One of the better places you would like to spend your holidays.Chhattisgarh is full of surprises and natural beauty.Have a look at some of the beautiful places and get time to vist.
It’s true, Chhattisgarh is relatively a new and very young tourist destination, but the state’s warm, friendly atmosphere is quite enough to draw large number of tourists every year. There are verdant lush forests, shimmering waterfalls, imposing palaces, ancient temples, rich customs, vibrant handicraft, delectable cuisine, friendly people and much more, Chhattisgarh’s charms are truly boundless and enduring.It derives its name from 36 princely states who ruled over this region from ancient times.
Chitrakote waterfall is also referred as the Niagara Falls of India and has got the distinction of being the broadest waterfall in India. It is located 38 km (24 mi) from Jagdalpur and is accessible by road only.
Majestic Chitrakote Waterfall
Chitrakote Falls is listed amongst the most popular waterfalls in Chhattisgarh. The strikingly beautiful falls showcases immense natural beauty amidst the densely forested surroundings. The waterfall is located near Jagdalpur, in Bastar district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh on the Indravati River. The waters of the river flowing through dense vegetation and cascades from a height of about 95 feet is a treat to watch and attracts thousands of tourists. The breadth of the waterfall varies according to the season and goes down drastically in the summers. The most spectacular views of Chitrakote Falls is during the monsoon season when the river flows in its full fury and touches both the banks and is filled with silt.
Indravati River flowing through the majestic grandeur of Vindhya ranges is one of the main tributaries of the mighty Narmada River. Chitrakote is also an important religious destination and a famous Hindu pilgrimage center in Chhattisgarh. Every year thousands of pilgrims visit this place for Hari darshan and offer prayers and homage to the Lord Hari. Tourists and pilgrims get a golden opportunity of watching the falls as well as offering prayers on their visit to Chitrakote. The best season to visit this place is during the months of July through October.
There is a helipad but it is used by government only. A very good quality resort namely Chitrakot Resorts has been set up by Chhattisgarh Tourism near the falls.
Tirathgarh Waterfalls
Tirathgarh Waterfalls can be termed as "Milky Fall" because of the white colour of the water as it descends down the rocky slope giving an impression as if milk is falling.
It is located around 38 km from Jagdalpur in the renowned eco tourism site of Kanger Valley National Park. The scenic Tirathgarh Waterfalls is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Chhattisgarh. Water cascading from the beautiful hills surrounding the falls provides splendid views. Splashing streams of water comes down at an incredible speed from a height of more than 100 feet on the river Mugabahar which originates in a lake not very far away from this point. The area surrounding the fall features lush green forests that enhance the beauty of the falls.
The water flowing through the various streams and crossing numerous paths along the way in a zigzag manner and finally ending up in the falls is a treat to watch. Besides the natural beauty associated with this place, Tirathgarh Waterfalls is also an important religious place featuring a temple which is dedicated to Shiva Parvati. Every thousands of tourists and devotees come here from within the state and rest of India for having spectacular views of Tirathgarh Waterfalls as well as offering prayers at the temple. The best season to visit this place is in the months of October through February.
Chitradhara Waterfalls
The strikingly beautiful Chitradhara Waterfalls is located just 19 km form Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh on the way to Chitrakoot Falls. It is one of the best sightseeing and weekend vacation destinations in the centrally located state of Chhattisgarh. The scenic beauty associated with this place ranks it amongst the most popular outdoor destinations in Bastar District. It lies near a small and serene village called Potanar and attracts thousands of tourists from within the state and rest of the country. It has become one of the best picnic spots where families and friends come to enjoy the outdoors and watch the gushing waters cascading down the hill at high speed.
River Indravati is the main source of Chitradhara Waterfalls. The river passes through dense forested lands in a zigzag manner, cutting through uneven rocky terrains and finally descending from the top of the hills. The sound of water flowing through the river and splashing into the air after hitting the ground provides a delightful experience especially during the monsoon season. The natural beauty of this place along with the dense forests and pristine waters of the lake ranks this place amongst the top Eco Tourism Sites in Chhattisgarh. Monsoon is the best season to visit here.
