mccluskieganj tourism places to visit

Top 5 Spots In Mccluskieganj That Every Traveller Must Explore (2024)

Located only 64 km from Ranchi , McCluskieganj is one of the most underrated hill stations in India. McCluskieganj, which is a tiny hill town, might not be immensely popular among tourists throughout India, but it is quite famous among people in Bihar and Jharkhand . Most people in the said states explore McCluskieganj hill station in Jharkhand to spend peaceful weekends with their family or friends. Even a few years back, McCluskieganj was home to the Anglo-Indian community in Jharkhand. But now, the population of Anglo-Indian people in the region has declined pretty drastically.

The history of McCluskieganj is pretty impressive. You will be surprised to know that this city was founded in 1933 by the Colonization Society of India who consisted of the Anglo-Indian people. It was Timothy McCluskie, who first intended to develop a town for only the Anglo-Indian community of India. Around 400 families from the said community started living in McCluskieganj. But soon after World War 2, most of the families went to England. Only 20 families continued residing at McCluskieganj.

That is why the town is so peaceful as it is quite secluded. McCluskieganj is quite beautiful, and that is one of the main reasons why the Anglo-Indian community wanted to start a township over there. This town is commonly known as “Little England. That is one of the main reasons why the Anglo-Indian people wanted to set up their home in this town.

When you visit the city, you will see reminiscences of the colonial era quite vividly. Throughout McCluskieganj, you will find bungalows inspired by European designs. Right now, this town is visited by many residents of West Bengal , Bihar and Jharkhand. As the scenic beauty of the city is quite gorgeous, people love spending their time over there. The best way to reach McCluskieganj is to rent a car from Ranchi. You will get there within three hours. In this blog, we are going to discuss the most beautiful sites located over there.

Top 5 Spots In McCluskieganj That Every Traveller Must Explore

The places mentioned in the following part of this blog are some of the most well-known sightseeing spots in McCluskieganj. To explore the quaint hill station properly, you will have to visit the following tourist spots.

1. Dugadugi River

The Dugadugi river is not only the source of irrigation for McCluskieganj but it is also the main reason for the hill station’s natural beauty. As the mesmerizingly beautiful mountains surround the river, you will find the entire location to be quite bewildering. We would suggest you visit the riverside either during the time of sunset or sunrise. The view of the river amid the green hills is quite breathtaking.

Most people love to have a nice picnic by the bank of the river Dugadugi. You can also do that if you visit there at noon. The babble of the river amid the rustic scenery will genuinely calm your mind. Moreover, the broken bridge near the river is an excellent prop for fantastic photographs.

Top Spot In Mccluskieganj That Every Traveller Must Explore-Dugadugi River

2. McCluskieganj Forests

If you walk for a few minutes from the heart of McCluskieganj, you will be able to explore the beautiful forests over there. The woods are so peaceful and gorgeous that you will get transported into a different world. If you live in a crowded city, you will find the McCluskieganj forests, extraordinarily beautiful. The woods are surrounded by Mohua and Sal trees. These towering trees provides shade even in the middle of the day.

Top Spot In Mccluskieganj-McCluskieganj Forests

Credit: mousourik Image Source

While exploring the forests, you might also be lucky enough to see some bizarre species of birds. Many bird watchers visit McCluskieganj, to get a glimpse of the gorgeous and unique birds from different parts of the world. You will also notice beautiful orchids throughout the woods. The best way to get the true essence of the area is to take the trekking path of the woods. You will genuinely be glad that you took the approach.

3. St. John’s Cathedral

St. John’s Cathedral - Top Spot In Mccluskieganj

Image Source

Even now, the people of Christian and Anglo-Indian community living in McCluskieganj visit there every week to be a community and celebrate different customs together. As the chapel is located right at the heart of McCluskieganj, you will have no problem in finding it.

4. Jagriti Vihara

Founded in 1975, Jagriti Vihara is one of the most scenic sites in McCluskieganj. It was created to provide shelters for orphans and offer development to the rural community living in the region. But now, it has become of the most visited sightseeing spots in McCluskieganj. As the centre is located right by the Chatti river and surrounded by beautiful trees, the scenic view surrounding there is quite breathtaking.

Best Spot In Mccluskieganj-Jagriti Vihara

5. Duli Village

Duli Village is located quite close to McCluskieganj. The tiny village is quite picturesque and offers you peek into the lives of its local people. There are some important monuments located over there like Radha-Krishna temple and a mosque that you must also visit.

Even though you might not find this village overwhelmingly beautiful, but it allows you to see the world in a new way. It will be better for you if you bring your camera with yourself during this trip.

Amazing Spot In Mccluskieganj-Duli Village, Radha-Krishna Temple

Where do you want to go?

Medical Tourism Enquiry

Destinations
Adventure Tours
Religious Tours
Trekking Tours
Weekend Getaways
International NEW

International

Travel Experience

A Visit to McCluskieganj, a Quaint and Lesser-Known Hill Town in Jharkhand

This informative blog has been contributed by Dr Gargi and Neel, a couple from Bengaluru enjoying travelling, photography and writing. The write up offers details on the lesser-known hilly town, McCluskieganj in Jharkhand which you must visit if you enjoy exploring offbeat places in India.

Finally, it was a day off our busy schedule. It has been many days that we have planned to visit McCluskieganj; a tiny village and an offbeat hill destination in Jharkhand. We have heard and read so much about the scenic beauty of this place from our childhood days. McCluskieganj has found an important place in the literary works of famous authors from both India and abroad. This lesser-known hill station in Jharkhand was recently highlighted in a Bollywood movie. We would have missed a lot had we not paid a visit to this idyllic village which is just 65km drive to North-West from Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand.

Why You Must Visit These 15 Ancient Cities in India

30 Best Royal Palaces to Visit in India Which are Embodiment of Royalty

From Ratus to McCluskieganj After driving for approximately half an hour after crossing the Ratu, we found ourselves meandering through a road which has dense woods on both of its sides. We crossed many villages of Jharkhand on our way. At times we saw people on the sides of the road selling freshly plucked mangoes. The motorable path smelled of fresh greenery and was buzzing with the sound of cricket. Nature was abound with a multitude of beautiful, vibrant coloured butterflies. Very few people were visible on this quiet thoroughfare. The people appeared to be simple and contented with a happy-go-lucky attitude. McCluskieganj as We Saw It

We saw buildings of Gothic style once we entered McCluskieganj. Mostly they were bungalows with an open space in front of them for gardening. The architecture of these bungalows reminded us of the Anglo-Indian culture of this place which we have read so many times in different literatures. We saw a number of convent schools and hostels for students there which once again confirmed that this serene place, far from the humdrum of the societies was ideal to pursue education.

This place to visit in Jharkhand has a railway station as well thus making it easily accessible to travellers. After crossing the railway lines, we went far inside the village to find ourselves on a street between the woods. The mud houses of the village were located in the shadows of big trees. There were bungalows on both sides of the street in which there were huge mango orchards. We went to one of these bungalows and asked for mangoes to buy. They sold us fresh, ripe from tree, juicy and delicious mangoes at a very reasonable price; the people were very hospitable also.

Through this street covered on both sides by dense forests, we went far till the Degadegi River which has a pool over it. Unfortunately, all water of the stream had dried up due to the scorching summer. We learnt from the locals that the bank of this river is famous as a picnic spot.

30 Best Honeymoon Destinations in India for the Holiday of a Lifetime

About Jagriti Vihar, the Seat of knowledge

The famous “Jagriti Vihar” is located at this place which invites foreigners from different parts of the world every year during the winters for seminars on social issues. “Jagriti Vihar” has many orchards inside it and there is also a school inside. One finds it rejuvenating to walk through the woody trails inside Jagriti Vihar. We met one elderly person there who shared many thoughts of wisdom with us. He was one of the patrons of the annual social meet who enlightened us with many current social issues the world is going through. We hope to look forward to attend one of these sessions. He was popular among the locals, and many students were coming and touching his feet.

Dulli Village En route Ranchi

On our way back to Ranchi, we stopped at a place in the village of Dulli which is named as “Sarba Dharma Sthal” marking it the seat of all religions. Within an open boundary, a temple, a mosque, a church and a gurudwara have been constructed side by side giving a clear message to the different faiths to live cohesively and not to create divisions based on religion.

One finds peace deep in the heart while sitting under the big banyan tree and feeling the cool breeze under a clear sky. This is the place where one can spend hours enjoying one’s solitude. The world full of conflicts among different religions appears bizarre when one watches this place from the perspective of its maker. We felt so relaxed here, we had lunch with the freshly bought mangoes, and had an afternoon nap under the shade of the big banyan tree.

Where to Go on a Summer Vacation in India with Family?

We set off towards Ranchi before sunset. McClucksieganj left a sweet memory in us. It is surely an easy weekend getaway from where one returns with tranquil refreshment, waiting for another sojourn when circumstances permit. It is one of those idyllic villages in India where one likes to come back for a respite without much planning beforehand. As we were retreating back towards the crowd again, on looking back, it appeared to us “When evening falls in the quiet open spaces, like a parting in the hair, the narrow path that cuts through the thick forests…” (quotation from Rimli Bhattacharya’s translation of Aanyak, by Bibhutibhusan Bandopadhyay)

Things to Know Before You Go

Transport- there are trains plying between Ranchi and McCluskieganj. Shortest railway distance is approx 132 km. Most of the trains halt at Khalari; 6 km from McCluskieganj. Only one train, Chopan express, has halt at McCluskieganj. There are buses plying to Khalari from Ranchi and Hatia. Local transport options need to be explored. The most effective way to reach this place appeared to be by a private vehicle.
Fooding and Lodging Options- Homestays are available which has to be booked prior. Few hotels are available at Balumath, 30 km from the hamlet. Restaurant options are scarce. It is advisable to carry one’s food and beverages for a one day trip in a private vehicle.
Things to Do – Enjoy nature at its best, far from the madding city bustle.
Ideal Time to Visit- October to March. June is good for mango lovers. Monsoon will be good for those who want to enjoy relaxing on the riverside.
Caution- Those who are expecting good amenities, should think twice before visiting.

If you liked reading this blog by Gargi & Neel, you will also love their other blog on our site. Click here to read .

About Tour My India

Tour My India is among the top notch online travel organizations, which has been recognized by the Department of Tourism, Government of India. Owing to its rich experience in the travel domain, it has earned specialization in offering all types of tours. Right from an excursion on the rugged terrain of hilly areas, to pilgrimage on holy places, Tour My India has quality experience and expertise in making all the arrangements for a safe and memorable trip.

7 Best Places to Spend Your Summer Break in North India

Now an Intangible Cultural Heritage Under UNESCO, Gujarat’s Garba Shares the Global Stage

10 Best Bird Watching Destinations in India

Three Tiger Cubs Spotted in Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve

Hill Stations
Travel Deals
Amazing Facts
Travel Tips
Travel Alerts
Travel Videos
Edu-Tourism
Inspirational People

Subscribe for more updates, tips and insights for your holidays.

20 Highway Dhabas that You Must Stop By

Top 15 places for honeymoon in north east india, 12 best beaches in maharashtra, top 15 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in kerala, best 15 destinations in india for solo women travellers, int'l blog posts.

10 Best Beaches in Thailand

Tourism Update – Enjoy Visa Free Holiday Travel in Sri Lanka

Thailand Tourism Update- Indian Travelers Now Get a Visa-Free Entry to Thailand!

Top 25 Places to See and Things to Do in Thailand

Sorry, we couldn't find anything that matches your search.

Destination

Famous Places to Explore in Hyderabad

A vibrant city with the imposing...

Raipur Tourist Places | Best Place to Visit

The stronghold of several erstwhile...

Declared as India's first UNESCO World...

Ananthagiri

The verdant Ananthagiri Hills is...

Located on the banks of River Godavari,...

Situated around 40 km from Raipur,...

Boasting the famous Chand Baori...

Albert Hall Museum

A magnificent building built in...

2023. The year of India’s G20...

McCluskieganj
Destinations

Nestled between lush forests and lofty hills, the scenic town of McCluskieganj exudes colonial charm. Speckled with sprawling old bungalows that were once the home of Anglo-Indian population earlier, the town is drenched with a rich history. Also known as the Little England of India, this town houses beautiful European-style bungalows with high roofs, large balconies and a portico. Tourists can book a stay in these bungalows and experience a truly English style of living. Tourists can also visit quaint churches scattered around the town. The nearby Duli Village also holds some prominent sites and tourists can pay their respects at the religious places here.

Though most of the families left the country after World War II, some Anglo-Indians still call the town their home. McCluskieganj lies about 60 km from the city of Ranchi.

Other Attractions in Ranchi

Amadubi Village

Amadubi Rural Tourism Village is home to talented tribal artists who...

Jagannath Mandir

Located on the outskirts of the city, this temple is one of the most...

Best known for the beautiful Hazaribagh Lake, the picturesque town of...

The historic town of Itkhori is a popular Buddhist centre known for...

We use cookies to ensure that you have the best experience on our website. Continued use of the website would be assumed to be an acceptance of these conditions.

Thank you for subscribing! Explore India with us.

Travel - Experience - Share

Philippines
Netherlands
Switzerland
United Kingdom
South America
New Zealand
Adventure Travel
Culture & Heritage
Sustainable & Responsible Travel
Travel Products & Services
Travel Tips
Food & Restaurants
Hotel & Resorts
Travel Resources
Published Work And Features
Work with Us / Contact Us
Search for: Search

McCluskieganj, Jharkhand – On the Trail of a Dream

Table of Contents

“It is all over now”! said the man behind the window with an air of finality tinged with deep sadness.

His pale skin stood in sharp contrast to the darkness behind him as we stood before him separated by a grilled window. He had refused to open the door and was talking to us through the window, of course, he did apologize to us for that later.

He was all of 80 years and appeared frail, his body subjected to the natural ravages of time and loneliness which more often than not is the bane of human existence. But what stood out was a spark that lit his eyes with brilliant illumination as he talked about McCluskieganj, his beloved McCluskieganj!

Yes, dear readers, we were at McCluskieganj, Jharkhand , India. This is a small and sleepy town nestled in the midst of hills and surrounded by verdant forests, some 65 kilometers from the capital city of Ranchi in Jharkhand, an eastern state of India .

We were there in McCluskieganj, India on the trail of a dream , a dream that went back to the year 1933.

How we Found Ourselves in McCluskie ganj

We were in Ranchi for the Jharkhand Travel Mart organized by Jharkhand Tourism . In the course of an audio-visual presentation the name of McClusikeganj found a fleeting mention and somehow the name stuck in the mind.

But strange are the machinations of destiny, we found ourselves with half a day to spare.

“If I had known earlier, I would have visited a place nearby for a story!” one of the media persons told me during a short conversation. It turned out he was referring to McClusikeganj.

“Are you game?” he asked.

“Yes, let’s go!”

And off we went in search of McCluskieganj.

It was the day of Ramnavami, the festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of the Hindu God Rama. The streets of Ranchi were awash in colour and crowds were dancing hysterically in religious fervor as we made our way in search of McCluskieganj.

A couple of enquiries with random locals elicited only blank stares of incomprehension. Finally, we approached an autorickshaw (tuk-tuk) driver who was ready to take us anywhere we wanted to go. He did not mind the fact that we wanted to go to a place that was about 65 kilometers from Ranchi and return back the same day.

We negotiated a rate with the autorickshaw driver whose name was Rehman and after a few more blank stares from the locals on enquiring about McCluskieganj we hit the National Highway No.39, which we had by then deduced would take us towards our destination.

McCluskieganj- A Dream Dating Back to the 1930’s

The Indian Independence movement was gathering steam, Mahatma Gandhi had marched to the sea in defiance of the British Salt Law which would go down in history as the Dandi March. But Indian independence was still more than a decade away.

The long British rule in India had given birth to an entirely new community that came to be known as Anglo-Indian . A community born of the mixed parentage of British and Indian origins.

This community which identified more with its British roots and yet could not shake off its Indian antecedents was caught in the twirl of history. The community suffered the angst of the half-breed and was looked down upon by the so-called pure blooded British, nor were they accepted by the Indian community as their own. In such a scenario, they yearned for a land which they could call their own.

A man called Earnest Timothy McCluskie gave impetus to the Anglo-Indian dream of a homeland that they could call their own. He was a real estate property dealer in Calcutta and he convinced the Raja of Ratu, a place in the interiors of the Chotanagpur plateau, to lease out 10,000 acres of land on a perpetual lease. He started the Colonization Society of India as a cooperative and invited members of the Anglo-Indian community to invest in its shares and buy a plot of land in the proposed Anglo-Indian colony. The dream was to develop a self-sufficient community based on agriculture somewhat along the lines of the Israeli Kibbutz concept.

McCluskieganj, Jharkhand - On the Trail of a Dream

The dream of the Anglo-Indian community blossomed into McCluskiegung as around 400 families settled in the pristine environs of the utopian dream. The place came to be referred to as a “Mini-England”. The land echoed with the sounds of music and dance, with peals of laughter as young and old picnicked on the banks of flowing rivulets. Gunshots rent the air as the gentlemen indulged in hunting. Ladies handed out cakes and sandwiches as the quintessential English custom of afternoon tea held sway.

It was obvious that the dream of Earnest Timothy McCluskie was flourishing and looking for expansion going by the October 1940 issue of, “The Colonization Observer”. which says:

“It is for this reason that we are now pushing out into every part of India to claim the ear and the attention of all our community for we see in McCluskiegunge the beginnings of what the Moslems call Pakistan but what we call Anglo-India . A place in India where we can foregather and mix freely.”

