Maithon Dam is located on the border of Bihar and Jharkhand. Also, the route to Bengal is from here. There is no need for any kind of ticket to visit Bihar or Jharkhand. But if you want to go towards the border of Bengal, then you will need a pass and ticket.
Identity card or gate pass will be required to enter this no entry. Entry without DVC is prohibited after 6.30 pm. Entry without pass is punishable.
Importance of Maithon Dam in Dhanbad
The Maithon Dam is located at Maithon, 48 km from Dhanbad, in the state of Jharkhand. It is 15,712 ft (4,789 m) long and 165 ft (50 m). high. This dam was specially designed for flood control and generates 60,000 kW of electric power.
There is an underground power station, the first of its kind in the whole of South East Asia. The dam is constructed on the Barakar River. The lake is spread over 65 square kilometres (25 sq mi).
Historical perspective and construction work of Maithon Dam
Started from July 1943 to September 1957 by Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. Since then this dam is generating electricity. Electricity supply was started in the surrounding areas from 1953 itself.
Since then the supply of electricity is continuing till now. This Maithon Dam has been built with Damodar Valley Corporation Project.
Geographical location of Maithon Dam
Maithan Dam is 15,712 feet long and 165 feet high. The total area of this dam is very large. In which people do all the activities related to boating, fishing, bathing and water sports. The road route to reach here is the best.
In which there is not much crowd. Traffic rules are not violated. When you plan to visit Maithon Dam, you must go at least once in life. Half of Maithon Dam falls in Bengal and half in Jharkhand.
Guide to Maithon Dam
To reach Maithon Dam, you can also go by air, rail and road.
Air route
Talking about the air route, the nearest air route is Birsa Munda Airport, about 250 km from Ranchi.
Rail route
- Dhanbad Junction: This railway station is about 45 km from Maithon Dam. It is well connected to major cities of the country.
- Barakar Railway Station: It is located at a distance of 18 km from Maithon Dam and from here Maithon Dam can be reached by taking a taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Road route:
From Dhanbad: The distance from Dhanbad to Maithon Dam is about 45 km. You can use NH19 and SH5.
- From Ranchi: The distance from Ranchi to Maithon Dam is about 240 km. From here you can reach via NH20 and NH19.
- From Kolkata: The distance from Kolkata to Maithon Dam is about 250 kms. Travelling on NH19, you can reach Maithon Dam directly.
Travel Tips
Tourists come to Maithon Dam throughout the year. It is crowded here in every season. People come from far and wide to see this dam. If you are planning to come here, then the months from October to February would be the best. The weather during this time is good.
Means of Entertainment
There is a Millennium Park near Maithon Dam, which has all the means of entertainment for children. There is boating for entertainment in the dam, in which you can do boating by taking a ticket. To enjoy the dam, it is worth watching the waves of water.
The boating fee is Rs 100 per head and Rs 300 for speed boating. Which is recognized by the government. There are two boating stations for boating. Apart from this, this Maithon Dam is the best place for boating and water sports, picnic and camping.
Suitable place for photography
Talking about photographs, there are many places in Maithon Dam. Where you can take photos. Because if you really see this place, it will take away your physical fatigue. The environment here is so beautiful that it seems as if you have come to some other island.
It seems as if there is no problem left in life. Life just has to be enjoyed. While boating here, it feels as if all the problems have been left behind and life has moved forward.
Local cuisine and food culture
For the convenience of tourists, there are many local restaurants and dhabas in many areas of Maithon Dam for eating and drinking, which provide delicious and fresh food. In which fast food, restaurants, dhabas, small hotels and many shops are present. The main food here is Dhuska, Pitha, Chura-Ghugni, Thali.
- Dhuska: This dish made of rice and urad dal is served with spicy potato curry.
- Pitha: This sweet or salty dish made of rice flour is made on festivals and special occasions.
- Chura-Ghugni: Chura (poha) served with spicy pea curry. It is a popular breakfast.
- Sattu Paratha: Parathas filled with sattu which are eaten with mango or lemon pickle.
- Thali: Local thali which includes dal, rice, roti, vegetable, salad and sweets. It gives a complete Jharkhandi taste experience.
Local market and shopping
Talking about the local market, many shops are found here. In which you can shop for clothes, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Which is also Maithon market, the main market of Dhanbad and weekly market.
Accommodation and fort facilities
The best means of stay for tourists can be hotels or resorts. Tourists get hotels at reasonable prices. The main hotel out of which is Maithon Hotel. Also there is DVC Guest House and Ayuvan Resort. There can be a good place to rest and stay here. So, please analyze it according to your own understanding.
Natural beauty
Talking about natural beauty, Maithon Dam is full of water everywhere. Mountains and forests like islands are seen around the dam. These forests and mountains always appear green. The view here does not diminish by coming here at any time of the year.
Also, many small parks are present. Means of entertainment for children and adults are available at many places. Which makes the beauty of this place more attractive.
Attraction for tourists
There are many places worth seeing for tourists, which can be seen apart from the dam. Such as Maithon Lake, Mayurakshi Bhawan Temple, Birsa Munda Park, Lovers Point, Panchet Dam, Belpahari Jungle, Karnapura Valley, Dhanbad Tata Park, all these are worth seeing places.
Cultural importance
Maithon Dam not only has natural importance, but it is also important from cultural point of view. Like during Chhat Puja, many places here are celebrated with great pomp like a fair.
Saraswati Puja, Makar Sankranti, folk dance and music, handicrafts and art, traditional food, Durga Puja fair and Haat bazaar etc. are organized.
Climate and weather
- The temperature rises from 25°C to 42°C in summer.
- The temperature rises from 22°C to 30°C during monsoon.
- The temperature rises from 10°C to 25°C in winter.
The best time for tourism is from October to February. The weather is clear and pleasant at this time. The atmosphere here is clean. Cool breeze blows. It takes away physical fatigue.
FAQ’s
Maithon Dam is located in Dhanbad district of Jharkhand state.
Maithon Dam was built in 1957.
Maithon Dam is built on Barakar River.
The main attraction of Maithon Dam is its beautiful reservoir and the surrounding green nature.
October to February is considered the best time for tourism at Maithon Dam.