Chandil Dams is a best Tourist Place of Seraikela Kharsawan

Chandil Dam, the most popular tourist place in Seraikela Kharsawan, Jharkhand. Explore boating, birdwatching, picnic spots, Dalma Hills, museums, and nearby attractions.

Introduction to Chandil Dam

Chandil Dam is a functional dam located in Seraikela-Kharsawan district of Jharkhand state, India. It was built on the Subarnarekha River under the Subarnarekha Multipurpose Project. The Chandil Dam has a height of 56.5 metres (185 ft) and a length of 720.10 metres (2,362.5 ft).

Chandil Dam is located near the town of Chandil in Seraikela-Kharsawan district of Jharkhand state, India. Its coordinates are 22°58′29″N 86°01′13″E. The dam is built on the Subarnarekha River. The region is described as a hilly upland on the southern edge of the Chotanagpur Plateau.

The dam is about 22 kilometres (14 mi) from Jamshedpur and 105 kilometres from Ranchi, the state capital. The Dalma Hills overlook the dam. Chandil Dam is considered to be one of the most visited places in Jharkhand, known for its natural beauty.

A museum located nearby displays 2,000-year-old scripts on rocks. The best time to visit Chandil Dam is from October to March, while December and January are the best months for picnics due to pleasant weather and clear skies. Although summers (April-June) are usually hot, cool breezes blow in the evenings and one can see the beautiful sunset over the hills.

The dam is well connected by rail and road, as NH 18 (formerly NH 32) and NH 43 (formerly NH 33) pass through Chandil, providing direct access from Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Bokaro and Purulia.

Location and Geography

The Chandil Dam is located near the town of Chandil in the Seraikela-Kharsawan district of the Indian state of Jharkhand. Its coordinates are 22°58′29″N 86°01′13″E.

The dam is built on the Subarnarekha River. The area is called the Dalma Dam, a hilly highland located on the southern edge of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. The dam is about 22 kilometres (14 mi) from Jamshedpur and 105 kilometres from the state capital Ranchi. The Dalma Hills overlook the dam.

History of Chandil Dam

The construction of the Chandil Dam began between 1982 and 1993 under the Subarnarekha Multipurpose Project. The project is a joint venture sponsored by the governments of Bihar (later Jharkhand), Odisha, and West Bengal, formalized by an agreement signed in 1978.

The dam has a height of 56.5 metres (185 ft) and a length of 720.10 metres (2,362.5 ft). Specifically, its length is made of 384 metres of concrete and 336.1 metres of earthen structure. The width of the dam is 8.75 metres.

Its deepest foundation level is RL 139.50 metres, and the lowest river bed level is RL 152 metres. The full reservoir level is 189 metres, and the maximum water level is 192.0 metres, while the dam top level is 196.0 metres. The total capacity of the dam is 1,963 square kilometres (196,300 hectares). The total storage capacity at full reservoir level is 1500 million cubic metres.

The main purpose of the Chandil Dam is to provide water supply for irrigation, drinking water and industrial use, hydropower generation and flood control. The dam is designed for 2×4 MW hydropower generation. It increases the irrigation potential of Gross Command Area (GCA) of 115,261 hectares and Cultivable Command Area (CCA) of 63,300 hectares.

Architectural and structural features

The construction of the Chandil dam involved the acquisition of 43,500 acres of land from 116 villages during 1986-87, displacing about 12,000 families. Protests against land acquisition began as early as 1972, resulting in major agitations, including a protest in January 1979 in which four people were killed in police firing. Villagers have been protesting continuously for proper compensation and rehabilitation.

The World Bank initially sanctioned $127 million in aid, but withdrew it in 1990 due to persistent agitation. The Visthaap Mukti Vahini (VMV) organisation has continued to advocate for increased rehabilitation packages and, in 2010, successfully blocked a proposed 5-metre increase in the dam height, preventing the submergence of 52 villages.

VMV’s efforts have also created various livelihood opportunities for local families, such as tourism development through cage farming, fish and goose farming, animal husbandry, horticulture, lac/shell farming, and boating.

Best Time to Visit Chandil Dam

The best time to visit Chandil Dam is usually during the cool and dry months. The most favorable time to visit Chandil Dam is from October to March.

