Jharkhand, located in eastern India, is a state known for its beautiful landscapes, dense forests, and natural wonders. One such wonder is Sita Falls, a stunning waterfall located in the village of Jonha in the district of Ranchi. The falls is named after the Hindu goddess Sita, who is believed to have visited this location during her exile.
Despite being overlooked by the majority of tourists visiting Ranchi, this site is highly recommended as it offers an authentic experience of the serenity of Jharkhand forests and the excitement of rock hiking.
In the following section, you will discover everything you need to know about Sita Falls, such as how to plan your trip, how to get there, the best time to visit, and more. Take a moment to read through and add Sita Falls to your list of must-visit places for an unforgettable trip to Ranchi.
Sita Falls: Everything you need to know
Nestled in a tranquil setting surrounded by dense forests, Sita Falls offers a picturesque and calming retreat. The waterfall descends from a height of around 144 feet and forms a natural pool below, presenting a breathtaking view. With rocks and boulders encircling the pool, it’s an ideal location to unwind and relish the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Reaching The Viewpoint
Upon reaching Sita Falls, you’ll discover a peaceful ambiance, unlike the bustling crowds that frequent other popular Ranchi attractions such as Dassam Waterfalls, Hundru Falls, or Patratu. The lack of awareness about Sita Falls amongst tourists is one of the reasons for its relatively unoccupied nature.
After parking your vehicle, follow the directional signs towards the Sita Falls viewpoint. Descend approximately 300 stairs to enjoy a panoramic view of the stunning waterfall. However, the real adventure begins from this point onwards.
Trek Towards the Falls Foot
If you are capable and energized to hike more, do not miss the opportunity to trek over the boulders and reach the base of the waterfall. It’s a very short hiking path but offers unforgettable experiences.
The trail involves traversing over uneven boulders and crossing multiple narrow streams that are initiated from the falls. The hike may be slightly strenuous for the elderly and children, but the spectacular frontal view of the waterfall at the end of the trek makes it an incredibly rewarding experience.
How to Reach Sita Falls
- Nearest Railway Station: Jonha (5 km), Ranchi (39 km)
- Nearest Airport: Birsa Munda Airport (45 km)
Sita Falls is located in Jonha village, approximately 43 kilometers away from Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand. You can either rent a car or, even better, drive your personal vehicle and follow the Ranchi Purulia Road to reach the destination. Upon arrival at the parking area, you’ll need to descend approximately 300 stairs to reach the viewpoint.
Also, you have the option to reach this destination by train as Jonha railway station situates less only 500 meters away from Jonha Falls and 5 km from Sita Falls.
Planning a comfortable trip to Sita Falls
It is advisable to plan a day-trip to cover all three waterfalls in this region. Begin by parking your car at the Jonha Falls parking area and grabbing a quick snack from one of the local shacks. You can order lunch at the same place, and while they prepare your meal (which may take 1.5-2 hours), visit the Jonha Falls viewpoint.
After returning, proceed to Sita Falls, which is only 4 km from Jonha Falls. You can have lunch before or after visiting Sita Falls.
Finally, after exploring Sita Falls, head to Hundru Falls, which takes 1-1.5 hours to reach from either Sita or Jonha Falls.
Foods Near Sita Falls
Food options near Sita Falls are limited, with only cucumber, potato chips, and nuts available for snacks. If you’re looking for a heavier meal, such as bread or rice for tiffin of lunch, you’ll need to rely on the shacks near Jonha Falls. These shacks serve delicious food, particularly their “Deshi Chicken” curry.
The lunch menu includes rice, fried potato, mixed vegetable, dal, and chutney, all for INR 60-70. If you prefer non-vegetarian dishes, you can opt for Deshi or Broiler Chicken curry or Egg curry for an additional charge.
Best Time to Visit Sita Falls
Sita Falls is best visited during the monsoon season, from July to September, when the waterfall is at its fullest and most magnificent. However, the falls can also be enjoyed during the winter months, from December to February, when the weather is pleasant, and the surroundings are enveloped in mist.
Although the atmosphere remains relatively hot, many visitors also choose to explore Sita Falls during autumn (October-November).
Where to stay near Sita Falls
To be frank, there is no reliable stay option near Sita Falls, but you can get plenty of hotels from all budgets in Ranchi. Also, there are some hotels and homestays available near Hundu Falls, where you can opt to stay.
Things to Keep in Mind
Visitors to Sita Falls are advised to keep the following things in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:
- Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes as the trek towards the falls can be little challenging.
- Carry sufficient water and snacks as there are limited shops or eateries near sita falls.
- Avoid going to the falls foot during the rainy season as the trek can be slippery and dangerous.
- Respect the local customs and traditions and do not litter or damage the natural surroundings.
- Don’t put plastic here and there, as Jharkhand is a clean and green state and has strict regulations against such behavior.
Conclusive Remarks
Sita Falls is a natural wonder in Jharkhand that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. The falls are a stunning sight, surrounded by lush greenery and natural beauty. The trek to the falls foot can be little challenging but is well worth the effort, and visitors can also indulge in various adventure activities to explore the natural beauty of the area. Sita Falls is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts visiting Jharkhand, and a trip to this beautiful location is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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!
