On the way to or from Devdari, Latif Shah Dam offers a calm, open landscape of water, palms and low hills, a nice contrast to the enclosed gorge. Next to it is the shrine of the Sufi saint after whom it is named.
At a glance
| Completed | 1921 |
|---|---|
| River | Karmanasa (Karmnasha) |
| Purpose | Mainly irrigation and drinking water |
| Location | Near Chakia, Chandauli district |
| From Mughalsarai (DDU) | About 38 km |
| From Varanasi airport | About 83 km |
The dam
The Chandauli district website describes Latif Shah Dam as one of the oldest dams in India. Completed in 1921 on the Karmanasa river, its reservoir is used mainly for irrigation and drinking water. The district tourism portal lists it as a picnic spot. The surroundings are open and green, with palms along the banks and hills on the horizon.
Water over the dam in the monsoon
For most of the year Latif Shah is a still, wide reservoir. After heavy monsoon rain in the Kaimur hills it fills to the brim and the Karmanasa pours over the old dam wall, a white curtain of water dropping roughly 10 to 20 feet into the river below. It becomes a seasonal waterfall in its own right and draws crowds on monsoon weekends. It only happens after sustained heavy rain, so ask locally before making the trip just for the overflow.
The photo at the top of this page shows the dam in overflow (photo courtesy of Chandauli Tourism). People do climb the steps in the flow, but we do not recommend it.
Watch it from the banks or a safe viewpoint. Do not walk on the dam crest or stand in the spillway channel: the flow is far stronger than it looks and levels can rise quickly after rain upstream.
Tomb of Latif Shah
The nearby mazar belongs to the Sufi saint Hazrat Latif Shah Beer Rahmatullah, according to the district website, and lies about 3 km from Chakia. It is a place of devotion for people of many faiths. Dress modestly, remove shoes where asked, and be respectful during prayers.
How to reach
Head to Chakia (by taxi, or by shared jeep from Mughalsarai as the district suggests), then continue a short distance to the dam and tomb. It fits easily into a Devdari day trip if you have time. See the one-day itinerary.
Tips
- In the monsoon, keep off the dam crest and out of the spillway when water is flowing over the dam.
- Do not swim in the reservoir or walk on the dam structure where it is not permitted.
- Late afternoon light over the water is lovely for photographs.
- The UP Eco-Tourism Board lists a Lateef Shah Forest Rest House in the area (booking via the forest department).