10 Places You Must Visit in Jamshedpur

Before the Durga Pujas, my cousins from Kolkata came to visit us. Now most of them had visited the city many times, but one of my younger cousins were visiting us for the first time. She wanted to tour the entire city, but they had only two days in hand. So we planned out everything, and came up with 10-points tour of the city. 

#1. Sai Mandir

The Sai Temple

The Sri Sai Centre, built on 0.75 acre at a cost of around Rs 3 crore, is meant for all devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba, the legendary saint held as the incarnation of Krishna by some and a pir by others.

A multi-religion 13-member managing committee — Shirdi Sai Baba has always attracted devotees of all affiliations — is looking after the centre. Daisy Irani, the better half of former Tata Steel managing director and metallurgy legend J.J. Irani, is its patron.

Built last year, this is the best and the most recent attraction of the city.

FYI: On Thurdays, the temple is pretty crowded with many devotees standing in a queue. 

See More at: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121027/jsp/jharkhand/story_16126513.jsp

#2.   Tata Steel Zoological Park + Jubilee Park + Amusement Park + Laser Show + Jayanti Sarovar

Inside Jubilee Park

Now you must be wondering why I clubbed 5 places in one point. Well, here it goes. Jubilee Park is spread over an area of 225 acres (no kidding!), loosely replicating the Vridhawan Gardens of Mysore. Its beautifully green consisting of various rare species of trees, plants and flowers. They say you can see almost all types of roses in one place here, inside the rose garden. The amazingly synchronized dancing fountains only add to its charm. On 3rd March every year, the park is decorated with innumerable lights to mark the birth anniversary of Shri Jamshedji Tata. In weekends in the evening, the fountains are lit up with colourful mesmerizing lights.

Jubilee Amusement Park

Inside the park, there is an Amusement Park in which you can enjoy rides such as roller coaster, moon breaker, water slide, swinging boat, car crash and various other games. 

Laser Fountain in Jamshedpur

On the other side of the park, there is a dedicated structure where Laser Fountain shows are held every weekend in the evenings. If you miss this show, your trip to the park is incomplete.

Jayanti Sarovar

Along the park, the Jayanti Sarover (Jubilee Park Lake) makes the visit serene and peaceful. Of course, you can do boating here too, but you will have to enter the Tata Steel Zoological Park first.

Tata Steel Zoological Park

The zoo boasts of inmates like tigers, lions, reindeer, and...and...you better check it out yourself. :) 

Since all these places are clubbed in the same area, I clubbed them in the same point.

FYI: All said and done, I need to warn you of few things:

1. Visit to the zoo itself takes half of the day. If you are taking kids along, prepare how to ignore the couples. ;)
2. Visit to the park is fun in the evening when the fountains are lit up with colourful lights. 
3. If you are going with your family and folks, practice how to ignore the love couples sitting under the trees. If you are going with your love, keep naughty things out of your mind- the park is under direct supervision of the city police. If you are going alone, keep your expensive phones and gadgets at home- there have been reports of thugs roughing up the visitors.
4. The laser show happens under the open sky. That means if it is drizzling, it is not going to be that much fun.
5.  Don't have very high expectations with the Amusement Park.

See More at: http://www.holidayiq.com/Jubilee-Park-Jamshedpur-Sightseeing-388-363.html for Jubilee Park.

http://www.tatazoo.com/ for Tata Steel Zoological Park.

#3. Dalma Hills + Dimna Lake

Dimna Lake

Situated 13 Kms away (hardly an hour long drive) from the main city, Dimna Lake is a man-made lake constructed by Tata Steel to fulfill the water requirements of the citizens. It is a different kind of experience to see vast area of blue surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is an ideal tourist place to go with anyone. Just make sure you come back before dark.

Dimna Lake

Dalma Hills provide the tourists with a breath taking view of the surrounding areas. The temple of Lord Shiva attracts several devotees who visit the religious shrine on days of special festive occasion to seek divine blessings and eternal happiness. 

Far from the maddening crowd and the hustle bustle of the city life, the calm and serene surrounding of Dalma Hills relieves the tourists from the stress and strains of daily mundane life. Endowed with natural scenic beauty, Dalma Hills draw numerous tourists who are enthralled and enchanted with the captivating sight of the beautiful place.

FYI: Carry your refreshments and snacks along, you will hardly find any stalls here.

See More at:http://www.mapsofindia.com/jamshedpur/travel-guide/dalma-hills.html for Dalma Hills.