Ideal Visiting Period
During these months, the weather in the region is quite pleasant, with cool temperatures and low humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Tourist Peak Season
December and January are particularly popular months to visit Chandil Dam, especially for picnics and day trips. The weather during this time is usually very pleasant, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, which makes the overall experience of visitors even better.

Summer Views
Although the summer months from April to June can be quite hot, the evenings at Chandil Dam often provide pleasant respite with cool breezes. Visiting here late at night can provide an opportunity to witness a beautiful sunset over the surrounding hills.

How to Reach Chandil Dam

You have multiple transportation options to reach Chandil Dam, as it is well connected by both rail and road.

By Road
From Jamshedpur: Chandil Dam can be reached directly from Jamshedpur, which is the nearest city. The dam is about an hour’s drive from Jamshedpur and is located on NH33. Its distance from Jamshedpur via NH33 is about 37 km.

• From Ranchi: The distance from Ranchi to Chandil Dam via NH43 is about 106 km.
• Major Highways: Two major highways of Jharkhand, NH 18 (formerly NH 32) and NH 43 (formerly NH 33), pass through Chandil, making it easy to access the dam. These highways connect Chandil to cities like Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Bokaro and Purulia.

By Rail
Nearest major railway station: Tatanagar Junction is the nearest major railway station to Chandil Dam, located around 44 km away.
Connectivity: Tatanagar Junction is an important stop on the Howrah-Mumbai line and connects other places.

By Air
You can reach Chandil Dam by train from Kolkata Airport or Ranchi Airport.

Places to visit in Chandil Dam

Chandil Dam, located on the Subarnarekha River, is a picturesque spot in Jharkhand and a popular tourist destination. It offers various attractions and activities for visitors.

Boating and Water Activities
Boating is a popular activity at Chandil Dam. Visitors can enjoy fast-paced boating in the reservoir or opt for a paddle boat to roam around leisurely and enjoy the scenic beauty. Life jackets are provided for the boat ride on the Subarnarekha River, which is also an excellent spot for bird watching. The fare for a five-minute speed boat ride is Rs 150 per person.

Picnic and Family Outings
Chandil Dam is famous as an ideal picnic spot and a delightful getaway for families, friends and loved ones. Its calm and relaxing atmosphere provides a pleasant escape from the urban life. Tourists from Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal often visit Chandil Dam for picnics and road trips.

Food and Local Cuisine
The area around Chandil Dam offers a great place to enjoy a meal amidst the beautiful landscape. Tourists can buy fresh fish from the Chandil Dam Cage Culture or enjoy local snacks with hot tea and coffee. Full meals are also available at the eateries located along the dam.

Natural Beauty and Photography
The dam is surrounded by lush Sal tree forests, which provide a calm and refreshing ambiance for a nature walk. It is also a favorite spot for photographers, with many picturesque spots around the dam from where the spectacular view of the sunset is a must-see. This massive dam, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Dalma Hills, offers beautiful surroundings and views.

Nearby Hills and Natural Attractions

Apart from the dam, there are several places worth visiting nearby:

1. Patkum Museum: This circular building houses ancient remains of rock-cut temples and sculptures, some of which date back to the medieval era and were discovered during the construction of the dam and from the surrounding areas. The museum also offers a splendid view of the Chandil Dam.
2. Sheesh Mahal Auditorium: Located next to the museum, this is an open space where tribal cultural programmes, entertainment and performances take place, and is also a good spot for photography.
3. Prachin Jayda Mandir: Located on the banks of the Subarnarekha River, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a pilgrimage centre in Jharkhand. It is about 6.5 km from the Chandil Dam and a three-day fair is held here every year during Makar Sankranti (Tusu Utsav).
4. Palan Dam: Located 12 km from the Chandil Dam, this reservoir, built in 1985, is another popular picnic and tourist spot surrounded by picturesque hills and forests.
5. Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is another attraction near Chandil Dam.
6. Dimna Lake: This lake is also listed as a nearby attraction.

Wildlife and Bird-watching

The area around Chandil Dam is home to a wide variety of wildlife, especially in the nearby Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is famous for its population of elephants. Other animals found in the sanctuary include tigers, leopards, deer, butterflies, monkeys, porcupines, wild boars, and foxes.

Notably, species like leopard, barking deer, mouse deer, sloth bear, monkeys, and giant squirrel are found in abundance in Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 193.22 sq km and covers the catchment area of the Subarnarekha River and the adjoining Purulia district of West Bengal. Small hideouts are available within the sanctuary to observe wild animals in their natural habitat.

