Maithon derives its name from the Hindi word 'Mai ka Sthan' which means 'place of the Mother goddess'. It is one of the well-known tourist spots in the state of Jharkhand. The dam is surrounded by lush green landscapes and blue hills which attracts many people throughout the year. Here we bring you every detail about the largest dam of Jharkhand, Maithon Dam.
Table of Contents
Where is Maithon Dam located?
Maithon Dam is located in Maithon, a census town in Dhanbad district of the state of Jharkhand. Dhanbad district is the second most populous district of Jharkhand.
What is Maithon Dam famous for?
Maithon Dam is famous for many reasons
- Maithon Dam is the first underground power station in South East Asia.
- Maithon Dam is also the third dam constructed during the first phase of Damodar Valley Corporation.
- Maithon is the largest Dam in Jharkhand.
- Maithon is the biggest dam of Damodar Valley Corporation.
When was Maithon Dam inaugurated?
Maithon Dam was inaugurated in the year 1957.
What is Damodar Valley Corporation?
Damodar Valley Corporation is a government-owned organization which operates both hydel and thermal power stations, under the Ministry of Power of Government of India.
List of the multi-purpose dams constructed in the first phase of the Damodar Valley Corporation
Which organization operates and manages Maithon Dam?
Maithon Dam is operated and managed by the Damodar Valley Corporation.
What was the purpose behind constructing Maithon Dam?
The valley of Damodar which covers an area of 25,235 sq km, housing the states of Jharkhand ( then Bihar) and West Bengal witnessed many vital floods during the years 1730, 1823, 1848, 1856, 1882, 1898, 1901, 1916, 1923, 1935 & 1943 which lead to huge losses. Therefore, the government of West Bengal created the "Damodar Flood Enquiry Committee" to control the occurrence of the flood. Later, the committee drafted the plan of constructing the four multipurpose dams.
What is the height of the Maithon Dam?
The height of the Maithon Dam is 165 ft.
What is the length of the Maithon Dam?
The length of the Maithon Dam is 15,712 ft.
On which river is Maithon Dam constructed?
Maithon Dam is constructed across river Barakar.
Barakar river is the tributary of which river?
Barakar river is the tributary of river Damodar.
Weather at Maithon Dam
Maithon Dam and the surrounding areas have a tropical climate. Summers range from the month of March to June with the temperature ranging between 35 to 49-degree centigrade. The rainy season begins in the month of July and continues till the month of September. The winter season ranges between November to February with the temperature dropping as low as 10 to 15 degrees centigrades.
Best time to visit Maithon Dam
The monsoon month of August is that time of the year when the dam is at its best as the water level is high. Otherwise, the best time to visit the dam is during the winter in the picnic months of December to February.
Does Maithon Dam has boating facility
Yes, Maithon Dam does have a boating facility. One can enjoy paddle or speed boats in Maithon.
What is the ticket price at Maithon Dam?
Entry to Maithon Dam is free.
What is the timing of the Maithon Dam?
Maithon Dam is open 24 hours but it is best to visit it during day time. Avoid going to the dam after sunset as it is located in an isolated place.
Which is the nearest city from Maithon Dam?
The nearest city from Maithon Dam is Chirkunda, in Dhanbad district of Jharkhand. The distance from Chirkunda to Maithon Dam is 20.2 km via GT Rd.
Which is the nearest railway station from the Maithon Dam?
The nearest railway station from Maithon Dam is Kumardubi Railway Station (Station Code: KMME) and the nearest Junction is Dhanbad Junction (Station Code: DHN).
Which is the nearest airport from Maithon Dam?
The nearest airport from Maithon Dam is Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi. The distance from Birsa Munda Airport to Maithon Dam is 195.6 km via NH320.
How to reach Maithon Dam from Kolkata?
By rail
Take a train from Howrah Junction to Kumardubi. The journey takes 3 to 4 hours. After reaching Kumardubi, book a cab to Maithon Dam. The distance from Kumardubi railway station to Maithon Dam is
- 1.2 km via GT Rd - approx 50 min.
- 21.1 km via Station Rd Kumardhubi - approx 1 hour.
By road
The distance between Kolkata and Maithon Dam is 252.6 km via NH19 which takes approx 5 hours 30 min.
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 Maithon Dam.
The distance of Maithon Dam from Ranchi is
- 193.2 km via NH320 - approx 5 hours 30 min.
- 218.6 km via NH320 and Chandankiyari - Dubra - Raghunathpur Rd - approx 6 hours and 20 min.
- 204.2 km via Ranchi - Purulia Rd - approx 6 hours.
Is Maithon Dam safe for tourists?
Yes, Maithon dam is a safe place to visit for the tourist though following certain tips will surely ensure a safe visit.
Tips for visiting Maithon 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 Maithon Dam?
While visiting Maithon Dam, staying in Chirkunda will be a better choice. Chirkunda has many budget lodges and hotels.
Places to visit near Maithon Dam
- Kalyaneshwari Temple
- Deer Park
- Chammach Pahar (Spoon Island)
- Phoolbagan & Millennium Park
- Kaali Pahari
- Pahari Baba Mandir