It was a cold evening on 11 January 2020 when I found
myself at the platform of Howrah Railway Station.
Big railway stations in India are never empty and never quiet. I had ample time to catch my train to Tatanagar since the train will be departing early next morning. I whiled away the time in the platform dozing off and on; I must point out it was freezing cold. I kept wishing for the uncomfortable freezing night to be over soon. Winters make everything feel so slow! Finally and finally it was daybreak, but still dark. The railway station is too big, and I practically had to ask everyone the direction to the right platform. Boarded the train and thankfully the train left on time. The view outside the window was foggy and that robbed me of the scenary. Three hours in the train went away with me dozing off. It must have been around 9:30 a.m. when the train finally pulled into the Tatanagar Railway Station.
Big railway stations in India are never empty and never quiet. I had ample time to catch my train to Tatanagar since the train will be departing early next morning. I whiled away the time in the platform dozing off and on; I must point out it was freezing cold. I kept wishing for the uncomfortable freezing night to be over soon. Winters make everything feel so slow! Finally and finally it was daybreak, but still dark. The railway station is too big, and I practically had to ask everyone the direction to the right platform. Boarded the train and thankfully the train left on time. The view outside the window was foggy and that robbed me of the scenary. Three hours in the train went away with me dozing off. It must have been around 9:30 a.m. when the train finally pulled into the Tatanagar Railway Station.
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| Tatanagar Railway Station |
I boarded a shared
auto from the station to go to Jamshedpur town. I got
down near Sakshi Gurudwara after 20 minutes ride. I entered the gurudwara complex to enquire for dormitory facility availability. Unfortunately
there wasn’t any.
With the help of Google Map, I proceeded towards a particular hotel (Hotel Neel Kamal) where I thought I would get a room. Upon reaching the said hotel, I found out from the receptionist that there wasn’t any rooms available. Sigh!!! The hotel people were kind enough to inform me that the adjacent hotel next to theirs might have rooms. So, I walked to the next hotel (Hotel Virat). Guess what happened! I got a single room for 800 rupees per night. I felt relieved. The simple room was decent and nothing fancy. I was more than happy with it.
Post noon, after the much needed rest, I made my way to Jubilee Park. Jubilee Park is conveniently located. A happy looking atmosphere greeted me at the park. Being Saturday, the park was teeming with the weekend crowd. The massive park is spread over many acres of expansive green land. The park is beautified with flower gardens, well-maintained lawns, tree-lined pathways with added attractions such as a musical fountain, children’s play area, a lake, and a zoo. The grassy lawn invited me warmly on a sunny wintry day like an old friend to come and sit or laze or lie down peacefully. I made myself comfortable in a corner of the grassy lawn next to the enclosed rose garden. It felt good to feel the grass beneath my feet after a long time. Large group of families were scattered around the park. Small kids playing and running all around the park; as you notice their families enjoying with picnic hampers spread before them. The tall trees on both sides of the road within the park added the boulevard feel.
As dusk set in, I left the park. Outside the park gate there were many eating stalls on both sides of the road. I stopped at one such eating joints. I ordered a hot cuppa of tea that was served to me on an earthen cup. Thandi thandi mausam mein garam garam chai…Next to this tea stall, I noticed a joint selling litti choka. I immediately decided to order one plate. It was my first time having this traditional dish of Bihar, which is also very popular in Jharkhand. The dish tasted good. Littli is the stuffed whole wheat dough ball and chokha is a mashed relish that is served with litti. Once I had my fill, I made my way to Sakshi Market.
Sakshi Market is a
shopper’s paradise. The place was choc-a-bloc with shops selling
different varieties of things; not to mention the roadside hawkers/vendors occupying every
available space selling their wares, them screaming their wares and luring the
shoppers. Shoppers could be seen everywhere, thronging the shops. Shopping
never ends…! Navigating through the maze of hawkers, sea of shoppers, and shops
my wandering eyes caught the attention of a snack stall. The shop was
serving evening snacks to the assembled customers. I took a coupon and handed
it to one of the servers. I was given a spicy snack (I think it was kachori) served on a leaf bowl. I
genuinely appreciated the novel idea of being served on an eco-friendly leaf
bowl. I soaked in the frenzied market atmosphere; and hanged around idly for some time. Before departing from the market place, I bought some fruits
from a fruit vendor. On arriving at the hotel, I
immediately fell on the bed and dozed off. That ended my first day of
Jamshedpur.
