Massanjore Dam is perched in Dumka district, Jharkhand State, India. This state is known for its sparkling waterfalls and picturesque setting. Masanjor village is also a scenic place, and the setting of the dam amidst forest greenery makes it an attractive getaway for family picnics. Besides being a tourist attraction, Massanjore Dam in Jharkhand is also important for the state, as it’s a major water savior for electricity production. Due to its attachment to the Mayurakshi River, the dam controls floods by saving almost 620 million cubic meters of water from the river. This dam has a calm and tranquil atmosphere for spending quality time with family.
History of Massanjore Dam in Jharkhand
Massanjore Dam in Jharkhand was built in 1956 with the cooperation of the Canadian government, and Lester B. Pearson, a Canadian foreign minister, was the chief guest for the inauguration of this achievement. Canada supported this construction by devoting the rupee fund earned from the wheat supply or other things in India. For this reason, the dam is also known as the Canada Dam or Pearson Dam.
(Source: https://tourism.jharkhand.gov.in/how-to-reach/98/3)
This reservoir is 67.4 square kilometers and has 21 gates 50m high to open and block water flow. Currently, the barrage is a major source of irrigation for local crops, along with the production of 22 megawatts of hydroelectricity. The construction of this dam was the first hydel project in West Bengal and was completed without any distraction with the aid of the Canadian government.
What is the exact location of the Massanjore Dam?
Massanjore Dam is located on the south side of Dumka district, Jharkhand state, in Masanjor village (814148), India. It is nearly 24 km from the main Dumka metropolitan city and 45 km from Siuri town. Its location on the central road between Dumka and Siuri can be easily accessed by local transport or a private car.
On which river is the Massanjore Dam built?
The origin of the Massanjore Dam is the Mayurakshi River. This river is the foremost water body in Jharkhand and meets the Hooghly River in West Bengal. It is 155 feet high and 2170 feet long, and hills and forests surround the dam. Combining blue water with greenery gives a soothing influence to rejuvenate the soul and mind.
The Mayurakshi River flows through Dumka district and stretches along Bardhaman and Birbhum districts. The river later enters Birbhum distributories due to the overflow from Massanjore Dam. The water from the dam is used to irrigate these districts. The riverbank of Mayurakshi is a major source of picnics for locals.
Also Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in Bardhaman
How to reach Massanjore Dam?
Here are some location and transport ideas to reach Massanjore Dam:
Dumka to Massanjore Dam Distance
To reach Massanjore Dam, the Dumka route is ideal, as the distance between Dumka and the dam is just 31km. The district railway station of Dumka is well connected with India’s multiple locations. From railway stations, public transport like buses and taxis is continually operational.
Tarapith to Massanjore Dam Distance
Massanjore Dam in Jharkhand is 67 kilometers away from Tarapith. It’s also a well-known pilgrimage town in West Bengal State. Tarapith has the busiest railway station to catch a train to Dumka station, and road travel is also possible by car or bus. It takes approximately 9 hours to reach the dam by driving a car.
To hire a car from Tarapith to Massanjore Dam, the fare fluctuates between INR 1500 and INR 2200, which can vary depending on your bargaining skills; however, by booking through online reputed ride apps, you can get a cheap and best car for your convenience travel. Public buses can also save money as they have low fares.
Santiniketan to Massanjore Dam
Santiniketan is also a well-known town in the Birbhum district of West Bengal state. This town is nearly 72 km away from Massanjore Dam. The town has a calm ashram for meditation. Santiniketan has also been awarded the 41st World Heritage Site of India for its scenic beauty. From Santiniketan to Massanjore Dam, the travel duration is 2 hours and can be undertaken by car or public transport.
The nearest railway station to Massanjore Dam
Massanjore Dam is located on the middle road between Dumka and Siuri, a city in West Bengal state. Therefore, the destination can be reached by using both Dumka and Siuri railway stations. Reserve a ticket for Siuri Railway or Dumka from your nearest railway station and enjoy the sparkling, clean water of the dam.
