Panchet is the other big Damodar Valley dam within striking distance of Asansol — about an hour to the west, on the main Damodar river. It is slightly larger than Maithon and the surroundings are more wooded, with Panchet Hill rising on the south side and a Shiva temple part way up.
The dam is at its best in the early winter when the water is high and the sky reliably clear. The drive there is straight, but the last few kilometres are slow; combine it with Maithon if you have a full day.