Dhandhraul Dam

Dhandhraul Dam is an earthen dam with masonry spillway on the Ghaghar River near Dhandhraul village in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, about 10 km from Robertsganj. Completed in 1914 during British rule, it is considered one of the oldest dams in India and Asia. The reservoir stores monsoon water for irrigation and creates a scenic lake surrounded by forested hills, making it a popular local picnic and sightseeing spot.

Visitors can expect a large earthen dam and reservoir on the Ghaghar River surrounded by low forested hills and open countryside. The site offers views of the water spread, spillway and embankment, with open areas along the reservoir used for sightseeing, photography and picnics. There is no formal developed promenade; the setting is rural and natural, with seasonal water levels highest after monsoon.

Constructed between 1910 and 1914 during the British colonial period on the Ghaghar River, a tributary of the Son River, primarily for irrigation purposes. It is cited as one of the oldest dams in India and Asia and represents early earthen dam engineering with a masonry spillway.

Functions as a longstanding local recreational and picnic destination for residents of Sonbhadra and adjoining districts, particularly valued during winter and post-monsoon months when the reservoir is full.