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Topchanchi Lake & Wildlife Sanctuary

Chirkunda, Jharkhand, India
Topchanchi Lake is a stunning man-made reservoir created in 1924 by damming a stream to supply water to the Jharia coalfields. Nestled at the base of the sacred Parasnath Hills, the lake is surrounded by lush green forests that form the Topchanchi Wildlife Sanctuary. Covering an area of about 8.75 Sq Kms, the sanctuary is home to leopards, barking deer, and a variety of migratory birds. The lake is famous for its serene blue waters and the "Golden Quadrilateral" highway that passes right beside it. Historically, the nearby Gomoh station is where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose famously boarded a train for his escape from British India. Today, it serves as a premier weekend getaway for residents of Dhanbad and Chirkunda. The combination of hills, water, and dense forests makes it a paradise for nature lovers and those seeking a break from the industrial landscape of the coal mines.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    4 to 5 Hours
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    Place Type:
    Nature & Wildlife Sanctuary
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    Entry Fees:
    Sanctuary Entry: A nominal fee of approximately 20 to 50 Rupees is charged per person for entering the protected area.

    Vehicle Entry: Bringing a private car inside the sanctuary perimeter may cost an additional 100 Rupees as a forest conserv...
    Sanctuary Entry: A nominal fee of approximately 20 to 50 Rupees is charged per person for entering the protected area.

    Vehicle Entry: Bringing a private car inside the sanctuary perimeter may cost an additional 100 Rupees as a forest conservation fee.
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: The lake and sanctuary are open for visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.

    Ideal Visit Time: Arriving by 9:00 AM allows you to see the wildlife and birds while the weather is still cool and pleasant. ...
    Regular Timings: The lake and sanctuary are open for visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.

    Ideal Visit Time: Arriving by 9:00 AM allows you to see the wildlife and birds while the weather is still cool and pleasant.
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    Special Events:
    Netaji Birth Anniversary: On January 23rd, special events are held at the nearby Gomoh station to celebrate the national hero's legacy.

    Wildlife Week: In October, the forest department often organizes awareness drives and guided tours for st...
    Netaji Birth Anniversary: On January 23rd, special events are held at the nearby Gomoh station to celebrate the national hero's legacy.

    Wildlife Week: In October, the forest department often organizes awareness drives and guided tours for students.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Parasnath Backdrop: Capturing the lake with the high peaks of the Parasnath Hills in the background is the most iconic shot.

    Early Morning Mist: The ethereal look of the lake during a foggy winter morning is a dream for professional photogra...
    Parasnath Backdrop: Capturing the lake with the high peaks of the Parasnath Hills in the background is the most iconic shot.

    Early Morning Mist: The ethereal look of the lake during a foggy winter morning is a dream for professional photographers.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Bird Watching: During winter, the lake becomes a haven for migratory birds; bringing a pair of binoculars is highly recommended.

    Walking the Perimeter: A well-laid path around a portion of the lake is perfect for a long nature walk amidst the trees.

    Boating: If available, taking a boat ride allows you to see the Parasnath Hills reflecting beautifully in the calm lake water.

    Photography: The mist rising from the lake in the early morning provides some of the best landscape shots in the region. ...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Historical Significance: The area is linked to the legendary "Great Escape" of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in 1941.

    Biodiversity Hotspot: It is one of the few protected green lungs in the industrial Dhanbad district, hosting diverse flora an...
    Historical Significance: The area is linked to the legendary "Great Escape" of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in 1941.

    Biodiversity Hotspot: It is one of the few protected green lungs in the industrial Dhanbad district, hosting diverse flora and fauna.
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    Architecture:
    Engineering Style: The dam features a British-era masonry design with elegant bridges and spillways that blend into the natural hills.

    Dimensions: The reservoir covers approximately 214 Acres, with the surrounding sanctuary spanning over 8. ...
    Engineering Style: The dam features a British-era masonry design with elegant bridges and spillways that blend into the natural hills.

    Dimensions: The reservoir covers approximately 214 Acres, with the surrounding sanctuary spanning over 8. 5 Sq Kms.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: Ranchi Airport is about 160 Kms away, and Durgapur Airport is approximately 120 Kms from the lake.

    By Train: Gomoh Junction (NSCB Gomoh) is the nearest major station, located just 6 Kms from the lake.

    By...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    Parasnath Hill (20 km), Dhanbad (37 km), Gomoh (6 km), Maithon Dam (55 km), Bhatinda Falls (40 km), Shakti Mandir (35 km), Birsa Munda Park (38 km), Chirkunda (45 km), Bokaro (42 km), Tilaiya Dam (90 km).

Tourism Tips

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    Health & Safety: Do not feed the wild animals and avoid going deep into the forest without a guide, especially after dark.

    Packing: Wear camouflage or neutral-colored clothes for better bird watching and carry a good quality zoom camera. ...

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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