Patratu Valley, which combines meandering roads, verdant surroundings, and serene views of the lake, is a picturesque getaway from the bustle of the metropolis of Ranchi in Jharkhand, India. This blog walks you through its highlights, useful information, and some advice on how to make your trip unforgettable.
Patratu Dam: The Heart of the Valley
The Patratu Dam, built across the Nalkari River, is the centerpiece of the valley. It is not only a source of water for the region but also a popular spot for sightseeing and photography. The dam is surrounded by hills and forests, making it a serene location for picnics and short treks.
Why Go to Patratu Valley?
The trip itself is delightful: from Ranchi, you travel through thick forests and up-hill roads with winding curves and expansive views. Many tourists claim that the route makes them think of more well-known hill stations.
The view of the lake and valley road is one of the primary draws. With foliage on either side, you can see the “snake-like” curving path carved into the slope.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Patratu Valley is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Avoid the peak summer months, as temperatures can get uncomfortably high.
Patratu Dam Resort
Patratu Dam & Patratu Lake Resort
📍 Location & Getting There
- Patratu Valley is located in the Ramgarh district in Jharkhand, about 35‑40 km from Ranchi city via Kanke‑Patratu Road. web.uneecopscloud.com+3The Pipl+3myvisitinghours.org+3
- Nearest major airport is Birsa Munda Airport (Ranchi), ~38‑40 km away. myvisitinghours.org+1
- The drive itself is scenic, with winding roads and hairpin bends through the hills. The Times of India+2The Pipl+2
ranchi to patratu distance
Ranchi to Patratu: Distance, Route, and Travel Guide
If you’re planning a quick getaway from Ranchi, Patratu is a beautiful spot that shouldn’t be missed. Nestled in the scenic hills of Jharkhand, Patratu offers stunning views, a serene lake, and a perfect escape from city life.
Distance:
The distance from Ranchi to Patratu is approximately 35–40 km, depending on the route you take.
Travel Time:
By car or taxi, the journey usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a short weekend getaway.
Best Routes:
- Via NH33: The most popular route, smooth and scenic, taking you through small towns and lush greenery.
- Via Ranchi–Ramgarh Road: Slightly longer but offers a peaceful drive with fewer vehicles.
Travel Tips:
- Hiring a taxi or driving yourself is convenient.
- Start early in the morning to enjoy the landscape and avoid traffic.
- Keep your camera ready; the road to Patratu is dotted with picturesque spots perfect for photography.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing picnic at Patratu Dam or just a scenic drive, this route from Ranchi makes for a delightful journey.
🌳 What to Expect & Things to Do
- The valley is surrounded by lush green hills, dense forests, and the reservoir of Patratu Dam / Patratu Lake, which adds a reflective water‑element to the landscape. visitorvenue.com+2The Pipl+2
- The drive up to the viewpoint is often highlighted as one of the main experiences—roads with “S”‑curves, good viewpoints for photography. Kahanigram+1
- Activities:
- Boating at the lake/reservoir. The Pipl+1
- Nature walks, vantage points for valley views. visitorvenue.com+1
- For adventure: biking/ride along the ghat roads. Reddit+1
- Nearby waterfall: Palani Waterfall (~3‑4 km from the dam) is another natural stop. ramgarhtourism.com
✅ Why It’s Worth Visiting
Given your interest in photography, modeling, acting and social media (since you’re into digital marketing & want good visuals) — this place is especially good because:
- The scenic backdrop of hills + winding roads + lake gives strong visuals for photo/video shoots (fits your modeling / acting interests).
- The drive itself can be content: “behind‑the‑scenes” of you in transit, visuals from the vantage point, etc.
- It’s accessible from Ranchi for a day‑trip or weekend, so manageable.
⚠️ Things to Note / Tips
- Though the scenery is great, a few comments from visitors: “The views are good but … too many street vendors and you can imagine the amount of trash.” Reddit+1
So, plan to go early/weekday if you want fewer crowds and better visual conditions. - Road conditions: the ghat/hill roads have sharp turns; travelers are advised to be careful, especially if self‑driving. The Pipl
- Night travel is not recommended (lack of streetlights in some stretches). The Pipl
- Some boat/cruise services were reported to be unavailable due to logistics. The Times of India
- Best time to visit: October to March (pleasant weather). Monsoon (July‑Sept) gives lush greenery but perhaps slippery roads. The Pipl
🎬 For Your Modeling / Actor Content
Since you’re in the acting & modeling space, ideas you could leverage here:
- Use the winding road and valley view as a backdrop for a fashion shoot (travel‑fashion theme).
- Evening golden‑hour shots near the lake/dam for moody visuals.
- Use the hairpin bends and “on‑the‑move” shots (you riding a bike/car) for dynamic content.
- If you like, a short clip for Instagram or reels with the scenic drive + scenic overlook + maybe you speaking/viewing the valley (tying with your acting background).