Kanger Dhara
Kanger Dhara is located inside the Kanger Valley National Park, 36 km from Jagdalpur. For reaching Kanger Dhara, one should get the applicable permission and tickets from the District Forest Office located at the entry to the park.
The best season for visiting the park is from winters up to summers, after which the park closes for the tourist from the beginning of Monsoons in the month of July.
Being in the laps of Kanger Valley, Kanger Dhara waterfalls is actually produced by the Kanger River due to presence of undulating rocks present there. Geologists suggest that the area was a sedimentary terrain, later intruded by Igneous rock bodies, due to which, the area has got such folded structures.
Just at the beginning of the downstream of Kanger river, when the river falls from undulating folded rocks, it presents a magnificent view of small cascades of water fall, which forms beautiful Kanger Dhara.
Gavar Ghat Waterfall
This beautiful natural waterfall in Koriya district on the Hasdo River is about 40 km from Baikunthpur and 5 km from Tarra village. About 50–60 feet high and 10 feet wide, it is in an area full of forests and rocks. From Baikunthpur, take a bus or taxi to Katgodi, 15 km along on the Sonhat road. 20 km further down is Tarra village, and from there it's another 5 km to the fall.
Mainpat
Mainpat is a hill station and is known for its Tiger Point waterfall and woolen fabric. Mainpat is about 45 km by road from Ambikapur in Sarguja district. It takes about one and a half hours to reach due to poor road conditions in the last 30 km - more so in monsoon.
Ramdaha Waterfall
'Ramdaha Waterfall is a natural waterfall in Koriya district on the river Banas, near Bhavarkhoh village, is about 160 km from Baikunthpur. About 100–120 feet high and 20–25 feet wide, it is surrounded by forests and rocks. The nearest railway station is Manendragarh. From here one can take a bus or taxi to Bhavarkhoh village via Kelhari and Chutki Village (Jankpur Road), and walk 2 km to the fall.
Jatmai-Ghatarani Waterfalls
Jatmai is Located in the South East Highlands of Chhattisgarh situated around 85 km from Raipur in Mahasamund district towards Gariaband.There is a temple called Jatmai Dham. Jatmai has a waterfall just adjacent to the temple.
Ghatarani waterfall is 25 km from Jatmai .It is bigger than Jatmai falls. It is not easily accessible and takes a bit of trekking skills to reach. The natural beauty is awesome. Best time to Visit is between September to December when the waterfalls have plenty of water.Monsoon months should be avoided.
Kotumsar Caves
Kotumsar Caves are situated at a distance of about 40 km (25 mi) from Jagdalpur. Kotumsar Caves are about 35 meters below ground level and around 1371 meters long.Kotumsar Cave is a subterranean limestone cave located near the banks of Kanger River in the western portion of National park. It was discovered by the local tribals around year 1900 and explored by a renowned Geographar Shri Sankar Tiwari in the year 1951 and it is one of the best known caves in Chhattisgarh as well as in India.
The floor of the cave consists of soil/clay, pebbles, rocks and water pools with several lateral and downward passages. Perpetual darkness and constant temperature (28°C + 1°C) prevails inside the cave. For entry into the cave, Cement concrete steps, Steel steps and railings are available near the entrance side.
These caves have got the distinction of being India's first and world's second longest natural caves. As they are underground, there is pitch-darkness inside. It features Stalactites and Stalagmites formations. Entry to the caves is through the narrow stairs and visitors have to pass through tall, narrow chambers for gaining access to the main hall that features superb acoustics. The caves feature five chambers having several blind wells. Lots of tribal tales are also associated with it and are also known as Gupanpal or Kutamsar Caves. The Stalactites found inside the cave have been an interesting research topic for scientists and even arouse the curiosity among the visitors.
Kotumsar cave harbours a variety of fauna like bats, frogs, snakes, crickets, spiders, fishes, millipedes etc. Fishes and frogs are found in the ditches of the cave where as bats, spiders, crickets are found on the ceilings and walls of the cave.
