I struggled with the accelerator and the clutch as I negotiated the hairpin bends. Roads snaked and looped endlessly around the velvety green mountains. The early morning winter sun shone bleakly and provided a respite from the cruel, biting wind. I drove carefully, marvelling at the scintillating views of the valley, the dam and the lights from the thermal power station that dotted the skyline and the roads that look like winding race tracks. For tourists visiting the mineral-rich state of Jharkhand, the Patratu-Pithouria valley tops the list of places they want to experience. One among the countless picturesque destinations that Jharkhand boasts of, the picture postcard valley is accessible to tourists all through the year with winters being the preferred season.
Located at an average elevation of 405 metres, the Patratu Dam was constructed by the father of Indian engineering, Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya. The dam is situated 40 kms away from the capital city and thanks to the newly-built, pothole-free road where seasoned drivers can taste the thrill of go karting, it takes hardly an hour to reach the dam.
Having lived in Ranchi for more than two decades, the valley was my favourite haunt because of its serene, calm surroundings.
As one drives away from the town limits, the roads start getting hemmed in by lush agricultural fields which then slowly give way to the dense green cover of saal, sakhuwa and bamboo trees. On the way, one can spot villagers carrying coal on their bicycles and dragging them as they pedal their way through the steep inclines and bends. Most of them load their bicycles at one of the numerous coal mines in Patratu. However it is best to take a short trip to Patratu during the day as the area is a part of Jharkhand’s red corridor.
The Patratu dam is the main reservoir of the Patratu thermal power station and is the perfect spot to experience a beautiful winter sunrise.
The thicket of trees near the dam make it a convenient spot for picknickers and for devotees of the sun god who throng the dam during Chhatth puja, which is one of the most important festivals of Jharkhand.
The dam also has boating facilities: there are four boats which are rowed by the locals at a very nominal charge and interestingly, the boats are named after popular Bollywood movies. However, there are no eateries or refreshment spots close to the dam and one has to go to the Patratu town area to buy eatables.
During monsoons, rivulets and streams of water flow down from the top of the mountains into the reservoir. The valleys are also a hotspot for bird-watchers with species like the Grey Francolin, the Scaly Belly Munia, Great-crested Grabe, Pied-Kingfisher, Red Avadvat, Bar-headed Geese, Flamed Woodpecker and many other varieties being frequent visitors.
The development of tourism continues to remain stilted but the recent increase in the footfalls of visitors to the Patratu valley, owing to the striking scenery and the wonderful roads, has inspired the government to promote the state’s many more breathtaking landscapes.