Khandoli is a famous center of adventure sports in Jharkhand. The hill, the dam, and the green landscape lure thousands of migratory birds each year. Tourists from different parts of the country visit Khandoli for bird watching and taking part in various adventure sports. Know more about the timings, things to do, ticket price, places to stay and a lot more about Khandoli Dam.
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Where is Khandoli Dam located?
Khandoli Dam is located in the foothill of Khandoli hill, in the district of Giridih in Jharkhand. Giridih gets its name from the two Hindi words 'Giri' which means 'Hills' and 'Dih' which means 'Land' and hence it is also known as 'the land of hills and hillocks'.
Why is Khandoli Hill famous?
The special characteristic of khandoli hill is, it looks more like a volcanic cone which attracts a vast number of tourists.
Things to do in Khandoli Dam
Khandoli has been updated as a major tourist destination by the Tourism Department of Jharkhand. Adventure freaks from different parts of the country visit the place each year. India has only a few centers where all kinds of adventure sports, i.e air, water and sky based are available in one place and Khandoli is one of them. It is a one-stop destination for both nature and adventure lovers.
List Of Top Things To Do In Khandoli1. Adventure Sports
Khandoli Paryatan (Khandoli Tourism) is a hub of adventure sports and activities under Jharkhand Tourism. Khandoli Paryatan is one of the few adventure centers in India which provides land, water, and air adventure activities, all in one place. The center has Certified Instructors from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling for conducting rock climbing activities, Certified instructors from the National Institute of Water Sports, Goa for conducting Water Sports and Certified Instructors from Air Force Adventure Cell, New Delhi for conduction Aero Sports.
Pic Credits: Facebook Page - Madhusthali Vidyapeeth
What various adventure sports and activities available at Khandoli?
Some of the activities offered by Khandoli Paryatan are
- Mountaineering
- Rock Climbing
- Jumaring
- Rappelling
- Valley Crossing
- Parasailing (Solo and Tandem)
- Paragliding
- Kayaking
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Water Surfing
- Water Skiing
- Ringo Ride
- Banana Boat Ride
- Speed Boat Ride
- Pedal Boat Ride
- Water Scooter Ride
- Rafting
- Canoeing
- Rowing
- Ship Modelling
- Aero Modelling
- Swimming
- Archery
- Camping
What is the timing of Adventure Sports in Khandoli?
- Monday to Sunday from 6 AM to 7 PM.
However, water sports are operational only from the month of September to February.
Pic Credits: Facebook Page - Madhusthali Vidyapeeth
What is the price of various Adventure activities?
Here is a price list of a few adventures activities- Pedal Boat (4 Seaters): INR 80
- Pedal Boat (6 Seaters): INR 120
- Speed Boat ( 4 Seaters): INR 500
- Speed Boat (8 Seaters): INR 500
- Banana Boat Ride ( 4 Seaters): INR 2000
- Ringo Ride ( 2 Seaters): INR 1000
- Water Surfing (Per Person): INR 600
- Kayaking (2 Seaters): INR 200
2. Migratory Bird Watching
The dam receives many migratory birds from Asia, Africa, and Australia during the winter months. Great Cormorant, Siberian Duck, Siberian Crane, Brahminy Shelduck (Ruddy Shelduck), Bar-headed Goose, Mallard are some of the most common migratory birds that can be seen in Khandoli.
3. Visit Khandoli Park
Adjacent to the dam is Khandoli Park which is another tourist attraction of the place. The park has various joy rides for kids such as toy train, merry-go-round, giant wheels, etc. The park also has many statues and stone carving depicting the tradition and culture of tribes of Jharkhand.
The park also has a small zoo where different animals and birds such as Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Peacocks, Owls, etc are kept.
What is the ticket price of Khandoli Park?
What is the timing of Khandoli Park?
4. View from Watch Tower
Take a view of Khandoli from a 600 ft high watchtower. The tower gives an amazing glimpse of the hillocks, the dam is surrounded by.
When was Khandoli Dam inaugurated?
Khandoli Dam was inaugurated in 1957.
Which organization operates and manages Khandoli Dam?
Khandoli Dam is operated and managed by Damodar Valley Corporation.
Some of the other dams operated by Damodar Valley, which are also famous picnic spots of JharkhandPic Credits: Facebook Page - Madhusthali Vidyapeeth
What is the height of the Khandoli Dam?
The height of the Khandoli Dam is 51 ft.
What is the length of the Khandoli Dam?
The length of the Khandoli Dam is 2718 ft.
Weather at Khandoli Dam
Khandoli Dam and the rest of Giridih enjoys a dry climate. The summer season starts in March and ends in the month of June. April and May are the hottest months with the temperature reaching as high as 47-degree centigrades. Hot summers are often accompanied by high humidity. Winters begins in the month of November and ends in the month of February with temperature dropping as low as 10-degree centigrades. July and August witness the maximum rainfall.
Best time to visit Khandoli Dam
The best time to visit is from September to February as the water level of the dam is high which makes it look gorgeous. Also, all the adventure sports are functional during this time and it is also an ideal time for a picnic.
What is the ticket price at Khandoli Dam?
The entry to the dam is free.
What is the timing of the Khandoli Dam?
The dam is open for 24 hours but it is advisable for the tourist to not visit the park after 7 pm.
Which is the nearest town from Khandoli Dam?
The nearest town from Khandoli Dam is Giridih, the headquarter of Giridih district.
The distance from Giridih to Khandoli Dam
- 10.4 km via NH114A and Khandoli Rd.
Which is the nearest railway station from the Khandoli Dam?
The nearest railway station is Giridih station (Station Code: GRD), located at a distance of 10.6 km via NH114A and Khandoli Rd.
The nearest junction from Khandoli Dam is Madhupur Junction (Station Code: MDP), located at a distance of 46.4 km via NH114A.
Which is the nearest airport from Khandoli Dam?
The nearest airport is Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi located at a distance of 194.8 km via NH320.
How to reach Khandoli Dam from Kolkata?
By rail
Board a train from Howrah Junction to Giridih. The minimum journey time from Howrah to Giridih is five to six hours by train. After getting down at Giridih, book a cab, auto or Toto E Rickshaw.
The distance between Giridih railway station and Khandoli Daam
- 10.6 km via NH114A and Khandoli Rd.
- 10.9 km via Khandoli Rd.
By road
You can self-drive from Kolkata to Khandoli dam or book a rental cab from Kolkata
The distance between Kolkata to Khandoli Dam
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 the airport to Khandori Dam
The distance between Birsa Munda Airport and Khandori Dam
- 194.8 km via NH320.
- 219.8 km via NH114A.
Is Khandoli Dam safe for tourists?
Khandoli Dam is absolutely safe for tourists. The place is a hub of adventure sports and therefore is always crowded with tourists. However, the following tips will help you to have a safe and sound visit to Khandoli Dam.
Tips for visiting Khandoli Dam
- As the dam is located at a distance from the city, it becomes isolated after 7 pm, therefore, avoid visiting the dam after sunset.
- The safest time to visit is between 6 am to 6 pm.
- It is much safer to visit the fall during the peak season, i.e September to February.
Where to stay while visiting Khandoli Dam?
The town of Giridih is the best place to stay while visiting Khandoli. Many budget hotels and lodges are available at Giridih which can be booked.