While Hundru and Dassam waterfalls attract thousands of tourists every season, there is a whole network of secret cascades tucked deep inside the forested valleys of Ranchi district that remain pristine and untouched. Over the last weekend, our travel team set out to map a trail connecting three such hidden gems: Panchghagh, Perwaghagh, and the beautiful cold pools of Taimara valley.
We started our journey at 6:00 AM from Ranchi city, heading south towards Khunti. Our first stop was Panchghagh Falls on the Banai river. As the name suggests, the river splits into five distinct streams, flowing over rocky ledges. The beauty of Panchghagh lies in its safety; unlike the thundering drops of Hundru, these cascades are gentle, allowing you to walk right up to the water pool. The surrounding park is well-shaded by tall sal trees.
Moving deeper into the forest trails, we reached Perwaghagh, hidden in the dense woodlands of Torpa block. Reaching Perwaghagh is an adventure in itself, requiring a 2-km hike through wild forest tracks. The name 'Perwa' means pigeon, and 'Ghagh' means cascade — local folklore says that thousands of wild pigeons nest in the rocky cliffs behind the waterfall. The sight of clear turquoise water dropping into a deep canyon is breathtaking.
If you are planning this trail, wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry your own food and water, as there are no commercial shops near Perwaghagh. Best visited in the post-monsoon month of October when the forest is lush green and the streams flow with pristine, clear water.