The best kinds of holidays are those that are unexpected and off the beaten track. It doesn’t get much more off the beaten track than Chatra, in Jharkhand. Though Jharkhand is not known for tourism, Chatra gives the discerning traveler a good reason to visit. Known as the gateway of the state, Chatra proudly displays a stunning landscape with dense forests, vast expanses of greenery, gushing waterfalls, old forts, and ancient temples. Moreover, the district tells a glorious story of its history through its many structures and monuments left behind by past rulers, including the Mauryas, the Mughals, and the British.
Though it is a part of the feared Red Corridor of India that is known for Naxal activities, the natural beauty and calming silence of the region make it well worth the trip.
Chatra has a number of spots that make for great tourist attractions. The Bhadrakali Temple is one such example. In the midst of a landscape that includes a river, waterfalls, and forests, the temple paints a scenic picture. It is an important Hindu pilgrimage point as it is one of the Shakti Pithas in India. Excavations date this temple and its main idol back about 2,000 years.
Located in the Kunda Village, the remnants of the Kunda Palace and the Kunda caves are popular tourist attractions. The palace was most likely built towards the turn of the 18th century. Despite its dilapidated state, the palace draws many visitors every year. The cave seems to have been built after the completion of the palace and both are connected by a narrow path.
Other temples, waterfalls, caves, and forested areas in the region also make a trip to Chatra even more worthwhile.
The most convenient and safest way to move around Chatra would be to hire a car or a private taxi from a local rental.
On a daily basis there are approximately 2 flights that operate at Gaya Airport.Air India is the popular airline brand that fly frequently to this airport.
By road Chatra is surrounded by Hazaribag, Gaya, Jhumri Tilaiya which are 34.32 km, 41.15 km, 43.76 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.