Maithon Dam is a popular tourist attraction located in the district of Dhanbad, Jharkhand. It is the largest dam in Jharkhand and is situated at the confluence of the Damodar and Barakar rivers. The dam was constructed in 1957 and is part of the Damodar Valley Corporation.
The dam is constructed on a barrage type and is mainly used for irrigation and power generation. The reservoir created by the dam provides water for the Bokaro Steel Plant and water for domestic and industrial purposes for the nearby cities. The dam also serves as a tourist spot, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The dam has a beautiful landscape, with lush green surroundings and an artificial lake.
The main attractions at the dam are the Maithon Power House, the Maithon Lake, the Hathni Waterfalls, the Maithon Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Maithon Temple. The Maithon Power House is the largest hydroelectric power station in the state and is known for its breathtaking view. The Maithon Lake is a popular destination for boating and fishing. The Hathni waterfalls are a stunning sight and are the perfect spot for a picnic. The Maithon Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife species, including tigers, wild boars, and many species of birds. The Maithon Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located on the banks of the reservoir and is a popular pilgrimage site.
Ideal For:
Maithon Dam, located in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The dam, built over the Barakar River, is a major tourist attraction of the state and is visited by thousands of visitors every year.
The dam is a perfect spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway, with its beautiful natural surroundings and breathtaking views. The dam is surrounded by lush green forests and hillocks, giving visitors a unique experience. Visitors can enjoy activities such as bird-watching, fishing, boating, swimming, and trekking around the dam.
The dam also offers some great opportunities for photography enthusiasts. With its picturesque landscape and stunning views, Maithon Dam is an ideal location to capture some amazing shots.
Maithon Dam is also a great place to relax and recharge. Visitors can take part in yoga and meditation classes to unwind and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are several resorts near the dam which offer accommodation and other amenities.
So, if you're looking for an ideal spot to spend some quality time with your family and friends, then Maithon Dam is the place to be!
How to reach
Reaching Maithon Dam is quite easy.
By Air: The nearest airport is at Ranchi, which is around 100 km away from Maithon Dam. There are regular flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and other major cities to Ranchi. From there, you can hire a taxi to Maithon Dam.
By Train: The closest railway station is at Dhanbad, which is just 7 km away from Maithon Dam. There are regular trains from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and other major cities to Dhanbad. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Maithon Dam.
By Road: Maithon Dam is well-connected by roads and can be easily reached by bus or car. There are regular buses from Dhanbad and other nearby towns to Maithon Dam. You can also hire a taxi from the nearby towns to reach Maithon Dam.
Climate and best time to visit:
The climate in Dhanbad is mainly tropical. Summers are hot and humid and the temperature can rise up to 40°C. Monsoons bring moderate to heavy rainfall in the region and winters are pleasant with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 20°C.
The best time to visit Maithon Dam is from October to March. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the temperature remains cool. This is also the time when the lake is full, and it is an ideal time to take a boat ride. Nature lovers and photographers enjoy the views of the lake during this time.
Apart from sightseeing and boat rides, visitors can also enjoy activities like fishing, bird watching, and swimming. The dam also offers a variety of adventure activities for those looking for an adrenaline rush.
Ideal Duration:
If you are looking to visit Maithon Dam, the ideal duration to stay in Dhanbad would be anywhere from two days to a week. Depending on how much time you have to spare and how much you can do in that time, you can decide to stay for a longer or shorter duration.
On day one, you can start your trip with a visit to Maithon Dam. This dam is a great place to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature. You can also take a boat ride in the reservoir and enjoy the picturesque view of the dam and the surrounding hills.
After exploring the dam, you can spend the rest of the day visiting the other attractions of Dhanbad. These include the Jawahar Nagar Lake, which is a large lake located near the dam, and the nearby Dimna Lake. You can also visit the Jharia Coal Mines, which is a major source of coal in India.
On the second day, you can explore the nearby villages and towns of Dhanbad and learn more about the local culture and lifestyle. You can also visit the Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary and the Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary to witness the rich diversity of flora and fauna in the area.
Places to Stay:
If you're planning a trip to Dhanbad to visit the Maithon Dam, here are some great places to stay:
Whether you're looking for a luxurious or affordable stay in Dhanbad, there are plenty of great places to stay near the Maithon Dam. All of these hotels offer comfortable and pleasant accommodations to ensure you have a great stay during your visit.
