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Mandal Dam

Garhwa, Jharkhand, India
Mandal Dam, also known as the North Koel Reservoir, is a massive project situated in the Kutku region near Ranka. It is one of the largest engineering projects in Jharkhand, designed to provide irrigation to thousands of hectares in Jharkhand and Bihar. The dam is built across the North Koel River and is surrounded by the dense forests of the Palamu Tiger Reserve fringe. The site offers a dramatic view of the river cutting through deep gorges and hilly terrain. For a long time, the project was stalled, but it has recently regained attention as a major tourism and utility hub. The reservoir created by the dam is humongous, resembling a large inland sea. The area is exceptionally rich in wildlife, and it is not uncommon to see elephants or deer near the water's edge in the early hours. The sheer scale of the concrete structure against the backdrop of raw, green mountains is a sight to behold. It is a destination for those who appreciate large-scale human achievement integrated into a wild, natural landscape.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    Duration: 5 to 6 Hours
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    Place Type:
    Category: Dam / Engineering / Wildlife
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    Entry Fees:
    Visitor Pass: A government-issued pass or ID check may be required at the entrance gate.

    Entry Fee: Nominal fee of 50 INR for vehicles may be applicable. ...
    Visitor Pass: A government-issued pass or ID check may be required at the entrance gate.

    Entry Fee: Nominal fee of 50 INR for vehicles may be applicable.
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    Timing:
    Regular Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Ideal Visit: Winter months from November to January when the weather is cool for exploring the vast site. ...
    Regular Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Ideal Visit: Winter months from November to January when the weather is cool for exploring the vast site.
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    Special Events:
    World Water Day: Local authorities often hold awareness programs here in March. ...
    World Water Day: Local authorities often hold awareness programs here in March.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    The Viewpoint Hill: Located above the dam, it gives a full bird's eye view of the project.

    Main Wall Face: Great for showing the massive height and scale of the dam.

    Reservoir Horizon: Capture the sunset ov...
    The Viewpoint Hill: Located above the dam, it gives a full bird's eye view of the project.

    Main Wall Face: Great for showing the massive height and scale of the dam.

    Reservoir Horizon: Capture the sunset over the "inland sea" created by the dam.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Engineering Tour: Walk along the accessible parts of the dam to understand its design.

    Wildlife Safari: Drive through the nearby Ranka forest area to spot wild animals.

    Landscape Photography: Capture the contrast between the gray concrete and green hills.

    Boating: If permitted seasonally, enjoy a boat ride in the vast North Koel reservoir.

    Picnicking: There are designated spots near the guesthouse for family meals.

    River Watching: Sit by the North Koel river downstream to watch the water flow through rocks.

    Educational Visit: Learn about the North Koel Irrigation Project from the onsite information boards. ...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Famous Reason:

    Inter-State Project: Famous for its role in the water-sharing agreement between Jharkhand and Bihar.

    Wildlife Proximity: Renowned for being situated at the edge of prime elephant corridors. ...
    Famous Reason:

    Inter-State Project: Famous for its role in the water-sharing agreement between Jharkhand and Bihar.

    Wildlife Proximity: Renowned for being situated at the edge of prime elephant corridors.
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    Architecture:
    Concrete Gravity Dam: Built using high-grade concrete designed to withstand massive river pressure.

    Dimensions: The dam stands over 60 meters high with a planned length of nearly 400 meters.

    Inlet/Outlet: F...
    Concrete Gravity Dam: Built using high-grade concrete designed to withstand massive river pressure.

    Dimensions: The dam stands over 60 meters high with a planned length of nearly 400 meters.

    Inlet/Outlet: Features complex hydro-mechanical gates and tunnels for water diversion.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: Ranchi Airport is the nearest at 220 KM.

    By Train: Garhwa Road Junction or Daltonganj Station are the best rail links.

    By Road: Use the Garhwa-Ranka highway; the road is mostly scenic and well-pave...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    Near Places: Ranka Garh (25 KM), Guru Sindhu Falls (30 KM), Betla National Park (50 KM), Sukhaldari (85 KM), Satbahini Falls (75 KM), Garhwa Fort (66 KM), Bansidhar Temple (95 KM), Chandwa Hill (60 KM), Annaraj Valley (55 KM), Dhankai Dam (75 KM).

Tourism Tips

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    Health and Safety: This is a high-security zone; follow all instructions from the guards.

    Packing: Carry binoculars for wildlife and a sun-hat for the open dam walk.

    Accommodation: Government forest guesth...

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

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