Barkatha is a block in Barhi subdivision of Hazaribagh district in state of Jharkhand. Barkatha Block was established on 12 July 1955.
Gram panchayats under Barkatha panchayat are as follows: Alagdiha, Barkangango, Barkatha North, Barkatha South, Bedokala, Belkapi, Chalkusha, Chaube, Chechkapi, Chuglamo, Gainda, Gaipahari, Gangpacho, Gorhar, Jhurjhuri, Kapka, Khargu, Konharakhurd, Manaiya, Maskedih, Salaiya, Salaiyadih, Sewatand, Shiladih, Sudan, and Tuiyo.
Surajkund hot spring is 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from Barkatha on National Highway 2/ Grand Trunk Road.
Surajkund hot spring (also called Surya Kund) is a natural hot spring in Belkapi gram panchayat of Barkatha block.
Surajkund has a hot water spring containing sulphur that has healing properties. Tourism department of Jharkhand has planned to set up spas, saunas, massage parlours, restaurants and convention halls here.
Surajkund hot spring is claimed to be the hottest spring in India. Surajkund hot spring has a surface temperature of 87 °C (189 °F) and an average subsurface temperature of 165 °C (329 °F).
According to recent assessment, India has a large potential of geothermal energy, which can be gainfully utilized for power generation, Jharkhand possesses a good share of these. Of the total recorded sites numbering 340 in India (assessed by Geothermal Education office - US), around 60 sites are in Jharkhand. Surajkund is among the most prospective sites. Other prospective sites in Jharkhand are: Tantolaya / Tantlol, in Santhal Paragana division, and Thatha / Konraha and Jarom in Palamu district.