The dam and its surrounding areas are home to various bird species. Visitors can bring binoculars to enhance their bird watching experience. The Subarnarekha River, where boat rides are available, is considered a great place for bird watching. Some of the bird species seen in the Chandil Dam area include:

• Spotted pigeon (Spilopelia chinensis)
• Laughing pigeon (Spilopelia senegalensis)
• Great coucal (Centropus sinensis)
• Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus)
• Rock pigeon (Columba livia)
• Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
• Tufted duck (Aythya fuligula)

Local villages and tribal culture

The construction of the Chandil Dam under the Subarnarekha Multipurpose Project led to the acquisition of about 43,500 acres of land from 116 villages in Jharkhand between 1986 and 1987. Of these, 38 villages were expected to be fully submerged and 78 partially submerged.

About 12,000 families were affected by this displacement. The specific villages surveyed to understand the impact of the Chandil Dam include Burlung, Bamundi and Dum. Protests and demonstrations demanding proper compensation and rehabilitation have continued by the displaced villagers.

In October 2023, hundreds of displaced people from these 116 villages began an indefinite dharna near the Raj Bhawan in Ranchi demanding compensation and rehabilitation and decided to boycott the upcoming elections as a silent protest.

Flash floods allegedly caused by unannounced release of excess water from the Chandil dam have inundated more than 50 villages in Odisha’s Balasore district, affecting more than 50,000 people.

About 43,500 acres of land from 116 villages in Jharkhand was acquired between 1986 and 1987 for the construction of the Chandil dam under the Subarnarekha multipurpose project. Of these, 38 villages were expected to be fully submerged and 78 partially submerged.

About 12,000 families were affected by this displacement. The specific villages surveyed to understand the impact of the Chandil dam include Burlung, Bamundi and Dum. There have been continuous protests from the displaced villagers and demands for proper compensation and rehabilitation.

In October 2023, hundreds of displaced people from these 116 villages began an indefinite sit-in near the Raj Bhawan in Ranchi demanding compensation and rehabilitation and decided to boycott the upcoming elections as a silent protest. Flash floods caused by alleged unannounced release of excess water from the Chandil dam have inundated more than 50 villages in Odisha’s Balasore district, affecting more than 50,000 people.

Picnic and Family Friendly Environment

Chandil Dam is considered one of the best picnic spots in Jharkhand. The dam has vast green lawns and shady areas, making it ideal for a relaxing family outing. Its calm atmosphere and beautiful landscape add to the enjoyment of time spent there.

The vast water body spread far and wide provides a beautiful ambiance. The serene atmosphere and picturesque surroundings of the dam make it ideal for a day outing with family and friends.

Activities for Families

Chandil Dam offers various activities suitable for all age groups:

Boating: This is a major attraction, where options of speed boating and paddle boating are available on the Subarnarekha River. Lifejackets are provided for safety during the boat ride.
Bird Watching: The Subarnarekha River, where boat rides are offered, is a great place for bird watching.
Nature Excursions: The dam is surrounded by lush green Sal tree forests, providing a calm and refreshing environment for nature excursions.

Photography: Chandil Dam is a must-see destination for photographers, with many unique views available to capture including spectacular sunsets.

Food Stalls: A few food stalls offer regular food and drink options, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal amid beautiful views. You can also find fresh fish from the Chandil Dam Cage Culture and local snacks along with hot tea and coffee.

Safety Precautions

While enjoying the dam, it is important to keep in mind the safety guidelines:

Boating Safety: Always wear a lifejacket when on a speed boat or paddle boat and avoid changing seating positions on a moving boat.

Water Safety: If you are not skilled at swimming, do not swim, as the river bed can be slippery and not all areas are safe to enter the water. Avoid going too close to the front of the dam due to strong currents.

Around the Dam: Do not walk or climb on the wall along the upper dam. Avoid looking at the gushing water flowing out of the gate for too long, as it may cause dizziness.

General Safety: Loudspeakers and alcohol are strictly prohibited by the administration. Avoid creating nuisance and respect the locals. Do not encroach into restricted areas.

Flood Alert: During heavy rains, the authorities may open the dam gates, which may cause the water level of the Swarnarekha and Kharkai rivers to rise rapidly. Residents living along the river banks are urged to move to safer places and avoid going near the rivers at such times.

