Datam-Patam Waterfalls, Latehar is a hidden treasure of Jharkhand, where you can enjoy the amazing beauty of nature and peaceful environment. A confluence of tribal culture and exciting experiences.
Brief introduction of Datam-Patam waterfall
Datam-Patam waterfalls is located in Latehar district of Jharkhand state. This waterfall is located on a mountain river near Dorang Tola under Herhanj block of Latehar district. The height of this waterfall can be around 60 feet. The depth of the place where the water of the waterfall falls is said to be 150 feet.
To reach here, the distance from Latehar district headquarters is about 30 kilometers. Apart from this, it is located at a distance of 10 kilometers from Herhanj block headquarters.
It is being said that tourists and local people come from far and wide including Ranchi, Hazaribagh, Chatra, Banaras, Patna, Gumla, Lohardaga, Daltonganj.
The maximum crowd here is in the months of December to February. Most of the people who come here come for picnic. And many people come here to bathe and worship.
Local people say that the shooting of a film called Do Boond Pani was done at Datam-Patam waterfalls on the initiative of Rajya Sabha MP Dhiraj Prasad Sahu, Nandlal Prasad Sahu, Indranath Singh Kharwar of Ichak village and others.
This waterfall can be reached by covering a distance of four km from Inatu village of Herhanj police station area located on the Balumath-Herhanj-Panki main road.
History of the waterfall
It is said that many tribal people reside in the area around Datam-Patam waterfalls in Latehar’s Herhanj block and its surrounding areas. The words “Datam” and “Patam” are derived from the tribal languages, which mean “falling of water” or “flowing”.
It is believed that this waterfall was discovered during the British rule, when British officers and geological surveyors visited this area. The local tribal women here used to worship near this waterfall and considered this waterfall to be the abode of their gods.
This place is considered as a holy place for many people of the local tribe. Local people say that it protects our wild animals. Whatever animals and birds are found in this forest, they take care of them. Here, the local tribal people worship on the banks of rocks on the banks of Datam-Patam waterfalls.
When the wish is fulfilled, a hen is sacrificed here. Many people worship with sweets, bel leaves, incense sticks etc. Here the worship is done only after taking a bath in the waterfall.
Natural beauty of the waterfall
Mountains and dense deciduous forest are situated on all three sides of the Datam-Patam waterfalls. The flow of water in this waterfall reduces considerably during summers. The year in which there is no rainfall, this waterfall dries up completely.
During the rest of the days, the area around this waterfall has a lush green environment. Most of the bushes and Sakhwa trees are seen in the forests here. This place is good for picnics. Most of the people come here in the months of December to February.
Geographical features of the waterfall
A road has been constructed till the parking area of this Datam-Patam waterfalls. But after the parking area, the path to the waterfall is a bit rocky. One has to walk carefully on it. If seen here, a staircase should be constructed.
It is a distance of 500 meters to reach the Datam-Patam waterfalls passing through big rocks. Here, a lot of sand flows in the water in the area near the waterfall. Where people sit and enjoy this place.
Ways to reach the waterfall
The Datam-Patam waterfalls is located at a distance of about 30 kilometers from Latehar district headquarters. It comes under the Herhanj block. The distance of this waterfall from the Herhant block is 10 kilometers. You can easily reach here by road transport. Latehar district can be reached by rail and road.
Right time and season for travel
If you come to Latehar by any work, then you can see the Datam-Patam waterfalls. Apart from this waterfall, there are many beautiful tourist places in Latehar district. You can also see them.
But if you are planning to see this Datam-Patam waterfalls, then you can do it in the months of December to February. If possible, you can come here on 1 January. At that time, the maximum crowd can be seen here.
Other nearby attractions in Latehar district
- Koel View Point
- Kanti Fall
- Indra fall
- Lodh Waterfalls
- Narayanpur Fort
- Tattapani
- Betla National Park
- sugga bandh Waterfalls, Latehar
Adventure activities
Apart from trekking and hiking, bird watching and photography can also be done. But this place is especially famous for picnics. Children from local schools are also brought here to enjoy picnics. Many animals can be seen in the dense forests around this waterfall.
Local food and cultural experience
Samosa is the most liked dish in Latehar district and many blocks around it and near this Datam-Patam waterfalls. If you ever come here, you can definitely eat samosa. It is available everywhere in breakfast shops and small line hotels.
Apart from this, Pitha, Arsa, Thuska, Litti Chokha etc. are mainly seen. The tribal people around this waterfall make many delicious dishes and delicacies in their homes every year during their cultural and religious festivals.
Staying options near the waterfall
There is no accommodation facility available near the waterfall. There are many homestays, guest houses, resorts and hotels in the local town and no food facility near this waterfall.
You have to buy it from the local market while going. People come here to bathe, have fun and picnic with their friends and family. Photography can be done near this waterfall.
Environmental protection and responsible tourism
It has been almost 2 years since we first came to Datam-Patam waterfalls. Since then, no development work of any kind has been seen at this place. It is the same today as it was earlier. People keep coming to this place throughout the year.
According to that, development work should have been done here. But this did not happen. Here only the protection of the environment is taken care of. No one gives any attention to the development of this area. Despite this, tourists keep coming here.
This waterfall is also decorated on 1 January. Many times parties are also celebrated here. People coming here are making this place dirty day by day.
If this situation remains, then in the coming few years no one will come to this tourist place. Plastic and garbage are thrown here and there at many places here, this is done by those people who come here for picnic.
Effects of weather on the waterfall
The Datam-Patam waterfalls dries up completely in summer. In the rainy season, there is a flood of water here. At that time the water is dirty.
The water of the mountain and the forest flows into the river through this waterfall. In the winter season, fog is seen more here and the cold also increases. The best season here is from December to February. At that time, the water of the waterfall is completely clean.
Safety Tips for Travel
If you come here for picnic with your children and family, then do not go near the waterfall. No one is allowed to go there. There is a lot of slippery slope near the waterfall. Due to which many accidents also happen here. Where the water flows, it goes very deep like a pond. Where many times people drown.
The path from the parking to the waterfall is rocky, so walk carefully. Take special care of yourself and your loved ones. Do not try to go into the forests here. Otherwise enjoy this tourist place. Emergency facility is not available here.
FAQ’s for Datam-Patam Waterfalls Latehar
1. Is camping allowed near Datam-Patam waterfall?
Not allowed, but if you wish to do so, you may need to take permission from the local manager.
2. What is the best time to visit the waterfall?
December to February is the best time.
3. What is the cheapest way to reach the waterfall?
By road it is the cheapest and easiest way.
4. Are there safe play areas for children near the waterfall?
Yes, there are a lot of beelus in the middle near the waterfall, where children are not at risk of playing.
5. Are there any medical facilities available nearby?
There is no hospital within a radius of 5 km. Medical shops are available at some distance from it.