Things To Do
in Chās
Chās is an industrial township in Jharkhand's Bokaro district, sitting next to Bokaro Steel City and the Damodar River. The town combines dusty coalfield landscapes and working steel-industry infrastructure with pockets of green lakeside parks and rural villages nearby. Visitors will find a pragmatic, working-town atmosphere with simple local markets, dhabas (roadside eateries) and occasional cultural festivals.
Chās is a practical base for exploring Tenughat Dam, local lakes and nearby hill-country while experiencing everyday life in eastern India's industrial belt.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the ancient Dhank Temple, where you can marvel at its intricate carvings and serene ambiance. Engage with local guides who share captivating stories about the temple's history and its significance to the region. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a nearby eatery, savoring local delicacies like poha and chai.
After visiting the temple, head to the nearby Jain Temple, renowned for its stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings. Spend some time wandering through the temple complex, taking photographs and appreciating the artistry of the structures. For lunch, indulge in a meal at a local restaurant, trying out the regional specialties such as dal baati and gatte ki sabzi.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Ganges River, where you can witness the magical transformation of the landscape as the day fades. Find a cozy spot to enjoy a traditional evening snack of samosas and jalebi from a local vendor. Conclude your day by participating in the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a mesmerizing spectacle of devotion and light.
Begin your day by visiting the bustling local market in Chās, where the vibrant colors and sounds create an immersive experience. Browse through stalls filled with spices, textiles, and handicrafts, engaging with friendly vendors who share the stories behind their goods. Don’t forget to grab a quick breakfast of kachoris from a popular street food stall.
After exploring the market, visit a nearby artisan workshop to see traditional crafts being made, such as pottery or weaving. This hands-on experience allows you to learn about local craftsmanship while interacting with skilled artisans. For lunch, enjoy a hearty thali at a local eatery, sampling a variety of flavors in one meal.
As evening approaches, take part in a cooking class where you can learn to prepare traditional Chās dishes from local chefs. This interactive experience not only teaches you about local cuisine but also allows you to share a meal with your newfound friends. End your day with a relaxing walk around the market, soaking in the lively atmosphere filled with music and laughter.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel (double room) | $15-35 |
| 🚕Short auto-rickshaw or taxi ride | $0.5-3 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.3-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic working-town atmosphere with easy access to lakes and dams
- Low prices and straightforward local cuisine
- Good base for day trips to Tenughat Dam, Topchanchi and rural Jharkhand
- Friendly locals and opportunities for candid cultural photography
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few luxury accommodations
- Dusty/industrial landscapes and occasional pollution near factories
- Hot summers and heavy monsoon rains can disrupt travel plans
- Fewer organized tours and English-speaking guides compared with larger cities
- "Namaste" - Hello / respectful greeting
- "Dhanyavaad (धन्यवाद)" - Thank you
- "Kripya pani milega? (कृपया पानी मिलेगा?)" - May I have some water, please?
- "Kitna hua? (कितना हुआ?)" - How much is it?
- "Shauchalaya kahan hai? (शौचालय कहाँ है?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "Kya aap angrezi bolte hain? (क्या आप अंग्रेजी बोलते हैं?)" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Chās
Visit one of these nice places.
Calm water, reflections and early-morning or sunset light make this a good spot for landscape and portrait photography.
Expansive water views, embankments and engineering structures provide dramatic wide-angle and sunset shots.
Industrial architecture, smokestacks and illuminated plant scenes at dusk offer striking industrial photography—respect restricted areas and photograph from public viewpoints only.
Colorful stalls, textiles, spices and candid street scenes capture everyday life; approach vendors politely before photographing individuals.
Scenes of riverside activity, fishermen, small temples and village homes give authentic rural portraits and landscape opportunities.
Food in Chās
Chās Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Roasted dough balls stuffed with spiced sattu (roasted gram flour) served with mashed spiced vegetables—widely available at roadside stalls and local eateries.
Must-Try!
