Ganguli Guesthouse in McCluskieganj. (Below) Rukka reservoir. Picture by Prashant Mitra

Ranchi, July 1: Next monsoon you can be at McCluskieganj — the fabled land of erstwhile Anglo-Indians where nature is in lavish abundance and sienna-tiled houses seem picked out of a fairy tale.

The state tourism department has embarked on an ambitious plan to give the idyllic hamlet, some 60km from the capital, a makeover without infringing on its natural splendour. Besides McCluskieganj, the department’s development blueprint also includes the vast Rukka reservoir, 20km from Ranchi, and Deori Mandir on the highway to Jamshedpur.

Deputy secretary, tourism, R.K. Verma said they were in the process of acquiring a guesthouse, owned by retired civil servant B.N. Ganguli of Calcutta, and transform it into a resort.

“The property spread over 10 acres includes dwelling units, a big park and a natural pond. We will make minor alterations to Ganguli Guesthouse and turn it into a natural resort,” said Verma.

For its beautification drive at Rukka, the tourism department has urged the revenue department to transfer about 30 acre government land. Tourism officials said Rukka was destined to become the Mecca of adrenaline junkies, with plans afoot for water sports in the reservoir. Yes Bank, India’s new-age private sector bank, has been entrusted with the task of preparing the blueprint.

“We need land at different places around Rukka and Getalsud dams. The revenue department is looking into the matter,” Verma said.

Both Rukka and Getalsud are favourite haunts of migratory birds from the Himalayan region. The serene beauty of Rukka attracts domestic tourists, but with restaurants and urban amenities in place, officials believe, it will become the choicest getaway for nature lovers from abroad. The Deori temple, dedicated to goddess Kali, is situated on NH-33 near Tamar. It is already on the state’s spiritual tourism map. Now, the plan is to develop rest houses along the highway leading to Jamshedpur. This will also boost the state’s revenue.

With the project still at a nascent stage, Verma said the cost had not been estimated yet. The department, however, hopes to finish work by next year.