beauty in different seasons.
The Monsoon view remains most exclusive due to high current, though a cloudy is less suitable for the best photo shoots. Photos may appear to be dull due to restricted light exposure.
The season of autumn mostly remains clear, though sudden rain often makes a distraction in the middle of the trip. However, autumn-visit is well-recommended because at this time of the year you can experience an all-around appearance of the Jonha fall, including sufficient water flow in the falls, bloomed catkins here and there, and mostly clear atmosphere.
In winter Jharkhand remains very cold, though it’s the ideal time to visit Ranchi, snapping the cleanest photos under the clearest daylight. Just for your note, Jonha falls becomes partially dried in winter, so you may not have the widest falls’ view in this season.
Foods near Jonha falls
Just beside the Jonha Falls parking area, there are 2-3 food sacks run by the local people. They serve you freshly cooked veg and non-veg meals.
They cook really delicious food, especially chicken curry. Food costs are very much reasonable. Also, they are extremely well-behaved and helpful. I strongly recommend having your lunch from them rather than a city restaurant.
- Veg meal includes Rice, dal, sabji, chatni, and papad.
- Additional non-veg dishes: Deshi chicken kari, Broiler chicken curry, egg
- Deshi chicken curry (4 pc per dish): INR 140 only
- Broiler chicken (4 pc per dish): INR 100 only
They start cooking upon receiving orders, and it takes almost 2 hours to make the dishes ready. So, put your food order before visiting the falls, so that you may get your lunch after your return.
Where to stay
There are no reputed stay options near Jonha Falls; Most tourists travel there for a day trip starting from Ranchi. The forest bungalow of Jonha is an option, but you have to contact the forest department prior to your visit.
You’ll get 100s of hotels in Ranchi, both exclusive and budget-friendly; just pick the best one based on your budget and plan a day trip to cover Jonha Falls.
Wrapping up
That’s all about Jonha Falls in Ranch; it’s really exclusive. Hope the above description helps you to plan a great trip to Jonha Falls and other nearby spots.
Have a nice trip ahead.
Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.
Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.
He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!
