Commonly known as India’s Coal Capital, Dhanbad is one of the most populated cities in Jharkhand. Dhanbad is best known for being a commercial mega-producer and owner of the most significant number of coal mines, factories and industry bases. Due to the presence of the coal industries, this city has gained immense commercial success.

Dhanbad also houses the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, one of the most reputed institutes across the globe. Apart from being a commercial hub, Dhanbad is an amalgamation of natural and human made attractions. Dhanbad is also home to various religious sites; one such iconic temple is the Shakti Mandir due to its unique possessions. 

Dams like the Maithon Dam or the Panchet Dam are often considered the centre of tourist activity, surrounded by hills, dense forests and lakes. The authentic cuisine is also one of its many highlights. The best time to experience Dhanbad is between October and March when the temperature is pleasing and perfect for sightseeing. It is ideal for every tourist looking for a fun weekend in one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. 

Places to Visit

Bhatinda Falls

The Bhatinda Falls is a powerful and picturesque waterfall that cascades over pronounced rock formations. Also known as the waterfall of Moonidih, it is located at a distance of 14 km from the Dhanbad Railway Station. It makes for an excellent picnic spot for groups looking for a quick and refreshing getaway. Surrounded by lush greenery and rugged hills, the falls offer a captivating sight to the onlookers. Nature lovers often choose to spend a few days over here to delve into the beauty and tranquillity of the place.

Maithon Dam

The Maithon Dam on the banks of River Borakar is a beautiful and resourceful place located 48 kilometres away from the Coal City. The dam is built by the Damodar Valley Corporation upon a river that expands to 65 square kilometres and is itself at least 15,712 feet long and 165 feet high. The reason Maithon Dam is a famous spot is due to its unique nature of being a one of a kind underground power station in the whole of Southeast Asia. This powerhouse also requires permission to get into and provides guides for all its visitors.

Topchanchi Lake

Located on the NH2, Golden Quadrilateral, Topchanchi Lake is an artificial lake covering an expanse of over 214 acres. The lake is at a distance of 37 kilometres from the Dhanbad Railway Station and is a famous spot for tourists to indulge in nature walks, exploration as well as hold picnics. The Topchanchi Lake expanse consists of the marvellous artificial lake amidst the rolling green hills and forests as well as the famous Prasanath Hills nearby. Part of the 214 acres or more precisely 8.7 square kilometres, is also dedicated to a wildlife sanctuary. Due to this reason, you will find small, harmless animals roaming around the Lake as well. Nature lovers enjoy this part of town and are often found flocking the area in search of rare flora and fauna.

Birsa Munda Park

Birsa Munda Park has the distinction of being the only park in the city of Dhanbad. It is a major tourist attraction spread over 21 acres of land having a walking path, lawns, a canteen, a playground and toy rides for children. The Birsa Munda Park was opened in November 2009 and has since contributed immensely to the growth of the region. It is often regarded as the stepping stone to various other projects that are coming up in the city. Birsa Munda Park is rightly counted as a must-visit destination and offers varied activities for people of all age groups. 

Panchet Dam

The Panchet Dam is located in the district of Dhanbad in Jharkhand. The last to be built out of the four multi-purpose dams that were constructed under the Damodar Valley Corporation or DVC, the Panchet Dam first opened in 1959. The dam gets its name for the nearby Panchet Hill that rises above the dam. It is a favourite tourist spot and easily accessible for day trips from Dhanbad and Asansol. Built across the Damodar River that forms a natural border between Jharkhand and West Bengal, the Panchet Dam is constructed above the confluence of the Barakar and Damodar Rivers. The northern flank of the reservoir thus falls under the Dhanbad district, and the southern bank is under the Purulia district of West Bengal.

Shakti Mandir

The Shakti Mandir is one of the pride of Dhanbad and gathers several devotees to the city all year round. The temple is located in the very heart of the city on the Thorapathak Road and is devoted to the Goddess Durga. The reason for the temple standing out amongst the several temples situated here, being a nationally known temple is the fact that Shakti Mandir owns the Akhand Jyoti or the eternal flame which is brought down from Vaishno Devi. The sacred temple is thus crowded on special occasions such as Diwali, Dussehra, and Tuesdays and Fridays of every week, which is considered as unique by devotees of the Goddess.

Lilori Sthan Mandir

The Lillori Sthan Mandir which is dedicated to the Goddess Kali is an important temple situated at the banks of River Katri and a distance of 18.5 kilometres from Dhanbad. The reason for its importance is the fact that the Goddess Kali is said to be a protector in this region and many devotees of Goddess Kali are the locals of Dhanbad. Many of the rituals performed or the festivals celebrated in Dhanbad are located at this temple. One such festival is the Kali Puja which crowds the temple up with devotees and leaves a rare atmosphere in the air.Must Try Food in Tuticorin

Must Try Food in Dhanbad

1. The Other Side

2. London Street Bistro

3. Shawarma Street

4. The Open Box

5. Closed

6. Waikiki

7. Pune Biryani House

8. Peep In

9. Kapson Pizza

10. Lemon Chilli Deluxe Restaurant

How To Get Here

Dhanbad can be accessed through almost all means of transport and is well connected to all Indian metropolitan cities, hence making it a popular tourist spot. 

By Air

The airport at Dhanbad allows private helicopters and small aircraft to commute. However, the airport is not open for public use. The closest municipal airport to Dhanbad is the Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport in Asansol, Durgapur which is 85 kilometres away. Other airports that can be used to reach Dhanbad are Ranchi, Gaya Airport, Kolkata and Patna Airport. 

By Road

The major highways passing through Dhanbad are the NH2 and the NH32. While the NH2 passing through Dhanbad is part of the Kolkata – Delhi link of the Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) highway network, the NHR32 joins Dhanbad to Bokaro, Jamshedpur. All transport systems including buses, taxis, cabs and private cars are available for transport in and out of the city limits and can be used according to the traveller’s discretion.

By Train

Aside from select exceptions, every train passing by Dhanbad makes a stop at the Dhanbad Railway Station, making it well connected to all neighbouring as well as other cities in India.