Discover Larwa Dam in Simdega, Jharkhand – a historic dam built in 1974 on the Deo River. Learn about its history, geographical location, natural beauty, tourism opportunities, nearby attractions, local food, stay options, and future prospects.
Introduction
There is a dam near Larwa village under Kolebira block in Simdega district of Jharkhand state, which is called Raja Dam or Kolebira Dam. In the local area, this dam is famous as Larwa Dam. Larwa Dam is built on Dev River. The dam was built in 1974 for irrigation facility.
The area of ​​the dam is spread over several km. The length of this dam is 366 meters and the maximum height from the foundation is 14.80 meters. as per indiawris.gov.in. This Larwa Dam is located at a distance of about 30 km from Simdega district headquarters.
Local people say that there used to be a residence of the king near the dam. There is also a temple near the dam. Staying there is a relaxing experience.
Importance of Larwa Dam
The Larwa Dam of Simdega district, built in 1974, was built to reduce the water problem in Kolebira block. This dam was the best means of irrigation for the local farmers. Situated near hills and forests, this dam provides facilities for irrigation as well as drinking water for local pets and wild animals.
This dam solves the water problem in all the surrounding areas. It is currently considered a good picnic spot here. Farming is done on all the lands around the dam. The main road to reach here is located at a distance of about 4 km from NH 143. One can go to the dam via a dirt road.
Due to this dam, the surrounding area remains green throughout the year. Due to this dam, local people do fish farming. Due to which many local people have got employment opportunities.
History of construction of Larva Dam
No written information is available about Larva Dam in any document. But according to indiawris.gov.in, Larva Dam was built in 1974 for irrigation facility. Which was mainly built keeping in mind the problems of the farmers here. Even today this dam is in good condition.
The reason for this is that this dam is repaired in time. Many development works can be seen here under many government schemes. In the initial phase, the length of this dam was being told to be 366 meters. Its height was being told to be about 14.80 meters from the foundation.
But in today’s time, the expansion of this dam is seen to be a little bigger. Due to the filling of water in the dam, its area appears quite large. The local people also get the facility of fish farming in this dam.
Geography and Location
Larwa Dam is situated near Larwa village under Kolebira block of Simdega district. To reach here, one can reach Larwa village via NH 143. You get a dirt road from the main road to the dam. If you ask the local people, they will tell you any way.
Cars, buses or tempos do not go from the road to the dam, especially during the farming season, the road also becomes small and narrow. You can reach here by two wheeler or bike or on foot.
Located at a distance of about 30 km from Simdega district headquarters, Larwa Dam is located on the edge of a hill and forest. Tourists come here less, but local people come here often. In the month of January, many people come here to celebrate picnic. Most of them are local villagers.
Natural beauty of Larwa Dam
Many good places can be seen in Larwa Dam and the surrounding area. The atmosphere of the dam remains very peaceful here. You can see lush green trees all around. Many local people like to take rest in the shade of local trees during summers.
Along with the dense forest, you can also see big trees and plants. You can see many pet animals and birds of local villagers. The environment here is clean. You get pure air in the morning. This makes the body fit and healthy and refreshed.
Being a rural area, the water of the dam is also very clean. Farming land can be seen all around. As soon as you come here, you can see the crops in the fields all around. This attracts the mind towards the environment.
Structure and Design
As has already been said, Larva Dam has been built near hills and forests. Hills and forests are seen on three sides here. The dam base has been built in one part. There is agricultural land available. It has been built here for the main facility of irrigation.
The size of this dam is spread over an area of ​​several kilometers. The height of the dam base is not special, but it is enough to collect water. The main source of water in this dam is rainwater. During the rainy season, water from the local hills and forests flows and collects in the Larva Dam.
Later this water is used for farming and other purposes. Many large rocks can be seen on the banks of the dam. The length of this dam is more, and the width is less. Its structure can be seen according to the length of the hill. Its depth is said to be 14 to 15 meters or more.
Purpose of Larva Dam
The main purpose of building Larva Dam is to provide irrigation facility for agricultural purposes. This has been done to solve the problems of local farmers and to prevent natural disasters. Water is conserved in Larva Dam and used for other purposes.
This dam is also used for water management. Larva Dam has been constructed to maintain the balance of the local environment and climate. The dam is used to provide drinking water to local animals and birds. This dam can be used in the future through pipeline to solve the water shortage of local villages.
