Major city · India
DaltonganjMedininagar
Use Daltonganj as a 1-night stop to see the Palamu Forts, not a base: the town is quiet and the main draw is the fort complex.
Daltonganj (officially Medininagar) is a small city in western Jharkhand on the Koel River, best known for the Palamu Forts — two brick-and-stone fortresses from the Chero dynasty. The town itself has few sights beyond the forts and a handful of cinemas. Most travellers use it as a break between Ranchi and Varanasi or Patna.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Oct–Mar
- avoid Jun–Sep (heavy rain, forts can be slippery)
- Airport
- IXR
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Daltonganj100 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Daltonganj, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyDaltonganj is a small town with low crime.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers100 police · 112 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportIXR Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi (About 4.5 h by bus; the nearest airport with scheduled flights.).
- Getting aroundAuto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws cover the town.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealChai at a roadside stall₹10–20 (≈ under US$1)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi to Palamu Fort, round trip₹1,500–2,000 (≈ US$18–25) (check)
- Budget bedDorm bed in a basic lodge, a night, per person₹400 (≈ US$5)
- Mid-range bedDouble room in a budget hotel, a night, per room₹1,500 (≈ US$18)
- High-end bedDouble room in a budget hotel, a night, per room₹2,500 (≈ US$30)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹2,000 (≈ US$25) · Mid ₹3,500 (≈ US$40) · High ₹6,000 (≈ US$70)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- IXR Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi (About 4.5 h by bus; the nearest airport with scheduled flights.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Feb
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Mar
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
not flagged
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
May
not flagged
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
Jun
Avoid
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Best: Oct–Mar. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest May (40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)), coolest Jan (9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C) low), wettest Aug (16 rain days), driest Nov (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Daltonganj: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2 rd
Feb
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
2 rd
Apr
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2 rd
May
40°C (104°F)104°F (40°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
4 rd
Jun
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
9 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
4 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
1 rd
Dec
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
1 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws cover the town. To reach Palamu Fort (about 25 km), hire a taxi or take a shared jeep from the bus stand.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Palamu Fort
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Taxi or shared jeep from Daltonganj bus stand, about 45 min
Two forts — old and new; the Nagpuri Gate and the round room with a well are the highlights. No official entry fee or hours (check).
Betla National Park
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Taxi from Daltonganj, about 1 h
Tiger reserve with jeep safaris; best in dry months (Nov–May). Check park closure days and book safari in advance.
Netarhat
overnightDoor to door: About 2.5 h
Taxi from Daltonganj, about 2 h
Hill station with sunrise views; one night recommended.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Jain Mandir Road area
Centre of town, near the bus stand and a few budget hotels.
Near the railway station
Basic lodges for train travellers; fewer eating options.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹1,500–2,500 (≈ US$18–30) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹2,500–4,000 (≈ US$30–50) excl. bed
- High
- ₹4,000 (≈ US$50)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room in a budget hotel1 × 1 night × ₹1,500 | ₹1,500 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ₹3,500 | ₹7,000 |
| Taxi to Palamu Fort, round trip1 × ₹1,500 · check | ₹1,500 |
| Shared jeep to Palamu Fort, one way2 × ₹100 · check | ₹200 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹1,020 |
| Trip total≈ ₹5,610 per person per day, bed included | ₹11,220≈ US$130 |
2026 estimate in rupees; flights and long-distance trains excluded.
Prices of common things
| Chai at a roadside stall | ₹10–20 (≈ under US$1) |
| Thali meal | ₹80–150 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Auto-rickshaw within town | ₹50–100 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Taxi to Palamu Fort, round trip | ₹1,500–2,000 (≈ US$18–25) (check) |
| Budget hotel double room | ₹800–2,500 (≈ US$10–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Palamu Fort has no official opening hours or ticket counter: check locally before heading out.
- The fort area is remote; carry water and snacks.
- ATMs are limited in the fort area; withdraw cash in town.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 100
- Fire and ambulance
- 112
Pocket card
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DaltonganjMedininagar
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
इस पते पर चलेंTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police100
- Fire and ambulance112
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Daltonganj → Palamu Fort, taxi: about ₹1,500–2,000 (≈ US$18–25) round trip (check)
- Daltonganj → Ranchi, bus: about ₹300–500 (≈ US$4–6), 4.5 h (check)
Say or show
- कितना? — How much? (kitna)
- मुझे किला ले चलो — Take me to the fort (mujhe kila le chalo)
- बस स्टैंड कहाँ है? — Where is the bus stand? (bus stand kahan hai)
- मुझे पानी चाहिए — I need water (mujhe pani chahie)
- धन्यवाद — Thank you (dhanyavaad)
Hindi is widely understood; English is limited outside hotels and the railway station.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Daltonganj. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Mar · avoid Jun–Sep (heavy rain, forts can be slippery) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for Palamu Fort (old and new) with verified access and hours.
- Eat pages for the Jain Mandir Road area with last-order times.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures for the railway station and bus stand.
Sources
Ask about Daltonganj
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