Things To Do
in Simdega
Simdega is a small district town in southwestern Jharkhand set on the Chota Nagpur Plateau, known for its forested surroundings, rolling hills and tribal communities. The area mixes Hindu and Christian influences and has a strong tribal cultural identity with languages such as Sadri, Kurukh and Mundari spoken alongside Hindi. Simdega is a quiet, rural hub for agriculture, small-scale mining and local crafts, with rivers and seasonal waterfalls nearby that appeal to nature lovers.
Visitors come for authentic village life, outdoor walks and local festivals rather than big-city comforts.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the ancient Jain temples in the picturesque mountains of Simdega, where the serene environment sets a peaceful tone. As the sun rises, the intricate carvings on the temple walls come to life, allowing you to appreciate the rich history. Engage with local priests who can share fascinating tales about the temples' origins and significance.
After a delightful lunch at a nearby eatery serving traditional Jharkhand cuisine, spend your afternoon hiking the nearby hills to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. Discover hidden waterfalls along the trail, where you can take a refreshing dip or simply enjoy the tranquil sounds of nature. Stop by local villages to interact with residents and learn about their customs and lifestyle.
As the sun sets, return to Simdega town and visit a local market to experience the vibrant culture and shop for handicrafts. Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, sampling dishes such as litti chokha and pitha. Conclude your evening by attending a cultural performance showcasing traditional dance and music from the region.
Begin your morning with a guided nature walk in the nearby forests, where the fresh air invigorates your senses and the sounds of chirping birds fill the atmosphere. Look out for unique flora and fauna, as knowledgeable guides explain the importance of biodiversity in this region. Capture stunning photographs of the lush greenery and any wildlife you encounter.
After a picnic lunch amidst the trees, continue your exploration by visiting the Simdega Deer Park, where you can observe various deer species in their natural habitat. Engage in birdwatching, with the opportunity to spot colorful birds that thrive in the area. The afternoon sun casts a golden hue over the park, making it an ideal time for photography.
Return to town for a relaxing evening at a local café, where you can enjoy a refreshing beverage and reflect on the day’s adventures. If time permits, visit a local artisan's workshop to see traditional crafts being made and perhaps purchase a unique souvenir. End your day with a leisurely stroll along the scenic riverbanks, watching the stars twinkle above.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $1.50-3.00 |
| 🥘Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🚌Local bus ride / short auto-rickshaw | $0.10-0.80 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse / budget hotel (per night) | $8-25 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5 L) | $0.20-0.60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic tribal culture and village life
- Beautiful plateau landscapes and seasonal waterfalls
- Low travel costs and friendly local communities
- Good for off-the-beaten-path nature and photography
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few upscale accommodations
- Connectivity can be slow—long drives to major airports or cities
- Monsoon can make roads and tracks difficult
- Limited nightlife and few entertainment options
- "Johar" - A traditional tribal greeting (hello) used in Jharkhand
- "Namaste / Namaskar" - Hello / respectful greeting
- "Dhanyavaad" - Thank you
- "Kripya" - Please
- "Kitna hua? / Kitna hua?" - How much is this?
- "Shauchalaya kahaan hai?" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Simdega
Visit one of these nice places.
Sunrise and sunset over the Chota Nagpur plateau and riverbanks provide broad landscapes and golden light—ideal for wide-angle shots.
Markets are great for candid portraits, colourful produce, textiles and daily life scenes—ask permission before close-up portraits of people.
Traditional dwellings, artisans at work and festival preparations offer compelling cultural photography—again, obtain consent and offer a small token if appropriate.
After the monsoon, small waterfalls and forest clearings make dramatic nature photos; trails and dense foliage create intimate nature compositions.
Churches, mission schools and temples present architectural and cultural photo opportunities, especially during festivals and services (respect service times).
Food in Simdega
Simdega Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Handia (a local fermented rice drink) and various pithas (rice cakes) are traditional tribal foods often prepared for festivals; you may find these at village celebrations or local markets during festival seasons.
Must-Try!
A staple everyday meal—plain rice or rotis served with dal (lentils), saag (leafy greens) and a vegetable curry; look for homestyle eateries and dhabas for authentic versions.
