Ranchi to Netarhat Road Trip: Self Drive Guide
Netarhat — called the "Queen of Jharkhand" — sits at 1,128 metres above sea level on the Palamu Plateau and is one of India's most spectacular sunrise destinations. The drive from Ranchi to Netarhat covers 155 km via SH1 through Lohardaga, taking about 3.5–4 hours with a stop. This guide covers the route, the best cars to rent from Drigo in Ranchi, and a complete day trip and overnight itinerary.
Ranchi to Netarhat: Route Details
Distance: 155 km (one way) | Drive time: 3.5–4 hours | Route: Ranchi → Lohardaga → Latehar → Netarhat (SH1 via Chainpur)
- Take the Ranchi–Lohardaga road (NH33 initially, then SH1) out of Ranchi toward Kanke Dam and Ormanjhi.
- From Lohardaga (60 km from Ranchi), head northwest on SH1 toward Latehar and Chainpur.
- The final 50 km from Latehar to Netarhat includes scenic ghat sections with steep climbs and hairpin bends — best driven in a high-clearance vehicle.
- Fuel stops: Lohardaga (60 km) and Latehar (105 km). Fill up at Latehar — fuel is unavailable between Latehar and Netarhat.
Why Visit Netarhat from Ranchi?
Netarhat offers something rare in eastern India — a high-altitude hill station less than 4 hours from a major city. At 1,128 metres, even summer temperatures stay below 26°C. The highlights:
- Sunrise Point — Netarhat's most famous feature. On clear mornings (October–March), the sunrise over the Jharkhand plateau is breathtaking. Start from Ranchi by 3:30 AM to arrive in time.
- Sunset Point — panoramic views over the Palamu forests at dusk. Popular for late afternoon photography.
- Lodh Falls (Burhaghaugh Falls) — a spectacular 143-metre waterfall hidden in the forest, about 60 km from Netarhat via a forest road. One of Jharkhand's tallest and most dramatic waterfalls. Best visited after monsoon (September–November).
- Upper Koel Viewpoint — a scenic overlook of the Upper Koel River valley from the plateau edge.
- Pine and deodar forests — the air at Netarhat is cool and fresh — a refreshing contrast to Ranchi's summer heat.
Best Cars for the Ranchi to Netarhat Road Trip
The ghat sections between Latehar and Netarhat are steep, winding, and narrow in parts. A vehicle with good ground clearance and a powerful engine is strongly recommended.
- Mahindra Thar (₹3,500/day) — the ideal car. 4x4 capability, high clearance, and powerful diesel engine handle the ghat bends effortlessly. Best for monsoon drives and post-rain ghat conditions.
- Mahindra Scorpio (₹2,499/day) — excellent for groups of 5–7. High clearance and diesel power make it comfortable on the ghats.
- Hyundai Creta (₹1,799/day) — the most popular choice. Good ground clearance, smooth petrol engine, and comfortable for the 3.5-hour drive. Handles the ghats well in dry weather.
- Maruti Swift (₹999/day) — manageable in good weather on dry roads. Not recommended for monsoon drives or post-rain ghat sections.
All cars available on Drigo in Ranchi. Check live availability and book now.
Ranchi to Netarhat Day Trip (Sunrise): Itinerary
3:00 AM: Pick up your Drigo car in Ranchi (coordinate night handover with host). Fill up fuel.
3:30 AM: Depart Ranchi via Kanke Road → Ormanjhi → Lohardaga.
5:00 AM: Pass through Latehar. Short fuel stop. Continue toward Netarhat.
6:30 AM: Arrive Netarhat. Drive to Sunrise Point.
6:45–7:30 AM: Sunrise — one of Jharkhand's most spectacular natural moments (timing varies by season).
8:00 AM: Breakfast at Netarhat — simple but satisfying food available from local vendors near the viewpoint.
9:00 AM: Drive to Sunset Point and Upper Koel Viewpoint.
11:00 AM: Explore pine forests. Walk the trail.
1:00 PM: Lunch in Netarhat.
2:30 PM: Depart Netarhat for Ranchi via the return route.
6:30 PM: Return to Ranchi.
Ranchi to Netarhat Overnight Itinerary (Including Lodh Falls)
Day 1 — Netarhat: Depart Ranchi at 3:30 AM for the sunrise. Spend the morning at Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and the pine forests. Check into Jharkhand Tourism's Van Vihar Forest Lodge or a homestay (limited accommodation — book well in advance). Afternoon: explore Upper Koel Viewpoint. Sunset at Sunset Point.
Day 2 — Lodh Falls and Betla: Early start. Drive to Lodh Falls (Burhaghaugh Falls) — 60 km from Netarhat via forest roads. The 143-metre waterfall is one of Jharkhand's most dramatic. Return toward Betla National Park (65 km from Lodh Falls) for an afternoon safari. Drive back to Ranchi (160 km from Betla, 3–3.5 hrs).
Travel Tips for the Ranchi to Netarhat Road Trip
- Leave Ranchi by 3:30 AM for the sunrise. Later starts miss the best light and the famous morning mist around the plateau.
- Carry a physical road map — mobile signals are weak or absent between Latehar and Netarhat.
- The road via Chainpur is narrow and winding near the ghats. Drive slowly, honk at blind curves, and avoid overtaking on the ghat section.
- Accommodation is very limited at Netarhat — Jharkhand Tourism's Van Vihar Forest Lodge and a few homestays. Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance for weekends.
- December and January nights at Netarhat can drop below 5°C — carry warm layers even if you're coming from Ranchi in summer.
- The Thar or Scorpio is strongly recommended for the ghat sections, especially after rain.
Book Your Drigo Car for Netarhat
Drigo offers self drive cars in Ranchi from ₹999/day. No driver required — complete digital KYC in under 10 minutes and pick up from a verified host across Ranchi. Browse live availability and book now. See also our dedicated Ranchi to Netarhat car rental page for route details, car recommendations, and FAQs. Planning to combine Netarhat with Betla? See our Ranchi to Betla car rental guide.