Key hubs
Chatra airport and railway station
- Airport
- None in Chatra. The nearest are Gaya (GAY), Ranchi (IXR) and Hazaribagh, per the district administration; allow several hours by road.
- Railway station
- None in Chatra town at present. The district names Gaya, Koderma and Ranchi as the nearest railheads.
- Getting around
- Hired car with driver is the practical choice; district roads link Chatra with Hunterganj, Itkhori, Simaria and Hazaribagh, and buses run on the main routes.
How to reach Chatra by air
Chatra has no airport. The district administration lists Gaya (GAY), Ranchi (IXR) and Hazaribagh as the nearest. Gaya is about 80 km from Chatra by road, according to the Jharkhand forest department; Ranchi is further, so allow several hours.
How to reach Chatra by train
Chatra town is not on the rail network yet. The district names Gaya Junction (GAYA), Koderma Junction (KQR) and Ranchi (RNC) as the nearest railheads. Tori (TORI) is the closest station to Lawalong sanctuary, about 66 km from it.
How to reach Chatra by road
The district has a good road network. Main routes run from Chatra to Hunterganj, to Itkhori and Chauparan on the Grand Trunk Road, to Simaria and Hazaribagh, and via Bagra and Balumath towards Ranchi. NH 22 runs along the eastern edge of Lawalong sanctuary.
Getting around Chatra
A hired car with a driver is the practical way to see the district. Buses run on the main routes, but many sights lie off them and need a vehicle for the last stretch. Agree the route and return time in advance.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Chatra
- Start every outing early. Roads are slow, shade is limited at the temples, and there is almost nowhere to sit near the waterfalls.
- Carry a flask of water, medicines, snacks and cash. ATMs, pharmacies and clean toilets are scarce outside Chatra town.
- Do not plan forest drives or waterfall walks for the monsoon. Tracks turn slippery, and some trails involve a few kilometres on foot.
- Hire a car with a driver who knows the district, and agree the day's route in advance so you are back before dark.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.