In areas where fish or goat is available, you’ll find simple grilled fish or small mutton preparations — flavours tend to be rustic and locally spiced.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town market is where locals buy vegetables, rice, pulses and snacks; try samosas, pakoras and sweet pithas during mornings and festival days. Street vendors sell tea (chai) and simple snacks throughout the day.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet elders politely, accept invitations with gratitude, and be mindful of local customs—formal greetings (Namaste) are common.
Always ask before photographing people, especially in tribal villages; some communities may expect a small payment or gift for close portraits.
Dress conservatively in rural and religious areas—cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples, churches and villages.
If you are offered food in a home, accept at least a small portion as a sign of respect. Remove shoes before entering homes and certain religious spaces when requested.
Safety
Tipping in Simdega
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest and informal—rounding up taxi fares, leaving small change for restaurant servers or Rs. 20–100 (~$0.25–$1.25) for helpful guides is appreciated but not mandatory.
Cash (Indian rupees) is king in Simdega; many small shops, dhabas and rural vendors do not accept cards. Mobile UPI payments are widespread among locals and accepted at some businesses. Debit/credit cards may work in a few larger establishments, but always carry enough cash for rural travel.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
April to June is warm to hot with daytime temperatures frequently in the high 20s–30s°C (80s–90s°F). Mornings and evenings are pleasant but midday can be tiring—carry water, sun protection and plan outdoor activities early or late.
June to September brings heavy rains and verdant scenery; many dirt tracks and seasonal waterfalls are at their best but some roads and trails can become muddy or impassable—check local conditions before travel.
November to February offers cool, comfortable days and cooler nights (often 10–20°C / 50–68°F). This is arguably the best time for hiking, village visits and outdoor photography.
Simdega at Night
Hiking in Simdega
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle ridge walks along parts of the Chota Nagpur plateau and paths following riverbanks offer easy hikes and scenic viewpoints—best visited in dry or early post-monsoon season.
Short hikes to local seasonal waterfalls provide rewarding destinations after the monsoon; trails can be slippery—wear sturdy footwear and consider a local guide.
Guided loops through nearby forest patches reveal birdlife and native flora; these are low-impact hikes suited to morning or late-afternoon visits.
Airports
How to reach Simdega by plane.
The main commercial airport for Jharkhand, located in Ranchi (roughly 200–250 km by road depending on route). Good connectivity to major Indian cities; from Ranchi you can hire taxis or take buses/trains toward Simdega.
Closer than Ranchi in many routes (distance varies by road), Rourkela offers limited flights and is a practical choice if services align with your schedule. From Rourkela, Simdega is reachable by road.
Located in western Odisha and sometimes a useful option for travelers coming from the south or west; road travel from Jharsuguda can link to Simdega via regional roads.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population belongs to indigenous tribal groups with distinct languages, customs and cultural practices; many are engaged in agriculture, forestry and traditional crafts.
Religious life is mixed—Hindu traditions coexist with Christian communities, particularly Roman Catholic and Protestant missions that have been active in education and healthcare.
Administrative workers, traders and migrants from surrounding regions add Hindi-speaking populations involved in commerce, government and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is popular in the region and many youth participate—Simdega and surrounding areas have produced players and have a tradition of school-level hockey.
Like much of India, football and cricket are widely played in open fields and school grounds; informal local tournaments are common.
Local traditional games and community sports may be part of festivals—these vary between communities and are a cultural highlight if you attend a local fair.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Simdega.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers will find it easy to get rice, dals, vegetable curries and rotis at local eateries and dhabas. Clarify ingredients because mustard oil or occasional fish-based broths can be used in rural cooking.
Vegan options are available (rice, lentils, vegetable curries) but ask about ghee (clarify butter/ghee usage) and avoid sweets made with milk unless confirmed vegan.
Rice is the staple, so gluten-free travelers will have many safe options; however, check if snacks or preparations use wheat flour (atta) before consuming.
Communicate allergies clearly (carry a translation card in Hindi) and avoid street food if you have severe allergies due to cross-contamination risks.