Another
brand new day dawned.
It was Sunday!
Sightseeing to Dimna Lake was on the cards. The lake is around 13 kms from Jamshedpur city area. I took a shared auto from near Jubilee Park which dropped me at Dimna Chowk; and from there on I hired another auto for the outing to the lake. Dimna Lake is an artificial lake constructed by Tata steel. It is nestled on Dalma Hills near Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary. The lush green surroundings and the crystal clear water of the artificial lake make it a perfect picnic spot; and also to spend quality time with yourself or your friends or your families. If you are one someone who has an adventurous streak then you will be glad to know there are facilities for water sport activities in the lake such as boating, rowing, and jet skiing. You can indulge in these activities wholeheartedly. Or else you can go for mini treks in the hills. I did not try any of these activities. Rather after being dropped at the parking spot, I chose to walk from the park to go near the dam. I climbed up the stairs adjacent to the dam that led to the looking area. As I climbed the stairs, the dam was on my right; and grassy slope on my left. No water was flowing through the dam. The grassy slope tempted me to go for a fun-filled slide. The simmering water of the artificial lake came into view as I reached the viewing area. The boundary of the lake was bounded by green hills on all its sides. Safety railings separated the lookout zone from the lake. As my eyes scanned the area, I noticed a few speed boats on the opposite side of the lake at the far end. I unknowingly made a mistake of not going through the shaded narrow path through the small hill that extended at the end of the lookout zone; and which led to the other end of the lookout zone. The January sun was not hot. The weather was warm enough. After spending considerable amount of time here, I retraced my steps back to the parking spot where the autowalla was waiting for me.
On seeing me, the autowalla enquired, “Did you check out the other side that passes through the small hill”.
On hearing my negative response, he sighed “You should have gone over there as well.”
He went on, “No worries! Get in, I will take you to the other side via the road.”
We left the parking spot. After a few minutes of driving, I realized the road was a bit steep in some places and a bit narrow as well. The autowalla stopped at one such steep point near an open ground and turned towards me, “The road is narrow up there and since lots of vehicles are parked on both sides of the road it will be difficult to park. I will wait for you here. You can walk for a few minutes to reach the other lookout zone.” I got down from the auto and walked along the narrow road. After walking for few minutes through the serpentine narrow road shaded with dense greenery on both sides, I reached the entry gate to go to the lookout zone. I walked leisurely taking in the views of the artificial Dimna Lake from the other side and then walked over to the small hill that connects both the lookout zone…and eventually came out at the first lookout zone where I had been previously. I retraced back my steps to the small hill and came out from the other lookout zone, walked all along the road and arrived at the point where the autowalla was waiting for me.
What
did not escape my notice today was the presence of picnickers everywhere. The
place was choc-a-bloc as it was Sunday. Every available spot (by the roadside)
was occupied by the picnickers who arrived in large groups in every kinds of
transport arriving from near and far-off places. Makeshift kitchens were set up
here and there; mats were spread out to sit and relax. Mostly women were
peeling, cleaning, and cutting vegetables while the men were occupied in
preparing the dishes in big utensils. Loud music blaring from stereos and loud
speakers. The noise harshly attacked the ears. Then there were a few group of young
men dancing as if there was no tomorrow; their dancing skills could be
described comical to sheer silly moves. It was sad to see picnickers littering
the beautiful place irresponsibly. Alas, they lacked civic sense. The
authorities could have made better provisions to maintain the place such as
posting guards here and there including placement of waste dustbins for the
general public to dispose off the waste.
I
bid adieu to Dimna Lake. The autowalla dropped me all the way till Jubilee Park
parking by 4:00 p.m. I decided to go to Jubilee Park again and take a stroll.
