Photo: Tichkulemishima / Wikimedia Commons, CC0
📍 Rohtas, South Bihar, Bihar
A tall, dramatic waterfall in the Kaimur Range near Sasaram whose plunge throws up so much spray that it looks like rising smoke — hence the name 'Dhua' (smoke) Kund. It is a popular eco-tourism and picnic spot best seen in the monsoon. Trekking, camping and bird-watching are possible in the surrounding forest.
Dhua Kund is a cataract, segmented-type waterfall on the Kav river in the Kaimur Range, about 7–15 km from Sasaram in Rohtas district. The fall has a very high drop, and the sheer volume of spray it generates gives the appearance of rising smoke — the origin of its name, Dhua ("smoke") Kund. It lies close to its twin, Manjhar Kund.
The site is being promoted as an eco-tourism destination, with opportunities for trekking, camping and bird-watching amid the forested Kaimur hills. Water flow is strongest during and just after the monsoon.
July to November, during and after the monsoon when the fall and its 'smoke' spray are at their most spectacular.
Nature & Waterfalls A scenic seasonal waterfall in the Kaimur Range near Sasaram, where water cascades over rocky steps into a deep natural pool. A popular monsoon picnic spot surrounded by forest, it lies close to its twin, Dhua Kund. The lush setting and cool spray make it a favourite weekend escape for the Rohtas region.
Hindu Temples One of the revered Shakti Peethas dedicated to Maa Tara (a form of Durga/Shakti), nestled in a natural cave of the Kaimur hills near Sasaram. According to tradition, the right eye of Goddess Sati fell here. The tranquil hillside setting, with springs and rock outcrops, makes it both a sacred and scenic destination that fills with pilgrims during Navratri.
Historical & Ruins The magnificent mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri, the great 16thcentury emperor who founded the Sur dynasty and built the Grand Trunk Road. This grand domed tomb of red sandstone stands dramatically on a stone plinth in the middle of an artificial lake, regarded as one of the finest examples of IndoIslamic architecture in eastern India.
Forts & Palaces A vast, sprawling hill fort perched high on the Kaimur plateau above the Son river, spread over several kilometres. Rich in Hindu and later Mughalera history, it holds palaces, temples, mosques and gateways amid dense forest. Reaching it involves a steep trek, rewarding visitors with dramatic ruins and sweeping valley views.