There is lack of oxygen when going deep into the caves. In view of which, for safety reasons, entry beyond certain points has been restricted.
The cave is closed from June 15 to October 31 during rainy season. The cave needs removal of debris before tourist season.
Kailash Caves
Kailash Caves are located in the Kanger Valley National Park area near Mikulwada. The caves are located around 40 km from Jagdalpur. Discovered recently in 1993, the caves are around 250 meters long and are situated at an altitude of 40 meters above the ground level. It features stalactite and stalagmite formations that offer stunning sight.
Access to the cave is through a narrow opening and at the end of the cave is a huge stalagmite formation in the shape of Shivlinga. The hollow walls of the cave, when struck by hand, make incredible musical sounds.
Gadiya Mountain
Gadiya Mountain in Kanker district has a natural form of a fort. This mountain has a tank that never dries. The tank is named Sonai-Rupai after the daughters of the Kandra king, Dharma Dev, who established his capital on the mountain. To the south of the tank is a cave, Churi Pagar, which provided safe refuge to the King, his family and 500 people in case of attack. Towards the southeast part of the mountain is a 50 meter long cave, Jogi Cave, where monks used to meditate. A small pond in this cave flows over the rocks like a waterfall. The Doodh river flows at the bottom of the mountain. Thousands of devotees celebrate Mahashivratri by climbing this mountain.National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuary
Indravati National Park
Indravati National Park is located at a distance of 296 km from Jagdalpur in Bastar district. It was constituted as a tiger reserve in 1982-83. It is situated on the banks of river Indravati and comprises vegetation of Tropical Mixed Deciduous Forest interspersed with grasslands. These forests have mainly teak and sal as the main species. Other important tree species are Saja, Achar, Amaltas, Amla, Arjun, Tendu, Tinsa etc. Profuse growth of bamboo fills the under storey while copious climbers crown the tree fellings. The park is spread over a total area of approximately 2799.08 km2. The Park is famous for its unique and diverse wildlife, which includes Tiger, Panther, Spotted deer, Sambhar, Chinkara, Black buck, Barking dear Swamp deer, Gaur, Hog Deer, Blue bull, Chousingha, Wild Buffalo, Sloth bean, Wild bear, Wolf, Jackal, Hayna, etc.
Indravati National Park is easily approachable from Jagdalpur, the district head quarter of Bastar. The village Kutrue, the main entry point of the park, is situated at the distance of 22.4 km north of Jagdalpur- Bhopalpattanam road. The Kutrue link road is at the distance of 145.6 km from Jagdalpur. Raipur (486 km) is the nearest airport and Jagdalpur (168 km) is the nearest railhead from the Indravati National Park.
Kanger Valley National Park
Kanger Valley National Park is located at a distance of 27 km from Jagdalpur in Bastar district 0f Chhattisgarh. The valley runs from West to East almost bisecting the park into two halves. The park extends to an area of 200 km2. Entire park constitutes core area and there is no buffer zone. Major Wildlife of the Kanger Valley National Park are the Tiger, Leopard, Chital, Barking deer, Sloth bear, Wild beer, Indian Fox, Mouse deer, etc.Kanger Valley is well approachable from Jagdalpur, district head quarter of Bastar. It is at a distance of about 27 km from Jagdalpur on the Jagdalpur - Konta road. One can also approach the park via Jagdalpur - Sargipal - Jatam - Nianar - Bodal road. Raipur (330 km) is the nearest airport and Jagdalpur (27 km) is the nearest railhead and bus stand from the Kanger Valley National Park.
Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary
Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife park in Chhattisgarh, India. The sanctuary houses a number of endangered animal species, including leopards, Bengal tigers, and wild bison. Two of the sanctuary's c.35 tigers, Bison, an endangered species, wild Boar, Chital, barking deerion. Established in 1976 under Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the sanctuary is relatively a small one covering an area of only 245 km2. the topography of the region comprises flat and hilly terrain with altitudes ranging between 265-400 mts. The Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its lush green vegetations and unique wildlife. The major wildlife of the Barnbsp;km north-west of Bilaspur. The sanctuary is close to Amarkantak, which is the origin of the Narmada River.