Larwa Dam from tourism point of view
This dam is an excellent picnic facility for local tourists. But coming here just to see from other states and other districts cannot be considered very entertaining. The main reason for this is that there is no road facility to reach the dam. There is no dam peace facility of any kind here.
There is a worth seeing environment, peace and tranquility for tourists, but there is no other facility like boating, park, children’s play. You can come here for picnic with your children. But there is no facility for enjoyment. Apart from this, there is no option of adventure activities like swimming possibilities, camping and trekking.
Places to visit near Larwa Dam
Bhanwar Pahar
Arjun Doha
Astroturf Hockey Stadium
Rajadera Waterfall
Larwa Dam
Satkottha
Kobang Dam
Basatpur
Bhairo Baba Pahari
Dangadi
Weather and right time to visit
A good time to visit Larwa Dam can be during the New Year. In other seasons or days, tourists are seen here less or almost none. The main reason for this is that this dam has not been developed by the tourism department. Despite this, tourists keep coming here.
Coming here during the rainy season can be a problem to reach near the dam. There is no road facility till here. There is a road, but during the rainy season the vehicle can get stuck in the mud.
In winters the temperature here falls a bit. But more cold is felt in the morning and evening. If you want to visit here, then you can come from October to December. Make sure to bring all the other things of your convenience with you.
How to reach Larwa Dam
To reach Simdega district, you can come by road, rail or air transport. From Simdega district, you can reach Larwa village and Larwa Dam by road. You can go to the dam a little distance from the main road on foot or by bike.
There are many bus transport facilities from other cities or districts. The nearest airport is in Ranchi. The total distance between Ranchi and Simdega is about 160 km. The nearest railway is located in Rourkela, Odisha, 70 km from Simdega and passengers can reach Simdega city directly.
Local food and cuisine
There is no food facility near Larwa Dam. But traditional food facility of Simdega is available in the local city.
The main traditional food here includes rice and maize, millet and wild tubers, madua roti, dhuska and arasa-ruti, siddi and soybean, koyta saag, karam leaves, sunai leaves, sargi leaves and vegetables found in the forest, fish dishes (dry and fresh fish), local chicken and goat meat, mahua rush, toddy, thekua etc.
Accommodation
Accommodation facilities available for tourists and travellers are not available near the dam, but budget hotels are available in the local city or Simdega town. Mid-range hotels, lodges and dharamshalas etc. are available. Where one can rest safely at night. Where food and drinks and all kinds of facilities are available.
Future prospects
It attracts tourists due to its natural beauty and calm environment. Here one can see a beautiful confluence of lush green forests, hills and reservoir, which is an ideal place for picnic and spending time with family.
If modern facilities and safe infrastructure are developed here, then this area can become an excellent destination for adventure lovers and adventure tourism. The environment here is also suitable for bird watching and nature photography, as various types of birds and wildlife are found in the surrounding forests.
Also, activities like camping and trekking can also be started near the dam, which will give a new experience to young tourists and environment lovers. If the government and the local community together develop this place from a tourism point of view, then Larwa Dam can become an attractive tourist center not only for Simdega but for the entire Jharkhand.
Conclusion
Larwa Dam in Simdega, Jharkhand, is not only a crucial irrigation project but also a hidden gem for nature lovers. Surrounded by lush greenery, hills, and a peaceful environment, the dam offers a refreshing escape from city life.
Though lacking modern tourist infrastructure, its natural beauty and cultural charm attract local visitors for picnics and relaxation. With future development, Larwa Dam has the potential to emerge as a prominent eco-tourism and adventure destination in Jharkhand.
FAQ’s for Larwa Dam
Larwa Dam is located near Larwa village in Kolebira block, Simdega district, Jharkhand, around 30 km from Simdega town.
It was constructed in 1974 on the Deo River, primarily for irrigation and water supply purposes.
The dam was built for irrigation, water conservation, and to support local farmers and livestock. Today, it also serves as a picnic and local tourism spot.
The best time to visit Larwa Dam is between October and January, especially during winter and New Year picnics. Monsoon season is less favorable due to muddy access roads.
There are no direct stay or food facilities near the dam. Visitors can find budget hotels, lodges, and local food in Simdega town or nearby areas.