I was brought up in Ranchi and Jamshedpur in Jharkhand, and for a long time, a visit to the Patratu Valley was merely a dream due to the Naxalite threats. Thankfully, the region is now safe, and during my father’s recent visit, we decided to finally make the journey to this mesmerizing valley and its serene dam.

The Allure of Patratu Valley

Surrounded by lush forests and characterised by winding roads, the Patratu Valley is a sight every traveller would love to capture. It is also home to the famous Patratu Thermal Power Station. Once a forested land, Patratu has developed into an offbeat tourist spot, just around 40 km from Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand.

Jharkhand is rich in wildlife, with forests housing some of the most serene and hidden locations. It’s one of the least-explored states in the country, and one such place that can leave you stunned is the beautiful valley town of Patratu, situated at an elevation of around 1350 feet.

A Glimpse into Patratu’s History and Attractions

Located in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand, Patratu is a charming valley town known for its dam. The dam, constructed under the guidance of Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (Sir MV), was built to cater to the water needs of nearby towns and villages. Sir MV’s birthday, September 15, is celebrated as Engineers’ Day in India, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania in his honour. The dam, which stores water from the Nalkari River, is the main attraction of Patratu.

Our Scenic Journey

We embarked on a half-day trip from Ranchi to Patratu. The ghat roads were blissful, and the drive was exhilarating. Passing through the Pithoria-Patratu valley, we enjoyed lovely S-curves, hairpin bends, swooping corners, and absolutely stunning views. The roads were picturesque, with wide corners and fenced borders. We stopped at a valley viewpoint to enjoy the scenery and indulge in some golgappas (fuchkas) and ice creams from the local vendors.

Patratu Lake Resort

On October 2, 2019, Chief Minister Raghubar Das inaugurated the newly constructed Patratu Lake Resort. Built beside the Patratu dam by the State Tourism Department, the resort is a magnificent tourist site with several amenities. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as jet skiing, high-speed motorboats, sideboats, and parasailing at the water park. Additionally, the amusement park offers wall climbing, bungee jumping, and a multilayered rope course. However, the resort and its facilities were still getting the finishing touches during our visit.

A Memorable Return

After an exhilarating day, we returned home, enjoying tender coconut on the way back.

If you love exploring untrodden trails, Patratu Valley is a gorgeous beauty you must add to your bucket list. Its serene landscapes, adventurous roads, and rich history make it a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.