Plateau State History, Tourist Attractions, Hotels & Travel Information | Nigeria travel info, tourism and attractions
North-Central Nigeria

Plateau State – "Home Of Peace And Tourism"

Located in north-west geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Plateau State was created out of the old Benue-Plateau in 1976 with its headquarter is Jos. The state is divided into seventeen local government areas which include Bakin-Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Jos-East, Jos-North, Jos-South, Kanam, Kanke, Langtang-North, Langtang-South, Mangu, Mikang, Pankshini Quan’Anpan, Riyom, Shendam, and Wase.


History
Plateau state was created in February, 1976 when the state was carved out of Benue-Plateau State. The state known as Nigeria’s tourist haven is said to be a miniature Nigeria primarily because nearly all the ethnic groups of the country reside there.

There are more than 30 hospitable and accommodating ethnic groups in the state and most of them have similar cultural and traditional ways of life.


People & Culture
The population of Plateau State is highly heterogeneous with over forty ethno-linguistic groups. No single group is large enough to claim majority position, but the following are regarded as the major ones: Birom, Angas, Mwangahvul, Taroh, Goemai, Tal, Fier, Afizere (Jarawa), Miango, Youm, Bogghom, Rukuba, Piapung, Kwalla, Montol, Jukun, Challa, Ron, Kulere, Pyem, Miship, Mupun and Buji.

Each ethnic group has its own distinct language while hausa has gained acceptability as a medium of communication.

Public Notice:

It is advisable to be vigilant in Jos and some other part of Nigeria cities/towns, visitors are advised not to be careful while traveling around for safety purpose. Please seek additional advise from the Nigerian security agency. The Federal and State governments are doing their best in providing extra security for the people and properties.


Geography
Covering a total of 26,899sqkm land area, Plateau State shares common boundaries with Bauchi state in the north, Taraba state in the east, nasarawa state in the south and Kaduna state in the west. The Jos Plateau abounds in natural scenic vistas. The state is a land of beautiful sceneries, rich in cultural, historical heritage and excellent weather conditions.

Plateau State map


Weather/Climate
Though situated in the tropical zone, a higher altitude means that Plateau State has a near temperate climate with an average temperature of between 18 and 22°C. Harmattan winds cause the coldest weather between December and February. The warmest temperatures usually occur in the dry season months of March and April. The mean annual rainfall varies from 131.75 cm (52 in) in the southern part to 146 cm (57 in) on the Plateau.

The highest rainfall is recorded during the wet season months of July and August. The average lower temperatures Plateau State has led to a reduced incidence of some tropical diseases such as malaria. The Jos Plateau, makes it the source of many rivers in northern Nigeria including the Kaduna, Gongola, Hadejia and Yobe rivers.


Cities & Towns
Other important cities and towns include Jos, Bukuru, Barkin/Ladi, Pankshin, Shendam, Langtang, and Vom.

[tab:Attractions] Shere Hills: This is one of Plateau’s highest peaks and most rugged, and offers unrivalled opportunities to the mountain climbers and lovers of adventure. It is about 10 kilometres to the East of Jos. The Hills serve as a camping spot to the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre.


Wase Rock: Its remarkable inselberg rising abruptly 250 metres above the plain of Wase town. A notable topographic feature of 800-foot- (250-metre-) high hill, rises sharply above the savanna. It is a rock climber’s heaven.


Rayfield Holiday Resort, Jos: The resort is located 4km from Jos city. A fantastic scenic environment that offers tourists endless fun of boating, swimming, sun bathing, horse riding, sport fishing and indoor games. For a day out or a weekend get away, the resort has what it takes for your leisure and tranquility. Bar and restaurant facilities are available between 10.00am-7.00 pm daily.


Riyom Rock Formation: Located 25 kilometers from Jos along the Jos-Akwanga road is one of nature’s most spectacular rock formations-the Riyom Rock, so called because it is located in the Riyom Town. Nature had carved out the geographical boundaries of Plateau State in the rock long before the state was even created.


Kurra Falls: This resulted from the activities of tin mining in the area. Kurra Falls is used by Nigerian Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) to generate electricity power for a large number of communities in the area.


Assop Falls: The site is an area of Guinea Savanna on the slopes and top of a mid-altitude ridge of the Jos Plateau, beside the Jos-Kagoro road, about 70 km from Jos. The vegetation comprises gallery forests sorrounded by grasslands. The Assop river, which feeds the picturesque rapids and falls, drains part of the Jos Plateau.