The Road to McCluskieganj

With the march of time, McCluskiegunge had become McCluskieganj. We were on the road to present day McClusikeganj in search of the utopia of yore.

We were traveling along in the autorickshaw that Rehman steered skilfully, raising a cloud of dust. Road work was in progress and it was apparent that the road was being widened, a sure sign of the development that was taking place in the region.

We reached a place called Chama and stopped to check if we were on the same route. A few locals stood curiously by the side of the road and again we got blank stares, but this time a spark of recognition lit up the face of one of the persons who exclaimed, “McClooskiganj! take a right from the traffic junction that you will come to after a couple of kilometres”.

The traffic junction greeted us with a board pointing right indicating McCluskieganj a sight that sent a thrill through our spines as we sensed we were nearing our destination.

The road curved through thick layers of the forest, but again the road was being laid or re-surfaced. We passed through stretches where the road work had been completed and we had an excellent road on which we floated along like a song. On the contrary, there were stretches which were nothing more than mud tracks on which the autorickshaw hurtled as we clung on for dear life. But it was apparent that road work was in progress and probably within months, one could see a lovely motorable road leading to McCluskieganj all the way through.

As we approached McCluskjieganj the landscape seemed to change dramatically, we saw greenery all around and trees overhanging the road gave it a dreamy look.

Carpets of fallen leaves covered both sides of the road.Soon we passed some an old British style bungalow, a church, a school. a hostel.

We had arrived at McCluskieganj and realized why this remote area in the midst of forests had been chosen to build a utopian dream.

McCluskieganj Today

One of the enduring legacies of the Raj apart from the postal system is the Railways. A railway station usually still forms the hub of activity, especially in the smaller towns and villages.

So we made our way to the McCluskieganj Railway station to make enquiries about the Anglo-Indian community.

We found a small roadside market selling all kind of wares from vegetables to clothes near the station, a typical scene in any small village or town of India. A huge crowd blocked the narrow road that ran parallel to the railway tracks leading to the station.

A temple which was celebrating Ramnavami was where the crowd had congregated. This noisy and boisterous part of the town seemed a far cry from the McCluskieganj that we had imagined.

After talking to a few of the locals, we realized that only a handful of Anglo-Indian families, probably around 5 or 6 now still lived in the town. Also, contrary to our expectations the bungalows that had been built were all spread across the area and not like your typical colony.

Many were abandoned and lay in ruins, many had been sold by their original owners to investors from Kolkata, some had been converted to homestays or hostels. The dream that was McCluskieganj seemed to have collapsed and the rot may have started after the independence of India. Many left the town for the far-off shores of England. Many migrated to the cities in search of opportunities.

Today only a handful of the Anglo-Indian community stay in McCluskiegunj clinging to memories, dreams, and hope of better days. Their eyes tell stories of the glorious past as their bungalows badly in need of maintenance seem to be trapped in a time warp.

But we also found glimmers of hope. The Don Bosco Academy has brought a revival of sorts, generating teaching opportunities as well as boarding opportunities. On the other hand, the McCluskieganj heritage bungalows that give a feel of the colonial past of India are becoming popular with people booking accommodation in these McCluskieganj bungalows.

In Search of Kitty Maam

As we made our enquiries in and around the station, one name was on the lips of all the people we spoke to, ‘Kitty Maam”. We were repeatedly told to speak to Kitty Maam. She seemed to be a legend in McCluskieganj.

Kitty Texeira was her name and she was born to Portuguese and Welsh parents and has lived all of her 65 odd years in McCluskiegunj. She reportedly sold fruits in the roadside market by the side of the railway station but had stopped doing so for some time now. A lady of Portuguese and Welsh lineage selling fruits in an obscure town of India sounded intriguing and we set off in search of Kitty Maam.

We found a tall, gawky man who looked like and behaved like the village oracle. We coaxed him to take us to Kitty Maam’s house and bundled him inside Rahman’s auto rickshaw. The autorickshaw wound its way out of the town through fields and stopped in the middle of nowhere as there was no road to move further.

We got down and followed the village oracle as he waxed eloquent about his exploits in the village and how McCluskieganj was named after not one, but two people, a father, and daughter! We walked down a steep embankment and he pointed out vaguely towards what seemed like a forest in the distance.

We followed him and soon entered an area thick with vegetation, it was almost dark and we could see the dim shape of a modest house in distance. As we approached in the darkness, dogs started barking menacingly, but we made our way gingerly and reached the doorstep of the house.

“This is Kitty Maam’s house announced the oracle with a flourish of his hands”.

A frail woman dressed in a sari appeared at the door. She was Kitty Maam. She spoke in flawless English and answered our questions with staccato answers. As if on cue she reeled off names of the people of the Anglo-Indian community who still lived in McCluskieganj.

“I married a tribal”, said Kitty Maam with an air of defiance, an indication of an action that must have evoked considerable attention and discussion when it happened. Today Kitty Texeira lives with her daughter and son in a house which is in the midst of nowhere, surrounded by thick vegetation. It is dark around her house, the light inside is dim, apparently, a reflection of the times as she struggles to make ends meet. But her eyes retain a sense of pride as they look piercingly at you, but you can sense a feeling of wistfulness for the times gone by.

We leave Kitty Maam to her struggles and dreams as we make our way back to the auto rickshaw. The sun has set and there is a luminous pink halo in the sky as we think of the lady called Kitty Texeira.

Kitty Texeira has played a bit part in the Konkona Sen directorial debut film, “Death in The Gunj”, she has essayed the role of Mrs. Kearney in the film. Kitty Texeira also features on the cover of the book “McCluskieganj”, by Vikas Kumar Jha .

A DEATH IN THE GUNJ Trailer | Festival 2016 Award-winning actor Konkona Sensharma makes her feature debut as a writer-director with this coming-of-age story about a shy young Indian student who quietly…

The Man Behind The Window

Before our encounter with Kitty Maam, we had wandered into the premises of an old colonial Bungalow with thatched roofs. It was apparent that the bungalow has seen better times.

Outside the bungalow, relaxing on a wooden cot we found Kallu who apparently took care of the Bungalow. He told us that the Anglo-Indians who owned it had sold the house some 14 or 15 years ago and left for Dehradun. The bungalow was purchased by some gentleman with the surname Jha, but no one had visited the property since then, nor was he being paid.

We spotted a smaller outhouse in the vicinity of the bungalow and were informed by Kallu that an Anglo-Indian gentleman lived alone there.

We knocked at the door and after what seemed like an eternity, a face appeared at the window. A fair, tall man stood at the window with probing eyes. He said that he was not interested in speaking to us.

But with a bit of coaxing, he relaxed and told us how he was living in McCluskiegang since he was born which he said was about 80 years ago. He said he was born in the Bungalow. He used to live there with his grandparents and parents. His grandparents and parents had all died in that bungalow and lay buried in the village graveyard. He was a Sergeant in the Air Force and now he lived alone after his wife had died and his son too had perished in an accident. His daughter was in Dehradun and he too had gone to stay with her but had come back to stay close to his roots.

“They are all here, my grandparents, parents, wife, son, I want to be close to them, so I came back”, says the Sergeant with a sigh.

His eyes light up when you ask him about life in McCluskieganj during its heydays. He said that there was lots of game around and one could actually spot a tiger on the way home from the club.

“It is all over now”! said the man behind the window with an air of finality tinged with deep sadness, realizing that he was again drifting off to his dreams.

The Best Photograph I Have Ever Taken

“What a photo opportunity”, whispered my friend from the media, as the Sergeant stood frail and vulnerable behind the window. The grills on the window created the illusion of a man behind bars.

“No Photographs please! appealed the Sergeant. My DSLR hung from my neck, my hand hovering over it.

“Go ahead, click him! whispered my media friend.

My hands froze, they refused to move.

It should have been easy. A few seconds and I would have had a perfect picture of a man imprisoned by his own memories, a man who stood as an example of the ephemeral nature of life.

But I did not click, instead, I found myself asking him for his permission to click his picture, which of course he refused.

We walked away after thanking the Sergeant, I did not have the picture but what I had was a smile of thanks that lit up the eyes of the octagenarian whom I wanted to leave with his dreams and memories, undisturbed, his privacy unviolated.

It was quite dark when we left McCluskieganj, we were lost in our thoughts as Rehman steered the auto rickshaw in pitch darkness. We had come in search of a dream, a utopian dream – McCluskieganj – an unfulfilled Anglo-Indian dream! But what we found was a handful of memories that survived the vagaries of time and some old bungalows that had seen better times.

We also found faint reminders of times gone by and a few tears that seemed to have been frozen in time.

Have you ever visited or come across a unique town or settlement specific to the dreams of a specific community? Do let us know your thoughts.

Thanks for visiting our site Voyager – imvoyager.com and taking the time to read our post! We’d love if you’d comment and share this post.

If you found this article interesting and enjoyed reading it, join our community and subscribe to Voyager's blog to receive great content delivered right to your inbox. [email-subscribers namefield=”YES” desc=”” group=”Public”]

Explore these posts:

40 thoughts on “mccluskieganj, jharkhand – on the trail of a dream”.

I’ve never been to India. I have noticed in the different posts I’ve read how much the culture and history is a part of everything.

This looks and sounds like a wonderful small town. I always enjoy finding unique places to explore.

I’m glad you respected the man’s wishes and didn’t take a photo. This story was kind of sad in a way, knowing that some of their dreams had collapsed. What an interesting story!

I didn’t even know what country you were in until I read part way through. I was guessing but wasn’t totally sure. Loved looking at all your different photos of a beautiful place.

Our neighbors when my kids were growing up, were from India. I’ve always wanted to go there after hearing all about it. This looks like an interesting place to start.

What a cool experience to write about. I love the bright colors in the town and the hidden entrances.

If only there was time to visit every corner of the world! Thanks for the virtual tour.

What a beautiful story! I felt like I was watching a movie. You’ve put me right into the atmosphere of McCluskieganj. What an interesting place to visit. I’ve never been to India, but if I go I’d love to visit McCluskieganj. You surely made me curious about it.

While I’ve never been to India, I’m constantly amazed by what I continue to learn about her history and festivals. There are so many interesting stories to tell, and you do it well!

I have never been to India , there some parts of India I am interested with. I like going to different country and learn their culture and history.

The photos are all amazing. I haven’t been to India but I think it would be a great experience. I wish that I could visit soon.

I really enjoyed reading this post. I’ve never been to India before. However, this looks like a wonderful place to explore.

India is so diverse! I loved seeing this village. I thought all of India was crowded. Not true!! Gorgeous photos.

I am not sure how you pronounce the place but it looks like a place I would love to explore. This makes me miss the country I came from.

I loved reading this post, thank you for sharing your adventures in this town. I’ve never experienced anything close to what you did here.

Thank you for sharing the history of India. I will probably never go there and I enjoy reading your stories.

The closest I have ever been to this was probably when I visited Mexico and we watched kids make a living off selling things to tourists from cruise ships. They also were really good pickpocketers. Those little village towns fascinate me.

Thanks for sharing your post. I shared this with my hubby as well since he likes learning about other places around the world.

I absolutely loved reading this post! I’m glad you decided to visit this place on a whim, and to write about it. Kitty Ma’am’s story is fascinating. Kudos to you for respecting the Sergeant’s privacy and for not clicking a photograph of him.

Loved the story. Reminded me of my three Anglo Indian class mates. Woodword joined Indian railways and organized its excellent catering service. I am 95 and so will he.Will love to get his news

Loved the story. Reminded me of my three Anglo Indian class mates. Woodword joined Indian railways and organized its excellent catering service. I am 95 and so will be he.Will love to get his news

I love that you give us a glimpse into a place that we will probably never have the pleasure of visiting. Thank you!

Wow what an incredible experience for you! Your photos are immediately transporting me there!

Great post, love that it is so in depth. The photos look so interesting and it is amazing how close you got to the people there. I have always wanted to visit India and get more into their culture and stories. Important to respect their wishes as well. Thank you for sharing.

I love the way you write, ever thought about writing a book? Haha! I love your story, it sounds like such an unique experience. Meeting and talking to the locals gives a beautiful image of a country (place) and the history. I have never been to such a town like this, but I’ve become very curious of McCluskieganj. A town with rich history!

Such an interesting story/history that I had never heard of. Being of mixed race myself, I somewhat understand what it feels like to not be fully accepted by either race. It’s quite frustrating at times, and I can see why he wanted to create his own community.

Fascinating post. I loved the photos of the crowds in the streets, and enjoyed reading about Kitty Maam.

When I first heard the name of McCluskieganj, I found it quite endearing. I had visited this place long back when there was fear of Maoist in this heaven. Its sad to see that the bungalows are in such bad condition now. Loved reading the post that brought back fond memories.

India is still part of my bucket list of different countries that I want to visit. It’s full of culture and I want to immerse as well to it. Hopefully I will be able to visit such place too.

What a great post! It is always a good idea to visit a place rich in history and it must be such a joy to be able to speak to the locals and learn about their culture and story! 🙂

I’ve been hearing quite a lot about India, but I’m not aware of the existence of this region which you’ve introduced here. Certainly looks like an amazing place to explore and learn more about the local culture and traditions!

How sad is this story you told! Lost dreams like that of the Utopian Dream of the Anglo-Indian community of McClusikeganj is so tragic. You didn’t have to take that photo!

Fascinating story! What an interesting town with a very rich history. I like how you really connected with the history through speaking with some of the locals – it’s a great way to learn more about a place.

This was a really interesting read. I love your voice in it. I especially like the best picture you didn’t take. I got me thinking about similar experience in my life and I hope you can always treasure the memory, even without the photographic evidence.

What an incredible story – or rather – series of stories you have unfolded here with history of Mccluskieganj. Every place has a tale to tell. But this one has many. Glad that you decided to do a trip here and bring it’s story forth. If the place is so beautiful today, imagine how it would have been when the Anglo-Indian community settled here. And life started thriving here!!

As someone interested in history, I really appreciate the efforts you went to in order to locate McCluskieganj and piece together its history and culture. You’ve brought to life a world and culture that is as good as vanished from this country. This is the sort of travel writing that I truly enjoy, after trawling though numerous mindless listicles and clickbait. Kudos!

I have never heard of this story or this place, and I so enjoyed reading your journey to find out more about the town and those that lived there. So neat that you got to meet and chat with people that grew up there! Thanks so much for sharing.

I loved all our posts on Jharkhand. I is such an offbeat state. I saw McCluskieganj in Death In The Goonj movie. A friend of mine from Bihar also told me a lot about McCluskieganj. After reading your blog, I realize why my friend was all praises for McCluskieganj. I hope to visit it soon.

Nice, informative and remarkably reflective of the colonial past ,how they moved and lived in McCluskieganj.Like to know about stay &sightseeing there.Thanks.

Beautiful penned down. I fill a bit jealous on how you are actually living your travelling dreams while I bound in corporate chains just imagine to do so. McCluskieganj has been on my radar for sometime and I will be visiting this town for sure. Thanks for the information on Kitty Texeria.

Privacy Overview

Use your google account to Login

How to book.

Don't have an account? Sign up

You are logged in with

Click Here Continue with this user?

Destination

Information -->
Location -->
Gallery -->

मैक्लुस्कीगंज

McCluskieganj is a small hilly town in Jharkhand located at a distance of about (64 km) northwest of the capital, Ranchi. The town used to have a significant Anglo-Indian community at one time but this has declined considerably. It is one of the foremost tourist attractions of Jharkhand. Ideal as a weekend destination, the place has an old charm, rustic beauty, and natural wonders, making it a must-visit destination. A trip to McCluskieganj is mostly about relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature. Walks along the streets of this city will give you sights of many colonial houses with their rich architecture. Some such Anglo-Indian houses have now also been converted into guest houses. Staying at old bungalows from the Raj era will be one of the best parts of a trip to McCluskieganj, though these bungalows still have the British architecture, they have been renovated to accommodate modern amenities. McCluskieganj has become an important tourist destination in Jharkhand. A trip to the small town is all about exploring the ruins of colonial houses in the laps of nature.

The place continues to retain its age old charm. It appears to be a fabled land where the sienna-tiled houses seem picked out of a fairy tale, where butterflies spatter their colour with gay abandon, where the river flows fearlessly, where the hibiscus grows wantonly and where everywhere there is a ceremony of innocence.

Best Visit Time No Data Available

Nearby Bus Stand No Data Available

Railway Station No Data Available

Nearby Police Station No Data Available

Nearby Airport No Data Available

Nearby Hospital No Data Available

Nearby Places

Tour location, image gallery, video gallery, quick links.

Social Handel of Cabinet Ministers
Regd.Sales Agent
Notice & Circular
Useful Link
Tourist Guide
Cancellation Policy
Sales Agent Affiliation

Get in touch (Monday to Saturday 10:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs )

Directorate of tourism.

MDI Building, 3rd Floor, Dhurva, Ranchi-834004

: dirjharkhandtourism[at]gmail[dot]com : +91 651 2400493

Department of Tourism

FFP Building 2nd Floor Dhurva, Ranchi-834004

: govjharkhandtourism[at]gmail[dot]com : +91 651 2331828

Online Booking, Feedback & Support

: jtdcltd[at]gmail[dot]com

: 0651-2331828,2331643

Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation Ltd

6th Floor, Premium Suit Building JUPMI Campus, Plant Plaza Road Dhurwa, Ranchi-834004

: jtdcltd[at]gmail[dot]com : +91 651 2331828

Explore Mccluskieganj

Plan your trip to mccluskieganj: best of mccluskieganj tourism, essential mccluskieganj.

