Oktatabyebye

Located in the East Singbhum district of Jharkhand is the scenic and tranquil town of Ghatsila or Ghatshila. With a population comprising largely of tribals, the town located along the banks of the Subarnarekha River (‘Subarnarekha’ means golden streak) is known for its scenic beauty, dense forest area and salubrious climate- probably the main reason why it is getting popular with the travellers from West Bengal, who frequent Ghatsila for a quite weekend gateway.

The pride and lifeline of the people of Ghatsila is the beautiful Subarnarekha River. The river,  geographically placed between two mountain ranges makes a very pretty picture especially in the morning and afternoon, when the sunrays fall on the banks. During this period, the river takes a golden hue and it appears as if the river is full of gold. And this probably is the reason why people claim that gold is still found on the banks of the Suvarnarekha.

Located on its banks are innumerable stones from which the town got its name and that appear as large as elephants in the moonlight. Follow the river and you will come across an awesome landscape with patches of human habitants scattered here and there. The Panch Pandava Tila (5 km north-west of Ghatsila), where the Pandavas had stayed for some time during their exile is located here. On the Apu's Road to Dahijora is Gouri Kunj - the residence of Bibhuti Bhushan Bandyopadhyay who wrote the famous Pather Pachali, and Aparajita. Continue on the picturesque road shadowed with Sal and Amlaki to Dahijora/ Mosaboni and you will reach the Sri Ramakrishna and Vivekananda Ashram. Spend some time here in the midst of tranquility and move ahead a few kilometers to view the amazing sunset at the Ratmohana hillock.

This place can be reached after crossing the Mohan Kumararmangalam Bridge. However, be back before dusk sets in, as the area is unsafe after dark. A further 2 km on the left is the Civil Court which was once the palace of the Ghatsila Kings. Other places worth visiting in the area are the Phuldunguri hillock - a scenic spot with tall trees and chirping birds famed for fulfilling the desire of baffled lovers, the Rankini Mandir of Jadugora - a tribal deity who was once the devourer of children but is now their protector. Earlier, children used to be sacrificed at the altar but now it is buffalos that are sacrificed 15 days before the Durga Puja.  The Mandir wears a festive look during the month of Aswina when special puja is held.

The factory of Hindustan Copper Limited is also located here and one can visit it on a Saturday only after signing certain bonds and paper. Rupnarayan & Subarnarakha are also nice places to hang around.

Galudih Resort Centre,  8 km away from Ghatsila attracts people from far and near during the winters thanks to its verdant hills and healthy climate. The Burudi Lake and dam located 9 km from the town has an artificial lake surrounded by hills on all sides. Dharagiri is another beautiful picnic spot famed for its 20 feet high waterfall. It is located 10 km north of Ghatsila and there are ample chances of coming in contact with wild elephants here.

There is no dearth of hotels in Ghatshila. There are a number of hotels in Ghatshila, which range from mid price hotels to budget hotels and guest houses. Check hotels in Ghatsila

By Air: Nearest airport is at Ranchi, 107 km away

By Rail: Ghatsila is well connected to the important stations of Bihar, Jharkhand & Kolkata. Trains from Kharagpur that goes to west in Jamshedpur direction (37 km by rail) mostly have stoppages here. Distance between Ghatsila and Kharagpur is 98 kilometers.

By Road: Ghatsila is about 240 km from Kolkata. To reach there, you need to take NH 6 to Baharagora from Kolkata and then take the road to Jamshedpur. From Jamshedpur, Ghatsila is 42 km away. Buses that ply between Kharagpur and Jamshedpur as also those going from Kolkata to Jamshedpur and Ranchi pass through Ghatsila.