Ranchi to Netarhat | Self Drive Car Rental
Rent a self drive car in Ranchi for Netarhat — 155 km via Latehar. Thar ₹3,500/day, Scorpio ₹2,499/day. Famous for sunrise, pine forests and Lodh Falls. Book on Drigo.
Quick Info — Ranchi to Netarhat Road Trip
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 155 km (one way) |
| Drive Time | ~3–4 hours |
| Route | Ranchi → Lohardaga → Latehar → Netarhat (SH1 via Chainpur) |
| Best Drigo Cars | Mahindra Thar (₹3,500/day — essential for ghat sections), Mahindra Scorpio (₹2,499/day for groups) |
| Fuel Stops | Lohardaga, Latehar |
Book a self drive car for this trip on Drigo →
Starting from ₹999/day. No driver needed. Digital KYC in minutes. Pickup in Ranchi.
Top Places to Visit in Netarhat
- Sunrise Point — Netarhat's world-famous sunrise over the Jharkhand plateau, best October–March
- Sunset Point — panoramic views over the Palamu forests at dusk
- Lodh Falls — a 143-metre waterfall in the forest near Netarhat, one of Jharkhand's tallest
- Koel Viewpoint — scenic lookout over the Upper Koel River valley
- Pine and deodar forests — cool hill air at 1,128 metres elevation — refreshing in summer
Best Cars from Drigo for Ranchi to Netarhat
- Mahindra Thar (₹3,500/day — essential for ghat sections)
- Mahindra Scorpio (₹2,499/day for groups)
Book Hyundai Creta in Ranchi · Book Mahindra Scorpio in Ranchi · Book Maruti Swift in Ranchi
Fuel Stops on the Route
- Lohardaga
- Latehar
Travel Tips for Ranchi to Netarhat
- Start before 4 AM from Ranchi if you want to reach in time for the famous sunrise at Netarhat
- The SH1 ghat sections near Latehar are steep and winding — the Thar or Scorpio is strongly recommended
- Carry a physical road map — mobile signals are weak or absent in the forested ghat sections
- The road via Chainpur is scenic but narrow in parts — avoid driving in heavy monsoon rains
- Netarhat is cool year-round but positively cold in December–January — carry a jacket
Read the full Ranchi to Netarhat road trip guide →
Ranchi to Netarhat — FAQs
How far is Netarhat from Ranchi by road?
Netarhat is approximately 155 km from Ranchi via SH1 through Lohardaga and Latehar. The drive takes about 3.5–4 hours, including the winding ghat sections. The route is scenic but requires careful driving near the ghats.
Which car is best for the Ranchi to Netarhat road trip?
The Mahindra Thar is the ideal car for Netarhat — its high ground clearance and 4x4 capability make the ghat sections and forest roads much more manageable. For groups, the Scorpio at ₹2,499/day is the next best option. Budget cars like the Swift are driveable but uncomfortable on the ghat.
What is Netarhat famous for?
Netarhat is called the 'Queen of Jharkhand'. It is most famous for its spectacular sunrises viewed from the Sunrise Point at 1,128 metres elevation. Other attractions include Sunset Point, the 143-metre Lodh Falls in the forest, and pine and deodar forests that are refreshingly cool compared to Ranchi.
Can I do a Ranchi to Netarhat day trip and return the same day?
Yes, but it requires a very early start — leave Ranchi by 3:30–4 AM to catch the sunrise (around 5:30–6 AM in winter, 5 AM in summer). You'll have 4–5 hours to explore before driving back, returning to Ranchi by evening. An overnight stay is more relaxed and recommended.
Is Netarhat good to visit in summer from Ranchi?
Yes. Netarhat at 1,128 metres is significantly cooler than Ranchi even in May–June (around 20–26°C vs Ranchi's 35–40°C). It is a popular summer escape for Ranchi residents. October to March is the best season for the famous sunrise and clear views.