McCluskieganj, Jharkhand – A destination where the time looks back recalling history

Places to see at McCluskieganj: Travellers visit McCluskiegunj to spend a peaceful weekend in a quiet colonial village. You would find some elegant British bungalows like Gordon Sahib’s bungalow, few churches and a very interesting monument in the nearby Duli village where a temple, a Gurudwara and a mosque is built side by side.

Nearby attractions of McCluskieganj: This little colonial township is surrounded by forests and hills on all sides. The Dugadugi River just 4 kms away is a popular local attraction here. Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand is only a 3 hours drive from McCluskiegunj. You can keep sightseeing in and around Ranchi like Tagore Hills, Rock garden, Kanke Dam and markets of Ranchi in your itinerary too. If you have a day in hand, you can also stay back at Ranchi and take a day tour to Dassam Falls, Hundru Falls and Jonha Falls. Another interesting place on the outskirts of McCluskieganj is Kothari – a dense patch of jungle with a beautiful landscape littered with hills and streams. You would also find some open-pit coal mines around McCluskieganj.

Things to do at McCluskieganj: Take a walk around the local villages and visit the grand British bungalows and their gardens. You can hire a local car and do some local sightseeing in local churches, jungles, Duli Village and nearby coal fields. You can also enjoy a riverside picnic on the banks of Dugadugi River just 20 mins drive from the township.

Best time to visit McCluskieganj: This little township has a sparkling weather with warm days and cool evenings. This is one of the main reasons why the British loved this “Little England” of theirs. The daytime during summers is quite hot and dry but the evenings are cool. Winter and rainy season are the best times to visit McCluskieganj.

How to go ?

The most convenient way to reach McCluskieganj is via Ranchi . There are numerous trains from all parts of India that connects to Ranchi and you can hire a car or take a bus from Ranchi to McCluskieganj. It hardly takes 3 hours (92 kms) from Ranchi to McCluskieganj and the road is very scenic.

Where to stay ?

This colonial village has a well-equipped guest house with standard facilities for guests. Located close to the facilities, this guest house offers good food, clean and well-maintained non AC rooms with attached Western bathrooms and a patch of open space and garden. There is a dining area and a small lobby for the guests too. This nice cosy guest house and its friendly staff also arrange cars for local sightseeing and pick-up and drop from the station. Food served is essentially Indian cuisine and simple. For booking details you may contact:

Ushanjali Guest House : 09334700427, 0651-2560027

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Other Information

Travel Destinations in India
State Tourism Offices
Map of India
Get Your Property Listed at TripsAround
Contact / Feedback
Make Payment
Become our Member

SURF THROUGH DESTINATIONS BY FEATURES

Join us on facebook.

Login or Create Account
Places to visit in Ranchi

McCluskieganj

A Historical Hill Town

The small town was originally founded for the Anglo-Indian community and is located at a drive of about an hour from Ranchi. The town is named after the businessman Ernest Timothy McCluskie who envisioned the community to settle there.

Suggested Duration - 2-3 hours

What To Expect?

The quaint town is dotted with old forgotten bungalows now turned into resorts and small churches. The hilltop views from here are worth visiting the town. Do visit the Duga Dugi River and Jagriti Vihar while here.

The town has a centre where a Gurudwara, a Temple and a Mosque are present at the same place.
Carry along a camera and explore the dirt paths to find small sitting areas scattered around.
Make sure to visit the St. John’s Church here.
Have yourself a mouth-watering meal at Silverstar or feast on some snacks at Santosh Fast Food.

Exploring a destination...

The joy of travel comes in exploring new things. Planting your feet somewhere you’ve never been before brings with it the rush of discovery and the joy of pushing back on the boundaries of your world.

But when one does arrive at that fresh frontier, there are ways better than others to begin your journey of discovery. Follow these steps and see the world with a new light.

• Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour’s are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren’t just “local” tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too

• Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn’t normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn’t get to see otherwise. Whilst using public transportation, just ensure that you are following the local norms and do remember to watch the locals!

• Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what’s going on locally. You may have to move out of the center of the city to do some of the less popular but more unique things, so just keep that in mind!

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about McCluskieganj

How to explore a place by yourself, how to choose a destination to travel to, how do you plan for the perfect trip to any destination, destinations close to mccluskieganj, top things to do in nearby destinations, other popular things to do near mccluskieganj, more things to do near mccluskieganj, best time to visit in similar destinations, explore more, top countries to explore, top states in india, best places to visit in months, places to visit in countries from india, places to visit in states in india, best international places to visit in 2024, weather in april for similar destinations.

Top banner images

Country India US UAE

Explore Mccluskieganj

Plan your trip to mccluskieganj: best of mccluskieganj tourism, essential mccluskieganj.

Subscribe Now! Get features like

Latest News
Entertainment
Real Estate
Election Schedule 2024
Win iPhone 15
IPL 2024 Schedule
IPL Points Table
IPL Purple Cap
IPL Orange Cap
Bihar Board Results
The Interview
Web Stories
Virat Kohli
Mumbai News
Bengaluru News
Daily Digest

McCluskieganj, Tagore Hill and more: Places you must visit when in Ranchi

Ranchi was already famous before ms dhoni in the eyes of tourists for various reasons. before the indian independence, it was considered a hill station and even after it, because of its salubrious climate, people flocked to it in search of better health..

Ever since captain cool Mahendra Singh Dhoni (ex-captain now) exploded onto the scene of Indian cricket, many of those visiting this capital of the comparatively younger state of Jharkhand , also try to catch a glimpse of the dynamic cricketer’s house. Ranchi now has become almost synonymous to Dhoni and his growing up years, especially after the release of his Bollywood biopic in the year 2016.

Ranchi is a part of the Chota Nagpur hilly tracts and this region was ruled by the Nagvanshi Dynasty who supposedly started their rule from the early years of the Christian era till the time they became tributaries to the British East India Company.

However, Ranchi was already famous before MS Dhoni in the eyes of tourists for various reasons. Before the Indian Independence, it was considered a hill station and even after it, because of its salubrious climate, people flocked to it in search of better health. Ranchi is a part of the Chota Nagpur hilly tracts and this region was ruled by the Nagvanshi Dynasty who supposedly started their rule from the early years of the Christian era till the time they became tributaries to the British East India Company who reduced them to the status of Zamindars.

The last Nagvanshi, Maharaj Lal Chintamani Sharan Nath Shahdeo, died in the year 2014 (he was an MLA too). Another curious trivia about this place is that its name has supposedly come from the tribal Oraon word for bamboo stave, which a farmer used against an evil spirit who shouted ‘archi’ in pain which later corrupted into Ranchi. This is a legend though. In the 21st century, Ranchi is an ever growing bustling city and a very interesting one with all its commercial potential and numerous tourist attractions. Here are some of its main tourist attractions:

McCluskieganj: Anybody who has seen the hauntingly brilliant movie ‘A Death in the Gunj’ (2017) which was directed by Konkona Sen Sharma (her debut as a director), wouldn’t ever forget the images of this place shown in the movie. The small hilly town is situated around an hour and a half’s drive from Ranchi and named after Ernest Timothy McCluskie who founded it for the Anglo-Indians. This place with its old mansions and peaceful surroundings is something where time has stood still forever. It has a charm of its own and highly recommended for any traveller who is visiting Ranchi. A couple of days in McCluskieganj might rejuvenate the spirit with its unspoilt air and old settings.

Patratu Ghati or Valley: Patratu Ghati is a beautiful valley which can be reached through its winding streets covered in lush green vegetation. This green valley is also the location of a famous dam and as per local people there, it is also the place where numerous Hindi and regional movies have been shot. Well, that’s not a surprise as the valley is really beautiful and can be reached in an hour’s time from Ranchi city centre.

Tagore Hill: Tagore Hill is a view point now in Morabadi with breath-taking vistas of sunrises and sunsets. As the name suggests, this place is of course related to the Nobel laureate Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore. His house atop the hill, which was originally built by one of his brothers, can be visited now. It is said that Rabindranath Tagore used to enjoy the views all around from this hill, which also inspired him to pen down many of his famous works. This is a very interesting place in Ranchi to make a visit.

Hundru, Dassam and Jonha Waterfalls: Ranchi is sometimes called the City of Waterfalls, and of course not without a reason as this place has access to numerous waterfalls. Three of the most famous ones are the Hundru, Dassam and Jonha. These waterfalls are best visited right after the Monsoon season. Hundru is created on the course of the river Subarnarekha and people say that it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls. Dassam Falls has been created by a tributary of the Subarnarekha called Kanchi. Jonha Falls is also called by the name of Gautamdhara as there is a Buddhist shrine nearby. These there waterfalls are a visit must for tourists.

There are other numerous attractions of Ranchi – like the beautiful JSCA International Cricket Stadium – the home ground of MS Dhoni, a 150 plus km drive to the nearby hill station of Netarhat, Ranchi Rock Garden etc. It is definitely one of the most attractive cities of Eastern India.

At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase.

Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter

East India Company
British East India Company

Join Hindustan Times

Create free account and unlock exciting features like.

Terms of use
Privacy policy
Weather Today
HT Newsletters
Subscription
Print Ad Rates
Code of Ethics

Elections 2024
India vs England
T20 World Cup 2024 Schedule
IPL Live Score
IPL 2024 Auctions
T20 World Cup 2024
Cricket Players
ICC Rankings
Cricket Schedule
Other Cities
Income Tax Calculator
Budget 2024
Petrol Prices
Diesel Prices
Silver Rate
Relationships
Art and Culture
Telugu Cinema
Tamil Cinema
Exam Results
Competitive Exams
Board Exams
BBA Colleges
Engineering Colleges
Medical Colleges
BCA Colleges
Medical Exams
Engineering Exams
Horoscope 2024
Festive Calendar 2024
Compatibility Calculator
The Economist Articles
Explainer Video
On The Record
Vikram Chandra Daily Wrap
PBKS vs DC Live Score
KKR vs SRH Live Score
EPL 2023-24
ISL 2023-24
Asian Games 2023
Public Health
Economic Policy
International Affairs
Climate Change
Gender Equality
future tech
Daily Sudoku
Daily Crossword
Daily Word Jumble
HT Friday Finance
Explore Hindustan Times
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Subscription - Terms of Use

Entertainment

Mc Cluskieganj: Sojourn to an Unrealised Dream

A trip to mccluskieganj is mostly about relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature – walks along the streets of this small hilly town in jharkhand will give you sights of many colonial houses with their rich architecture.

The two centuries of colonial rule in India had ostensibly left behind an indelible mark of legacy. One of these is the Anglo-Indian community – a class that sprang as an amalgam of the British and native origin. However, they were caught between two worlds: one dead and the other powerless yet to be born. The Britishers disowned them and the natives suspected them. As the struggle for Indian Independence gathered momentum and there were prospects for the British leaving the country, the Anglo-Indians felt insecure about their subsistence. Owing to this paranoia, many from the community started migrating to other countries. It was during this phase that a businessman named Earnest Timothy McCluskie, born in Calcutta, and having represented the Anglo-Indian community in the Bengal Legislative Council floated a dream – a homeland for the Anglo-Indians in the heart of India. He took a lease of about 10,000 acres of land from the Maharaja of Ratu, in the interior region of Chotanagpur Plateau. Subsequently, he formed the Colonisation Society of India (1933) – a joint-stock company offering a plot of land to every Anglo-Indian shareholder. Thus a small settlement or a hamlet was born, now called McCluskieganj. It saw a congregation of about 400 families. Eventually, McCluskieganj earned the name of 'Little England' for it emanated the essence of British life embedded with mannerisms.

McCluskieganj soon bloomed into a locality having sprawling bungalows with gaudy tapestries, extended porches, decked gardens, and embellished firesides. Schools were set up to educate the children and amenity centers, in the form of clubs were built to entertain the adults. There were departmental stores and bakeries; post office and local market; churches and cemetery. Christmas and New Year would be celebrated in a dalliance of gay and romance. Silence of the place would be taken over by the redolence of music ringing out of a piano and the pit-pat of legs, rolling their waists over a ball- dance. The inebriation of liquor would intoxicate the entire mood and ambiance.

That was what McCluskieganj represented: a canvas of a serene retreat where the commuters preferred to remain cabined within their small world of loving and lilting joys. The place provided Anglo-Indians with a kind of feel-good factor, that they had been yearning for years. Not only the place was opportune with the state of contemporary decent living, but more importantly, it cushioned the Anglo-Indian community in face of the identity-crisis, which otherwise was looming large upon their minds, particularly as India was inching closer towards independence.

The devouring effect of time would not spare McCluskieganj; soon the roseate glow of romance be shed off and the reality clashed with romance threatening this solace inhabitation. With the sudden demise of McCluskie, infrastructural development came to a halt. Enticed by the opportunities for higher education and economic prosperity, the young ones moved to bigger cities, turning the place almost into a larger "Old Age Residence". By the middle of the 1970s barely 40 Anglo-Indian families remained and the bungalows that once reveled in joy turned into stony silence, being either abandoned or left in the custody of trusted servants who neither had the means nor the mood of their masters. Thus McCluskieganj was reduced to a glorified reminiscences and the distant echo of the mirth and merry of the past.

As McCluskieganj was gradually losing itself in the abyss of obliteration, suddenly occurred a phoenix-like rebirth of this desolate land. Though this rebirth cannot match the foregone charm of the place, yet McCluskieganj emerged as a popular tourist destination. The establishment of the Don Bosco Academy in 1997 by Alfred George D'Rosario navigated the path for a vocational revival of this place. Soon many educational institutions have been set up and today the place is a small educational hub having more than fifteen educational institutions and, boarding facilities like the Mother Teresa Hostel and a sports academy named Revolution Sports.

McCluskieganj has all the ingredients of a tourist destination where one can just lose oneself in the lap of natural splendor. As one approaches McCluskieganj, the landscape seems to change dramatically. It is greenery all around and the trees are almost in the form of a canopy over the road. The distance ahead conjures up a dream. It is as if nature is swooning here amidst its own nest. Carpets of fallen leaves cover both sides of the road and soon we enter into a vicinity that itself justifies the locale to be once chosen as a land of dreams. McCluskieganj offers a panorama of natural beauty. Here one will find the meandering rivulets, churches hidden among trees, hills on the horizon and above all the unmistakable aura of the colonial era. The whole setting appears to have a kind of eeriness that more often than not creates a sensibility of willing suspension of reality. Here the mind is free to wander in the enamouring nature that stretches the imagination to a sense of sublime, something we dearly long for in the maddening crowd and busy buzz. The fall of night transports us to a state of strangeness added to the beauty. The local crowd settles on a simple life without the conundrums of modern hurries.

McCluskieganj is well connected by road and rail. It is a two and half hour ride from Ranchi. The spot has a railway station of its own. One can easily take a tour itinerary featuring Ranchi and McCluskieganj, where on the way from Ranchi one can enjoy popular sights in the Patratu Dam and the Kanke Dam. An extension of the same itinerary can be made by visiting Netharhat. The best time to visit McCluskieganj is between October to March, when the clime and the weather are gratifyingly conducive, although the winters are slightly chilly. Places that are a must-watch in McCluskiegunj are the extant Bungalows, the most popular of which is that of Kitty Memsahib, considered by the locals as the face of McCluskieganj. There is also the bungalow of the Gordons, a part of which is now open to nice boarding facilities for the visitors. The local places like the Dugaddugi rivulet and Jagriti Vihar captivate people's attention. The local village, Duli, has a unique spot where a temple, mosque and a gurudwara stand within the same compound. The Dream Destination Resort of Jharkhand Tourism is not only a place to stay but also to visit as one is led to a feeling of the enchantment of pastoral galore. The food prepared by the locals is delicious, particularly the curry of country fowl and meat. As one leaves the small settlement, a plethora of mazy feelings crowd the mind and we start dwelling either on the memoirs of the past or on the fancies of the future.

Sandip Banerjee

McCluskieganj, Tagore Hill and more: Places you must visit when in Ranchi.

Source – hindustantimes.com

Ever since captain cool Mahendra Singh Dhoni (ex-captain now) exploded onto the scene of Indian cricket, many of those visiting this capital of the comparatively younger state of Jharkhand, also try to catch a glimpse of the dynamic cricketer’s house. Ranchi now has become almost synonymous to Dhoni and his growing up years, especially after the release of his Bollywood biopic in the year 2016.

9 Most Beautiful Hill Stations in Jharkhand

Updated on: January 25, 2024

Ayesha Kerketta

Jharkhand, The land of the Indian tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda is indisputably a goldmine for Hill Stations but definitely a missed one. The State of Jharkhand is surrounded by hills all around, there isn’t a place left barren in the green State of Jharkhand. In this list, we have put together some of the most well-known hill stations in Jharkhand

Don’t Miss Out ! Join Us

Most Popular Hill Stations in Jharkhand

Hill stations near dhanbad.

Dhanbad, North of Chotanagpur, is the second-most populated city in the Indian state of Jharkhand after Jamshedpur. Ghatshila and Palamu are some of the most visited Hill Stations near Dhanbad.

Palamu Hill Station

Palamu, a district located in Jharkhand is renowned for its rich biodiversity. The Betla National Park is a thing of pride. It is one of the oldest animal reserves in the country. In this refuge, there are 39 species of mammals and 174 species of birds.

Elephants are frequently seen as well as tigers at Betla. Therefore Palamu not only makes for a popular one-day trip for the people living around the reserve but also attracts wildlife photographers and enthusiasts across the state .

