Go Local Before Global

Here come vacation time and all of us are geared up for getting intot he holiday mode. We begin to plane enjoyable trips to unburdeno urselves, to relax and get away from the grind of that tiring routines chool life. I have had a few opportunities to visit some very interestingp laces all situated in the vicinity of our city Dhanbad itself.

It has often made me wonder if there is really any need to erous travel by road plan fancy holidays to far away places, and inconvenience ourselves with all that treacherous travel by road or by rail Situated on the bank of the imposing and beautiful river Damodar, Dhanbad too has a number of beautiful, serene and scenic places right in her own backyard so to speak.

One such picturesque place is the Topchanchi Lake at Topchanchi. Topchanchi lies 37 km from Dhanbad. The lake is an artificial one and is set against the panoramic backdrop of the green hills of Parasnath. There is a small rest house on an island in the center of the lake, making the place very enchanting. It is a wonderful place for picnics and for spending a quiet holiday in the lap of Mother Nature. The natural beauty of hills is sure to awaken one's senses. The blue sky, the cool green water, the small hilltop island in the lake, all add to the lake's charm and appeal. But this lake has had a chequered past due to incidents of Naxal violence. The lake remained closed to the visitors for a decade. But the problem were solved and the lake was once again opened for the visitors in 2008, and now it is as scintillating and beautiful as ever.

The Maithon Dam at Maithon is another place that is frequented by people for its scenic beauty. It has been developed as a tourist destination by the Jharkhand government. The lake which is actually a huge reservoir is an ideal place for boating and water sports during the 34th national games held in the Jharkhand this year, the water sporting events were held here.

Maithon is just the right place to enjoy the picnic with one's family. A number of the parks to have been developed here. During winter, the whole place becomes a riot of brilliantly colored flowers. Boating services also available. Taking a boat ride on the cool, green water of the lake issuer to refresh and relax you and unwind you from the daily rigors of life.

The Bhatinda falls at Munidih is a place of untouched beauty. There are a series of small and medium waterfalls that are a treat for one's eyes. The great potential of the beauty of this place has not yet been fully tapped by government authorities. But the raw, untouched beauty of the place issuer to arouse one's awe and respect for Mother Nature. Crowds of the people flock to the falls, especially in the cooler months of these beautiful, swiftly flowing cascades.