Better By Bike: 8 Cycling Trails Around Ranchi

While the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, people across the globe found solace in cycling activities. This increase in cycling’s popularity has been visibly apparent in Ranchi where cyclists are seen on the roads more than ever before.

Ranchites are turning to bicycles in an effort to avoid crowded public transport during the coronavirus pandemic and to explore the hinterlands.

In recent times, Instagram and Facebook profiles of people have been flooded with photos of new places which perhaps are not even listed on Google. We've put together some of the most popular routes discovered during the COVID-19 lockdown. 

The Blue Pond
This pond has been formed in an abandoned quarry where ground and rain water seeped in to form a beautiful lake. The colour of the lake is pristine blue due to the black granite underneath and looks a lot like emerald lakes in the Himalayas or those found in South Asian islands. It is now regularly visited by various cycling groups due to its close proximity to the city. The ride to the pond and return equals to approximately 40 kms with mostly flat terrain.

Route: Take a right into the ring road from Tipudana and ride towards Balsaring .The lake is right behind the big rock formation on the left. People generally exist ring road from Dhurwa Dam side to complete the circuit.
Distance: 40 kms from city centre and back
Difficulty Level: Easy

The Green Pond

Hidden between the Patratu and Ramgarh Valley, this pond is also formed in an old abandoned quarry and can be accessed from Boriya Ormanjhi road. The pond is in the middle of a dense forest which makes it a perfect picnic spot and good place for bird watching. The colour of the pond is so green and clear that you can see the rocks underneath. Do carry ample water as the ride back to the city has a gradual incline, and you will need to stay hydrated.

Distance: 50 kms from city centre and back
Difficulty Level: Medium

Ride to Remta Lake
Remta Lake is not very well known among locals due to the presence of Dassam Waterfall in close proximity which takes up all the spotlight. It is approximately 35 kms from the city center with ample camping spots if you wish to spend the night in nature. The ride takes us through some beautiful forest, farms lands and country sides with long stretch of beautiful road. Going down the valley, the trees cover keeps the sun away and all the climbs on the return journey make the ride worthwhile. The lake is less frequented by people which makes it less polluted and closest to nature.

The Route: Doranda - Kusai Colony - Sadabahar Chowk.  Enter Rind Road at Kharsidag and take a right, about 3 kms ahead take a left towards Khuti. Follow the course of the road for 8-9 kms and take left from Chakru crossing. The lake will be on your left 3 kms ahead.
Distance: 70 kms from city centre and back
Difficulty Level: Moderate (do carry ample water and food)

Churni Falls (Baheya Waterfall)
Churni Falls has been one of my most treasured explorations during the lockdown. The waterfall is merely 17-18 kms from the city center and is nestled between dense forests which can only be accessed on foot after a certain point. The ride to Churni takes you through a bit of a trail ride in the forest, and after a point you have to hike with your bike (at times on your sides and at times on your shoulder). The water falls into a natural pool which is not too deep and is perfect for swimming in. It is said that water here is crystal clear during winters and you can see the growth underneath.

If you want some more adventure, get to the top of the waterfall. Cross the river and follow the forest trail for a few hundred meters until you reach the rail lines. Cross the rail line and walk towards your left till you find another trail on the opposite side of the rails which takes you to the main road. It is a nice hike in the forest if you have some time, and water, with you.

The Route: Follow the course of road after reaching Tatisilwai till you reach Milan Chowk. Take a right into the small village lane and follow the course of road for another 5-6 kms. There are a couple of left turnings, thebest bet is to ask the locals for directions. 
Distance: I35-40 kms from city centre and back.
Difficulty Level: Moderate (carry ample water and food)

Ganga Ghat
Who would believe that there is a beautiful stretch of empty road with dense forest on both sides and hardly any population in proximity? The ride to Ganga Ghat is one of my favourite spaces around the city these days. The ride towards the ghat is beautiful with tree covers on both the sides and the view of the valley which is mystical. Best for sunrises and sunsets, you will see a long stretch of green cover with railway line crossing the road twice. The place has literally no traffic and hence makes it to the top of the list for cycling spots. The forest also has plenty of trails for off-roading if that is something that inspires you more. 

The ride back from Ganga Ghat will have long stretches of climb and it is advisable to carry lots of water.

Distance: 70 kms from city centre and back.
Difficulty Level: Moderate

ITBP Circuit 
On days when we wish to do lazy, recovery rides, ITDP is the place. The ride ends at a rocky hilly terrain which is quite peaceful to relax in, and has a beautiful viewpoint of the city skyline. The ride to ITBP is mostly flat with only a kilometre of uphill ride towards the end.

The Route: Enter the Ring Road from Law College, Kanke Road and head north towards ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) camp. Take the lane next to the ITBP campus and ride 1 km uphill to reach the viewpoint. 

Distance: 30 kms from city centre and back.
Difficulty Level: Easy

Hanuman Temple, Ulatu
It has been one of the many other locations which we explored amidst the lockdown and totally fell in love with. The place is a huge piece of rock in the middle of Horap forest with a Shiva and Hanuman Temple on top of the hill. The best part about this place is riding to the top of the hill on my bicycle. That sheer joy of climbing, and that feeling to never stop pedalling is priceless. I love the vibes of this place and can sit on the rocks for hours looking at the green cover around and the sunset. 

The Route: Continue on the course of road after crossing the Namkum Bazar on Ranchi – Tata Highway for 1 km and take the left after crossing Jharkhand Acadmic Council. Follow the course of road for 8-9 kms to reach the destination. 
Distance: 35 kms from city centre and back.
Difficulty Level: Easy

Lodhma-Karra Road
The ride to Lodhma takes you through some really scenic stretches with green covers and lakes with lotuses on both sides of the road. The ride to Lodhma is beautiful but if you feel like venturing on longer ride, go further ahead to Karra which is even more stunning. 

Distance: 40-80 kms from city centre and back.
Difficulty Level: Moderate

This article is a submission by one of our readers, and part of our series #OTReadersWrite. Have a great travel story to tell? Write to us at [email protected]