The district of Palamu also shares a status as a well-known hill station near Dhanbad, it has the most bewitching of hills. Netarhat, Gulgul, Huluk, and Murhu are some of the hills around the reserve. The Best time thus to visit Palamu has to be winter.

Not only you can enjoy the cool winters at this hill station but winter is also the best time to visit the reserve, here.

Distance from Dhanbad: 85.4 km
Nearest Bus Stand: Daltonganj Bus Stand
How To Visit: The nearest Airport is Ranchi 165 km away from Medininagar, and the nearest railway station is Daltonganj which is 1 km away.
Nearby Places To Visit: Betla National Park, Palamau Tiger Reserve, Lodh Waterfalls, Shahpur Village, Palamu Fort
Best Time To Visit: July-September

Check Places to Stay in Palamu

Ghatshila Hill Station

Ghatshila Beautiful Hill Stations in Jharkhand

Ghatshila, a place situated in the lap of nature and hills is a well-known hill station near Dhanbad and has been a popular tourist spot for many years. The temperature can go almost 2° Celsius in winter and therefore Ghatsila is the best hill station near Dhanbad.

Phuldungri is what brings popularity to this hill station. The view from the hilltop offers a soothing bird’s eye view of the place and preferably at sunset. The drive to the top is equally entailing with Sal trees laden on both sides.

Ghatshila is a place with many hidden attractions. The Narwa forest is one of the best places to visit in Ghatshila along with Pancha Pandav which is one of the most visited sightseeing spots in Ghatshila.

Phuldungri hill, the main attraction has found an important place in the literary works written by Bengali-language novelist Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay. Truly, a City of hidden gems and wonders.

Distance from Dhanbad: 160.1 km
Nearest Bus Stand: Phuldungri chowk Bus Stand
How To Visit: Ghatshila is well connected with roads in Jharkhand and Buses can be booked online. Ghatshila is a popular tourist destination for people from Kolkata and the fastest way to reach from Kolkata to Ghatshila is to take a train to Kharagpur Jn, then take a cab to Ghatshila which takes 5h 22m.
Nearby Places To Visit: Burudih Dam, Narwa Forest, Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay’s Cottage, Pancha Pandav, Dharagiri Waterfalls, Ranikini Kali Temple, Ratmohana
Best Time To Visit: October to March

Check Places to Stay in Ghatshila

Hill Stations near Deoghar

Deoghar is a holy city beside the Mayurakshi River. This city is known for its harmonious celebration of Chatt puja, pilgrims and devotees come from all over the country to take part in the communal celebration of Chatt. Giridih is a well-known hill station near Deoghar.

Giridih Hill Station

Giridih is a sacred holy place of worship known as the Jain Capital of Jharkhand. Among the best and most beautiful hill stations in Jharkhand, Giridih is the most famous hill station near Deoghar acclaimed for its scenic beauty.

One of the highest points, Parasnath hills in Giridih district of Jharkhand, is situated at an elevation of 1350 m above sea level. The entire city looks like a beautiful landscape painting.

On top of one of the hills is a Jain temple, which attracts a multitude of devotees and tourists. Jains consider the temple to be one of the most sacred Jain temples. The spirituality at the top is unmatched unlike anywhere else in the State and the temple accepts people from all walks of life.

Thus the temple is not only filled with devotees but with tourists who come here to witness the incredible view.

Distance from Deoghar: 67.7 km
Nearest Bus Stand: Giridih Bus Stand
How To Visit: The nearest railway Junction to Giridih is Madhupur 48 km away. Giridih is not well connected via air but it is well connected via roadways to all major cities in Jharkhand. Giridih has a bus terminus in the center of the town from where one can take a private or government bus.
Nearby Places To Visit: Usri Falls, Parasnath Hills, Rani Sati Mandir, Jain Museum
Best Time To Visit: September and October

Check Places to Stay in Giridih

Hill Stations near Ranchi

Ranchi is the capital city of Jharkhand and the most well-known hill station in the state. Around Ranchi and nearby it is where some of Jharkhand’s globally known hill stations reside, We are talking about Netarhat, also known as the coolest place in Jharkhand.

Here, we have elaborated on why you should pay a visit to the hill station, Ranchi, and its picturesque neighboring hill stations. First, Ranchi Hill Station

Ranchi Hill Station

Beautiful Hill Stations near Ranchi in Jharkhand

Ranchi is a city enclosed with many hills, some of the well-known hills are Tagore Hill, Hundru, Dassam, and Jonha. Some bear waterfalls of the same name and some don’t, Johna Falls is a popular tourist destination in Jharkhand for family picnics and gatherings during the onset of winter.

Ranchi experiences the chilliest weather in the region, and the temperature drops to a chilling zero in the early blue hours of dawn. A little surprising to expect from a plateau region isn’t it?

This is what makes Ranchi the most favorable on the “hill stations in Jharkhand” list. Ranchi is convenient to reach as it is well connected via air, train, and road to all major cities in India.

Along with it, there are many things to do and places to visit in Ranchi, you can visit tourist and photography favorite location, Patratu Valley for a spectacular view from the valley.

Distance from Ranchi: 0 km
Nearest Bus Stand: Khadgarha Bus Stand
How To Visit: The nearest airport is Birsa Munda Airport and Ranchi Rail Junction is the rail link connecting Ranchi to other parts of the country
Nearby Places To Visit: Patratu Valley, Jonha Falls, Kanke Dam Park, Rock Garden, Hundru Waterfall, Dassam Falls, Pahari Mandir, Tagore Hill, Jagannath Mandir, Dhurwa Dam, Ormanji Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, Jail Park
Best Time To Visit: September to May

Check Places to Stay in Ranchi

Ramgarh Hill Station

Ramgarh lies at the heart of the Jharkhand. The name Ramgarh directly translates to “The Fort of God Ram”. A lesser-known fact about Ramghar is that it is also known as “Gandhi Ghat”, The Nation’s Mahatma visited Ramgarh in 1940. After his assassination in 1948, Ramgarh was among the various places in the country chosen to scatter his ashes.

As a hill station near Ranchi, Ramghar is a popular place for nature tourism. A View of Valley between Ramgarh and Chutupallu is a local favorite. The beautiful hilltop is located at a height of 2,930 ft. over sea level and offers a breathtaking view of the place.

There are other places of interest in Ramgarh like Barso Paani, and Liril Fall worth visiting.

Distance from Ranchi: 54.6 km
Nearest Bus Stand: Ramgarh (Jharkhand) Ramgarh Bus Stand
How To Visit: The cheapest way to reach Ramgarh from Ranchi is by rail, it the fastest way to reach Ramghar to Ranchi is by Bus, it takes 1h 09m to reach
Nearby Places To Visit: Maa Chhinnamasta Temple, Birsa Munda Zoological Garden, Mahatama Gandhi Samadhi Sathal, Rajendra Park, Gandhaunia, Barso Paani, Liril Fall, Brigadier Puri Park
Best Time To Visit: March to May

Check Places to Stay in Ramgarh

McCluskieganj Hill Station

McCluskieganj Beautiful Hill Stations in Jharkhand

Talking about Underrated, McCluskieganj is truly an underrated hill station in Jharkhand. McCluskieganj is a quaint hilly town near the capital, Ranchi. The town used to have a significant Anglo-Indian community and was once the winter retreat of British tourists. You can still see its past in the gothic-style buildings that are present all over McCluskieganj.

McCluskieganj is an easy weekend getaway as it is only 1 hour away from the capital city, Ranchi. At McCluskieganj you can spend your time admiring the tranquil comforting crumbs of British architecture or spend your time trekking on the hills of McCluskieganj.

Nakta Hill also known as McCluskie’s Nose is a beautiful trekking spot looking over McCluskieganj.

Distance from Ranchi: 64.4 km
Nearest Bus Stand: Khalari Bus Stand
How To Visit: There are trains running between Ranchi and McCluskieganj. Most of the trains halt at Khalari; 6 km from McCluskieganj. The best way to travel to McCluskieganj is by driving in a personal vehicle.
Nearby Places To Visit: Dugadugi River, McCluskieganj Forests, Nakta Hill, St. John’s Cathedral, Jagriti Vihara, Duli Village.

Hazaribagh Hill Station

Hazaribagh is yet another well-known and most-visited hill station in Jharkhand near Ranchi. It is one of the major cities in Jharkhand and therefore it is well connected via roadways. If you want to experience the awe-striking view of the rock structure of the hills of Hazaribagh you should travel by road.

You won’t even realize when you are 1000 feet above sea level, it will happen when you might be preoccupied admiring the finely cut rock structure of the hills, thus is the alluring feeling of the hills. The roads are cut into the hills and as you cascade upward the hills, slowly and slowly the magnificent view will unfold.

Hazaribagh is a truly unmissable hill station to visit near Ranchi for this reason. People visiting Hazaribagh go for a quick one-day trip to the city. Canary Hill is a popular tourist destination in Hazaribagh.

Distance from Ranchi: 97 Km
Nearest Bus Stand: Hazaribagh New Bus Stand
How To Visit: By road is the best way to visit Hazaribagh, preferably in a private or cab ride as the nearest railway station Koderma is 85 km away from the main city. You can also take buses which take you directly to the town of Hazaribagh, total time by road from Ranchi to Hazaribagh is approximately 2 hours.
Nearby Places To Visit: Sanskriti Museum and Art Gallery, Canary Hill Road, Hazaribagh Lake, Galwaan Valley, Konar Dam, Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Time To Visit: October to April

Check Places to Stay in Hazaribagh

Dalma Hill Station

Dalma Beautiful Hill Stations in Jharkhand

Dalma is the perfect place to spend your winters. Dalma is known for its Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated around the Dalma Hills . The Sanctuary covers an area of 195 square km. What makes it a preferable hill station in Jharkhand? It is due to its accessibility, it is only 100 away from the capital city Ranchi and only 10 km from Jamshedpur.

A one-day trip to this sanctuary and take a jungle safari viewing elephants, barking deer, and sloth bears who inhabit the sanctuary.

Dalma Hill station is a perfect way to spend your summers in Jharkhand as the hills high as 915 m from sea level, keeping the summer breeze at bay while keeping the hill station cool.

Distance from Ranchi: 125.0 km
Nearest Bus Stand: Golchakar Bus Stand Rajendra Nagar, Jamshedpur
How To Visit: There is no direct connectivity to this hill station. The nearest bus stand is 30 mins away. You can hire a private car or a taxi to reach the hills station
Nearby Places To Visit: Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Dalma Hilltop, Dimna Lake, Tata Steel Zoological Park, Jubilee Park, Keenan Stadium
Best Time To Visit: October to March

Check Places to Stay Nearby

Netarhat Hill Station

Netarhat is what put Jharkhand on the global map of hill Stations. Known as the Queen of Chotanagpur, Netarhat is Jharkhand’s most well-known offbeat hill station. Netarhat’s popularity is due to its sunrise and sunset points.

People from all over the state accumulate to witness this spectacular view from the hill station. Sunrise Point is Netarhat’s popular viewing point where people go to see the sunrise and Magnolia Point, 10 km away from Netarhat is where people go to see the sunset.

Other than its sunrise and sunset points Netarhat is known for its Lodh Falls, one of the highest waterfalls of Jharkhand, Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, a lone sanctuary in India made for the protection of Indian wolves and Koel river View Point, Jharkhand’s prominent river.

Do visit Netarhat, the most popular hill station near Ranchi to experience the microcosm of Jharkhand.

Distance from Ranchi: 151.4 km
Nearest Bus Stand: Netarhat bus stand
How To Visit: The nearest bus stand is only 500 meters from Sunrise point, Netarhat.
Nearby Places To Visit: Upper Ghaghri Falls, Lodh Falls, Mahuadandr Wolf Sanctuary, Lower Ghaghri Falls, Koel River View Point, Suga Bandh Falls, Sadni Falls, Betla National Park, Palamu Tiger Reserve, Netarhat Residential School
Best Time To Visit: June to August

Check Places to Stay in Netarhat

Thus we come to the end of the article “9 Most Underrated Hill Stations in Jharkhand”, do you think the hill stations of Jharkhand are underrated as well? It’s no surprise that when we think of hill stations, Shimla and the NorthEast are a few names that come to one’s mind but Jharkhand which is home to many hills is one of the best places to spend one’s winters.

Did you like reading the article? If you came to know something new press the share button or leave a comment below. Happy traveling!

You may also like 12 Wonderful Waterfalls In Jharkhand .

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Jharkhand is famous for its rich mineral resources like Uranium, Mica and Bauxite, Granite, Gold, Silver, Graphite, Magnetite, Dolomite, Fireclay, Quartz, Fieldspar, Coal (32% of India), Iron, Copper (25%of India), etc. Forests and woodlands occupy more than 29% of the state which is amongst the highest in India.

The answer is winter, October to March is the best time to visit Jharkhand. The temperature during winter is between 2 degrees celsius to 27 degrees celsius making it quite comfortable and pleasant. This is the best time to visit Jharkhand and enjoy the greenery and enjoy all the activities where you can explore many destinations.

There are many hill stations in Jharkhand but these 5 are the most visited Hill Stations in Jharkhand- Giridih, Ghatshila, Hazaribagh, and Ranchi.

Netarhat is very famous for nature and for its view and right place for nature lovers. The place is all covered with hill stations and this is the coolest place in all of Jharkhand. Places like Netarhat hills, Koel viewpoint, Lower Ghaghri falls, Sadni falls are the top attractions in Netarhat.

Deoghar is a very popular hill station in eastern India situated in the Santhal Parganas division of Jharkhand. It is a famous pilgrim spot for the Hindus. This place offers several temples that you can enjoy visiting if you are a religious person.

Netarhat . In the Leather district of Jharkhand, the hill station Netarhat is located. Netarhat is known as the “Queen of Chhotanagpur”. The region of Netarhat is covered with Eucalyptus, Sal, Kendu, and Mahua trees.

Netarhat is one of the well-known and must-visit hill stations . This hill station is located on the Chotanagar plateau and houses lush green forests. Netarhat is very famous for its sunrise and sunset views from the plateau look stunning and mesmerizing.

Stay Updated ! Join Now

Looking for a stay, most recent.

Spiritual Tourism

Top 20 religious places in tamil nadu.

Weekend Getaways

13 best resorts in uttarakhand for your stay.

Top 10 Murugan Temples In Tamil Nadu You Must Visit!

Powerful Navagraha Temples In Tamil Nadu You Must Visit In 2024!

12 Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu That You Must Visit!

Adventure Travel

Discover the top 12 popular treks in india.

Subscribe for new stories, activities & photos. Let's stay updated!

Adventure Travel (59)
Destinations (61)
Nature & Wildlife (4)
Popular (10)
Spiritual Tourism (11)
Travel Accessories (19)
Travel Tips (30)
Travelogues (17)
Weekend Getaways (32)

Explore India with our 1200+ passionate subscribers! Stay updated with latest on Destinations, Travel Tips, Accessories, Offers & much more.

Thank you for subscribing.

Something went wrong.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

Explore Mccluskieganj

Plan your trip to mccluskieganj: best of mccluskieganj tourism, essential mccluskieganj.

Trip Planner
Private Tours
Small Group Tours
Two Capitals
City Breaks
Trans-Siberian
River Cruises
Russia & Beyond

4-star edition of the private 9-day tour of the Russian capitals

5-star edition fo the private 9-day tour of Moscow & St. Petersburg

13-day in-depth discovery of Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg

7-day tour designed to harness the best of the Venice of the North

11-day private discovery of Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the Golden Ring

Your Russia Getaway

Fill out the short trip survey to receive a personalized itinerary from a destination expert.

Travel guide
Before you go
What to see

Russia Trip Planner

Learn about the dos and the don'ts for your amazing trip to Russia

Our Partners
Reservation Policies

Rated 9/10 on the Trustpilot review platform

My itineraries
Chat with us
Trip survey

Groups & Agents

For Suppliers

+1 (888) 744-6056

North America : +1 (888) 744-6056
Oceania and Australia : +61261888118

Moscow Must-Experiences

You are here.

Whether you've been to Moscow before or are traveling for the very first time, there's always room for discoveries in this mighty city. Here is our list of top places not to miss on your unforgettable tour to Moscow .

1. The Kremlin

The Kremlin is located in the very heart of the capital and is definitely one of Moscow's oldest and most picturesque parts. It is an ancient fortified building complex standing on the banks of the Moskva River. In fact, the city took its name from the river almost 1000 years ago. The whole complex encompasses four majestic cathedrals, five palaces, the Kremlin Wall, and the Kremlin towers.

Some of the palaces are now amazing museums, such as the well-known Armory Chamber , which is famous for weapons, jewelry, and household objects of the tzars and the collection of fifty marvelous Faberge eggs. The Kremlin is an important cultural and architectural sight considered a true embodiment of its magnificence and poverty. What is more, it is still the current residence and executive office of the head of Russia. It is often used as a metonym to refer to the Russian Federation's government. Moscow Kremlin's complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 and highlighted every tour of Russia's capital.

2. Red Square

Red Square is the oldest square in Moscow and is its main and central one. The name Red (Krasnaya) derives from another meaning of this Russian word beautiful. Located between the citadel of Kremlin and "Kitai-gorod" - a historic quarter of merchants, it is the starting point of the capital's major streets. For over 500 years, the square has been the stage for Russia's political, social, and historical changes and development. And its main buildings recall the solemn events that took place here.

