Charowa Dam also called Chadwa Dam, is the best place to go for vultures and other migratory bird watching. The place is cherished by bird lovers and is visited by thousands of people each year. Know more about the timing, tickets, the best time to visit, tips to visit Charowa Dam.
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Where is Charowa Dam located?
Charowa Dam is located in the Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand, surrounded by four hills. Supposedly, the dam gets its name Charowa because of its location amidst four hills, as in Hindi 'Char' means 'Four'.
Hazaribagh district is also known as 'the land of thousand gardens' and derives its name from the Hindi words, 'Hazar' which means 'Thousands' and 'Bagh' which means 'Garden'. The district is rich in mineral and forest resources.
What is Charowa Dam famous for?
Charowa Dam can be called a land of vultures. The dam houses different types of vultures including some of the rarest and the endangered ones. Some of the vultures found here are the largest, Himalayan vultures, the smallest, Egyptian vultures, the endangered, Indian vulture, and White-rumped vulture.
Not only vultures but Charowa is home to a large number of other birds too. As per the International Asian Waterbirds Census 2016, Charowa had 1,462 waterbirds. Also, a large number of migratory birds especially from Siberia, flew to Charowa each year during winters.
When was Charowa Dam constructed?
Charowa dam was constructed in the year 1954.
Weather at Charowa Dam
Charowa Dam and the nearby area has a tropical climate. The summer lasts from March to June, April and May being the hottest month with the temperature rising as high as 35 to 45-degree centigrade. Monsoon hails during the month of July to September. Winter lasts from November to February with the temperature falling as low as 10 degrees to 15-degree centigrade.
Pic Credit: Facebook Page - Bird's Buddy
Best time to visit Charowa Dam
The best time to visit Charowa Dam is from September to February when the migratory birds crowd the dam. Also, during this time of the year, the water level of the dam is at its high, which makes the dam look stunning.
Tourism at Charowa Dam
People from nearby towns and cities visit Charowa Dam during the winters for bird watching and picnic. In winters, the dam is filled with some of the rare and endangered birds which are hard to find during the other time of the year.
What is the ticket price at Charowa Dam?
The entry to Charowa Dam is free.
What is the timing of the Charowa Dam?
The dam remains open 24 hours but it is recommended not to visit the dam after sunset as it is located in an isolated place.
Pic Credit: Facebook Page - Bird's Buddy
Which is the nearest city from Charowa Dam?
Hazaribagh is the nearest city from Charowa Dam.
The distance of Charowa Dam from Hazaribagh
- 6.4 km via Hazaribagh - Katkamsandi Rd
Which is the nearest railway station from the Charowa Dam?
The nearest railway station from Charowa Dam is the Hazaribagh Town railway station (Station Code: HZBN), located at a distance of 8.6 km via Hazaribagh - Katkamsandi Rd.
Koderma Junction is the nearest Junction (Station Code: KQR) from Charwa Dam, located at a distance of 63.3 km via Ranchi Patna Rd and NH20.
Which is the nearest airport from Charowa Dam?
Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi, located at a distance of 105.3 km via NH20, is the nearest airport from Charowa Dam.
How to reach Charowa Dam from Kolkata?
Kolkata is well connected with trains with Hazaribagh. Board a train from Howrah Junction and get down at Hazaribagh. Book a cab to Charowa Dam after reaching Hazaribagh. The distance between Hazaribagh town railway station and Charowar Dam is
- 8.6 km via Hazaribagh - Katkamsandi Rd.
- 12.9 km) via Chatra Rd.
By road
You can self-drive from Kolkata to Charowa Dam or can book a rental cab from Kolkata.
The distance between Kolkata and Charowa Dam
- 407.3 km via NH19.
- 439.4 km) via NH320.
- 474.4 km)via NH314.
By air
Take a flight from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata to Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi. It takes approx one to one and a half hours to reach Ranchi by air. After reaching take a cab from Ranchi to Charowa Dam.
The distance of Charowa Dam from Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi
- 105.3 km via NH20.
- 124.6 km via Ranchi Patratu Ramgarh Rd and NH20.
- 111.6 km via Barkagaon Sayal Rd.
Is Charowa Dam safe for tourists?
Charowa dam is a safe place to visit for the tourist though following certain tips will surely ensure a safe visit.
Tips for visiting Charowa Dam
- As the dam is located at a distance from the city, it becomes isolated after the dusk, therefore, avoid visiting the dam after sunset.
- Avoid visiting the dam alone, always be in a group.
- The safest time to visit is between 6 am to 4 pm.
- It is much safer to visit the dam during the peak season, i.e December to February.
- Carry water bottles, medicines, snacks, and other refreshments along.
Where to stay while visiting Charowa Dam?
While visiting Charowa Dam, it is better to stay in Hazaribagh city. The city has many luxury and budget hotels and lodges.
Places to visit near Charowa Dam
- Hazaribagh National Park
- Rajrappa Temple
- Canary Hill
- Hazaribagh Lake
- Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Park
- Betla National Park
Also, read about the Top Dams in Jharkhand.