Museum of Nigeria Traditional Architecture (MOTNA): This is erected on the same site with the National Museum Complex. Here are found the collection of traditional architecture


Kurang Volcanic Mountain: These highlands are washed by fetching springs which supply the popular spring water (SWAN) with natural spring water. It is located about 88 Kilometres away from Jos.


Solomon Lar Amusement Park, Jos: Located right in the heart of the capital city of Jos, this park provides a place for many occasions. It has been used by movie makers and newly weds for receptions and other fun activities. It is a good site for picnics and recreation.


Panyam Fish Farm: This is located in Mangu local government area about 60 kilometres South-East of Jos. The farm is ideal for sports fishing. It is man-made and its products are sold at subsidized price.


Jos Wildlife Park: Unique for its rare and exotic collection of animals, the park picnic areas are provided in the pine forest and the Vongnifwel Hill, 1,345 metres above sea level being the highest point east of Jos.


Jos Museum Complex: Jos museum is Nigeria’s first museum and it is situated at the foot of a tree covered granites mountains named Coronation Hill. It has accumulation of Terra Cotta Sculptures of Nok Culture as its most distinguished features.


Gwaram Forest Reserve: The forest reserve is one of the reserves created by the government to preserve the forest and wildlife


Naraguta Leather Works, Jos: A centre reputed for high quality craftsmanship in the production of leather items. The centre provides opportunity to witness craftsmen at work, fabricating colourful products, ranging from leather cushions, carpets, shoes, slippers, and a variety of souvenir leather, items that are irresistible. Naraguta leather works is located near Jos. The treatment of leather here is still traditional. Some of the leather works found in the arts and crafts shops in most hotels in Nigeria were produced here.


Helena Farm, Jos: Known as the Rose merchant. This is a farm where ornamental vegetables and herbal plants are grown. Here roses, carnation, herbs and vegetables like dill, basil, rosemary asparagus, broccoli, lettuce cucumber, cauliflower, leek and many more are grown. Roses are a sight and fragrance to behold. They are beautiful and will excite you on a guided tour on the farm. Although the roses are grown mainly for export, a few vendors and shops all over the country offer roses and carnation for sale.


Other attractions
Hilltop Hotel, Pankshin (Man-made)
Kerang Volcanic Mountain (Physical)
Kerang Volcanic Sites (Physical)
Pundong Crater (Physical)
Amurum Woodlands (Wildlife/Eco-tourism)

[tab:Eating Out] King’s Bite Restaurant: Pleasant and friendly no-frills Lebanese and European restaurant where you can get well-made plates of food like spaghetti bolognese, Caesar salad or shawarma at a moderate price. Location: Near British-American Junction, Jos. Tel: +234 (0)73 458 832


Elysar Chinese & Lebanese Cuisine: Located inside the Hill Station hotel, this is a reasonably priced restaurant at which the Chinese food such as prawns, beef and chicken. Location: Hill Station Hotel, 10 Tundun Wada Rd, Jos. Tel: +234 (0)73 455 300


Mr Bigg’s: This is another popular fast food chain with outlets across the state as well as the country serving pastries, snacks, burgers and hot meals to families, teenagers, and corporate customers for nearly twenty five years.Location: 40/42 Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos. Tel: +234 N/A


AfriOne Cafe: This is a top restaurant and number one expatriate spot in Jos. It is very popular amongst the numerous American missionaries who are based in Jos. The restaurant offers the familiar Lebanese and continental mix with plates of hummus, pickles, shawara and chips etc. It also has a row of PCs at the back so customers can surf the net while waiting for their food. Location: Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos. Tel: +234 455 172


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[tab:Hotels] Hill Station Hotel: This landmark resort hotel which is dated back to colonial era, is a favourite destination during the 1960s. The hotel offers well-equipped and air-conditioned rooms with cable TV, telephones etc. Location: 10 Tundun Wada Road, Jos. Tel: +234 455 300


Country Home Hotel: A large welcoming newly refurbished and undoubtedly clean, the hotel offers well-equipped and air-conditioned rooms with cable TV, telephones etc. Location: NEPA Close, Tundun Wada, Jos. Tel: +234 (0)73 462 479


Les Rosiers Bed & Breakfast: Les Rosiers Bed & Breakfast is ideally located in the centre of Jos, in the GRA area. The old colonial bungalows are situated in the middle of a huge compound full of trees and birds. It is a paradise of silence in the heart of the city. It offers two bungalows fully equipped, one with two rooms and the other one with a room and a living room. The standard is excellent, the price is affordable. strong>Location: No1 Rest House Road, Jos. Tel: +234 (0)803 357 52 33


[tab:Gallery] http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=287502&id=82573393018
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