In the XVI century, the Red Square was a site of execution, where Ivan the Terrible put prisoners to death, and where he later began the construction of the famous St. Basil's Cathedral as a repent of his cruel deeds. It was the location where Napoleon stayed with his army in 1912. From 1924 the Red Square complex was supplemented with Lenin's Mausoleum as a monument to the era of Communism. The Red Square (together with the Moscow Kremlin) was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1990. And today, it is a grandstand for national celebrations and parades and a major tourist attraction. Visiting the Red Square is one of the most exciting experiences during tours to Moscow .

3. St. Basil's Cathedral

This gorgeous cathedral in the name of Saint Vasily the Blessed is considered the most emblematic architectural masterpiece symbolizing Russia. Located on the Red Square in Moscow, the colorful red-bricked beauty is its main precious decoration. Tsar Ivan the Terrible began its construction in 1552. Built in the XVI century, the cathedral originally had eight chapels. The ninth was added in honor of Basil the Blessed.

On the inside, the church is a narrow corridors system, joining perfectly asymmetrical towers, together forming a labyrinth within the cathedral space. The legend says that after the church's construction was completed, Tsar Ivan the Terrible was immensely excited and impressed by the cathedral's beauty. Surprisingly, he sentenced the architects to have their eyes put out. Such cruelty was applied so that the blind masters could never again build such a magnificent church. The St. Basil's Cathedral has no close analogs globally and is definitely among the absolute must-visits in Moscow.

4. The State Tretyakov Gallery

By far, the Tretyakov Gallery is the most important art gallery in Russia, and it's fair to say that it is among the world's most renowned and prestigious ones. Its history goes back to 1856 when Pavel Tretyakov, a local wealthy merchant, and art collector, created an exhibition of modern works by Russia's contemporary fine artists. The collection was first shown in the big hall of the Tretyakov's family house. Merely ten years later, the "Moscow City Gallery of Tretyakov" was opened to visitors as a gift to the city of Moscow, its expositions encompassing more than 2,000 artworks!

Today the State Tretyakov Gallery is often referred to as "the treasury of national fine arts" for the reason that over 150,000 masterpieces are on display, representing every possible genre and the country's rich traditions. Exquisite sculptures, centuries-old icons, gorgeous paintings, some created by anonymous masters, others by world-known, and admired names. Thus, for those who highly appreciate art, the Tretyakov Gallery is a must-visit place while on vacation in Russia . It provides a great chance to see modern colorful canvases and the legacy of all generations of artists.

5. The Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro is a huge underground world that not only provides its citizens with fast and comfortable travel about the city but is also among the capital's most famous attractions. Many stations have become considerable landmarks and are protected by the Russian Federation as valuable cultural objects. Every one of the 177 stations has its own unique appearance. Paintings, monuments, bronze statues, and mosaics of marble and stained glass were used in their decoration. The "Sokolnicheskaya" was the first metro railway line in the Soviet Union built as part of the capital's modernization program and opened for citizens in 1935.

The beautiful, almost luxurious space of the first stations is often called "the underground palaces of Moscow." They were carefully designed by the country's best architects and can be truly considered a museum. The concept and style of the stations mostly reflect Soviet values and ideology. For instance, "Revolution Square," "Komsomolskaya" or the "Novoslobodskaya" are named standards of Soviet architecture of pre- and after-war periods and were created as monuments in honor of the Soviet success in industrializing the country and as symbols of the pride and victory of the Russian nation.

6. Bolshoi Theater

The building of the Bolshoi Theater was founded in 1825 and has overcome many changes. The biggest theater in the capital traditionally stages opera and ballet, which have always been very significant arts for Russia, pleasing viewers each season with 3-4 new shows. Yet it must be noted that the Bolshoi theatrical and ballet collectives were established much earlier - in the late 1770s. Throughout the years of their existence, they have gifted the world community with many magnificent shows. Bolshoi's Ballet company is among the oldest and largest ones globally, with more than 200 dancers performing here today.

What is more, the Bolshoi Theater's orchestra is now an individual virtuoso ensemble that gives concerts of classical and modern symphonic music playing masterpieces created by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, and others both in the theater and on tours. The name "Bolshoi" has the meaning of "great" or "big," reflecting its importance for the Russian culture. Bolshoi steadily keeps the status of a world-class ballet and opera theater and is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow.

7. Kuskovo Estate

Situated in Moscow's outskirts, the Kuskovo Estate is a great example of typical Russian summer estate architecture. The complex was built in the XVIII century and was first owned by a Russian count Boris Sheremetev, a maven in arts. He turned the palace, park zone with ponds, and pavilion buildings into a real masterpiece combining classicism and baroque styles. Although the palace was located a whole day's travel from Moscow and had no guest rooms, the estate was a trendy place among Moscow's nobility.

Balls were given here twice a week, making Kuskovo a major entertainment site for the city's cream. In 1919 after the Revolution, the edifice and its surrounding territories were turned into a natural history museum, and today, it is a place where ceremonies, summer festivals, and concerts are held. Apart from its beautiful buildings and park, Kuskovo also encompasses the famous State Museum of Ceramics, which exhibits fine porcelain and glass collections created by Empress Maria Fedorovna.

Although Moscow might seem like a huge bustling megalopolis it has it's own unique charm and inimitable beauty. Its vast expanses and awe-inspiring atmosphere are a memorable experience for all who travel to Russia's capital. We will be happy to plan your memorable Moscow vacation, feel free to contact our specialists .

Call us now
Request a call
Chat on WhatsApp
Start Live chat
Contact via email

Moscow & St. Petersburg Small Group Tours Private Tour Packages Trans-Siberian Trips Russian River Cruises Moscow Tour Packages St. Petersburg Tours All Russia Tours

Why Travel to Russia Best Time to Visit Russia Russian Visa Information Tips Before Traveling Tips on Arrival Russian Currency Moscow Travel Guide Read More in Our Blog

Hermitage Museum Church of the Savior on Blood The Kremlin Sergiev Posad, Golden Ring Kizhi Island The Red Square Siberia Lake Baikal

Things to do in Moscow: how to visit Moscow | Unmissable, cool & unusual

September 2, 2023

What are the best things to do in Moscow? What to do in Moscow? First, I will list the main places to visit by theme, passing by the must-sees, but also more unusual places in Moscow. Then, I will describe what to see in Moscow in one day and how to visit Moscow in 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 days. Let’s go!

Good to know. For more information, click on the places to open the dedicated blog posts.

Main places to visit in Moscow & best things to do in Moscow

I worked in Moscow and I loved this city for its dynamism and energy. We find there from time to time to see friends, remember good memories and enjoy this giant city! Then the time has come for us to share with you our practical guide.

TOP 5 must-see places in Moscow

Moscow Red Square
St. Basil’s Cathedral
Cathedral of Christ the Savior
Bolshoi Theatre

Places of cultural, historical and religious interest in Moscow

Novodevichy Convent and cemetery
Tretyakov Gallery
Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
Kremlin Izmaïlovo (pseudo-historic place, recently built in the image of the old, one of the best things to do in Moscow for your Instagram account 😉 )
Park and ancient village of Kolomenskoye

Visit Moscow of the Soviet era

Moscow State University and Sparrows Hill
VDNKh and the Museum of Astronautics, one of the key landmarks of the Soviet era in Moscow
GULAG Museum
Metro stations
The Stalinist skyscrapers, scattered all over the city

Less touristy places in Moscow

Gorky Park and the GARAGE museum
The old Krasny Oktyabr factory
Zaryadye Park
Center for Contemporary Art, WINZAVOD
Business center, Moscow City

Main districts of Moscow to visit

Patriarch Ponds
Tchistye Prudy
Kuznetsky most
Arbat Street

However, regardless of the length of your stay, whether you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days or in 2, you need a visa. The article Obtaining a tourist visa for Russia could then be useful in any case.

What to do and see in Moscow in one day?

List of things to see and do in Moscow in one day:

Go to Red Square
Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral
See Kremlin walls (but not to visit)
Visit Cathedral of Christ the Savior
Discover Kuznetsky most districts and see Bolshoi Theatre building
And if you have time at the end of the day: go to the Sparrows Hill or to the Moscow City for a beautiful view

Things to do in Moscow in 2 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, there are 2 purposes: do not miss the essential places of Moscow and optimize travel.

First day: Red Square , Saint Basil’s Cathedral , Zariadye Park, Bolshoi Theatre , Kremlin
Day 2: Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the former Krasny Oktyabr factory on Balchug Island, Gorky Park, Moscow State University (one of the Seven Sisters buildings ) and Sparrow Hill

As 2 days os really short, be sure to choose an accommodation in the best districts where to stay in Moscow .

Walking on Red Square in Moscow: one of the unmissable things to do in Moscow

Iconic place and one of the must-see places in Moscow and even in Russia! Besides, if there was only one place to visit in Moscow in 2 days, this place would then be Red Square, without hesitation. Therefore, starting the city tour with Red Square is ideal . Several buildings are on the square, but not all of them have to be visited. Check out my blog post about Moscow’s Red Square in detail to learn more and not miss anything.

Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside

Even more emblematic than Moscow’s Red Square! Built in the middle of the 16th century under the orders of Tsar Ivan Le Terrible, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful monuments of Orthodox art, and definitely one of the unmissable places in Moscow. Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside is one of the most beautiful things to do in Moscow!

Visit estimate time : 1h30
Entry ticket : 700 RUB. Tickets can be purchased on the cathedral’s official website 45 days before the tour.
Audio guide (recommended): 500 RUB
Opening hours : June to August 10 am-6pm; from November to April: 11 am-5pm; May, September, October 11 am-5pm. Cathedral closed on Wednesdays. Entrance is closed 45 minutes before closing.
Find out more in the dedicated article: Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow

Take a walk in Zariadye park: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow after visiting Red Square

Zaryadie Park is just a 10-minute walk from St. Basil’s Cathedral, so it’s easy to include in your itinerary if you’re going to visit Moscow in 2 days. From its heights, you can see the red walls of the Kremlin. But, the most impressive point of view is the platform which overlooks the Moskva river. A must see! And clearly one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

Open 24 hours a day
Good to know! Park Zaryadye is also a place to visit in Moscow in winter. Find out more here: What to do in Moscow in winter?

See the Bolshoi Theatre and discover the Kuznetsky Most district

The Bolshoi Theatre is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy entrance tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets

The Bolshoi Theater is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets are located north of the theater. It is therefore very pleasant to find them to leave the main axes of the megalopolis.

IMG_3040 tickets Bolshoi Theatre dress code

Visit the Moscow Kremlin

Visit Kremlin is on top of things to do in Moscow. A place of power for centuries, the Kremlin then shows us a whole different image when viewed from the inside. If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, the Kremlin is certainly one of the must-see places in Moscow.

Opening hours : Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursday.
See our blog post about visiting the Moscow Kremlin

Moscow Kremlin: skip-the-line tickets and 8 things not to miss

Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

This impressive Moscow Cathedral is the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a must see if you visit Moscow in 2 days and clearly one of the things to do in Moscow. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was first built in 1883 in memory of Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s Grand Army. Then in 1931 Stalin ordered its destruction. It was then rebuilt again (identically) only in 2000.

Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 15. At the foot of the Kropotkinskaya metro station.
Opening hours . Daily: 10: 00-17: 00, except Monday: 13: 00-17: 00
Free entry (some closing restrictions, for example a short)

Good to know! In orthodox religious places, one must avoid excessively uncovered clothing. Women should cover their heads. After visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you can explore Bolotny Island and Gorky Park. This is one of the routes our guide to Moscow.

The old Krasny Oktyabr factory: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow

If you cross the Moskva River by a pedestrian bridge which is located just in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city and at the same time you can discover Balchug Island. Furthermore, if you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, you can include this island in your itinerary between the cathedral and Gorky park. Here is the old confectionery factory Krasny Oktyabr, which has gradually turned into a fashionable micro-district. There are then some elements of street art, cafes and restaurants and some Moscow bohemian side. At the end of the island you can see a gigantic 98-meter-high monument dedicated to the Russian reforming tsar Pierre The Great.

Good to know! You can find on this island are the trendiest nightclubs in Moscow. On weekends, there are taxi caps after midnight so there are so many people. On the other hand, if you go there in winter and during the day, the island is quite empty and less interesting to see.

Gorky Park is one of the TOP places to visit in Moscow, because it allows you to better understand the life of the locals and their rhythm. In fact, it’s a huge entertainment park. For example, in winter there is a giant ice rink and in summer – free dance or yoga lessons, sandy beaches for playing volleyball, an outdoor cinema. So, like the locals, have a Stakantchik (ice cream or cooked corn), and enjoy the atmosphere of the place: that’s one of the interesting things to do in Moscow to discover the city.

Where? Krymsky Val 9. 20 minutes’ walk from Krasny Oktyabr, along the quays.

Sparrow Hill and Moscow State University

The Sparrow Hill, Vorobiovy Gori in Russian, is the highest point in Moscow. It is rather known to Russians, but less to travelers. A nice view on Moscow opens from the hill, and in particular on the Luzhniki Stadium. In addition, on the hill itself is the Moscow State University: an impressive skyscraper from the Soviet era.

How to get there? By bus T7 (35 min) from Oktyaborskaya station, near Gorki Park. By metro (Vorobiovy Gorki station) + climb the hill on foot. On foot along the Moskva along the Gorky Park (1h30) + climb in funiculars.

Good to know! It is possible to cross the Moskva river by funicular. We actually tested it and it was pretty cool! That is one of our favorite things to do in Moscow!

What to do in Moscow in 3 days?

If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days, it would be interesting to dive into the Soviet era which strongly marked the country and the city. After the Bolshevik Revolution, the capital was transferred from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, in order to mark the change of power. Moscow then became the world showcase for communist ideology. Here are the best things to do in Moscow for 3-day-trip!

VDNKh, visit Moscow of the Soviet era

VDNKh is a large exhibition center in the north of Moscow, where there are still several striking witnesses of the USSR. The most interesting are the Museum of Cosmonauts and the Statue of the Worker and the Kolkhozian , which will certainly impress you with its size!

GULAG History Museum

The explanations of the museum are very well done. We really have the feeling of going back in time. If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days and you are interested in history and this subject in particular, I recommend this museum. Visit the GULAG History Museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Moscow.

Discover the Patriarche Pounds district

It’s a nice neighborhood in Moscow where you can come across rather affluent locals, but not necessarily very bling-bling. Take a walk in this area is really a cool thing to do in Moscow! In addition, the Ponds of Patriarch is one of the places of Bulgakov’s novel “Master and Margarita”. As this is an interesting area to see, we have included it in a walking tour of Moscow. The route ends at the Moscow Kremlin, which is very convenient, because you will be able to visit Moscow in 3 days by optimizing your trips.

What to visit in Moscow in 4 days: TOP things to do in Moscow in 4 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 3 days, you will already see a lot of things. On the other hand, if you stay one more day, you have plenty to do! The Novodevichy Convent, the Tchistie Proudy district and the Izmaylovo Kremlin are very good candidates for you, if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days.

Visiting Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

The Novodevichy Convent is one of the most brilliant examples of Russian architecture, according to UNESCO. This beautiful complex was built in 1524 and today consists of the convent, but also of a cemetery whose status could be compared to that of Père-Lachaise in Paris. Visiting Novodevichy Convent is one of the great things to do in Moscow, if you want to go a little bit outside of the center!

Discovering Tchistye Proudy district

It’s one of the most popular areas of Moscow, with many cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. It is therefore a place to discover if you want to visit Moscow in 4 days. It is just as pleasant for a stroll as for the discovery of local life. For example, in winter the pond turns into an ice rink.

Visiting the Izmaylovo Kremlin, one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

The Izmaylovo Kremlin is more of a tourist than a historic place. On the other hand, it is a pretty impressive place to discover, especially on weekends. Inside the Kremlin, there is a flea market where you can find a little bit of everything, but mostly good souvenirs to bring from Moscow. For example, chapka, traditional Russian scarves or matryoshka (Russian dolls). Add the Kremlin and the Izmaïlovo market to your itinerary if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days, because it is a nice and very colorful place! Visiting the Izmailovo Kremlin is one of the things to do in Moscow, if you want to put colors in your Instagram account! 😉

In 4 days, we will have the opportunity to see several Moscow: Classic Moscow, Moscow of old Russia, Soviet Moscow and a little bit of the new Moscow. So what to visit in Moscow on the 5th day of travel?

What to visit in Moscow in 5 days?

Art lovers will be delighted to discover the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, while others will prefer to stroll along Arbat Street, see the buildings of Moskva-City or visit Bunker 42.

Admiring Russian art at Tretyakov Gallery

Founded in 1856 by an industrialist and great lover of art, the gallery has grown over the decades, and then bequeathed to the state. Today the collection includes more than 140,000 pieces, 15,000 of which are paintings. Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery is one of the things to do in Moscow if you want to discover Russian art!

Where? Pereoulok Lavrouchinski 10. A 5-minute walk from Tretiakovskaya station
Opening hours. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Closed on Mondays.
Entry tickets. 500 RUB.

Visiting the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts presents the treasures of ancient Egypt, the paintings of Rembrandt and Cézanne, a fine collection of Impressionism.

Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 12
Opening hours. Daily: 10: 00-20: 00, except Thursday: 11: 00-21: 00. Closed on Mondays. The boxes close an hour before closing.
Entry tickets. The prices vary according to the collections from 300 to 750 RUB.

Walking on Arbat Street

All Russians know Rue Arbat. So, walking on Arbat street is one of the things to do in Moscow. However, after the years, little by little it became very touristy. This is a pedestrian street only. There are souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes there, but it is no longer the most authentic neighborhood in the city.

