If adrenaline courses through your body at the very mention of adventure, how about rock climbing or zip-lining in the sylvan surroundings of Netarhat, a popular hill station in Latehar district that has earned the sobriquet ‘Queen of Chotanagpur’.
Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC) has arranged for the first time low-cost, Swiss-style dormitory tents for anyone up for a thrilling excursion during Sharad Utsav, an annual carnival that began on October 1 and will continue through winter till February 2019.
“This is the second edition of our Netarhat tourism festival. Each of the dorm tents can accommodate 15 persons. The tariff is only Rs 500 per bed per night,” said JTDC general manager Rajeev Ranjan.
Apart from the tents, tourists can opt for double-bed Swiss cottages. “There are 20 such cottages, the per night rental of each being a modest Rs 2,500, not inclusive of taxes though,” Ranjan said.
While a large group of 15 adventure-seekers can plan their stay at the dormitory, smaller groups or even individuals can book a tent bed provided they are willing to share accommodation.
“We had received an overwhelming response during the maiden edition of Sharad Utsav. We are sanguine the dorm tent will attract more visitors this time. There are already bookings for December,” the JTDC official said.
Among other perks of the carnival are chances to taste local cuisine and enjoy performances by tribal artistes on a wintry evening around a bonfire.
The organisers have lined up a host of sporting and adventure events such as bicycle tours, trekking, zip lining, rock climbing, boating, kayaking, water skiing and water zorbing. “We have finalised an agency that will facilitate these events. The rates charged from tourists will be nominal,” Ranjan said.
Bookings are open and can be made online at `jharkhandtourism.gov.in`.
The government tourism website. Agencies