Accommodation Options

For those planning a trip to Chandil Dam, there are a variety of accommodation options available, from budget-friendly lodges to luxury resorts, which are primarily located in the vicinity of the dam. Although Chandil Dam is often considered a day trip, there are lodges available in Chandil for overnight stays.

Many tourists, especially those coming from outside the state, often inquire about the hotels and accommodation facilities available near Chandil Dam. These luxury hotels and resorts are primarily located near the city of Jamshedpur, and most tourist places, including Chandil Dam, are located within a radius of 50-60 kilometers of these hotels.

Lodges in Chandil
For economical travelers or those looking for a comfortable overnight stay, there are several lodges available in the Chandil area:

Shanti Lodge:
Distance from Chandil Dam: 5.5 km
Location: Chandil Bazaar, Tata-Purulia Highway
Amenities available: Food, accommodation and car parking

Hotel Shiva:
Distance from Chandil Dam: 7 km
Location: Near Chandil Railway Station, Tata-Purulia Highway
Amenities available: AC/non-AC accommodation and car parking
Luxury hotels and resorts

The Wave International:
Distance from Chandil Dam: 23 km
Other nearby attractions: Dalma Hilltop (23 km), Dimna Dam (7.7 km), Jamshedpur city (10 km)
Location: Tata-Ranchi Highway, Asan Bani, Chandil
Amenities available: Accommodation, free parking, outdoor pool, air-conditioned rooms, laundry service, room service, children’s Friendly, Restaurants & Bars

10th Mile Stone Resort & Restaurant:

• Distance from Chandil Dam: 23 km
• Other Nearby Attractions: Dalma Hilltop (23 km), Dimna Dam (7.7 km), Jamshedpur City (10 km)
• Location: Tata-Ranchi Highway, Asan Bani, Chandil
• Amenities Available: Accommodation, Free Parking, Air-conditioned Rooms, Laundry Service, Room Service, Child-Friendly, Restaurants & Bars

Silver Sand Resort:

• Distance from Chandil Dam: 15 km
• Other Nearby Attractions: Dalma Hilltop (17 km), Dimna Dam (12 km), Jamshedpur City (17 km)
• Location: Tata-Ranchi Highway, Kandarbeda, Chandil
• Amenities Available: Accommodation & Free Parking

Golden Leaf Resort:

• Distance from Chandil Dam: 25 km
• Other Nearby Attractions: Dalma Hilltop (26 km), Jamshedpur City (8 km)
• Location: Opposite Ashiana Woodlands, Near Pardih Kali Temple
• Facilities Available: Accommodation, Free Wi-Fi, Air-conditioned rooms, Business Centre, Room Service and Restaurant
• Golden View Resort: This resort offers deluxe rooms, garden view and the best facilities for a relaxing holiday. It offers a peaceful stay near Chandil Dam.

Hotel J.B. Palace:
Location: Ramgarh, near Damodar River
Distance from Chandil Dam: Though not clearly mentioned, it is located 10.4 km from Nathuakhan and 23.6 km from Rajrappa Temple.
Facilities Available: Free parking, designated smoking area, local cuisine breakfast, dry cleaning/laundry services, 24-hour reception, luggage storage and air-conditioned guest rooms with private furnished balcony or patio. Free Wi-Fi is also available.

Saini Hotel:

• Location: Ramgarh
• Distance from Chandil Dam: About 19.7 km from Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park and 26.8 km from Rajrappa Temple.
• Amenities available: Free self-parking, air-conditioned rooms with minibar and free wireless internet facility.

Safety and Travel Tips

Do not attempt to swim if you are not a confident swimmer, as not all areas are safe for getting into the water, and the riverbed can be slippery. Always keep the orange safety jackets on while on speed boats or pedal boats. Be extra cautious when taking selfies on boats and avoid changing seating sides on a moving speed boat.

Do not go too far into the woods, especially if you are alone or only with your partner. Avoid going near the front side of Chandil Dam, as you could be swept away in rapids and drown. Do not walk or climb on the wall at the edge of the upper dam.

Avoid gazing at the fast-moving water coming out of the gates for prolonged periods, as it might cause dizziness. Although the dam water appears clean, it might be unsafe to drink, particularly in fishing and boating areas.

General Safety and Conduct

Maintaining appropriate behavior and respecting local regulations contribute to a safe visit.

