The dance. The lake. The mythical name. The 60s phone calls on Vivid Bharati. Those who were lucky enough to listen to Vivid Bharati, during the 60s and 70s might remember the name of this place “Jhumri Telaiya”. A small, unknown town, it became famous by the numerous number of phone calls for film song requests that came from here. Young listeners from the village would compete among themselves to send the most number of requests in a day or a month.There was a conception that Jhumri Teelaiya doesn’t exist in reality. Thus, the name itself came too mean something that doesn’t exist.But, Jhumri Telaiya does. A small town in Jharkhand, Jhumri Telaiya still stands strong.
Telaiya was known as a principle area for Mica mining once upon a time. Huge deposits of Mica were reported to be found by the British in the 1890s. In order to manufacture space and military equipments, these deposits were exported to U.S.S.R. However, after the disbanding of U.S.S.R and once man-made alternate substance was discovered in place of Mica, the mining activities were put to an end. One can still see the large, desolated bunglows of the mine owners.
A must visit place in Jhumri Telaiya is the Telaiya Dam and Reservoir. Being the very first dam to be constructed in the district of Koderma by the Damodar Valley Corporation on the river Barakar, its quite famous. Boasting a length of 1200 feet and an altitude of 99 feet, it’s a pleasant sight. Take a walk. Feel refreshed.
Another important place is the Sainik School Telaiya- one of the most reputable army schools in the country. It outlines the character and moulds of the cadets for entrance into the NDA.
Thus, Fellow Traveller, lets to Jhumri Telaiya! A trip to the unknown!!
The nearest airport is in Gaya. But the best way to reach is by train. The closest railway station is Koderma , only 5kms away.
P.S: One will get good accommodation in Jhumri Telaiya. Book in advance.
(Image Courtesy: Google Images)