#4. Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary

Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary

First let me confess- I have never been there. Yet, quoting lines from Wikipedia, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is situated around the Dalma Hills. Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is a much larger area starting from Chandil to 40 km east. The Sacntuary on paper is spread around in 195 km². The forest cover is denuded up to 90% because of selective pilferage by timber mafia over many years.Animals are almost gone because of the sinister practice of Desua Sangar - a carnage of wild animals in summer under some animist religious garb.The sanctuary is an ideal spot for trekkers. Another attraction here is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, where a large number of devotees flock during the festival of Shivratri. The number of tourists visiting the sanctuary has significantly dropped in recent years due to the Naxalite infestation of the area surrounding the sanctuary and also due to the volatile situation in the region.

FYI: I find all types of sanctuaries very scary. :-O

See More at: http://redscarabtravelandmedia.wordpress.com/tag/how-to-book-dalma-forest-rest-house/  for Dalma Wildlife.

#5. Bhubneshwari Temple + Golmuri Church + Hudco Park

The Bhuvaneshwari Temple

The Bhuvaneshwari Temple is located at Bhuvangiri hills at a height 360ft above sea level. This Temple is based on South Indian architecture , has 36ft high Garbha Griham ( Sanctum Sanctorum ) and 64ft  five storeyed Rajgopuram. ( Main royal entrance ). The Temple main hall consists of eight pillars with eight different forms of Lakshmi. The architecture is heavily influenced by South-Indian culture.

Inside Golmuri Church

Golmuri Church is a very peaceful place to be in too. I don't have specific details to share, but if you are going towards Bhuvneshwari Temple, this church comes on the way. You would be glad when you drop by there.

Inside Sumant Mulgaonkar Park

Hudco Lake is easily accessible from the main city, as it is located in the middle of Telco Colony. This famous lake is surrounded by green fields and hill ranges that attract tourists. The industrially developed city of Jamshedpur is popular for its Sumant Mulgaonkar Park, which is situated just next to the Hudco Lake. This Sumant Mulgaonkar Park is a suitable place for organising picnic. The crystal clear water of Hudco Lake is ideal for boating. There is an artificial waterfall in the park which uses the water of the lake. Tourists can visit Hudco Lake during summers to get relief from the scorching heat of the sun. Moreover, the lake and the park are mainly crowded during weekends.

FYI:  1. The Bhuvaneshwari Temple stays closed in the afternoon, from approx. 2pm to 5pm.

        2. I think you should attend the Sunday Mass once.

       3. The top most gate that leads to the statue of Sumant Mulgaonkar in the park remains closed most of the time.

See More at:http://bhuvaneshwaripeeth.com/ for Bhuvaneshwari Temple.
http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g662321-d3208414-r146189093-Hudco_Lake-Jamshedpur_Jharkhand.html for Sumant Mulgaonkar Park. Someone in the link commented that cooking is not allowed in the park. (Should cooking be allowed in the park?!!!)

#6. Sun Temple (Surya Mandir)

Inside Sun Temple

Another new of Jamshedpur, The Sun Temple located in Sidhgora is a major tourist attraction. There are lots of things to do around here- pray, play, eat, relax. Two ponds constructed along the temple might be man-made, but there's something real in the spirituality they evoke. The temple dedicated to God of Sun, Surya Devta. The park and the premises are very well maintained.

FYI: Recently, there was news of the veg-hotel inside the premises being shut down. So carry your own refreshments.

See More at:http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101104/jsp/jharkhand/story_13136828.jsp for media report.

#7. Bistupur Market + Bistupur Gurudwara Sahib+ Beldih Kali Bari

My cousin had this urge to go shopping. So we planned to go to Bistupur Market- our Mall Road, our MG Road, our High Street. This area provides good shopping experience, with all the brands available here, and lots of street food stalls for your hungry tummy. 

And if you are looking for brands like Coma, Abibas, Reedok, Nice, and Lewis, do drop by in Amar Market. ;)

If you are interested in Jharkhand's Handicraft, please drop by Khadi Bhandar. It is in the main street, just before the traffic signal. 

Visting the Bistupur Gurudwara Sahib can be enriching experience for you. You would love to draw water (they call it Amrit) from the well. 

Beldih Kali Bari isn't far from this point. Visiting in the evening prayer time could be more fruitful. 

FYI: 1. Bistupur Market is larger than it appears. Get into the fruit market and you will love shopping there too.  

See More at:http://www.jamshedpur.ws/jamshedpur/bistupur-market.php for Bistupur Market.

