Dhanbad Tourism

Popular as 'The Coal Capital of India', Dhanbad is one of the most popular industrial cities of Jharkhand state in East India. Well known for its coal mines and industries, this city has been listed as 96th fastest growing city in the world. Dhanbad is perfect example of urbanization and fast development. It is one of major commercial hubs in India as this city houses some major coal mining companies like TATA, ECL, BCCL and IISCO.


However, this city is famous for its coal mines and research centers but it has lot to offer when it comes to travel and tourism in Dhanbad. It is surrounded with scenic natural beauty including lakes, falls, rivers, dams, wildlife, mountains and hills with greenery. Along with there are numerous temples in Dhanbad that are very famous among the people.

Govt. of Jharkhand
F.F.P Bhawan, 2nd Floor, Dhurwa, Ranchi-4.
Phone: +91 651 2400981, Telefax: +91 651 2400982
E-mail : info@jharkhandtourism.in

Phone: +91 326 2200090, 2205084

It is advisable to visit Dhanbad between September to May when the coal city is relatively cool making it enjoyable for tourists looking to explore more in the city. This city has almost everything from shopping malls to local markets, branded showrooms or stores to local shops, hotels to restaurants to pubs, delicious food, multiplex, movie halls and vibrant nightlife. Well, one can meet almost every color of life here. There are numerous places that you can explore during your trip to the coal city. From beautiful river side gardens to waterfall and monuments there is everything to keep you occupied.

Dhanbad has an amazing blend of industrial activities and natural beauty. Nature has gifted too many beautiful gems to this city. It has lakes, dams, rivers, falls, mountains, hills, wildlife, temples and villages having historical memories with them. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Dhanbad are as follow:

Topchanchi Lake is one of the most famous picnic spots in Dhanbad. It is located 37 km from Dhanbad Railway Station at Golden Quadrilateral. It is artificial lake that was created in 1915 along the slope of Parasnath hills. It is also one of the favourite spots of Nature lovers in Dhanbad as it is surrounded by forests and beautiful green hills of Parasnath. Its majestic aura makes it perfect place to spend quality time with loved ones.

Bhatinda waterfall is located near Munidih about 10km from Dhanbad Railway station. Its scenic beauty is major attraction of the fall that leaves its visitors spellbound. Green surroundings enhance beauty of this falls and make it perfect spot to enjoy weekend. It draws major crowd in winter when its beauty becomes too mesmerizing.

Panchet Dam is located about 9 km from Chirkunda on Grand Trunk Road and 54km far from Dhanbad. It was built across Damodar River at Panchet in Dhanbad District of Jharkhand state in India and first opened in 1959. Township has been developed around the Panchet Dam and it is known as Census Town.

Kalyaneshwari Temple is located near Maithon Dam and close to the left bank of Maithon Lake. It is most famous ancient temple in Dhanbad which is devoted to Goddess Maa Kalyaneshwari. Thousands of tourists visit this temple throughout the year and numbers of people come to offer prayer on daily basis here. As per historical records, this temple was built in 19th century. It is also said that the name of this place, ‘Maithon’ has been derived from the word ‘Mai-ka-than’ which means ‘Mother’s Abode’ or ‘The Abode of Goddess’. This temple is one of the major tourist attractions in Dhanbad.

Jagannath Temple is another famous temple in Dhanbad located 1 km from Bank More on left side of the road that links Bank More to Jharia. Jagannath Temple houses three main deities, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balbhadra and Goddess Subhadra. Devotees come here to offer their prayers to the deities from far places. This temple of Lord Jagannath is far famed for its unique 'Car Festival' or 'Rath Yatra'.

Shakti Mandir is located on the Joraphatak road in the heart of Dhanbad city. The main deity of the temple is Goddess Shakti. This temple is named after ‘Maa Shakti’ the Goddess of Power. Major attraction of this temple is Akhand Jyoti (The Eternal Flame) of the temple that has been especially brought from the revered ‘Jwalaji Shrines’ of Himachal Pradesh. Lots of devotees come here throughout the year. But crowd of visitors is most common on Friday and Tuesday of every week and on some special festivals like Diwali, Dussehera and Navratri.

Gopalpur is a small village located in Nirsa-cum-Chirkunda development block. It is about 31.7 km from Dhanbad. It has an ancient pillar that is said to be built in the time of Emperor Asoka’s rule. Along with there is a large stone image that is said to be of Emperor Asoka himself. Numbers of historians, archeologists and tourists come to visit this place for its historical significance.

