Industrial

Jharia Coalfield from Ranchi - 168 km, 4 hr by cab

The 100-year-old underground fire that won't go out

Distance

168 km

Drive time

4 hr

Best time to visit

Nov - Feb (cooler, less dust)

From

₹3,099 one way · ₹5,799 round trip

Jharia Coalfield is 168 km from Ranchi, about 4 hr by cab. The 100-year-old underground fire that won't go out. Raahi Saarthi cab fares start at ₹3,099 one way · ₹5,799 round trip. The best time to visit is Nov - Feb (cooler, less dust).

Jharia, on the eastern edge of Dhanbad, sits atop one of India's largest coalfields - and one that has been on fire underground since at least 1916. The surface buckles, smoke vents from cracks in the ground, and entire neighbourhoods have been relocated. It's a sobering, surreal landscape that draws documentary makers and curious travellers from around the world.

How to reach Jharia Coalfield from Ranchi

Jharia is a neighbourhood within Dhanbad city, ~8 km from the central railway station. From Ranchi: 168 km, ~4 hours via NH-23 and Bokaro. The mining viewpoints are along the Bhowra and Sindri roads.

Highlights

Open-cast mining viewpoints at Bhowra and Bastacolla
Visible vents and steam rising from the ground
Jharia town - life on top of a fire
Drive past IIT (ISM) and Topchanchi on the way

Insider tips

Carry an N95 mask - the air is heavy with coal dust
Don't venture off the road into active mining areas
Hire a local guide in Dhanbad for safety briefings
Avoid visiting at night

Jharia Coalfield, Dhanbad - The 100-year-old underground fire that won't go out

Quick facts

Distance from Ranchi: 168 km
Drive time: 4 hr
Best time to visit: Nov - Feb (cooler, less dust)
Type: Industrial
State: Jharkhand
District: Dhanbad
Cab fare: ₹3,099 one way · ₹5,799 round trip

Nearby attractions

IIT (ISM) Dhanbad (10 km)
Maithon Dam (50 km)
Topchanchi Lake (35 km)

FAQs about Jharia Coalfield

Why is Jharia coalfield burning?

Underground coal seam fires have been burning at Jharia since at least 1916. Causes include spontaneous combustion of exposed coal, abandoned mine workings, and historic open fires. An estimated 37+ million tons of coal have been consumed by these fires over the last century.

Is it safe to visit Jharia?

The official viewpoints and the city itself are visited by thousands of residents daily. However, air quality is poor and some areas have ground subsidence. Stick to main roads, wear an N95 mask, and avoid wandering off into closed mining zones.