#8. Kadma Toll Bridge

If you love long smooth drives, you will love this place. This bridge joins Kadma to Gamharia and looks beautiful during sunset. It is a delight to watch the sun go down behind the toll plaza and the reflection of the surrounding in the river water.

FYI: Please note that 2-wheelers are free but 4-wheelers are charged a toll tax of Rs. 15 for crossing once. Carry change with you. They grumble over bigger notes ;)

See More at:http://www.alltravels.com/india/jharkhand/unknown/photos/current-photo-58261364

#9. Sakchi Market

This is that desi-kinda bazaar you ought to visit. Here you can find almost everything under the sun. I don't understand why this market is not highlighted much. This is a fun place to go shopping to. This is our reply to Kolkata’s Barabazaar.

FYI: On Tuesdays, most of the stores here are closed. An alternate bazaar, The Mangal Bazaar is set in its place, where you can buy cheapest stuffs. 

See More at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakchi for history of 'Sakchi'.

#10. Restaurants

Jamshedpur has much to offer for your taste buds. 

·      Wave International - A beautiful resort built 10 miles away from Jamshedpur on the Jamshedpur-Ranchi highway. I love the swimming pool, and the children’s play corner.

·     Cinnamon - The best value for your money spent. At THE SONNET Hotel, South Park Bistupur. It's a 24X7 facility. Breakfast here starts at 6.00 am. I love the coffee here.

·   Equinox - The most expensive restaurant of Jamshedpur is a part of the THE SONNET Hotel. The ambience.

·        Little Italy - The Fortune Hotel Centre Point in Bistupur has this great Vegetarian Italian Restaurant. I love the view from its balcony.

·       Appetite - A great multicuisine restaurant in J K Residency with a great view of the Tata Steel factory (best viewed at night). Located next to the Gurudwara in Sakchi. I love the décor, and the food is awesome here!

·      Deep Purple – A restaurant on a slightly expensive side is in Sakchi Area in the Hotel Smita International. Has a big screen to entertain you with music videos or if any important sports event is on. Personally, I hate its service and the ambience.

·    The Host - This is not a part of hotel. Very good food and not very expensive. Located Near Hyundai Showroom, Bistupur. The Kadhai Chicken is awesome here!

·       Sukhsagar - A very good pure vegetarian restaurant at Yashkamal Complex, Main Road Bistupur. It has a branch in Sakchi also. The Gujju-Jain feel, and the yummy food makes it my favourite!

·      Daavat is a part of Hotel Asian Inn at Dhatkidih. Best Mughlai food you can ever have and don't miss the sizzlers if you happen to be there.

 ·      Novelty- A great place to eat for little expensive side situated in Bistupur. This restaurant provides take-away food facility in the morning as well as evening, mostly south-indian snacks. I had been here years back. I don’t go there anymore.

·     Delhi Darbar - Quite economical place for Non Vegetarians is situated at Sakchi next to Shopper's Square mall. This restaurant has an opening inside the bistupur market also. The best Biryani of the city is found here!

·      Blooms - A suburban bar and restaurant in Bistupur.

·     Country Club - It is a beautiful Bar with Egyptian background on the walls, Swimming pool, and an ice cream parlour.

·         Yo China - Visit this place for authentic chinese food. Situated in Sakchi near Titan Eye shop (Bengal Club). My dad’s favourite.

·   Ganga Regency- A luxurious hotel with spacious parking lots and excellent quality food and service available.
S    Street Food - Jamshedpur is famous for its street food. If you are looking for taste (not health and hygiene), experiencing the street food (gol-gappa, litti, pav-bhaji, egg-rolls and bhelpuri) near D. M. Madan school (Bistupur) or Near N-road crossing (chole-bhature, chowmein, gol-gappa, samosa-chat, momos) is for you.

·      Sweets - Jamshedpur has many good quality sweets shop. Chhapan Bhog (bistupur & Sakchi), Gangaur (Sakchi), Sagar Sweets (bistupur), Bhola maharaj (sakchi), Misti (sakchi, bhalubasa, kadma), Sweet mart (kadma), Mantu Sweets (tinplate) and Brijbasi (mango) are just a few of them.

·         KFC- SNP Area, Near Reliance Fresh, Sakchi. I rather not describe it, the name says it all.
S   Glider's Cafe- Airport Area, Sonari. Great place to hangout. Snacks are always yummy here. Run by my friend Harsh, so its a personal favourite.

So I hope this list comes handy to you next time your cousins visit you here. Did I miss any place?! Mention it here in the comments. :)

This is your friend Prasanjit Saha, wishing you happy touring! Bon Voyage!


