Dhanbad, also commonly known as the Coal Capital of India, is the most expansive city in Jharkhand. This city is renowned for its coal industries and factories, and is one of the most successful commercial areas across India. Dhanbad houses many coal industries like Bharat Coking Coal (BCCL), IISCO (Indian Iron and Steel Company), Tata Steel and ECL. It also houses a number of prestigious institutions like the Indian School of Mines and Birsa Institute of Technology. Due to the extensive presence of coal, the area around is not much suited for agriculture. Hence, the people here resort to pisciculture (fish farming) and sericulture (silk production) for their livelihood. This city is a perfect confluence of nature and technology. While on the one hand the massive coal industries take you by surprise, on the other, the opulent panorama rejuvenates your soul. Here are five places to visit in Dhanbad.
1. Maithon Dam
Constructed on River Barakar, Maithon Dam offers a captivating site to the tourists. A famous picnic spot, this dam was originally constructed for flood control. Currently, it generates about 60,000 kW of electric power. As families and tourists gather to enjoy the calming weather and the soothing scenes, the riverside also provides the visitors with a mesmerizing view of the sunset. However, photography is prohibited around this region.
2. Kalyaneshwar Mandir
Kalyaneshwar temple is at about a distance of 5 km from the Maithon Dam. Interestingly, the dam draws its name from the temple- Maithon or ‘Mai ka Thann’. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti, and witnesses hundreds of pilgrims across the years from across the globe. It is believed that ages ago, human sacrifices were made to the goddess, in order to satiate her and seek her blessings. Multitudes, especially childless women offer sacrifices and prayers at the time praying for their wishes to come true.
3. Panchet Dam
Panchet Dam was constructed as a part of the multi-functional dams built under the Damodar Valley Corporation. It is located across River Damodar and serves multiple purposes like flood control, navigation, irrigation and power generation. The dam is set against the backdrop of the Panchet hills and is an ideal picnic spot. The road leading up to the dam is serpentine in shape and is a challenging ride for bikers and cyclists. The end of monsoon season is the suggested time to visit this place. This is during this time that the gates of the dam are unlocked for the easy flow of water.
4. Jharia
Jharia is one of the largest reservoirs of coal in the state of Jharkhand. It houses massive amounts of bituminous coal, which is burnt to get coke. The place is a major source of economy for Jharkhand. Other than lending a substantial push to the state’s economy, Jharia also attracts a lot of visitors, who are simply taken aback by the colossal spread of the coal mines. Moreover, the place attracts a number of students and academicians who intend to study the field of metallurgy.
5. Bhatinda Falls
Located at a distance of about 14 km from Dhanbad station, the Bhatinda Falls make a perfect picnic spot. Nestled amidst lush green foliage and dense hillock, these waterfalls provide a captivating sight. The falls are lined by huge rocky boulders. The cascading waterfalls instil a sense of calm and tranquillity in nature enthusiasts. The falls are not very high reaching and hence enable the tourists to traverse the upper reaches.
Dhanbad thus, provides the visitors with a confluence of nature and the man-made. While the sight of the enormous coal-mines is an awe-striking one, the soothing nature and waterfalls fill the visitors with a renewed vitality. The suggested time to visit the coal capital of India will be around the months of November and December. This time is particularly suited for those to look forward to camp or set up a picnic nearby the sprawling waters of the falls.
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