Giridih Jharkhand
Giridih Jharkhand
The Usri River
The Usri River, a tributary of the Barakar River, flows down a steep gorge. The Usri Falls drop some 12
metres (39 ft) in three separate streams. It is surrounded by dense forest. The character of the gneissic
complex of this region is well exposed. Some of the rocks have been split up into blocks of huge
dimensions whose polished and clean surfaces have been chequered by veins of various hues. The profile
of the river bed changes after passing through the falls. The lower portion is mostly flat, and slightly
undulating, which gives way to a gorge-like form. The government has taken several steps to develop the
area as a prominent tourist spot along with Khandoli Dam and Parasnath.
Khandoli Hill
The Khandoli Hill has the peculiar shape of a saddle and is made up of Granitoid gneiss. The peak of
Khandoli Hill appears similar to a volcanic cone and has a great saddle consisting of massive boulders
attached to it. Recently, the urban development department has made plans to desilt the Khandoli lake after
decades.
Parasnath Hills
Parasnath Hills are a range of hills located in Giridih district of Jharkhand. The highest peak is 1350
metres. It is one of the most important pilgrimage centres for Jains. They call it Sammed Sikhar. The hill is
named after Parasnath, the 23rd Tirthankara. Twenty of Jain Tirthankaras attained salvation on this hill.
For each of them, there is a shrine (gumti or tuk) on the hill. Some of the temples on the hill are believed to
be more than 2,000 years old. However, the place is inhabited from ancient times, the temples may be of
more recent origin. The Santhals call it Marang Buru, the hill of the deity. They celebrate a hunting festival
on the full moon day in Baisakh (mid-April).