A Day Trip to McCluskieganj
A Journey Through History, Nature, and Adventure
Recently, my family — my parents, my younger brother Slok, and I — embarked on a spontaneous trip form Lohardaga that led us to McCluskieganj, a place often referred to as Jharkhand’s “Mini London.” It all started with a plan to visit Pool 27 and Salgi Temple, but a quick look online convinced us to extend the journey to explore McCluskieganj!
First Stop: Mahadev Mandap and the River Tour
Our day began with a peaceful visit to Mahadev Mandap, also known as the Salgi Mandir.
The temple sits by a river, and after offering our prayers, we took a short walk to enjoy the natural beauty around the flowing waters opposite the temple. The serene environment set a perfect tone for the rest of the day, which was yet to unfold.
Arriving at McCluskieganj: What’s Next?
From Salgi Temple, we headed towards McCluskieganj, known for its colonial history and scenic surroundings.
McCluskieganj in Jharkhand, is known as “Mini London” for its Anglo-Indian heritage and colonial history.
In 1933, a Calcutta-based Anglo Indian property dealer Ernest Timothy McCluskie took nine villages (10,000 acres) on lease from the local Rajah — Ratu Maharaj with the intent of building a thriving Anglo-Indian settlement. Railway workers from Britain, Australia, and Canada were invited to settle here, and a charming township quickly began to take shape.
The sleepy village turned into a bustling town with colonial bungalows, rose gardens, churches, Christmas Fest and everything British. Their houses designed with high ceilings, sprawling balconies, and expansive verandas in a distinctly European style. These homes gave McCluskieganj its iconic appearance, which resembled a little piece of England nestled in the heart of India.
However, post-World War II era, specially after India’s independence in 1947, many Anglo-Indians chose to return to their ancestral homes in England, Australia, and Canada, leaving behind only a few families who had deep-rooted connections to the land.
The beautiful bungalows were sold off to local villagers. Today, only few Anglo Indian families remain in McCluskieganj, yet the town still preserves the spirit of its colonial past. The bungalows, though weathered by time, stand as proud reminders of a bygone era, and the lush greenery surrounding the town continues to add to its quiet charm.
When we finally reached, we didn’t really know where to go or what to do! The first thing we spotted was a phuchka (pani puri) stall, so naturally, we grabbed a bite. After that, we decided to visit the tourist house to get some guidance, but unfortunately, we didn’t find much help there either.
Exploring McCluskieganj
A kind local suggested we head to the railway station, where we found a signboard listing different places to visit. An older gentleman introduced us to a local guide, who told us about some interesting spots and offered to take us around for a small fee. We agreed, and our tour began!
Old Colonial House: Our first stop was an old colonial house, now in ruins but still holding the charm of a bygone era. Wandering through its scattered remains, we could almost feel the presence of history lingering in the air.
Resort Visit: Afterward, we visited a nearby resort. While we were there, mom collected some flower stems, which she loved.
Into the Wilderness: Dega Degi River
Our next stop was deep into the jungle to the Dega Degi river, which is about 7–8 kilometers from town. The river is formed by meandering rivulets and offers a tranquil escape from the bustling world. The journey there was as beautiful as the destination itself, with lush greenery all around us, making it feel like we had stepped into a nature documentary.
A Glimpse of the Past: The Haunted House
The guide then showed us what is called the “Bhoot Bangla” (Haunted House), though it didn’t look too scary!
Jagriti Vihar
Finally, we visited Jagriti Vihar, a place built by the Swedish government for guests interested in studying nature. It once housed a school for tribal kids, providing education and opportunity to the local community. In addition, they ran a stitching training unit and a weaving unit, contributing to the skill development of the locals.
Wrapping Up with Litti Chokha at the Railway Station
After all the exploring, we were pretty hungry. We went back to the railway station, where we had a delicious meal of litti chokha, a local delicacy before heading back to Lohardaga.
Our unplanned trip to McCluskieganj was filled with history, nature, and the warmth of spontaneous adventures. From old colonial homes to the untouched beauty of the Dega Degi River, the town left us with memories of a place where time seems to have slowed down. If you’re ever in Jharkhand, McCluskieganj is worth a visit.
