Tourists throng Tagore Hill for New Year celebrations. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Ranchi, Dec. 29: Tagore Hill looks all set to become a popular picnic spot for those who want to celebrate the New Year at a site offering a panoramic view of the city along with showcasing some of its history.

The hill, once known as the Morabadi Hill, later became famous as Tagore Hill after the visit of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore?s elder brother, Jyotirindranath.

The hill, which is around 300 feet high, is situated at Morabadi around 3 km from the Albert Ekka Chowk and is famous for its serenity.

It is not only famous as a picnic spot for Ranchiites, but also because of its historical value.

English Lieutenant-General J.R. Osley stayed there and even built a rest house in the late 18th century.

Later, Jyotirindranath Tagore moved to the hill, on which he constructed a permanent settlement, where he lived until his death in 1925.

For those who are more spiritually inclined, the Brahma Mandir, located at the hilltop, provides a suitable place for meditation.

But Tagore Hill was not always as serene as it is today. According to residents, the hill used to be popular as a picnic spot, but deteriorating law and order turned it into a hooligan?s den.

The residents then decided to put a stop to the state of affairs. ?We got the administration?s help and some NGOs restored the hill to its past glory. Later, the tourism department intervened, and Tagore Hill has now become a place for visitors again,? said a resident, adding, ?there used to be a problem of eve teasing before, but now local youths keep guard and also take care of visitor?s vehicles. They charge Rs 3 for two-wheelers and Rs 5 for cars.?

The Indian Tourism Department Corporation has started restoration work on the hill, with the aim of turning it into a tourist hotspot. Drinking water facilities have been provided and there are lighting arrangements, which are yet to be completed.

?We have plans to make separate space for picnics, where visitors can even cook and relax. The work is almost complete,? said S.K. Choudhury, principal secretary of the state tourism department.

?The government has constructed stairs to the hilltop. One has to either take a rickshaw from the Dangra Toli Chowk, or use their personal vehicle. After the lights start working, visitors can come in the evenings because at present, it gets dark after 6 pm,? said Upender Das, a resident.