Chatra district is one of the twenty-two districts of Jharkhand state and Chatra is the administrative headquarters of this district. Chatra District forms North-Eastern parts of the North Chotanagpur division of Jharkhand State. It is bounded on the North by Gaya District, on the East by Hazaribagh district and on the west by Palamu and Gaya District.
Chatra district was a subdivision of Hazaribagh district and was created as district in 1991. The district comprises of one subdivision, ten development Blocks/Anchals, 125 Panchayats and 1479 Revenue Villages. There is only one municipality - that is at the district head quarters of Chatra.
Places of Interest
BHADULI (Bhadrakali):- It is 35 kms. on the East of Chatra and 16 kms. west of Chauparan connected with G.T. Road. It is only half a km. away from Bhdrakali complex of Itkhori block headquarters; situated on the bank of river Mahanad(Mahane) surrounded by hill and forest. There is a water reservoir which has a natural beauty of its own.
Kolhua Hill: Kolhua hill lies about 6 miles south east of Hunterganj. At hunterganj one has to cross the lilangen river which is now bridged and jeep or walk through the uneven track to the foot of hill. The height of the hill is 1,575 feet and from the top one can find an excellent view. The top of the hill is quite distinctive and is known as " Akash Lochan"(Sky Eye). There are some ancient temples, the most important of which is a temple of ' Kali' known as 'Kauleshwari Devi'
Kunda Cave: The ruins of old Kunda palace are still found at a distance of about 3-4 miles from the present Kunda Village. It belongs to the end of 17th or beginning of the 18th century AD. A narrow path runs downwards from the southern portion of the palace and leads to the cave. The cave is a hollow made at the base of a part of the hill, not so high.
A big Shivling is installed just at the middle of one of the hollows.
TAMA SIN: It is an attractive beauty spot of Chatra situated on the north-east at the distance of 26 kms. It is to be travelled through a 'Katcha' fair weather road via village Kolhaiya,.There is a big reservoir of water at foot. It is famous for the image of Goddess Bhagwati. There is a water fall here.
BICHKILIYA: It is 'Dah' or water reservoir on the bank of river Niranjana(Lilajan) at the distance of 11 kms . from Chatra in west. The road up to 5 kms. is motorable and the rest 6 kms. is a foot track. It is lovely to look at the water fall foaming snow-white showers with musical tone inviting the lover of nature to have solace in the lap of nature. Due to inaccessibility this nice picnic spot has become adventurous .
DUARI: It is also known as Balbal Duari situated at the distance of 35 kms in the East of Chatra district on Gidhaur -Katkam Sandi Road. It can be reached from Hazaribagh also. The road is motor able and one can visit this directly form Chatra. During rainy season it is difficult to travel but it is pleasant in winter and summer. There is a hot spring in the bed of river Balbal near the village i.e. Duari. The water is supposed to have curative effect on skin diseases.
KHAYA BANAROO: This notable picnic spot of Chatra is about 10 kms. from the district headquarters on the south-west of the town. One can travel by 8 kms of metalled road on Chatra - Chandwa Road and 2 kms. by fair - weather motorable road, the rest 2 kms. can be travelled on foot.
KERIDAH: A beautiful picnic spot situated at a distance of 8 kms. from Chatra town on the North-west portion. The road is motor able and the rest to be covered on foot. This water fall is in three parts, between two hill rocks. The denuded rocks present an excellent scenic beauty.
MALOODAH: It is another beautiful water fall at the distance of about 8 kms. on the west of Chatra. Upto 5 kms. it is motorable and the rest 3 kms. is to be travelled on foot. The water falls from the height of about 50 ft. without touching the sides of the hillocks. It has been cut in semi circle with steep walls. It is lovely to look at & soothing."
DUMER SUMER: It is also another important beauty spot of Chatra situated on the North at the distance of 12 kms. of which 10 kms. can be covered by vehicle and the rest two kms. is a foot track. The road is Katcha.
GOA: It is a beautiful water fall at the distance of 6 kms. on the west of Chatra on way to Maloodah. Up to 4.5 kms. it can be reached by jeep and the rest 1.5 kms. can be tracked on foot. The water falls in the reservoir from the height of 30 ft. On all the three sides there are rocks and in middle there is a reservoir.
Barura Sharif: There is a Shrine of Data Amir Ali Shah at Barura Sharif situated at the distance of 12 Kms. from Block Headquarters of Pratappur. This Shrine has been constructed at the height of about 10 feet from the river bank. A small seasonal river flows surrounding the Shrine. One has to cross seven small rivulets to reach Barura Sharif, hence locally these ravines are together named ' Saat Bahini' (Seven Sisters ) in these regions.
Gogri: It is a water fall and a steep descent leads to its foot. It is 4 miles west of Chatra on the way to Maloodah.
