Latehar

State

Latehar is a district which is located in the Palamu region of the Indian state of Jharkhand. The headquarters of this district is based at Latehar town, which is located around 105 km north-west of Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand. This district shares its boundaries with Ranchi, Lohardaga, Gumla, Palamu and Chatra district. To the south-west of the Latehar district, lies the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.

Latehar is a district in the Indian state of Jharkhand. Various sightseeing attractions including waterfalls, national parks, forts and rivers attract travellers from all over. The Betla National Park is one of the major attractions of this district situated in the Deccan Plateau.

This national park has been converted into a tiger reserve, which houses numerous species of flora, avifauna and fauna. Sloth bears, civets, gaurs and cheetals are the prominent animals seen in the park.

Tourists can also visit the Koel River, which has been segregated into two parts. The Palamau Fort, located on the banks of the Koel River, is another popular sightseeing attraction of Latehar.

Latehar is also famous for its waterfalls such as Mirchaiya Waterfalls, Lower Ghaghri Falls, Kanti Falls and Sahi Falls. The Lodh Waterfalls is counted among the highest waterfalls of Jharkhand. Chiyanki, Dudua, Kerh, Kumandi and Barwadih are some of the other attractions.

Lodh Falls and Lower Ghaghri Falls, the two highest waterfalls in Jharkhand, are located in this district. Major rivers flowing through the district include Barakar, Poanchkhara, Keso, Akto, Gurio, Gukhana, Nadi and Sakri. This district is divided into seven Community Development Blocks, namely Latehar, Chandwa, Balumath, Manika, Barwadih, Garu and Mahuad.

During ancient times, the Palamu region, which includes Latehar, was under the administration of the Chero, who ruled over it for more than 200 years. In 1574, when Palamu was invaded by Raja Man Singh, the influence of Mughals extended to the region. Later in 1629, Shah Jahan gave Palamu as a jageer to Ahmad Khan, who was appointed as the Subedar of Patna.

In 1772, the region of Palamu was invaded by the British for the first time. Soon they took control over the fort and ruled it till India’s Independence in 1947. The Cheros and Kharwars revolted against the British administration in 1832, but were defeated by the British forces near Latehar.

Being a part of Palamu, Latehar was also affected by Chero rule, British rule and Muslim infusion. In January 1928, when Palamu district was formed, Latehar was one of its subdivisions.

Later, on 4 April 2001, Latehar district was created by separating the Latehar subdivision of Palamu District. Today, the district is renowned for its rich natural beauty, dense forest, forest products and mineral deposits.

Being predominantly inhabited by tribal population, celebrations of Karma Festival and Jani Shikar Festival are an integral part of the culture of the region. Betla National Park and Palamu Fort are the major tourist attractions in the district.

Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi is the nearest airport, which can be used to reach Latehar. Latehar Railway Station, which is served by trains from Ranchi, Garwa, Tori and New Delhi, is the main station serving the district. The main bus station in the district is Daltonganj More Latehar Bus Stand. Though Latehar can be visited year round, the best time to visit this place is from December through February.