Garhwa is a City and a municipality in, and headquarters of, Garhwa district in the state of Jharkhand, India. Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Bihar are nearby states. Garhwa Road (Rehla) is a major Railway Junction where thousands of passengers find this station most convenient to catch their train for Delhi and Kolkata. Bus services are available for Ranchi, Ambikapur, Gaya, etc.
The erstwhile Garhwa Subdivision of Palamau district consisting of 8 Blocks was separated from Palamau district as an independent district "Garhwa" with effect from 1 April 1991.[2] It is situated on Southwest corner of Palamu division, which lies between 23060’and 24039’ N latitude and 83022’ and 84000’ E longitude. The district is surrounded by river Sone in the north; Palamu district and area of Chhattisgarh in the south; Palamau district in the east and Surguja district of Chhattisgarh and Sonebhadra district of U.P. in the west. Garhwa district is a part of Palamau Commissionery consisting of 20 blocks and three subdivisions namely Garhwa, Ranka and Nagar-Untari.
Nearest railway station is Garhwa Town, Indian Railway Code for Garhwa town is GHQ.[4] Another nearby railway station (around 15km away) is Garwa Road, Indian Railway Code for Garhwa road is GHD.[5]
Garhwa is well-connected through road, rail, and limited air services:
Roadways: The city is served by two major national highways—NH 39, connecting it to Uttar Pradesh, and NH 343, linking it to Chhattisgarh. Additionally, a network of state highways and district roads ensures connectivity to various parts of Jharkhand.
Bus Services: The Garhwa Interstate Bus Stand at Sonpurwa facilitates the daily movement of over 200 buses, providing direct services to Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and different regions within Jharkhand.
Railways: Garhwa has two main railway stations:
Garhwa Railway Station, serving local and some express trains.
Garhwa Road Junction, a key stop for several express and premium trains, connecting the district to major Indian cities.
Helipad: The Birsa Munda Helipad Park, located near the district collectorate in Kalyanpur, is used for administrative and emergency helicopter services.
Demographics
As of 2001[update] India census,[6] Garhwa had a population of 46059. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Garhwa has an average literacy rate of 61%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 69%, and female literacy is 51%. In Garhwa, 17% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Languages
The major languages spoken in Garhwa are:
Hindi and English – the official languages, widely used in education and administration.
Magahi and Bhojpuri – commonly spoken in rural areas and among the local population.
Sadri, Nagpuri, and Kurukh – spoken mainly in tribal and forest regions, reflecting the district’s diverse cultural heritage.
This multilingual environment reflects the rich mix of Indo-Aryan and tribal communities residing in the region.
Religion
Garhwa has a religiously diverse population:
The majority of residents follow Hinduism, which is the dominant faith across the district.
A significant portion of the population adheres to Islam, especially in urban areas.
Christianity is practiced by a smaller section, particularly among tribal groups.
Indigenous tribal belief systems also persist in remote areas, maintaining local traditions.
Urbanization
Garhwa district is predominantly rural, with most of the population living in villages.
Garhwa City, serving as the district headquarters, is the main urban area with growing infrastructure and public services.
Despite this, urbanization remains limited, and agriculture continues to be the primary occupation for the majority of the population.
Tourist areas
"Gadhdevi Temple", to which people come from different parts of Jharkhand.
Satbahini Fall, which has been popular from the British era and still attracts tourists from the state.
"The Kali Temple", also known as Kali Sthan, where it is believed Goddess Kali fulfills the dreams of her worshippers.
Ranka Raj Palace, where shooting of movie Aaj Ka Robin Hood was done.
Khonhar Mandir, Gijna, is a famous temple to Lord Shiva, which has a history and a religious story behind it.
Anraj Dam is located a few kilometers from Garhwa city and serves as an important source of irrigation and local tourism. Surrounded by natural greenery and low hills, the dam offers boating facilities and scenic views, making it a popular weekend spot for residents. It supports agriculture in nearby areas and is being promoted as a rural eco-tourism destination by local authorities.
Birsa Munda Helipad Park: is located near the district collectorate in Kalyanpur, Garhwa. Originally developed as a helipad, it has been expanded into a public recreational space. The park features an open gym, walking paths, a canteen, flower gardens, and play equipment for children, making it a popular spot for morning walkers, families, and fitness enthusiasts.
Nilambar Pitambar Park:is a well-maintained urban park located in Garhwa city, named after the tribal freedom fighters Nilambar and Pitambar. The park includes green lawns, decorative plants, benches, walking tracks, and children’s play equipment. It serves as a peaceful recreational space for families and is often visited for evening walks, relaxation.
Football Stadium:Garhwa city has a dedicated football stadium that serves as the primary venue for local and district-level tournaments. Located within the city limits, the stadium hosts matches during festive seasons, school competitions, and inter-district championships. It acts as a training ground for local athletes and promotes sports culture among the youth. The stadium also draws large crowds during major matches, reflecting the city's growing interest in football and outdoor sports.
Town Hall:Garhwa Town Hall is an important civic and cultural venue located in the heart of the city. It serves as a center for government events, public meetings, cultural programs, and social gatherings. The hall is equipped with a stage, seating arrangements, and basic facilities, making it a key location for hosting dramas, seminars, exhibitions, and various festive celebrations. It plays a vital role in the cultural and administrative life of the city.
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India 
Jharkhand