- Since you’re into digital marketing, you could craft a ‘behind‑the‑scenes’ video of your trip, tie in branding (your model/actor identity) + location.
Accommodation and Stay
While the valley itself is relatively peaceful, there are resorts and guesthouses near Patratu Dam, offering comfortable stays with spectacular views. Staying overnight allows visitors to enjoy the sunrise and sunset in the valley, making the experience truly memorable.
Midwaay Resort Patratu
📍 Location & Setting
Midwaay Resort Patratu is located at Talatand (also noted as “Talapur Talatanr”), in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand, with code 829119. midwaay.com+1
The property is described as being a 5‑minute walk away from the Patratu Valley viewpoint/area, making it very convenient for visitors wanting to stay near the scenic valley. midwaay.com+1
It is about a 30‑minute drive from Ranchi airport / station, making it feasible for a weekend stay. midwaay.com
🏨 Accommodation & Ambience
- The architecture is said to pay homage to a bygone Portuguese‐era style, while offering modern comfort. midwaay.com+1
- The setting aims at families and those wanting to “unwind from busy city life.” midwaay.com
- Rooms + resort amenities are emphasised (wellness spa is mentioned). midwaay.com
👍 Why It’s A Good Choice
- Close proximity to Patratu Valley (so you can enjoy the scenic hairpin curves, greenery, dam view) without staying in the middle of heavy tourist traffic.
- Likely better comfort and amenities than very basic lodging in the area.
- Good for a short stay / weekend escape from Ranchi (or environs) thanks to accessible distance.
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind / Travel Tips
- While the resort is very accessible from Ranchi, the drive into the valley involves curves and elevation changes (hairpin bends etc) as noted for Patratu Valley. The Times of India Drive carefully, especially if you’re self‑driving in unfamiliar weather/light.
- As many visitors say, weekends can get crowded at the valley viewpoint/roads. One Reddit visitor wrote: “It is always crowded on weekends. There isn’t that much to do apart from boating and roaming around in a park… The views are good but those places have too many street vendors and you can imagine the amount of trash.” Reddit
So if you prefer peace, consider weekdays or early arrival. - Check in advance for availability and cancel‑policy. Especially if you’re planning during a peak season or around monsoon.
- Weather: The valley is lush in monsoon, but that may also mean slippery roads. Best to check local condition. Herzindagi
- As a digital‑marketer / aspiring model/actor yourself, consider using the resort + valley backdrop for content (photoshoot, IG reels) — the setting is picturesque. Bring extra memory cards / good camera gear.
🎬 Suggested Itinerary If You Stay Here
Day 1:
- Arrive from Ranchi (morning) → Check into resort → Relax & enjoy the resort’s amenities (spa, room, terrace)
- Afternoon: Head out to explore Patratu Valley viewpoints, dam views, winding roads.
- Evening: Sunset photoshoot at a vantage point (great for your modelling/Instagram content).
- Dinner at resort or nearby local eatery.
Day 2:
- Early morning: Take a walk near the valley (fresh air, scenic).
- Late morning: Try a short adventure activity (see what the resort offers or local tours) — the area offers boating, water sports around the adjacent lake/resort area. The Financial Express
- Lunch, then chill/resort pool/pamper time.
- Afternoon: Check‑out with perhaps a stop at another nearby viewpoint or local spot before heading back to Ranchi.
✅ Who It’s Best For
- Families or couples looking for a relaxing short escape near Ranchi.
- You, as an aspiring actor/model: the scenic environment gives you nice backdrop for lifestyle/portfolio shots.
- Digital marketer: good setting for content creation (social media, ambience, resort + nature combo).
- Those willing to pay a bit more for comfort rather than basic accommodation.
How to Reach Patratu Valley
From Ranchi, Patratu Valley is easily accessible by road. A drive of about 1–1.5 hours takes you through scenic countryside roads, giving travelers a preview of the valley’s charm even before they arrive.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are looking for a weekend retreat, a photography haven, or an adventurous escape, Patratu Valley in Ranchi has something for everyone. Its natural beauty, serene environment, and breathtaking views make it a destination worth exploring.
over all rating of Patratu Valley
Based on overall ratings, visitor feedback, and travel considerations, Patratu Valley can be rated as follows:
- Scenery & Natural Beauty: ★★★★★ (5/5) – Stunning valley views, greenery, dam, and winding roads.
- Accessibility from Ranchi: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – Around 35–40 km, 1–1.5 hours drive, roads are good but winding.
- Crowd & Peacefulness: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) – Weekends can be crowded, some litter around tourist spots.
- Amenities & Infrastructure: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – Resorts nearby offer comfort, but local facilities are basic.
- Overall Experience: ★★★★☆ (4.3–4.5/5) – Great for scenic trips, photography, and short getaways.
So, overall rating: 4.3–4.5 out of 5 ✅