Seeing the buildings of Moskva-City (Moscow City)

Moskva-City is Moscow’s business center, much like Paris’s Defense district. The skyscrapers of Moskva-City are among the tallest in Europe: 373 meters high! Very nice place to see at dusk.

Good to know! You can admire a nice view of Moscow City from the docks of Tarasa Shevchenko. It’s especially beautiful in the evening with all the lights on.

Bunker 42, one of the most unusual things to do in Moscow

Bunker 42 is a secret military complex which was to be used by the Soviets in the event of a nuclear attack: a space of 7000 m² 65 meters underground!

Where? 5 Kotelnitcheski Lane, 11.
Prices. 2200 RUB per person
Opening hours. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Restaurant inside. Original, but rather a tourist trap.

What to visit in Moscow in 6 days or more?

There are still so many places to see, because Moscow is a big megalopolis and there is always something exciting to do there. For example: the ancient Kolomenskoye village or the WINZAVOD contemporary art center .

If you are interested in history and want to see Russian cities on a rather “human scale”, it would certainly be interesting for you to discover the cities of the Golden Ring . For example, it is very easy to get to Sergey Posad from Moscow (less than 2 hours in train). Visiting the Golden Ring is one of the best things to do in Moscow if you are staying more than a 5-6 days.

There are still plenty of places to see in Moscow, however I did my best to list here the best things to do in Moscow, what to see in Moscow in one day, but also in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Moscow!

Moscow travel tips:

Airport transfer: how to go to Moscow?
Where to stay in Moscow (hotels, districts)?
Tourist voucher for Russian visa
Christmas and New Year in Moscow
What is the best time to visit Moscow?

Novodevichy Convent and cemetery in Moscow: tickets, cemetery map

Hermitage museum in saint petersburg: tickets, best time to visit, you may also like.

Moscow in winter | What to do in Moscow in winter? How to dress?

October 1, 2023

Free Moscow map in English: Moscow metro map and city centre map

December 12, 2023

August 26, 2023

Moscow transport: metro, bus & taxi in Moscow | How does it work?

August 15, 2023

Weekend in Moscow what to do for a long weekend in Moscow

Weekend in Moscow | What to do in Moscow for a long weekend?

June 22, 2023

Christmas and New Year in Moscow: best markets and decorations to see

September 18, 2023

10 must-see places in Oklahoma to add to your travel bucket list

W hether you're a lifelong Oklahoman or a visitor to the state, there are places in Oklahoma that should make it onto your bucket list.

Here are 10 must-see places in the Sooner State.

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

A trip to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is necessary for those who want to learn more about the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and remember those who were killed.

The Field of Empty Chairs and the Reflection Pool take the place of where the Alfred P. Murrah Federal building once stood, memorializing the 168 who lost their lives in the bombing. The museum tells the story of the bombing, how Oklahoma recovered and what lessons can be learned from the tragedy.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

True to its name, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge "preserves approximately 60,000 acres of mixed grass prairie, ancient granite mountains, and fresh water lakes and streams for the benefit of wildlife and the American people," according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Visitors are likely to see roaming bison, longhorn cattle and elk. The refuge, near the Lawton and Fort Sill area in southwest Oklahoma, is ripe with scenic views and opportunities for exploring the outdoors while hiking, camping, kayaking and fishing.

Alabaster Caverns State Park

Northwest Oklahoma is home to this rarity, one of the largest gypsum caves in the world. Visitors can join one of the daily guided tours of the cave for a fee — tours leave on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Alabaster Caverns State Park , located just south of Freedom, Oklahoma, also features hiking trails and reservable RV and tent camping sites.

Center of the Universe

A mysterious acoustic phenomenon takes place in downtown Tulsa, known as the "Center of the Universe," marked by a concrete circle in the midst of a larger circle of bricks at 1 S Boston Ave.

According to Atlas Obscura: "If you stand in the middle of the circle and make a noise, the sound is echoed back several times louder than it was made. It’s your own private amplified echo chamber."

But, to anyone outside the circle your voice is "extremely distorted."

Talimena Scenic Byway

This awe-inspiring 54-mile route in southeast Oklahoma is known for its views, especially during a colorful Oklahoma fall or vibrant springtime.

The Talimena Scenic Byway was built through one of the highest mountain ranges between the Rockies and the Appalachians specifically to showcase the area's foliage. There are 22 designated vistas along the route, which include interpretive signage.

Philbrook Museum of Art

Inside the former Tulsa home of oil pioneer Waite Phillips and his wife Genevieve is the Philbrook Museum of Art , at 2727 S Rockford Road, complete with the breathtaking formal gardens in the back.

The Philbrook has a series of rotating and permanent exhibits, ranging from ancient to modern art from America and beyond.

First Americans Museum

Located along the Oklahoma River and near the crossroads of Interstates 35, 40, 235 and 44 is Oklahoma City's First Americans Museum . The museum is dedicated to sharing the collective histories of the 39 federally recognized tribes in the state of Oklahoma.

Visitors can explore the cultural diversity of the distinctive tribes and, for many of the tribes now residing in Oklahoma, learn what the process of removal from their ancestral homelands was like 200 years ago.

Turner Falls State Park

Situated in some of the oldest mountains on earth, the Arbuckle Mountains, is Turner Falls State Park . The park is home to one of Oklahoma's tallest waterfalls — it's tied with the waterfall inside eastern Oklahoma's Natural Falls State Park.

Visitors to the falls near Davis, Oklahoma can enjoy swimming, hiking and camping.

"Turner Falls Park has been described as one of the three geological windows into the planet's past, along with the Grand Canyon and the Black Hills of South Dakota," according to Travel OK.

Collings Castle

This medieval-style castle is actually within Turner Falls State Park.

Built in the 1930s as a private residence, visitors can explore the ruins of Collings Castle featuring bunkhouses, parapets with narrow windows and a fireplace adorned with native rose rocks — though much of the fireplace has been chipped away and some of the walls are crumbling.

Pioneer Woman Mercantile

In the small, northeastern Oklahoma town of Pawhuska is Pioneer Woman Mercantile , home to food television personality Ree Drummond's restaurant, bakery and store.

Also known as "The Merc," visitors can expect delicious foods and baked goods, as well as lots of Pioneer Woman branded items just waiting to come home with them. Plus, there are free daily tours of The Lodge on Drummond Ranch where Drummond films her Food Network show.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 10 must-see places in Oklahoma to add to your travel bucket list

A buffalo cools off in Crater Lake against the background of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in southwest Oklahoma.

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

The capital of Russia is an incredible place to explore. Visitors to Moscow come away spellbound at all the amazing sights, impressed at the sheer size and grandeur of the city. Lying at the heart of Moscow, the Red Square and the Kremlin are just two of the must-see tourist attractions; they are the historical, political and spiritual heart of the city – and indeed Russia itself.

A fascinating city to wander around, stunning cathedrals, churches, and palaces lie side-by-side with bleak grey monuments and remains from the Soviet state. In addition to its plethora of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Moscow is home to world-class museums, theaters and art galleries.

Renowned for its performing arts, fantastic ballets and amazing circus acts, catching a show while in Moscow is a must. The wealth of brilliant restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightlife means there is something for everyone to enjoy.

17. Tsaritsyno Palace

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, the stunning Tsaritsyno Palace is now a museum-reserve. The architecture is magnificent and there is a lovely park surrounding it for visitors to explore.

Located in the south of Moscow, the palace was commissioned in 1775 and recent renovations mean its lavish interior looks better than ever before with its elegant halls and beautiful staircases.

The exhibits on display look at the life of the empress as well as the history of Tsaritsyno itself. The huge palace grounds are also home to some other delightful buildings with the elegant opera house and wonderful brickwork of the Small Palace being particularly impressive to gaze upon.

Starting out in 1935 as the ‘All-Union Agricultural Exhibition’, VDNKh has slowly morphed over the years into the fascinating open-air museum of today. Remarkably, over 400 buildings can now be found within its confines.

The huge park complex has numerous pavilions representing former Soviet republics on show, such as those of Armenia and Turkmenistan and the distinctive architecture of each of the buildings is always interesting to gaze upon. In addition to this there is the fascinating Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics which is dedicated to space exploration and the fun Moskvarium aquarium even offers you the chance to swim with dolphins.

With lots of eateries scattered about and numerous entertainment options such as horse-riding and zip-lining, there is something for everyone to enjoy; the Friendship of Nations fountain truly is wonderful.

15. Kremlin Armoury

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Kremlin Armoury has a wealth of treasures; highlights include the ornate Grand Siberian Railway egg, the historic Cap of Monomakh and the stunning Imperial Crown of Russia which often has a crowd of tourists around it, jostling to take a photo.

Once the royal armory, there are loads of fascinating objects on display. Perusing the many sabers, jewelry, armor and more is as interesting as it is educational and entertaining and the swords are so finely crafted that you’ll almost wish you could pick up one and wield if yourself.

Established in 1851, the museum is situated in the Moscow Kremlin.

14. GUM Department Store

Standing for ‘Main Universal Store’ in Russian, GUM is stunning. Its wonderful skylights and beautiful facades mean it doesn’t look out of place alongside its illustrious neighbors on Red Square.

With over 200 shops, boutiques and upmarket eateries inside, it is a shopaholic’s heaven and concerned partners will be glad to find more affordable options alongside luxury brands such as Dior and Prada.

The main department store in the city, GUM was opened in 1893. The stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit even if shopping isn’t your thing.

13. Moscow Metro

It’s not often that public transport looks like a work of art. So many stops on the Moscow Metro will astound visitors with their beauty and elegance.

Decked in marble and with frescoes covering the walls, the stations are amazing to gaze upon and are part of one of the longest metro systems in the world, with the first stations opened in 1935.

Using the metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around Moscow and braving the crowds of commuters is well worth it for the beauty all around you.

12. Arbat Street

An elegant yet lively street, Arbat is full of impressive architecture and was once a popular place to live for aristocrats, artists, and academics.

A historic place, it is down Arbat Street that Napoleon’s troops are said to have headed on their way to capture the Kremlin.

Nowadays, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as various monuments and statues to former residents such as Alexander Pushkin who was reputed to be a lover of the Russian Empress due to his massive influence in court.

11. Novodevichy Convent

Drenched in history, the Novodevichy Convent is located in a striking building that was once a fortress. This captivating place is well worth visiting when in Moscow.

Founded in 1524, the convent houses four cathedrals; Smolensk Cathedral is the undoubted highlight due to its delightful 16th-century frescoes.

Wandering around the grounds is like stepping back in time. The Novodevichy Cemetery is where many famous leaders of the Soviet Union are buried, such as Yeltsin and Khrushchev.

10. Pushkin Museum

Despite its name, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts actually has no connection at all to the famous poet other than that it was named in his honor after his death. A delight to visit, its extensive collection focuses on European art with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and van Gogh all featuring.

Sculptures, graphic art, paintings and more can be found in its beautiful galleries; various sections look at themes and epochs such as the Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and Byzantine art.

Among the many highlights are the clownish characters which can be found in Cezanne’s Fastnacht (Mardi Gras) and the twirling ballerinas who look so elegant in Degas’ Blue Dancers. Picasso’s Young acrobat on a Ball is also well worth checking out for its interesting use of shapes and colors.

9. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This gorgeous Russian Orthodox cathedral is located on the banks of the Moskva River, just a stone’s throw away from the Kremlin.

The church as it stands today was consecrated in 2000, as the original church that stood here was destroyed on the command of Josef Stalin in 1931 due to the anti-religious campaign.

With its delightful golden dome, spires and dazzling white facades, the Christ the Savior Cathedral is stunning. The interior is just as captivating to wander around, with its beautifully tiled floors and impressive altar.

8. Lenin Mausoleum

Opened to the public in 1924, Lenin’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. The red granite structure is located at the heart of the city in Red Square.

Lenin’s embalmed body lies in a glass sarcophagus; it is a somewhat eerie experience walking past the former leader of the Soviet Union but is well worth doing as you understandably can’t do it anywhere else in the world.

After visiting the mausoleum, head to the Kremlin wall right next to it for more graves of important communist figures such as Stalin and Brezhnev.

7. Tretyakov Gallery

Home to the most extensive and impressive collection of Russian fine art in the world, the State Tretyakov Gallery is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow for the wealth of amazing art pieces that it has on display.

Having started out as the private art collection of the Tretyakov brothers, there are now over 130,000 exhibits. Highlights include the iconic Theotokos of Vladimir which you will almost certainly recognise despite probably not knowing the name and Rublev’s Trinity which is considered to be one of highest achievements in Russian art.

An absolute must for art lovers, the State Tretyakov Gallery will delight visitors with all that is has to offer.

6. Kolomenskoye

Once a royal estate, Kolomenskoye is now a museum-reserve and lies a few kilometers outside of the city center. A captivating place to visit, there is a plethora of history on show and the site overlooks the Moskva River.

Consisting of four historical sites, there are extensive gardens for visitors to explore, as well as loads of interesting old buildings, the former village of Kolomenskoye itself and the impressive Palace of the Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich – once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by contemporaries.

Among the many stunning sights, it is the brilliantly white Ascension Church that is the undoubted highlight – dating back to 1532.

5. Gorky Park

Lying alongside the Moskva River, the huge Gorky Park is a lovely place to visit. Its extensive gardens are home to numerous cultural institutions and visitors should definitely check out the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and while the eclectic exhibits may not always feature such incredible sights as a balloon-covered rider on a zebra; they certainly always succeed in pushing back the boundaries of art.

Pop-up exhibitions and festivals can be found from time to time in the park itself and there is an open-air theatre and numerous eateries alongside a plethora of leisure activities.

Whether it’s cycling, table tennis or yoga that you are after or beach volleyball and rowing, Gorky Park certainly has it. In winter, there is a huge ice rink for visitors to enjoy.

4. Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the main theater in the country. The amazing opera and ballet performances it has put on over the centuries go a long way in explaining Russia’s rich history of performing arts.

While the Bolshoi Ballet Company was established in 1776, the theater itself was opened in 1825. The glittering, six-tier auditorium is lavishly and decadently decorated; it is a fitting setting for the world-class performances that take place on its stage.

Spending a night watching a performance of such classics as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre is sure to be a memorable experience and the beauty all around you only adds to the sense of occasion.

3. Moscow Kremlin

This famously fortified complex is remarkably home to five palaces and four cathedrals and is the historic, political and spiritual center of the city. The Kremlin serves as the residence for the country’s president. It has been used as a fort, and this fact is made clear by its sheer size. The Kremlin’s outer walls were built in the late 1400s.

Under Ivan III, better known as Ivan the Great, the Kremlin became the center of a unified Russian state, and was extensively remodeled. Three of the Kremlin’s cathedrals date to his reign that lasted from 1462-1505. The Deposition Church and the Palace of Facets were also constructed during this time. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower was built in 1508. It is the tallest tower at the Kremlin with a height of 266 feet (81 meters).

Joseph Stalin removed many of the relics from the tsarist regimes. However, the Tsar Bell, the world’s largest bell, and the Tsar Cannon, the largest bombard by caliber in the world, are among the remaining items from that era. The Kremlin Armory is one of Moscow’s oldest museums as it was established more than 200 years ago. Its diamond collection is impressive.

The Kremlin’s gardens – Taynitsky, Grand Kremlin Public and Alexander – are beautiful. The Kremlin has also served as the religious center of the country, and there is a tremendous number of preserved churches and cathedrals here. The collections contained within the museums include more than 60,000 historical, cultural and artistic monuments. Those who enjoy the performing arts will want to consider attending a ballet or concert at the State Kremlin Palace. Completed in 1961, it is the only modern building in the Kremlin.

2. Red Square

Lying at the heart of Moscow, Red Square is the most important and impressive square in the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its wealth of historical sights and cultural landmarks.

Drenched in history, the huge square is home to incredible sights such as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, among others. Consequently, it is not to be missed when in Moscow as it really is home to the city’s most stunning monuments.

It is here that many important moments in Russian history took place; the former marketplace has hosted everything from Tsar’s coronations and public ceremonies to rock concerts and Soviet military parades. Wandering around the massive square is a humbling experience and undoubtedly one of the highlights the city has to offer.

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Located in the impressive Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is gorgeous; its delightful spires appear as if out of a fairytale. The most recognizable building in the country, the cathedral is very much a symbol of Russia. No visit to Moscow is complete without having taken in its unique and distinctive features.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the cathedral’s construction in the mid-16th century, and legend holds that Ivan put out the architect’s eyes so that he would be unable to build another cathedral more glorious than St. Basil’s. Designed to resemble the shape of a bonfire in full flame, the architecture is not only unique to the period in which it was built but to any subsequent period. For various reasons, both Napoleon and Stalin wanted to destroy the cathedral but fortunately did not succeed.

Known for its various colors, shapes and geometric patterns, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses nine different chapels that are all connected by a winding labyrinth of corridors and stairways. On the lower floor, St. Basil’s Chapel contains a silver casket bearing the body of St. Basil the Blessed.

Throughout the cathedral are many beautiful murals, frescoes, wooden icons and other art works and artifacts. Outside the cathedral is a lovely garden with the bronze Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, who rallied an all-volunteer Russian army against Polish invaders during a period of the late 16th century known as the Times of Troubles.

Share this post:

Where to Stay in Moscow

10 Best Places to Visit in Russia

15 Best Attractions & Things to do in Saint Petersburg, Russia

9 Most Beautiful Regions in Russia

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Russia

15 Best Cities to Visit in Russia

14 Most Scenic Small Towns In Russia

10 Most Amazing Destinations in Eastern Russia

10 Best Luxury Resorts in the Maldives

10 Best Places to Visit in Uruguay

Latest Latest
The West The West
Sports Sports
Opinion Opinion
Magazine Magazine

10 cheap places to travel on a budget

Want to travel the world this summer at a low cost find low prices of drinks and food at places such as vietnam or japan.