The park was crowded as usual on a Sunday evening. The golden rays of the
evening sun filtered through the trees created a beautiful ambience. Finally as
dusk set in, the musical fountain in the main garden was put on with its
display of colour, light, motion, music, and water acrobatics. A pretty sight
indeed!!! With nothing much to do more as darkness fell all around, I walked
back to the hotel.
My last day in Jamshedpur.
I checked out from the hotel room and since I had an entire day to spend in the city before catching the late night train, I thought it apt to keep my luggage at the reception of the hotel. I stepped out for breakfast to a nearby eatery. I wasn’t sure nor did I have a concrete plan regarding my next course of action for the day. While I was contemplating what to do next, I asked a passing shared auto whether it was going to Bistupur area. I hopped on to it on hearing the affirmative reply from the autowalla. After the short ride, I got down at the busy traffic point at Bistupur. I crossed the busy thoroughfare and walked on the sidewalk with endless rows of shops on both sides of the road; and took my own time to feel the vibe of the place. I occasionally stopping here and there to have a better view as the local people carried on their normal routine. The place looked better managed. After spending considerable amount of time exploring the area, and also having lunch at a small makeshift shop, I returned back to the hotel.
When
evening came, I took a shared auto to come to Tatanagar Railway Station to
board a late night train for Raipur (Chattisgarh).
Thank you for stopping by.
Happy travelling feet!
Travelled on: 11 - 13 January 2020
©️ All contents and images are copyright of Hema Hazarika (thehaflonggirl).
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| Sakshi Gurudwara |
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| a man reading a newspaper |
With the help of Google Map, I proceeded towards a particular hotel (Hotel Neel Kamal) where I thought I would get a room. Upon reaching the said hotel, I found out from the receptionist that there wasn’t any rooms available. Sigh!!! The hotel people were kind enough to inform me that the adjacent hotel next to theirs might have rooms. So, I walked to the next hotel (Hotel Virat). Guess what happened! I got a single room for 800 rupees per night. I felt relieved. The simple room was decent and nothing fancy. I was more than happy with it.
Post noon, after the much needed rest, I made my way to Jubilee Park. Jubilee Park is conveniently located. A happy looking atmosphere greeted me at the park. Being Saturday, the park was teeming with the weekend crowd. The massive park is spread over many acres of expansive green land. The park is beautified with flower gardens, well-maintained lawns, tree-lined pathways with added attractions such as a musical fountain, children’s play area, a lake, and a zoo. The grassy lawn invited me warmly on a sunny wintry day like an old friend to come and sit or laze or lie down peacefully. I made myself comfortable in a corner of the grassy lawn next to the enclosed rose garden. It felt good to feel the grass beneath my feet after a long time. Large group of families were scattered around the park. Small kids playing and running all around the park; as you notice their families enjoying with picnic hampers spread before them. The tall trees on both sides of the road within the park added the boulevard feel.
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| entrance of Jubilee Park |
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| Jubilee Park was estb. in 1957 |
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| Jubilee Park in Jamshedpur |
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As dusk set in, I left the park. Outside the park gate there were many eating stalls on both sides of the road. I stopped at one such eating joints. I ordered a hot cuppa of tea that was served to me on an earthen cup. Thandi thandi mausam mein garam garam chai…Next to this tea stall, I noticed a joint selling litti choka. I immediately decided to order one plate. It was my first time having this traditional dish of Bihar, which is also very popular in Jharkhand. The dish tasted good. Littli is the stuffed whole wheat dough ball and chokha is a mashed relish that is served with litti. Once I had my fill, I made my way to Sakshi Market.
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| a litti choka roadside stall |
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| litti choka at a roadside stall in Jamshedpur |
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| a plateful of litti choka from a roadside stall in Jamshedpur |
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| litti choka at a roadside stall in Jamshedpur |
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| a fruit vendor at Sakshi Market in Jamshedpur |
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| Sakshi Market in Jamshedpur |
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| a snack stall in Sakshi Market in Jamshedpur |
It was Sunday!
