Kiriburu and Meghahatuburu, twin hill towns located in the West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, sit nestled deep within the vast Saranda forest, often called the "Land of Seven Hundred Hills."
This lush region is renowned for its dense sal forests, rich deposits of iron ore, and breathtaking natural beauty, making it a favored destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
A three-day trip here offers an immersive experience into the heart of this ecological and mineral-rich zone.
How to Reach:
Travelers commonly reach Kiriburu and Meghahatuburu by train, with Barbil (BBN) or Bara Jamda (BJD) stations serving as the nearest railheads. From these stations, a taxi or local bus can cover the 20-25 km journey to the towns. Kolkata to Barbil is conveniently served by the Howrah-Barbil Jan Shatabdi Express.
For air travelers, Ranchi (IXR) and Bhubaneswar (BBI) airports are the closest, located 142 km and 212 km away respectively, with road transport options available from both. Road connectivity links Kiriburu smoothly with major cities like Jamshedpur and Ranchi.
Accommodation:
Lodging options include guesthouses managed by the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), forest rest houses, and cottages. Barbil town is also a good base with more accommodation facilities nearby.
Three-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival and Local Exploration
- Arrive at Barbil or Bara Jamda and travel to your pre-booked hotel in Kiriburu or Meghahatuburu.
- After lunch and some rest, visit Kiriburu Sunset Point for panoramic views of the sprawling Saranda forest and surrounding hills, especially captivating at sunset.
- Evening free to stroll the town and enjoy the fresh hill air followed by dinner and rest.
Day 2: Waterfalls, Forest Safari, and Mines
- Rent a local vehicle to explore the natural wonders.
- Go on a jungle safari in Saranda forest, a habitat of diverse flora and fauna including elephants, requiring prior permission from the forest office.
- Visit local waterfalls such as Jhikra, Pundul, or Gagadia—spectacular especially in and after the monsoon season.
- View the unique red-tinted Karo River, attributed to iron ore deposits.
- Tour the tribal village of Thalkabad to experience indigenous culture.
- Optionally, visit open iron ore mines operated by SAIL (permissions required).
- Return to your hotel for dinner and to share stories of your day’s adventures.
Day 3: Sunrise and Departure
- Early morning wake-up to witness the breathtaking sunrise at Meghahatuburu Sunrise Point atop mist-covered hills.
- Breakfast back at the hotel.
- Depending on your departure schedule, visit local attractions such as the SAIL Garden, the artificial Meghahatuburu Lake, or the Swapneshwar Temple.
- Check out and proceed to Barbil or Bara Jamda station for onward travel.
Important Tips:
- Best visit period is from October to March with pleasant weather; monsoon months (July-August) make waterfalls spectacular but can affect road conditions.
- Obtain forest permits in advance for safaris and restricted areas.
- Carry comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for evenings, and a good camera for the captivating landscape.
- While some eateries exist, carrying snacks and bottled water is advisable since iron-rich local water may cause discomfort for some visitors.
Kiriburu and Meghahatuburu not only serve as vital iron ore mining hubs but also as gateways to the pristine natural reserve of Saranda forest.
This blend of industrial importance and ecological richness makes a short trip here both exciting and refreshing, providing travelers a serene escape into the hills of Jharkhand.
The region offers an enchanting combination of lush forests, tribal culture, and hill station charm that can be comfortably explored within a three-day itinerary.