Prohibited Items: Loudspeakers and alcohol are strictly banned by the administration. Stringent action, including 24 hours of detention, may be taken against anyone found drinking or selling alcohol on the premises.

Local Interaction: The locals are friendly and helpful, so avoid creating unnecessary trouble.

Restricted Access: Do not try to trespass into restricted areas.

Travel and Excursion Tips

Planning your trip well and knowing how to get around can make your experience even better.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Chandil Dam is during the winter months, from October to March, for pleasant weather and clear skies. December and January are considered the busiest months for tourists.

Transportation: Upon reaching Chandil town, negotiate fares with auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers before starting your journey.

Local Excursions: Consider visiting nearby attractions such as the Patkum Museum, which houses ancient inscriptions, or other places like the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary or Dimna Lake.

Picnic: The dam grounds are well-maintained, making it a popular picnic spot, so consider packing a picnic to enjoy.

Connectivity: Chandil is well connected by rail, road and air. From Ranchi or Jamshedpur, you can take a bus or train to Chandil, and then hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the dam. If you are driving, parking is available for four-wheelers at the dam for ₹30.

Sustainable tourism and conservation
Government bodies and local organisations are taking various initiatives to promote conservation and sustainable practices around Chandil Dam. The Jharkhand Tourism Policy 2021 emphasises ecotourism as a key principle to make tourism activities more responsible.

Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Project: The project aims to transform Chandil into an educative tourist destination by highlighting its natural beauty in Jharkhand.

Ecotourism development: Beautification of Chandil Dam includes plans to develop ecotourism on the lines of Kerala model.

Infrastructure development: There are plans to develop physical infrastructure including eco-friendly amenities to encourage ecotourism in places like Chandil Dam.

Fisheries and Livelihoods: Chandil Dam is the largest dam in Jharkhand, spread over 18,000 hectares and has 933 cages installed for fish farming. The Fisheries Department of the Government of Jharkhand promotes fish farming, which provides sustainable livelihood opportunities for local families.

Organizations like the Visthapit Mukti Vahini (VMV) have also initiated various livelihood opportunities like cage farming, fish and goose rearing, livestock breeding, horticulture, lacquer/shellfish farming and tourism development through boating for positive engagement with the government machinery.

Renewable Energy: Efforts are underway to develop a 600 MW floating solar project in the Chandil Dam reservoir area, which reflects commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development. A third powerhouse designed to generate 8 MW power is also under construction at Chandil Dam.

Conservation Studies: Studies have been conducted to assess cage culture practices at the Chandil reservoir, the findings of which indicate that 66.67% of guidelines are fully followed, with suggestions for improvement in areas such as water quality and maintenance of cages. In addition, research conducted at the Chandil site near Jamshedpur has revealed the importance of vegetation for soil slope stability, indicating efforts to understand and mitigate environmental factors that affect dam stability.

Responsible Tourism: Tourists are encouraged to engage in sustainable and responsible tourism, minimising their environmental impact. This includes being mindful of their actions and avoiding activities that may harm the natural surroundings.

Waste Management: A problem frequently observed by tourists is the littering around the dam and the Subarnarekha River. Tourists should dispose of their waste properly to prevent pollution and maintain the natural beauty of the area.

Following rules: Following administrative rules such as the ban on loudspeakers and alcohol helps maintain a peaceful atmosphere and ensures a safe experience for all tourists.

Appreciation of nature: Chandil Dam attracts tourists for picnics, recreation and appreciation of nature. Engaging in activities such as bird watching and enjoying the calm waters can foster a deeper connection with nature and encourage conservation efforts.

Supporting local livelihoods: By engaging in activities that support local communities, such as boating services or shopping from local food stalls, tourists can contribute to the sustainable economic development of the area, which in turn can support conservation initiatives.

Conclusion

Chandil Dam is more than just an engineering marvel—it is a destination where nature, culture, and history blend seamlessly. Surrounded by the majestic Dalma Hills and fed by the Subarnarekha River, the dam offers breathtaking views, thrilling boating experiences, and serene picnic spots.

From its rich history of construction struggles to its vibrant tribal culture and sustainable tourism initiatives, Chandil Dam is the pride of Saraikela Kharsawan. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast, a history buff, on a family trip, or a nature lover, Chandil Dam promises an unforgettable experience, making it one of the best tourist attractions in Jharkhand.

Frequently Asked Questions – Chandil Dam, Seraikela Kharsawan