Sightseeing to Dimna Lake was on the cards. The lake is around 13 kms from Jamshedpur city area. I took a shared auto from near Jubilee Park which dropped me at Dimna Chowk; and from there on I hired another auto for the outing to the lake. Dimna Lake is an artificial lake constructed by Tata steel. It is nestled on Dalma Hills near Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary. The lush green surroundings and the crystal clear water of the artificial lake make it a perfect picnic spot; and also to spend quality time with yourself or your friends or your families. If you are one someone who has an adventurous streak then you will be glad to know there are facilities for water sport activities in the lake such as boating, rowing, and jet skiing. You can indulge in these activities wholeheartedly. Or else you can go for mini treks in the hills. I did not try any of these activities. Rather after being dropped at the parking spot, I chose to walk from the park to go near the dam. I climbed up the stairs adjacent to the dam that led to the looking area. As I climbed the stairs, the dam was on my right; and grassy slope on my left. No water was flowing through the dam. The grassy slope tempted me to go for a fun-filled slide. The simmering water of the artificial lake came into view as I reached the viewing area. The boundary of the lake was bounded by green hills on all its sides. Safety railings separated the lookout zone from the lake. As my eyes scanned the area, I noticed a few speed boats on the opposite side of the lake at the far end. I unknowingly made a mistake of not going through the shaded narrow path through the small hill that extended at the end of the lookout zone; and which led to the other end of the lookout zone. The January sun was not hot. The weather was warm enough. After spending considerable amount of time here, I retraced my steps back to the parking spot where the autowalla was waiting for me.
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| Dimna Lake, an artificial on the outskirts of Jamshedpur |
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| Dimna Lake, an artificial on the outskirts of Jamshedpur |
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| one for the memories at Dimna Lake, Jamshedpur |
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| a group photo with school kids at Dimna Lake, Jamshedpur |
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| Dimna Dam |
On seeing me, the autowalla enquired, “Did you check out the other side that passes through the small hill”.
On hearing my negative response, he sighed “You should have gone over there as well.”
He went on, “No worries! Get in, I will take you to the other side via the road.”
We left the parking spot. After a few minutes of driving, I realized the road was a bit steep in some places and a bit narrow as well. The autowalla stopped at one such steep point near an open ground and turned towards me, “The road is narrow up there and since lots of vehicles are parked on both sides of the road it will be difficult to park. I will wait for you here. You can walk for a few minutes to reach the other lookout zone.” I got down from the auto and walked along the narrow road. After walking for few minutes through the serpentine narrow road shaded with dense greenery on both sides, I reached the entry gate to go to the lookout zone. I walked leisurely taking in the views of the artificial Dimna Lake from the other side and then walked over to the small hill that connects both the lookout zone…and eventually came out at the first lookout zone where I had been previously. I retraced back my steps to the small hill and came out from the other lookout zone, walked all along the road and arrived at the point where the autowalla was waiting for me.
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| Dimna Lake, an artificial on the outskirts of Jamshedpur |
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| picnickers near Dimna Lake, Jamshedpur |
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| Jubilee Park in Jamshedpur |
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| Jubilee Park in Jamshedpur |
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| Jubilee Park in Jamshedpur |
My last day in Jamshedpur.
I checked out from the hotel room and since I had an entire day to spend in the city before catching the late night train, I thought it apt to keep my luggage at the reception of the hotel. I stepped out for breakfast to a nearby eatery. I wasn’t sure nor did I have a concrete plan regarding my next course of action for the day. While I was contemplating what to do next, I asked a passing shared auto whether it was going to Bistupur area. I hopped on to it on hearing the affirmative reply from the autowalla. After the short ride, I got down at the busy traffic point at Bistupur. I crossed the busy thoroughfare and walked on the sidewalk with endless rows of shops on both sides of the road; and took my own time to feel the vibe of the place. I occasionally stopping here and there to have a better view as the local people carried on their normal routine. The place looked better managed. After spending considerable amount of time exploring the area, and also having lunch at a small makeshift shop, I returned back to the hotel.
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| signboards |
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| a church in Bistupur, Jamshedpur |
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| a fruit market in Bistupur, Jamshedpur |
Thank you for stopping by.
Happy travelling feet!
Travelled on: 11 - 13 January 2020
©️ All contents and images are copyright of Hema Hazarika (thehaflonggirl).