See Also: Was it Love, or Was it Not?!

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Was it Love, or Was it Not?!

In this ultra modern era, no real love story has a happy ending. On an average, every man and woman goes through at least 2-5 relationships (serious or not, that depends) before ending up in marriage. I have no idea the number of relationships they get into after that ;) . So, for every one successful love story, there must be 2 to 5 not-so-successful love stories. All the movies, novels and songs highlight and praise that one love story that finally materializes into marriage. But what about the love stories that doesn’t work out? Just because those relationships didn’t work out, they don’t qualify to be called love?

They say that if it is not forever, it is not love. But I think the concept is totally stupid. It is same as saying that if you didn’t come first, you have not studied well; or like if it is not sweet, there is no sugar; or like if there is no sun in the sky, it is not day; or like if it is not flooded, it is not raining, or like if it is not forever, it is not hatred. C’mon, get real dude! Life is not a binary choice- either-or types. There are things in between. Love is one of them.

You got to agree with this. When you fell in love for the first time and every time, didn’t you feel like that person was the person you always wanted, that person is the ‘Love of Life’? Didn’t you give your hundred percent, doing crazy and stupid things to impress him or her? Didn’t you feel that excitement and that frenzy inside your heart all that time? Didn’t you feel ‘Love’? Yes, indeed you did. But just because it didn’t work out properly and ended abruptly possibly hurling abuses at each other, it couldn’t be called ‘Love’?

You have to face it- the reality and the practicality. Sometimes, while working through the files in office, or while cooking dishes at home, or while making presentations for the seminar, or while writing essays during exams, or while partying late night in the disc, you think of those moments, the moments of love, and miss them. And then, you end up being confused- Was that love, or was it nothing?

Let me clear out your dilemma. It was love. Yes, it sure was. You have to accept it and let it sink in your system. You have to understand that all that was, was nothing less than love. And it wasn’t for nothing. It was for that moment, that time that became so precious and memorable simply because you were in love. That moment and that time might have passed, but in your mind it lies so fresh. It was for that moment of love.

You have to cherish that moment of love, and you have to keep it safe within you. Because not only it defines you, it makes your present worth living. Once you start cherishing those moments, you will let go the feeling of regret and guilt that had occupied your heart and had made your present miserable. Then you will realize that it was all for that moment, that precise moment of togetherness.

Love will happen many times in one’s life. And each time it will only get better, till it finally works out properly and you end up in marriage. (This includes arranged marriages too). But that doesn’t give you the authority to call the rest of the previous relationships as trash. Those relationships were full of love- THEY JUST DIDN’T WORK OUT.

So stay happy, enjoy falling in love, and respect the relationships you had. Be strong enough to live with the fact that it didn’t work out just because it wasn’t meant to be, and no one is responsible for it. Be mature enough to honestly accept that you made mistakes and similar mistakes were reciprocated. Be humble enough to learn from your mistakes. Be bold enough to admit that it was love.

And, most importantly be grateful that you were blessed with love so damn many times!

With that wonderful overwhelming feeling of love, this is Prasanjit Saha signing off. Have a great day ahead! Ciao!

See Also: Mujhe Jeena Hai

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I. ME. MYSELF.

It may sound like that, but this little poem is not about me. It is about YOU. Your spirit, your courage, your determination of not giving up. Almost everyone of us sometimes look into mirror and talk to ourselves, albeit subconsciously...especially during worst times of life. 

This is a straight salute to all of you, for not giving up.

"I saw myself, looking at me, with utmost expectations. I realised that I depended totally on me, and there was no other person who could support me and help me, besides myself.

There was no other, and there will be none.

It was always me, alone in my prison.

Locked away from the entire world while I was alone with my thoughts mundane

I realised that no one could take me out of my grief, and this unendurable pain.

While, I, besides myself, totally depended on me,

“Me” being the master of my fate, had to decide what it would be.

I decided I would never rely on others,

And I would be bold when I face life’s trials and tribulations.

When I myself would depend on me,

No one else would become my priority.

I would never look down upon myself,

Supporting myself, I would never expect any stranger’s help.

Besides myself, I would always be there;

Be the weather rough, be the weather fair.

I won’t let anyone tell me I cannot.

I know I can do it, no matter what.

If I love myself and trust myself, and no one else but me

In spite of all my drawbacks, shortcomings and idiosyncrasy,

I have a strange gut feeling inside me deep

That, then, Victory will come to me and kiss my feet."

-Prasanjit Saha

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