By Alyssa Bradford

Picking out places to visit for the upcoming summer may come with its challenges, especially for those on a budget.

However, according to Post Office , a British-based mail and financial services company, there are opportunities to explore destinations around the globe without straining your finances. Countries such as Vietnam, South Africa and Japan present enticing options where in-country costs remain relatively low.

Post Office released the Holiday Money Report for 2024 . In its report, it shares cheap hotspots to visit on your next adventure.

Post Office based its recommendations on costs of tourist essentials, like drinks and meals, instead of the price of traveling by plane or accommodations.

Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos offers a rich blend of modern amenities and ancient sites, catering to diverse traveler interests. For example, visit Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, according to Hotels.com .

Per the U.S. Department of State , when you visit Cyprus, make sure to only enter and exit the Republic of Cyprus, not the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, for your safety. Paphos is in the Republic of Cyprus.

Marmaris, Turkey

Marmaris, situated at the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas in Turkey, is celebrated for its nightlife, beaches and clear waters. During summer, it offers ferry services to Greece, including trips to Rhodes, per Mares Travel Agency .

According to the U.S. Department of State , exercise caution when visiting Turkey. There is a small possibility of terrorist attacks and wrongful detaining of U.S. citizens. Furthermore, do not visit the Sirnak province, Hakkari province or anywhere near the Syrian border.

Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

Kuta is known for its stunning coastline, a popular spot for surfing. There are also cultural spots such as Buddhist temples and theater or conservation centers, according to Hotels.com .

Per the U.S. Department of State , exercise caution when visiting Indonesia. There is a risk of terrorist attacks, natural disasters and violent demonstrations. Also, stay away from the Central Papua and Highland Papua provinces.

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

Sunny Beach, found on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, attracts individuals with its beaches and is great for watersports, nightlife and amusement parks, per Tripadvisor .

According to the U.S. Department of State , you can exercise normal precautions in Bulgaria.

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm el-Sheikh is a resort town in the Sinai Peninsula. Beyond resorts, there are also great luxury restaurants and nightclubs to visit. Also, due to its location on the coast, snorkeling around the coral reefs is popular, according to Britannica .

Per the U.S. Department of State , “The Department of State Travel Advisory warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) and the Western Desert.”

Algarve, Portugal

Algarve, located in southern Portugal, is known for cliff beaches and seafood. One of the popular places to visit this summer in Algarve is Lagos, per Lonely Planet .

According to the U.S. Department of State , you can exercise normal precautions in Portugal.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is full of ancient culture while still showcasing modern attractions. For example, you could visit Asakusa, a Buddhist temple, or Tokyo’s Disneyland, according to Hotels.com .

Per the U.S. Department of State , you can exercise normal precautions in Japan.

Mombasa, Kenya

Mombasa, located near the Indian Ocean, has a lot of beachfront hotels and is a great place for watersports! Some of the top places to visit include the Fort Jesus Museum or Haller Park, per Tripadvisor .

According to the U.S. Department of State , parts of Kenya have a risk of terrorism, kidnapping, violent demonstrations or crime. Therefore, when visiting, one should exercise increased caution. Make sure to stay away from the Kenya-Somalia border counties.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a beautiful location where one can find wildlife and a variety of plants. There are also great places to visit to learn more about the heritage, eat delicious food or to hike. For example, you could visit Lion’s Head Peak or Greenmarket Square, according to Hotels.com .

Per the U.S. Department of State , exercise increased caution in South Africa because of crime and civil unrest.

Tourists in Cape Town using GPS apps sometimes get directed through high-crime residential areas. Make sure to stay updated on the current events in the area, according to the U.S. Department of State .

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An has diverse scenes from rice farms to beaches. Travelers can go shopping around the town or spend time hiking around farms. For a historical trip, stop by the Japanese Bridge or take a cooking class. For shopping, visit unique stores such as Cocobox to find jams or Reaching Out for tea sets and jewelry, according to Vietnam Tourism .

Per the U.S. Department of State , you may exercise normal precautions in Vietnam.

36 Hours in San Juan, Puerto Rico

By Luisita Lopez Torregrosa April 4, 2024

Share full article

People stand on a pile of rocks by a seashore. The sky is orange and many palm trees are visible at a distant shore.

By Luisita Lopez Torregrosa Photographs by Scott McIntyre

Luisita Lopez Torregrosa was born in Puerto Rico and has written a memoir recalling her childhood on the island.

There’s new optimism in this Caribbean capital. Tourists are coming in record numbers, and the city is recovering the energy it lost after the devastation of hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017; the emigration of tens of thousands to the mainland; a bankrupt economy; and the pandemic. In Old San Juan, the 500-year-old colonial enclave of pastel-colored architecture and ancient forts, and beyond, eclectic restaurants, experimental art and celebrated gritty bars like La Factoría are firing up the Puerto Rican spirit. Calle Cerra, a street in the former working-class barrio of Santurce, is now the epicenter of the island’s public art movement, featuring giant murals alongside a lively nightlife scene where you can join in on the chinchorreo, a local term for bar hopping and street dancing.

Recommendations

Galería Botello , housed in a 350-year-old mansion in Old San Juan, shows paintings, prints, ceramics and a collection of Puerto Rican santos, hand-carved wooden figures, by the Galician artist Ángel Botello.
Cocina al Fondo , with a James Beard Award-winning chef, reconstructs Puerto Rican cuisine, but remains loyal to the traditions of the island.
Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico has the island’s most important collection of paintings, sculptures and carvings by Puerto Rican and Caribbean artists.
Calle Cerra is the street that is the epicenter of Puerto Rican urban public art and a hot nightlife destination. It is also the site of the annual street art festival Santurce Es Ley (Santurce Is Law) in May.
Paseo de la Princesa is a bayside promenade in Old San Juan with fountains and sculptures like Fuente Raices (Roots Fountain), which represents the ancestral roots of Puerto Rican identity: Spanish, African and Taino.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro , one of the largest fortifications built by Spain in the Caribbean, has six levels of barracks, dungeons and storerooms. Kite-flying on the fort’s lawn is free.
Parque del Indio , off Ashford Avenue in the Condado neighborhood, is a refuge from the crowds with a pristine beach, kitesurfing and games of pickleball and volleyball.
Marmalade , arguably the best restaurant in San Juan, is reinventing local dishes, injecting Japanese, French and Moroccan accents.
Bodegas Compostela is a classic Spanish restaurant with outstanding wines, lamb chops, crisp suckling pig and chocolate soufflé.
Primitivo , an intimate tapas bar, specializes in nigiri and crudo appetizers and specialty cocktails like silky Negronis.
Pio Pio , a chic wine bar across Plaza de Armas in Old San Juan, offers quiet sophistication, luxurious bites and special wines and cocktails.
La Casita Blanca , a local favorite, is rooted in traditional Puerto Rican dishes served in a homey and friendly atmosphere.
La Factoría is a popular nightspot in Old San Juan that houses six bars connected by dark passageways.
Botánico is a bar and restaurant with Central American dishes and an open-air dance floor.
Esquina Watusi is an iconic dive bar that often hosts the crazy chinchorreo, a street dancing-and-drinking scene.
Puerto Rican Art and Crafts stocks acrylic paintings, ceramics and vejigantes, folkloric masks that resemble the faces of colorful demons.
Avenida Ashford , in Condado, is San Juan’s shopping and tourist gold coast, from Cartier to boutiques like Wild Side , in the hotel Condado Vanderbilt, where you may find exclusive handmade gold and silver jewelry by the local artist María Blondet.
Calle Loiza , in Santurce, is lined with shops carrying locally made accessories, bags and clothing. Don’t miss the free sidewalk used-book library.
The Condado Vanderbilt sweeps you in with an open view of the ocean from its opulent pink marble Art Deco lobby. Opened in 1919, the hotel was renovated and reopened in 2014. It is still San Juan’s premier hotel. Rooms in April start at $651.
O :LV Fifty-Five , a design marvel with a black-and-white marble Art Deco lobby, features a romantic rooftop with a plunge pool and soaring views of the Condado Lagoon and the skylines of Condado and Miramar. Adults only. Rooms start at $449.
El Convento , a bright yellow Spanish colonial landmark in Old San Juan, has a serene courtyard and beautiful 17th-century arched doorways and beamed ceilings. Rooms start at $278.
For short-term rentals , search in the neighborhoods of Old San Juan, Condado, Santurce and Miramar.
Old San Juan, Condado, Miramar and Santurce are clustered within 15 minutes of one another by car, depending on traffic. Taxis prefer cash. Many won’t take credit cards. The car ride from Old San Juan to Santurce runs $18 to $25. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and rental cars are easily available. Public transportation is subpar .

People stand in the narrow entrance of a turret in an old-looking stone wall that overlooks ocean.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Old San Juan is easily walkable. Start at the Paseo de la Princesa , a promenade with fountains and sculptures that runs along San Juan Bay and the city’s fortress walls. It goes by La Fortaleza , the 16th-century governor’s mansion, and comes close to the Catedral de San Juan Bautista , where it is said the bones of Juan Ponce de León, the Spanish conquistador who became Puerto Rico’s first governor, are buried. The stroll ends on Punta del Morro, a waterfront path that culminates at the bottom of the Castillo San Felipe del Morro , also known as El Morro, a 16th-century fortress. It still has some original cannons facing the Atlantic. Entry, $10; two-and-a-half-hour tours , $49. Or just relax on the expansive green lawn where kite-flying is popular.

From El Morro, descend the single-file sidewalks on Calle del Cristo, with its galleries, bars and outdoor cafes. Take a brief break inside El Convento hotel’s serene courtyard, or on a tree-shaded bench at the intersecting Calle Caleta. Continue down Cristo to Galería Botello , a free museum in a 350-year-old house dedicated to Ángel Botello, the Galician artist who came to San Juan in the 1950s and was known as the “Caribbean Gauguin” for his paintings of Haitian women. Botello prints run $50 to $125, and his santos, carved wooden figures, sell for $500 to $3,000. Nearby, the Puerto Rican Art and Crafts stocks acrylic paintings, ceramics and vejigantes, folkloric masks that resemble the faces of colorful demons, sporting horns. Masks from $15 to $44.

People drink at a bar that is illuminated by a pink neon side that reads "Pio Pio."

Across Plaza de Armas, the chic wine bar Pio Pio , a secluded space that declares its name with a Barbie-pink sign over the bar, has luxury plates like lobster rolls with sturgeon caviar ($32), unusual wines (including Llopart Corpinnat Rose, an organic sparkling rose from Catalunya, Spain, $14 a glass), and cocktails like a vodka martini that hits the spot with a dash of orange bitters ($17).

A dish served in a white tagine that is garnished with leaves and pomegranate seeds.

By this time, the celebrated bar La Factoría , inside a century-old building, already has a line down the sidewalk. It’s worth waiting to enjoy the signature Lavender Mule (ginger tea, vodka, lavender and citrus; $12.80) in the bar’s standing-room-only scruffy main room or one of its smaller drinking dens, reached via dark passageways. Then stroll downhill to Marmalade , whose pale rooms of arches and alcoves evoke Moorish Andalusia. The ahi tuna tartare, seasoned with harissa (North African chile paste), and the bite-size pieces of paella served like sushi rolls are memorable. Leave room for the Choco-L8, eight flavors of local organic chocolate with hazelnut accents. Five courses (each course has eight to 10 choices), $135. Wine pairings, $79 per person. Reservations recommended.

A couple dances under red lights at a bar while other people drink or watch.

People dance to salsa music at La Factoría.

A person wearing a black bathing suit sits on a deck chair overlooking the ocean.

The sun deck at the Condado Vanderbilt hotel

Enjoy an espresso ($1.50) with a fresh mallorca pastry (a spiral sweet bun; $3.50) at Sobao , an indoor-outdoor cafe at the AC Hotel by Marriott, then walk along Avenida Ashford until you reach a small park called Ventanas al Mar (Windows to the Sea), which has a path that leads to the beach. It is packed, mainly with hotel guests, but anyone may rent a chair for $5 and an umbrella for $10. (All beaches in Puerto Rico are public, even those claimed by hotels.) In the lobby of the Condado Vanderbilt hotel next door check out Wild Side , a boutique that carries fine beachwear and sculptural jewelry in gold and silver by the Puerto Rican artist María Blondet .

The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico , in a neo-Classical building in Santurce, a center of the arts and nightlife, exhibits the major works of artists from different generations, periods and media (entry, $12). Absorb the haunting self-portrait “Azabache,” by the Puerto Rican painter Arnaldo Roche Rabell. Walk to another hall to find “No Crying in the Barber Shop,” a room-size installation depicting a Bronx barbershop, by the Puerto Rican artist Pepon Osorio, exploring the Latino culture’s machismo. Before leaving the museum, visit the quiet sculpture garden and stop by La Tienda, the museum shop, which stocks locally made works like the brightly colored tiles depicting a still life of red flowers, by Susana López Castells ($40).

The exterior of a building with a gold front door. A sign that is decorated with a glass of red wine reads "Bodegas Compostela."

Bodegas Compostela , in the Condado neighborhood, is a fixture among San Juan’s high-end restaurants, with a classic, understated dining room favored for family gatherings, birthdays and business lunches. Start with the Galician-style octopus, cooked with olive oil, paprika and potatoes ($23.95), and follow it with the roast suckling pig, with crackling skin and juicy meat ($74.95), and a rich chocolate soufflé ($15.95) for dessert. If all that seems too much, order the fresh and light lobster salad ($42.95). Compostela is also known for its fine wines. Try Attis, an albariño from Spain, $51.95 a bottle. Reservations recommended.

Calle Cerra , not long ago a street of rundown buildings and abandoned shops, is now a hotbed of nightlife and the center of the island’s urban art movement. Stroll to take in the street art, much of it exploring political and social issues. An imposing mural painted on a water tower shows a boy carrying a glacier on his back while the ice melts around him. A building-wide mural of three skeletons sinking in the sea symbolizes colonialism and slavery. At the end of one block, a pinkish high-rise, covered from ground to roof with graffiti, murals, swirls and scrawls, looks abandoned. People live in it. At the top of the strip, take a break at Café con Cé with an iced latte ($4.50) and a vegan pastry ($4).

A white plate that holds meat, rice molded into a half-sphere and slices of yellow plantain.

Dine in the open patio at Cocina al Fondo , a restaurant in Santurce, whose chef, Natalia Vallejo, last year became the first Puerto Rican to win a 2023 James Beard Award for Best Chef: South. Try traditional favorites like pastelillos de calabaza (pumpkin fritters, $15) and jarrete de cerdo al caldero (ham hock with rice and beans and ripe plantain; $42), familiar dishes made with a local, farm-to-table ethos. Reservations recommended.

A person stands behind a bar peeling an orange. Glassware is suspended upside-down above the bar.

After dinner at Cocina al Fondo, wander back to Calle Cerra, which draws bar-hoppers to its cocktail clubs and salons until the wee hours. Young crowds gather at Botánico , where a giant mural of a face overlooks an open-air dance floor. Farther down the street, where chickens roam free and an old church stands on a corner, are several more bars, including Machete , Graziani and Galeria , and the crazy chinchorreo — what locals call the street dancing-and-drinking scene — is often centered on Esquina Watusi , an iconic dive bar. After the hubbub of Cerra, walk or take a taxi to the secluded tapas bar Primitivo , in the Miramar neighborhood nearby. Sample the nigiri, a slice of tuna set over a tiny alcapurria fritter, a Puerto Rican favorite ($14), and sip a silky Negroni ($15).

People walk down the sidewalks of a cobblestone street that is illuminated in red and purple at night.

People walk down a street in Old San Juan, the colonial enclave of pastel-colored architecture and ancient forts.

A person sits on a beach chair under a wide orange umbrella on a sandy shore. Small waves crash in the ocean in front of them, and two people in bathing suits walk by.

A beach near Parque del Indio

Parque del Indio , in Condado, is a refuge, a neighborhood beach park on Avenida Ashford in Condado at Calle C.F. Krug. It’s a favorite of children, dog walkers, pickleball and volleyball players. Rent a chair ($5) and an umbrella ($10) and watch the waves, read a book, or take a long walk on a beach that goes on for miles, along seafront homes, informal grills and beachside guesthouses.

Three people sit at a restaurant table with a floral patterned table cloth. There is a display cabinet in the restaurant with many knick-knacks.

Everyone in San Juan knows La Casita Blanca , one of the city’s most popular home-style restaurants. It is so popular that it won’t take reservations. Guests wait chatting in line on the sidewalk along the restaurant, which is in a modest white house with a facade draped in flowers, on a busy corner of the densely congested Santurce, where traffic is bumper to bumper. Every day the restaurant posts 10 to 12 dishes on a blackboard. The biftec encebollado (well-done filet cooked with onions, $18.95) is a favorite. Another standby, mofongo (mashed plantains, $5.95) and the arepas con bacalao (cod fritters, $12.95) seem unchanged over the decades. And the friendly staff waves goodbye with smiles and hugs, like family.

More From 36 Hours

Have a weekend to explore a destination we’ve got the perfect travel itinerary..

Paris: A different side of the French capital reveals smaller museums, under-the-radar spots in Montmartre and a diverse performance scene .