Flatbreads or fillings made from sattu, a regional staple; filling, inexpensive and commonly offered at dhabas and small restaurants.
A plate with rice/roti, dal, seasonal vegetable preparations and chutney—available at most casual restaurants and a good way to sample multiple local flavors.
Street snacks like spicy chaat, samosas and kachori can be found in markets and evening stalls—great for quick bites.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central markets and lanes host food stalls selling chaat, samosas, fresh fruit, tea and sweets—try litti-chokha, fresh jalebi and masala chai from these vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A nod or 'Namaste' with folded hands is customary; handshake is common in formal contexts but less typical in rural settings—follow the other person's lead.
Dress modestly in public—cover shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples or villages; women may prefer a light scarf for added comfort.
Remove shoes before entering homes and places of worship; ask permission before entering private spaces.
Always ask before photographing people, especially women and elders; small gifts or reciprocity are appreciated when taking time with subjects.
Use your right hand for eating and passing items; it is polite to accept and taste offerings, and leaving a small amount on your plate is acceptable.
Safety
Tipping in Chās
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: round up small bills at restaurants, give 5–10% at nicer establishments, and tip Rs. 10–50 to hotel staff or drivers for small services. For tour guides or full-day drivers, tip more according to service quality.
Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used, especially in markets, dhabas and for auto-rickshaws. Mobile wallets and UPI payments are common in shops and restaurants in town; ATMs are available but may be limited outside major centers—carry some cash for rural areas. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and establishments in Bokaro but less so in small local shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
April–June are hot and humid with daytime temperatures often in the mid-30s to low 40s°C (mid-90s to 100s°F); travel early in the day, stay hydrated and avoid the midday heat.
June–September bring heavy rains and occasional localized flooding; roads can be slippery and some rural tracks become impassable—carry rain gear and plan flexible travel.
October–November offer pleasant temperatures and clearer skies—good time for sightseeing, photography and outdoor excursions after the monsoon.
December–February are cool and dry, with chilly mornings and nights (around 5–15°C / 40–60°F); comfortable days for exploring but bring a light jacket for mornings and evenings.
Chās at Night
Hiking in Chās
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle walks along the dam embankment and reservoir margins—good for short hikes, birdwatching and sunrise/sunset views.
Nearby lake area with short trails and wooded patches suitable for nature walks and local birding excursions.
Scattered local hills and village tracks provide informal hiking opportunities—ideal for half-day explorations, but bring water and local guidance where paths are unmarked.
Airports
How to reach Chās by plane.
The nearest major airport with regular domestic flights; reachable by road in a few hours—offers connections to major Indian cities.
Major international airport approximately several hours by road; good option for international arrivals and long-distance connections.
Domestic airport with flights to several Indian metros; another alternative depending on travel plans and road connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The region has indigenous tribal populations (e.g., Santhal and others) with distinct languages and cultural practices living in nearby rural areas.
A large portion of residents speak Hindi and regional dialects (Khortha, Magahi), with cultural ties to Bihar and Jharkhand; many are involved in industry, services and commerce.
Chās hosts migrant workers and employees from across India who come for work in coalfields, industry and related services, creating a diverse, multilingual population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the dominant sport—local grounds and street cricket are common, and people gather to watch domestic and international matches.
Football is also popular at school and community levels, with informal matches in fields and playgrounds.
Traditional games like kabaddi and local rural sports are played during festivals and community events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chās.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is widely available—thalis, parathas and snacks suit vegetarians well. Ask for the ingredients when in doubt (many dishes use ghee or butter).
Vegan options exist but require asking to skip ghee, butter or yogurt; simple rice, dal, seasonal vegetables and sattu-based items are good vegan choices if clarified.
Rice-based meals and many lentil dishes are gluten-free, but be cautious with breads and fried snacks that use wheat; request preparation details in advance.
Non-vegetarian dishes (chicken, mutton, fish) are common; if you require halal meat, check with the vendor or opt for trusted restaurants in Bokaro.