The district can be divided into three broad natural divisions, viz., (I) the north and north western portions consisting of the hilly region, (ii) the uplands containing coal mines and most of the industries and (iii) the remaining uplands and plains lying to the south of the Damodar river consisting of cultivable flat lands . The north and north western division is separated for the entire length by the Grand trunk road.

In the western middle part of the district are the Dhangi hills, situated in the strip falling between the Grand trunk road in the north and the Grand chord line of the Eastern Rly. In the south, these hills extend from Pradhankhanta to Govindpur, reaching a maximum altitude of 1,256 feet at Dhangi. Further north, a branch of the Parasnathhill runs through Topchanchi and Tundi, the highest point of 1,500 feet being reached at Lalki. The southern part of the district is largely comprised of undulating land. The general slope is from west to east, the direction followed by the two major rivers, Damodar and Barakar.

Dhanbad is one of the most important industrial centres in India. In and around Dhanbad is the richest mineral wealth of India.

Topchanchi
The village is the headquarters of the development block being the same name. It is situated on the Grand Trunk Road. The Parasnath Hill is located nearby. The Topchanchi Water Reservoir spreads over an area of 214 Ac. It is a noted picnic spot.

Topchanchi Lake (Dhanbad)
The Topchanchi Lake, which lies 37 km from Dhandbad, is an artificial lake surrounded by green hills and forests. It makes a wonderful picnic spot.

Charak Pathar
The village is situated in GOVINDPUR development block. It is a very large ancient boulder of white stone. It derives its name from this stone.

Chati Gobindpur
The village which also is located in GOVINDPUR development block, contains two ancient pillars which are locally associated with Emperor Asoka and the Afghan Chief Sher Shah.

Gopalpur
The village lies in Nirsa-cum-Chirkunda development block. It contains an ancient pillar said to date back to the time of Emperor Asoka. There is also a large stone image said to be of Asoka himself.

Jhinjhipahari
The village is situated in Baghmara development block . It is said that an ancient temple of Lord Shiva was found when the mines here were being worked.

Meva
The village is situated in Nirsa-cum-Chirkunda Block . It contains ancient pillars said to date back to the time of Emperor Ashoka. There is also a large stone image said to be of Ashoka himself.

Panrra
The village which also lies in Nirsa-cum-Chirkunda Block, it said to have derived its name from the Pandavas. According to local legend the Pandavas spent some period of their exile in hiding at this place. The village contains an ancient temple of Lord Shiva known as Pandeweshar Mahadev. The temple is believed to have been constructed by Hindu King at a much later day.

Chark - Khurd
The village, situated about 10 Kms from Tundi on the Dhanbad- Govindpur -Giridih Road, is noted for its hot spring .

Maithon
It is census town situated about 48 Kms. From Dhanbad and 5 Kms. From Kumardubhi Rly. Station . The Maithon Dam and Hydel Power Stations are located in this town.

Panchet
This is also a census town situated 9 Kms. South of Chirkunda and about 54 Kms. South east of Dhanbad. The Panchet Dam, around which the Township has developed, is located here.

Jamadoba
There is a water filter plant of M.A.D.A (Mineral Area Development Authority ) from where water supply is being made to Dhanbad District.

Central Mining Research Station.

Central Fuel Reaserch Institute.

Directorate General of Mines Safety.

Getting There
By Air
Dhanbad was connected by Vayudoot Service with Patna and Ranchi which in turn connected by Indian Airlines services with Calcutta and Delhi.

By Rail
Dhanbad has an important railway station on Eastern Railway and is very well connected with Patna,Calcutta and other important Cities in India.

By Road
Dhanbad is very well connected by roads with important towns in Jharkhand.