Attractions around Massanjore Dam
Massanjore Dam in Jharkhand has a lot of recreational activities and attractions to make the trip entertaining. Locals come to the dam for outdoor adventures, such as the surrounding hills providing a chance for rock climbing, and the eateries of stalls attract tourists to taste local cuisine. Besides it, the Dumka district also has various religious temples, parks and gardens, art galleries, and picturesque picnic spots. For all these reasons, a trip to Dumka will never disappoint you in terms of entertainment. A few of these are mentioned below:
Massanjore Dam Park
There is a beautiful park on the premises of the dam, full of lush greenery. Sitting arrangements are fixed in the park gardens, and the tranquil atmosphere is best for having fun with children. Massanjore Dam Park is a blessing for nature enthusiasts because the cool breeze and the sound of water give a soothing influence to auditory nerves.
The park has specific times for visitors from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and a parking facility is also available to park the vehicles freely.
Massanjore Dam Tourist Lodge
Mayurakshee Resort is the best lodging option near the dam. In consequence, with surrounded uphills and a front view of river water, this resort has awesome views. The resort has a separate children’s park with swings and sitting benches and an inside restaurant where you can enjoy a fine culinary experience. The well-trained staff and fully maintained architectural beauty of this lodge are gaining popularity among tourists.
Boating at Massanjore Dam
Boating is a major activity for tourists to beat the time at the dam. Water flow is also best for other activities, such as swimming, fishing, and scuba diving. Visitors can enjoy both manpower and sailing boats in this reservoir. The dam has more than one boating point from which you can explore the beauty of this expanded water body, like Boating Point 1 and Maa Laxmi Boating Point.
A professional instructor is provided with instructions during the boat safari, and life jackets are provided to passengers to ensure their safety. While boating, you can click on some memorable pictures of this scenic place. This safari experience becomes more mesmerizing at sunset when orange rays reflect from the clear water of the dam.
Tickets for Massanjore Dam
Massanjore Dam is an open public space, and there is no need to pay any entry fee or to reserve any booking. Still, to enjoy the various water activities, you have to pay some charges, which are not expensive. To enjoy the boating facility, tourists must pay INR 100 per person, and children have no fee for boating.
Accommodation facilities
The government also constructed two guest houses at the top of a hill near Massanjore Dam. Moreover, the surrounding area has also developed by modifying the accommodation facilities, restaurants, and linking roads. Consequently, the dam has become a center of attraction for tourists from Bihar and West Bengal.
Nearby places of interest
The location of Massanjore Dam is also ideal for access to nearby tourist attractions, from which the Mayurakshi River is at the top of the list. This river has a brief history of floods in Jharkhand. Furthermore, Malooti temples, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary & Deer Park, Naag Mandir, Bhairo Baba Pahari, and Amar Kutir Santiniketan are the top attractive places to visit.
Tips for a Memorable Visit
To make your trip memorable, start your day early in the morning so that you can explore the most possible attractions in one day. During your trip to Massanjore Dam, wear comfortable clothes, as comfy clothes help you enjoy the water activities. For rock climbing on the hills, use strong grip footwear. Wear your life jacket while experiencing a speed boat, and follow the instructions of the locals.
The best time to visit
You can plan your trip throughout the year, but due to the humid climate of Dumka, the summer months receive scorching heat, so the best time to visit this destination is in October, and it receives the most tourists until the end of February. However, to avoid the long queues or to enjoy all activities fully off-season, it is preferable, and the accommodation expenses can also be minimized.
What to Carry
Pack your essential gear to indulge in various activities at Massanjore Dam in Jharkhand. Don’t forget to keep your sunscreen and water bottle, as the heated environment can cause dehydration. Keep your basic medication and pack your multitasking objects for travel. Keep your basic identity documents, which are essential for lodging reservations and ticket bookings.
Final Analysis
Dumka owns the title “the town of tribes,” also known for its spectacular natural beauty. Massanjore Dam in Jharkhand is a major attraction in the town that draws tourists from all over India. Massanjore Dam is not just a tourist attraction but has great significance for locals in making their crops healthier. This dam plays a vital role in local economics and fulfills the need for electricity by producing hydroelectricity. A tour of this amazing hamlet will give you a lifetime experience.
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