The gateway to Netarhat Valley. Picture by Prashant Mitra

Jharkhand’s queen Netarhat is shedding its “rebel corridor” tag to regain lost majesty, with 70 per cent occupancy in its state-run guesthouse this monsoon.

The figure, said officials of the state tourism department, was this decade’s highest.

Known for its breathtaking locales, wildlife, hills, forests, serpentine roads flanked by pine trees and waterfalls, the plateau was named “Queen of Chotanagpur” by the British. It is no secret that the erstwhile colonisers such as Lt Governor of Orissa and Bihar Sir Edward Gait always had a soft spot for the place, thanks to its natural breezy “air-conditioned climate”.

After Independence, too, Netarhat’s popularity was assured — a prestigious merit-based public school for boys started in 1954, which increased visitor traffic — till in the past decade when rebel activities took their toll.

However, the hills are buzzing with people once again.

“Jharkhand has huge potential for nature and adventure tourism. Netarhat is a powerhouse for both experiences. Probably this is why people are again willing to explore this place,” tourism director Siddharth Tripathi said, adding even Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, near Jamshedpur, witnessed good response.

Most tourists are from Bengal and Orissa, but the department wants to promote Netarhat as a must-see destination for everyone.

“In terms of revenue, we earned Rs 2 lakh per week since the advent of monsoon till August-end. We are yet to compile total earnings,” he added.

The tourism director finds the cash flow encouraging, though he feels it is just the tip of the iceberg, that is, if the place fulfils its potential.

“Netarhat has always interested people as it has myriad offerings. There’s wildlife at Betla and Palamau reserves, sunset and sunrise experiences, hills and waterfalls. And now, Jharkhand is waking up to its prospects in terms of biodiversity,” Tripathi said, adding that it was a change from the department’s main focus on spiritual tourism.

“We will exploit the state’s USP, that is nature and wildlife,” said Tripathi, adding that for now they would focus on Netarhat, Dalma and Betla National Park in which Palamau Tiger Reserve nestles.

Infrastructure uplift is on. “Besides the tourist bungalow in Netarhat, we are building a 20-bed high-end hub. In Dalma, we set up an eco camp and guesthouse,” said Tripathi.