Jharkhand isn’t the most well-known state when it comes to tourism in India. However, that is just a perception of many travelers and tourists. The state is an underrated and unexplored region, home to plenty of mesmerizing historical monuments, temples, and other natural as well as manmade structures. And one such place in Jharkhand that deserves more attention is Kechki – the hidden gem located by the River Koyel. If you’re looking to explore an underrated or hidden destination in India, Kechki has to be the place for you!
Kechki: Jharkhand’s Hidden Gem
What And Where Is Kechki?
Kechki isn’t your ordinary town or village – it might not be the most well-known place out there, but that is what makes it a standout! It is nestled in the lush green landscapes of Jharkhand’s Betla Forest. The Kechki Railway Station is the local railway station connecting the village to the outside world. Know that there are limited trains making to and fro trips to Kechki, so make sure that you know about the train timings before visiting Kechki.
How To Reach Kechki From Daltonganj
What many people do is reach Daltonganj Station first (now called Medininagar) and then take a cab or another connecting train to Kechki. Trains to Daltonganj are easily available from major junctions like Patna, Howrah, Jabalpur, and Bhopal among others. Once you reach Daltonganj, you can take a connecting train to Kechki, which is about 15 kilometers (km) away. As these trains are limited, you can easily go the other way by hiring a rickshaw or a cab. These can cost you anywhere between INR 300 to INR 500, so make sure you bargain for the best price!
What To Do When In Kechki?
Kechki is ideal for you if you’re looking for a peaceful, no-disturbance travel destination in India. The place isn’t very popular among a lot of tourists, offering you with experiences that many have never heard of. When in Kechki, make sure that you visit the Kechki Sangam, a confluence of the rivers Koyel and Auranga. The site is known for unadulterated views of the confluence, attracting not just locals and tourists, but filmmakers as well.
Do you know that world-renowned Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray shot parts of his film Aranyer Din Ratri, starring Sharmila Tagore. Not just that, but many other actors like Nana Patekar, Shatrughan Sinha, and Raj Babbar have visited this location for the shoot of quite a number of movies and music videos.
In the olden times, the rivers weren’t as wide as they are today. With changes in the local environment, the rivers have widened today. Plus, the place has been a popular summer picnic destination for many Bengali people.
You can also visit the nearby Palamu Fort/Palamu Kila. It comprises two forts overlooking the scenic Auranga River. The forts lie close to the Betla National Park, about 3 km away. Also, the Betla National Park is a great place for adventure and wildlife enthusiasts looking for an underrated gem to explore. The place is known for housing plenty of flora and fauna, including hyena, leopard, wild boar, elephant, jackal, hornbill, black partridge, black ibis, and many others.
Summing Up
Kechki Jharkhand is a beautiful destination in central India that isn’t much known among a lot of people. With its lush green forests, old forts, a sprawling national park, and the confluence of two serene rivers, Kechki must be the place for you if you are looking for a calm, relaxing, and rejuvenating experience away from city life. So, when are you visiting this underrated gem of India?
