6:55 PM
Unknown
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.
#2. Tata
Steel Zoological Park + Jubilee Park + Amusement Park + Laser Show + Jayanti
Sarovar
|
||
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:
- Visit to the zoo itself takes half of the day.
If you are taking kids along, prepare how to ignore the couples. ;)
- Visit to the park is fun in the evening when
the fountains are lit up with colourful lights.
- 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.
- The laser show happens under the open sky. That means if it is
drizzling, it is not going to be that much fun.
- Don't have very high
expectations with the Amusement
Park.
See More at:
http://www.tatazoo.com/ for Tata Steel Zoological Park.
#3. Dalma Hills + 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:
#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://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?!!!)
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:
#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:
#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 ;)
#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:
#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.
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. :)
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. :)
See Also: Was it Love, or Was it Not?!
Posted in
