What to Wear in Ranchi

Shoes first

The waterfall stairways at Hundru, Jonha and Dassam are stone, uneven and often damp from spray. Wear trainers or sandals with a real grip and a back strap. Leave flip-flops and smooth-soled shoes at the hotel. Near the pools the rock can be slick with moss, so keep to the steps.

Season by season

Ranchi sits on a plateau at about 650 metres, which keeps it milder than the plains of Bihar or Bengal for much of the year.

• October to February: Days are pleasant, but mornings and evenings get cold, especially in December and January. Bring a sweater or light jacket for early starts and hill sunsets.
• March to June: It gets hot by midday, particularly in May. Wear loose cotton, a cap and sunglasses, and plan climbs for early morning.
• July to September: Expect regular rain. A light rain jacket works better than an umbrella on the stairways, and quick-dry trousers help.

Temples

At Pahari Mandir, the Jagannathpur temple and the shrines outside the city, cover shoulders and knees. Shoes come off before the sanctum, so slip-ons save time. A light scarf or stole is useful for everyone.

What to buy here

Jharkhand is one of India's main tussar silk producers. Tussar has a natural gold-brown sheen and a slightly rough feel; look for it at Jharcraft, the state handicrafts outlet. For festival wear you will see the white saree with a red border worn by Santhal, Munda and Oraon women at Sarhul and Karma. It is worn with meaning, so buy it to wear respectfully rather than as a costume.

For photos

Earthy colours — rust, olive, cream — sit well against the red rock and green forest at the falls. A bright yellow or white stands out against the water. See photo spots for the setting at each place.