Chark Khurd is famous for its hot springs. It is located in Tundi village which is just 10 km from Dhanbad. It is believed that hot springs have healing properties that help in healing several ailments. Thus, hot springs have been widely used in healing ailments from ages in different cultures all over the world. People come from far places here to take bath in hot springs of Chark Khurd and to get rid of illness.

Panra village is situated near Nirsa close to the Dhanbad. It is said that name of this village has been derived from Pandavas. As per local legends, it is famous about this village that Pandavas spent some time hiding in this village during their exile. This village also has an ancient temple of Lord Shiva that is famous as Pandeshwar Mahadev Temple.

Dhanbad has good connectivity with all major cities of country though road ways. Two major national highways are passing through Dhanbad that connect it with other cities.

• National Highway 2 or Golden Quadrilateral (GQ), Kolkata to Delhi
• National Highway 32, Govindpur to Bokaro-Jamshedpur-Barbil

Inter-city traveling is also easy in the city due to facility of private and state buses. Hired cars and taxis are all time available at Dhanbad Railway Station. Besides, auto-rickshaws are good option for commuting in city. Apart from that rickshaws are also available but little more expensive option of travel to go for. Dhanbad has India’s second highest revenue generating railway division. Dhanbad Rail Division comes second in revenue generation after Mumbai division. It comes in East Central Railway Zone and connects Dhanbad to most of the states and major cities of the country. One can easily reach Dhanbad through train from any part of the country. By air connectivity is not that perfect as there is just one nearest airport, Birsa Munda Airport at Ranchi that is almost 140 km far from Dhanbad. It is operated by Airports Authority of India. It has regular flights for Delhi, Patna, Kolkata and Mumbai.

Accommodation is good in Dhanbad as this city is commercial hub and effect of that is visible on its all round development. Dhanbad has various budget and luxurious hotels where one can easily stay as per budget and aspirations. Some of the popular hotels in Dhanbad are:

Address: Bank More, Dhanbad - 826001
Phone: +91 326 2305121
Website: www.hotelskylark.net

Address: Sriram Mall, Ashok Nagar, Dhanbad - 828106
Phone : +91 326 2303869, 2304602
Fax : +91 326 2304899
E-Mail: 17degreeshotel@gmail.com
Website: www.17degreeshotel.com

Address: Beside Puja Talkies, Near Railway Station
Dhanbad HO, Dhanbad - 826001
Phone: +91 326 2220100, 2220222
Fax: +91 326 2220999
Website: www.hotelsushantinternational.com

Adrress: Madhulika Enclave, Behind Shanti Bhawan
Dhanbad Jharia Road, Bank More, Dhanbad - 826001
Phone: +91 326 2300076, 2302661

Address: Savitree Apartment, Shastri Nagar
Dhanbad HO, Dhanbad - 826001
Phone: +91 326 2306797, 2304780, 2300262

Internal Transport in Dhanbad

Dhanbad is well connected with major cities by road and has good internal transport facilities as well. It is one of the most populous cities of Jharkhand State and Urban Development Department provides bus service in the city and permits are issued by the Regional Offices of Transport Department of the city. Dhanbad has a large bus station located about 2km from Dhanbad Railway Station. Besides, there are many other options of transport available in the city like auto rickshaws, trekkers, maxi cab, taxis and omni buses are being plied by private operators in the city. Hired taxis and cars are all time available at railway station. Auto rickshaws are mostly available for transport in the city to reach coalfields and neighboring towns too. This is one of the most popular modes of public transport in the city.

Where to Shop in Dhanbad ?

Dhanbad has lots of option for shopaholics and one can easily find fabulous shopping spots here. Due to rapid development and urbanization, this city has got amazing shopping malls having branded showrooms for brand lovers and there are many famous local markets and bazaars having local shops and stores which provide unique experience of local shopping to its visitors. Dhanbad has been tribal area in the past and still influence of these tribes can be easily seen in most of the stuff of this city.


Bank more has been the famous shopping spot of the city where one can find everything from branded stores to local shops. With the passage of time, various other shopping malls and centers have been established. Even you can find reliance fresh store at all major corners of the city. Some of the famous shopping spots in Dhanbad are Ozone Galleria Mall, Ozone Plaza, City Centre Bartand, Urmila Tower, Sriram Plaza, City Style - Dutta tower, The Family Store and Park Market Hirapur, New Market and Purana Bazaar Dhanbad.