Montreal : Climb a mountain, wander the waterfront and enjoy a smoked-meat sandwich in a city with a surprise around every corner.

Cartagena: With a limonada de coco in hand, explore two walkable neighborhoods over a weekend in this coastal Colombian city.

Glasgow: Take in Gothic architecture, green riverside walks and a global banquet in Scotland’s largest city.

Chicago: Cycle miles of urban trails, tour a restored Frank Lloyd Wright masterwork and catch golden hour along Lake Michigan.

Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

Umbraphiles feeling the post-eclipse blues should start checking the expiration date on their passports.

The next total solar eclipse is set to happen on Aug. 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal, according to NASA .

In North America, only a partial eclipse will be visible, so if April’s event made you an eclipse chaser and you want to see totality, you’ll need to head overseas.

Here’s what you’ll need to know before packing your bags:

Do you need a passport or visa for the best destination?

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse mostly goes through places Americans can travel visa-free with their passport, so long as they’re planning to stay for less than 90 days.

Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Greenland all allow visa-free tourist travel for U.S. passport holders.

Spain, Portugal and Iceland are also members of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel in much of Europe, meaning if you decide to make a multi-country trip out of your eclipse adventure, you won’t need to clear customs if you’re coming from much of the rest of Europe, either.

One major change for travelers to Europe from the U.S., however, is that electronic preauthorization will become a requirement beginning in mid-2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirement will apply to all four open countries in the path of totality.

Depending on the state of the Ukraine war, travel to Russia may or may not be an option for most Americans by 2026, so it’s unclear what the paperwork requirements will be by then.

Is it better to see it from the beach?

Beaches can be a great place to see the eclipse because there are few natural obstacles blocking observers’ views of the sky. The 2026 path of totality passes over beaches on Spain’s northern and southeastern coasts, as well as over islands in the Mediterranean Sea including Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The eclipse will also pass over coastal areas in Greenland and Iceland, according to the National Solar Observatory .

Cruising Altitude: What it was like to see the eclipse from a plane

Will there be eclipse cruises or flights?

Almost certainly, although most operators have not announced specific plans yet.

Cruise lines will also offer more viewing opportunities. Princess Cruises “has created a bespoke itinerary aboard Sky Princess to position the ship near Spain on that date,” according to a spokesperson for the line. The cruise will open for bookings on Princess’s website on May 23.

Cunard Line has sailings on its Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Anne vessels that will put passengers in prime spots to watch .

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Holland America Line is also planning multiple sailings around the event, though details are still to be announced. “Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, previously told USA TODAY in an email.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

9 Things That’ll Almost Definitely Sell Out: From Swatch to Solawave

For this week’s ” Don’t Dillydally ,” we’ve surfaced a range of new things we’re sure will sell out, including buzzy tinned tuna, summer-ready sandals, and wristwatches that double as works of art.

The North Face x Hike Clerb

The North Face recently teamed up with Hike Clerb , a nonprofit organization dedicated to making space for Black and brown women in nature, to release a collection of outdoors-ready apparel. It includes jumpsuits , utility skorts , hats, and more, all adorned in spring-ready shades of periwinkle blue and butter yellow.

Warby Parker Summer 2024 Collection

Speaking of butter yellow, Warby Parker’s new summer 2024 drop includes this glamorous pair of oversize sunglasses in the sunshine-y shade “Yuzu Crystal.” And there are plenty more ’60s and ’70s-inspired designs to be had in the collection, from oval specs in a warm tortoise to wire-rimmed frames in polished gold .

Fishwife Albacore Tuna

Tinned-fish enthusiasts, myself included , have been waiting for this launch with bated breath — Fishwife just unveiled its new albacore-tuna offerings, which are available in both spicy and regular olive-oil marinades. They’re sure to be a perfect pantry staple that’s equally delicious spread over crackers or mixed into a lemony pasta.

Teva Hydratek Sandals

Teva, makers of some of our favorite stylish yet functional sandals , just launched it newest silhouette, intended for all your summer fishing, boating, and water-centric activities. The Teva Hydrateks are inspired by tree-frog traction and feature an innovative tread design that maximizes surface area to prevent slippage. A spongy top-sole and padded straps provide additional comfort and durability.

Lunya Floating Lily Collection

Lunya’s new Floating Lily collection reissues the brand’s washable silk favorites — from oversize tees to sleep masks to slip dresses — in this sophisticated lily pattern that will have you floating off to dreamland in no time.

Brooklyn Museum x Cold Picnic Cherry Blossom Collection

Cherry-blossom season only lasts for a few short weeks in spring, but if you want to enjoy them all year long, home-goods purveyor Cold Picnic recently teamed up with the Brooklyn Museum to release a collection festooned with the blooms, inspired by the museum’s exhibition of Japanese artist Utagawa Hiroshige. You can snag this knit blanket, a custom rug , or even reams of wallpaper .

Solawave Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Mask

Red-light-device brand Solawave, which Strategist contributor Diksha Basu credits for her skin’s glowy youthfulness, is expanding its range of at-home tools with its new Neck and Chest Rejuvenating Mask. The device uses light therapy to target areas where elasticity loss and sun exposure show up the most, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, creases, hyperpigmentation, and sun spots.

Rachel Antonoff x Little Spoon

As if Rachel Antonoff ’s pasta-patterned puffer, made in collaboration with baby-food brand Little Spoon, weren’t already adorable enough, it’s also reversible — turn the jacket inside out to reveal a bunch of bitty radishes.

Swatch x Tate Gallery

Swatch recently teamed up with the Tate Gallery to reimagine some of the museum’s most well-known works of art as watches. The collection draws from paintings by Bourgeois, Chagall, Matisse, Turner, and more to bring mini-masterpieces to your wrist.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

the strategist
don't dillydally

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

The 12 Very Best Lip Balms
The 10 Very Best Rice Cookers
62 Famous People on Their Favorite Comfortable Shoes
The 13 Very Best Pajamas for Women
The 15 Very Best Protein Powders
I Put the Dyson Airwrap and Shark FlexStyle Head-to-Head
Everything We’ve Written About That’s on Sale at Amazon Right Now

Shop with Google

IMAGES

Top 5 Spots In Mccluskieganj That Every Traveller Must Explore (2023)
Top 5 Spots In Mccluskieganj That Every Traveller Must Explore (2024)
Nakta Hill Drone View
A Visit to McCluskieganj in Jharkhand
Top 5 Spots In Mccluskieganj That Every Traveller Must Explore (2024)
McCluskieganj, Tagore Hill and more: Places you must visit when in

VIDEO

mccluskieganj city resort #shorts #tends #youtubeshort
Mccluskieganj Eco Village| Eco Village Cottage| Travel with Rahul
Annual night celebration@Don Bosco Academy Mccluskieganj
mccluskieganj stisan
ТУШКАНЧИКИ
Complete tour of Netarhat

COMMENTS

Top 5 Spots In Mccluskieganj That Every Traveller Must ...
4. Jagriti Vihara. Founded in 1975, Jagriti Vihara is one of the most scenic sites in McCluskieganj. It was created to provide shelters for orphans and offer development to the rural community living in the region. But now, it has become of the most visited sightseeing spots in McCluskieganj.
A Visit to McCluskieganj in Jharkhand
Travel Experience. A Visit to McCluskieganj, a Quaint and Lesser-Known Hill Town in Jharkhand. Published: 20 Apr, 2020 Tour My India. This informative blog has been contributed by Dr Gargi and Neel, a couple from Bengaluru enjoying travelling, photography and writing. The write up offers details on the lesser-known hilly town, McCluskieganj in ...
McCluskieganj Village, Jharkhand
The McCluskieganj is also name of a small town in Jharkhand state, India. The annual tourist flow is 4000 approx. (Domestic 3800 and International 200). The types of accommodation available in the village are Anglo Indian Bungalows and other rest houses provide accommodation. (No. of Units - 10 and No. of Beds - 25 Approx)
McCluskieganj
McCluskieganj. Nestled between lush forests and lofty hills, the scenic town of McCluskieganj exudes colonial charm. Speckled with sprawling old bungalows that were once the home of Anglo-Indian population earlier, the town is drenched with a rich history. Also known as the Little England of India, this town houses beautiful European-style ...
McCluskieganj, Jharkhand
We were there in McCluskieganj, India on the trail of a dream, a dream that went back to the year 1933. How we Found Ourselves in McCluskieganj. We were in Ranchi for the Jharkhand Travel Mart organized by Jharkhand Tourism. In the course of an audio-visual presentation the name of McClusikeganj found a fleeting mention and somehow the name ...
Welcome :: Jharkhand Tourism
It is one of the foremost tourist attractions of Jharkhand. Ideal as a weekend destination, the place has an old charm, rustic beauty, and natural wonders, making it a must-visit destination. A trip to McCluskieganj is mostly about relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature. Walks along the streets of this city will give you sights of many ...
Mccluskieganj, India: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024
Mccluskieganj Tourism: Tripadvisor has reviews of Mccluskieganj Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Mccluskieganj resource.
McCluskieganj, Jharkhand
The school has developed local tourism too. Places to see at McCluskieganj: Travellers visit McCluskiegunj to spend a peaceful weekend in a quiet colonial village. You would find some elegant British bungalows like Gordon Sahib's bungalow, few churches and a very interesting monument in the nearby Duli village where a temple, a Gurudwara and ...
McCluskieganj Jharkhand's Quaint Hamlet
McCluskieganj is a small hilly town in Jharkhand located at a distance of about (64 km) northwest of the capital, Ranchi. It is one of the foremost tourist attractions of Jharkhand. The area has historic charm, rustic beauty, and natural wonders, making it a must-visit location and perfect for a weekend getaway.
McCluskieganj
Overview. The small town was originally founded for the Anglo-Indian community and is located at a drive of about an hour from Ranchi. The town is named after the businessman Ernest Timothy McCluskie who envisioned the community to settle there. Suggested Duration - 2-3 hours.
Mccluskieganj, India 2024: Best Places to Visit
Mccluskieganj Tourism: Tripadvisor has reviews of Mccluskieganj Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Mccluskieganj travel resource.
McCluskieganj
McCluskieganj is a small hilly town in Jharkhand State, India, about 40 miles (64 km) northwest of the capital, Ranchi. The town used to have a significant Anglo-Indian community. It is now a tourist place for its British era old mansions, hills and streams. History. Ernest Timothy McCluskie, the Anglo Indian businessman from Kolkata visited ...
McCluskieganj, Tagore Hill and more: Places you must visit when in
Here are some of its main tourist attractions: McCluskieganj: Anybody who has seen the hauntingly brilliant movie 'A Death in the Gunj' (2017) which was directed by Konkona Sen Sharma (her ...
Mc Cluskieganj: Sojourn to an Unrealised Dream
The best time to visit McCluskieganj is between October to March, when the clime and the weather are gratifyingly conducive, although the winters are slightly chilly. Places that are a must-watch in McCluskiegunj are the extant Bungalows, the most popular of which is that of Kitty Memsahib, considered by the locals as the face of McCluskieganj.
McCluskieganj, Tagore Hill and more: Places you must visit when in
Here are some of its main tourist attractions: McCluskieganj: Anybody who has seen the hauntingly brilliant movie 'A Death in the Gunj' (2017) which was directed by Konkona Sen Sharma (her debut as a director), wouldn't ever forget the images of this place shown in the movie. The small hilly town is situated around an hour and a half's ...
9 Most Beautiful Hill Stations in Jharkhand • Travelothon
Most of the trains halt at Khalari; 6 km from McCluskieganj. The best way to travel to McCluskieganj is by driving in a personal vehicle. Nearby Places To Visit: Dugadugi River, McCluskieganj Forests, Nakta Hill, St. John's Cathedral, Jagriti Vihara, Duli Village. Best Time To Visit: October to March; Hazaribagh Hill Station
Mccluskieganj
Mccluskieganj | Mini London Of India | Weekend Trip To Jharkhand | Mccluskieganj Tourist PlacesMccluskieganj has a rich history since pre independence. Once ...
15 Cheapest Places To Travel In 2024
England's Alnwick Castle Is A Must-Visit For Harry Potter Fans. Apr 8, 2024, 05:45am EDT. ... the Holiday Money Report 2024 highlights some of the cheapest places to travel.
Mccluskieganj Tourism (2024): All You Need to Know Before You Go
Mccluskieganj Tourism: Tripadvisor has reviews of Mccluskieganj Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Mccluskieganj Tourism resource.
7 Best Places to Visit in Moscow
Here is our list of top places not to miss on your unforgettable tour to Moscow. 1. The Kremlin. The Kremlin is located in the very heart of the capital and is definitely one of Moscow's oldest and most picturesque parts. It is an ancient fortified building complex standing on the banks of the Moskva River. In fact, the city took its name from ...
Things to do in Moscow: how to visit Moscow
Things to do in Moscow in 2 days. If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, there are 2 purposes: do not miss the essential places of Moscow and optimize travel. First day: Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral, Zariadye Park, Bolshoi Theatre, Kremlin. Day 2: Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the former Krasny Oktyabr factory on Balchug Island ...
10 must-see places in Oklahoma to add to your travel bucket list
Here are 10 must-see places in the Sooner State. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. A trip to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is necessary for those who want to learn more ...
17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow (+Photos)
The interior is just as captivating to wander around, with its beautifully tiled floors and impressive altar. 8. Lenin Mausoleum. Opened to the public in 1924, Lenin's Mausoleum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. The red granite structure is located at the heart of the city in Red Square.
What is the best place to travel to on a budget?
10 cheap places to travel on a budget. Post Office released the Holiday Money Report for 2024. In its report, it shares cheap hotspots to visit on your next adventure. Post Office based its recommendations on costs of tourist essentials, like drinks and meals, instead of the price of traveling by plane or accommodations. Paphos, Cyprus
What to See in Moscow
Many Moscow landmarks are perfectly viewed from the top of the hill: the Moscow City Business Center, St. Andrew's Monastery, the Luzhniki Stadium, and more. The Sparrow Hills also boast a wide range of outdoor activities, so feel free to enjoy them while in Moscow! 10. Izmailovo Kremlin.
36 Hours in San Juan, Puerto Rico: Things to Do and See
Attractions and outdoor activities. Paseo de la Princesa is a bayside promenade in Old San Juan with fountains and sculptures like Fuente Raices (Roots Fountain), which represents the ancestral ...
See the next solar eclipse: Travel advice for the 2026 European travel
The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse mostly goes through places Americans can travel visa-free with their passport, so long as they're planning to stay for less than 90 days.
9 Things That'll Sell Out: From Swatch to Solawave
9 Things That'll Almost Definitely Sell Out: From Swatch to Solawave By Kitty Guo , a writer at the Strategist covering beauty, fashion, and gifts. 9 items in this article

You May Also Like

Top 5 Spots In Mccluskieganj That Every Traveller Must Explore (2024)

Top 5 Spots In McCluskieganj That Every Traveller Must Explore

1. Dugadugi River

2. McCluskieganj Forests

3. St. John’s Cathedral

4. Jagriti Vihara

5. Duli Village

Where do you want to go?

Medical Tourism Enquiry

A Visit to McCluskieganj, a Quaint and Lesser-Known Hill Town in Jharkhand

About Jagriti Vihar, the Seat of knowledge

Dulli Village En route Ranchi

Things to Know Before You Go

About Tour My India

Recent Post

7 Best Places to Spend Your Summer Break in North India

Now an Intangible Cultural Heritage Under UNESCO, Gujarat’s Garba Shares the Global Stage

10 Best Bird Watching Destinations in India

Three Tiger Cubs Spotted in Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve

20 Highway Dhabas that You Must Stop By

10 Best Beaches in Thailand

Tourism Update – Enjoy Visa Free Holiday Travel in Sri Lanka

Thailand Tourism Update- Indian Travelers Now Get a Visa-Free Entry to Thailand!

Top 25 Places to See and Things to Do in Thailand

Destination

Famous Places to Explore in Hyderabad

Raipur Tourist Places | Best Place to Visit

Ananthagiri

Albert Hall Museum

Other Attractions in Ranchi

Amadubi Village

Jagannath Mandir

McCluskieganj, Jharkhand – On the Trail of a Dream

How we Found Ourselves in McCluskie ganj

McCluskieganj- A Dream Dating Back to the 1930’s

The Road to McCluskieganj

McCluskieganj Today

In Search of Kitty Maam

The Man Behind The Window

The Best Photograph I Have Ever Taken

Explore these posts:

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Privacy Overview

Use your google account to Login

You are logged in with

Destination

मैक्लुस्कीगंज

Nearby Places

Get in touch (Monday to Saturday 10:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs )

Department of Tourism

Online Booking, Feedback & Support

Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation Ltd

Explore Mccluskieganj

McCluskieganj, Jharkhand – A destination where the time looks back recalling history

How to go ?

Where to stay ?

You might also like

Leave a Reply

Other Information

SURF THROUGH DESTINATIONS BY FEATURES

McCluskieganj

What To Expect?

Exploring a destination...

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about McCluskieganj

Explore Mccluskieganj

McCluskieganj, Tagore Hill and more: Places you must visit when in Ranchi

Join Hindustan Times

Mc Cluskieganj: Sojourn to an Unrealised Dream

Sandip Banerjee

McCluskieganj, Tagore Hill and more: Places you must visit when in Ranchi.

9 Most Beautiful Hill Stations in Jharkhand

Most Popular Hill Stations in Jharkhand

Palamu Hill Station

Ghatshila Hill Station

Hill Stations near Deoghar

Giridih Hill Station

Hill Stations near Ranchi

Ranchi Hill Station

Ramgarh Hill Station