Pahari Mandir is a Shiva temple on Ranchi Hill, about 650 metres above sea level, reached by a climb of more than four hundred steps. The hill is also remembered for freedom fighters executed here under British rule, and the national flag is hoisted at the temple on Independence Day and Republic Day. The summit gives a full view of Ranchi.

Tagore Hill, on the northern edge of Ranchi, is named after Jyotirindranath Tagore, elder brother of Rabindranath, who settled here in 1908 and built a house and a pavilion on the summit. The climb of about two hundred steps leads to the pavilion, a favourite spot for sunrise and sunset views. A Ramakrishna Mission ashram lies at the foot.

The Rock Garden in Ranchi is laid out on Gonda Hill beside Kanke Dam. Sculptures, artificial waterfalls and pathways have been fashioned among the natural rocks, and the top looks out over the reservoir. Boating is available on the lake below. It is a popular evening spot about four kilometres from the city centre.

The Jagannath Temple in Ranchi was built in 1691 by Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo on a small hill. It is modelled on the famous temple at Puri, though much smaller, and holds a Rath Yatra each year in June or July that draws large crowds, including many tribal devotees. The hilltop gives a good view of the city.

Hundru Falls, about 45 km from Ranchi, is where the Subarnarekha River plunges about 98 metres, making it one of the highest waterfalls in Jharkhand. A long flight of steps descends to the pool at the bottom. The fall is at its most powerful during and just after the monsoon; in winter the pool below is a popular picnic place.

Jonha Falls, also called Gautamdhara, lies about 40 km from Ranchi. The water drops about 43 metres in a hanging valley, and more than seven hundred steps lead down to the base. A small temple to the Buddha stands nearby, as he is said to have bathed here. The surrounding forest makes it a pleasant outing after the rains.

Dassam Falls, about 40 km from Ranchi on the Jamshedpur road, is formed where the Kanchi River drops about 44 metres over a broad rock face. The name refers to the ten streams into which the water divides. Steps lead down to viewpoints near the base. The currents are dangerous, and bathing near the fall is not safe.

Patratu Valley, about 40 km from Ranchi, is known for its road, which descends the hillside in a long series of sweeping hairpin bends through green forest. At the bottom lies Patratu Dam, with a lakeside resort offering boating. The viewpoints along the road are best in the early morning and during the monsoon, when clouds fill the valley.