Panchet – is an ideal and perfect weekend destination for the people of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar. Though Panchet is located in Jharkhand, but its closeness to the border of West Bengal and Bihar makes it easily accessible from both these states. Situated at a distance of about 90 Km from Durgapur and 280 Km from Kolkata, it is a perfect place to spend 1 or 2 days in the secludedness of nature. The picturesque surroundings on the bank of River Damodar, gushing waters of the Panchet Dam, greenery of the Panchet Hill, a garh of historical importance, local tribal peoples and pollution free environment, are some of the snapshots that best describes the beauty of Panchet. Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen starrer Bengali film “Bipasha” was shot extensively at the picturesque location of Panchet.
View of panchet Dam during release of water
About Panchet
The Panchet Hill, also known as Panchakot Hill provides an ideal backdrop and a picture perfect location to spend time away from the humdrum of the busy city life. Close proximity from Durgapur makes it a perfect weekend gateway for the people of Durgapur. Panchet, though has the reputation of being a popular picnic destination is also an ideal place to spend a day or two.
The dam at Panchet is the last of the four multi-purpose dams that was constructed in the first phase of the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). It was constructed across the Damodar River at Panchet in Dhanbad district in the Indian state of Jharkhand, and opened to the nation in 1959.
Ancient garh with Panchokot hill in the backdrop
Best time to visit Panchet is either in the beginning of winter when the weather is mild or in the rainy season when the reservoir is full of water and the gates of the dam are opened to release water. The view of gushing waters and the accompanied sound will make you spell bound. The place is also a popular picnic spot and is full of tourist and visitors from all over West Bengal and Jharkhand in winter months.
Places of interest around Panchet
Maithon – Maithon is another most visited and most popular picnic destinations situated on Barakar River, a tributary of River Damodar in the Dhanbad district of Jharkhand, bordering the state of West Bengal. Though the surroundings of the Maithon dam are not so green like Panchet dam, yet it is no short of mesmerizing beauty. Boating at Maithon is extremely popular among tourists and visitors.
This picturesque place is an ideal weekend gateway for the people of Durgapur and the adjoining area as well. It is a place where visitors flock in large number for picnicking or for having a quite holiday in peaceful and serene surroundings. The lake at Maithon spreading over an area of 65 Sq.Km, offers boating and fishing facilities making it an ideal place to float on water with your family and loved ones. A casual walk on the dam or a boat ride in the lake to the distant islands, Maithon has in store everything to make it a place worth a visit.
View of the water of Maithon Dam
The Maithon Dam is15,712 ft long and 165 ft. high and is specially designed for flood control. It has a unique underground power station which is first of its kind in S.E. Asia and generates 60000 KW of electricity. Normal daily visitors do not have access to the underground power station, but Prior permission can be acquired for visiting the powerhouse. The permits are issued from the office of the Assistant Public Relations Officer and guide services are also made available.
Kalyaneshwari Temple – A few kilometers from the Maithon Dam towards West Bengal side is the 500 hundred year old ancient temple of Kalyaneswari. According to legends the temple is created on the sight on which some of the body part of Goddess Parvati fell when it was cut into pieces by Lord Vishnu`s Chakra. Located at the bank of River Barakar the original temple structure was built by Maharaja Hari Gupt who was fleeing from the Kushans. This was later on renovated by king of Panchkota some five centuries ago.
View of Kalyaneshwari temple
The temple of Goddess Kalyaneshwari (an incarnation of Shakti) is believed to fulfill the wishes of childless women and hence frequented by childless women in large numbers to fulfill their wish of having a child. This popular Hindu pilgrimage destination frequented by devotees and tourists as well, for viewing the footprints of the Goddess which is said to be imprinted in one of the temple premises by the stream.
Panchokot Hill – The Panchet hill is the other name of Panchokot hill. If you love to trek, then you can trek to the top of the Panchet Hill. It is better to take a local guide while trying to trek to the top of the hill. It will certainly give you immense pleasure and a panoramic view of the surroundings.
How to reach Panchet?
By Rail – Barakar Railway Station is the nearest railway station of Panchet. Get down at this station and hire a auto rickshaw to reach Panchet.
By Road – Reaching Panchet by road is a nice option as the road is good for most of the part. No matter wheather you are traveling from Durgapur or Kolkata or Bardhaman, take NH2 and drive towards Dhanbad. Near Asansol take the left road through Asansol Market. Go straight to Niamatpur and take the “New road” from there. Following the new road, you will pass through Kulti and then Barakar. After Chirkunda More take the Panchet Road. You will be right on the Panchet Dam.
If you wish to avert the humdrum and traffic chaos of Asansol Market, follow the NH2 up to Maithon College More. Before reaching Maithon College More, you will cross landmarks like the toll plaza and the Barakar Bridge. Shortly after crossing Barakar Bridge you will reach the Maithon College More. Turn left and follow this road without diverting anywhere and will be at Panchet Dam.
Where to stay at Panchet?
The best place to stay at Panchet is at Prakiti Bhraman Kendra of West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC). To know more about booking this lovely resort, log on to : http://wbfdc.com/gpkt/where-to-stay.html. You can also call at – 09434246516, 033 – 2237-0060/0061.
One can also stay at Palashbithi, lying within 200 mts of Prakiriti Bhraman Kendra. Palashbithi has only two four bedded rooms. It will give you the true taste of village life with a pond around the cottages. The food here is incredible. For booking, contact at – 08001702087.