The nearest airport is at Raipur, which is at a distance of 176 km. The nearest railway station is at Belgahna. Achanakmar is easily approchable from "Pendra Road" (25 km) and "Bilaspur” (40 km) Railway station also. Bus, rental car and all types of vehicle are available to visit and enjoy this beautiful place. Restaurent, coffeehouse and many other facilities are available at Achanakmar.
Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in northern part of Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the finest and important wildlife sanctuaries in the region. Established in 1976 under Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the sanctuary is relatively a small one covering an area of only 245 km2. the topography of the region comprises flat and hilly terrain with altitudes ranging between 265-400 mts. The Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its lush green vegetations and unique wildlife. The major wildlife of the Barnawapara Sanctuary include Tigers, Sloth Bear, Flying Squirrels, Jackals, Four-horned Antelopes, Leopards, Chinkara, Black Buck, Jungle Cat, Barking Deer, Porcupine, Monkey, Bison, Striped Hyena, Wild Dogs, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur, Muntjac, Wild Boar, Cobra, Python to name a few.
The nearest airport from the sanctuary is Raipur (85 km). Mahasamund Railway Station (60 km) is the nearest railhead from the Barnawapara Sanctuary. The place is easily approachable through the PWD forest road, which connects Barnawapara with Raipur via Patewa and with Pithora on NH 6.
Archaeological sites
Barsoor
Located on the banks of the Indravati River, about 75 km (a one and a half to two hour drive) to the south west of Jagdalpur, Barsoor in Dantewada district was once an epicentre of Hindu civilization. It is believed that there were once 147 temples and an equal number of ponds here. The ruins of these temples, dating back to the 10 th and 11 th centuries (i.e. over 1,000 years old) can be seen even today. Some beautiful images of Lord Vishnu can also be seen.
One Shiva temple, with 12 carved stone pillars, has nude figures on the outside. Another Shiva temple has 32 carved stone pillars, a black granite Nandi (Shiva's carrier) bull, and two sanctum sanctorum, with a common court. The ruins of this temple have been recently restored. A 50 foot high temple, known locally as Mama-bhanja-ka-mandir (temple of the maternal uncle and nephew), is in good condition, but lacks an idol. It is not clear to which deity the temple was consecrated, or even if it was ever consecrated. The biggest attraction though, is the Ganesha Temple. While the temple itself is in ruins, two sandstone images of Ganesh, both in the aspect of Maha-Ganapati, are amazingly intact. The larger of these, and the more impressive, is about 8 feet high and over 17 feet wide.
Malhar in Bilaspur district was a former capital. This is about 14 km from Bilaspur. It has remains from 1,000 BC onwards. 10th and 11th century temples can be seen here. The Pataleswar Kedar Temple is one of them - the Gomukhi shivling is the main attraction here. The Didneswari Temple, belonging to the Kalchuri regime, is also worth visiting. The Deor Temple has artistic idols. There is a museum, managed by the Central Government, which has a good collection of old sculpture.
Ratanpur
Ratanpur, once the ddhist vihar, constructed by Bhikshu Anand Prabhu, a follower of Buddha, during the period of Mahashivgupt Balarjun, is the most famous of Sirpur's Buddhist vihars . The main entrance is adorned by a dwarpaal (door keeper) carved in stone pillars on either side. A six feet tall statue of Buddha touching the earth is installed inside the vihar.
Swastik Vihar
Surguja
Temple carvings and archaic ruins date the history of this place to the era before Christ (BC). According to the holy books Lord Rama had visited Surguja river Mahanadi, Sirpur, known as 'Shripur' in ancient times, was the capital of South Kosala. It is historically significant from the angles of art, science, religion and spirituality. Sirpur is known for Laxman Temple and its Buddhist Vihars ( Anand Prabhu Kudi Vihar and Swastik Vihar). Sirpur is in Mahasamund district.
Anand Prabhu Kudi Vihar
This 14 room Buddhist vihar, constructed by Bhikshu Anand Prabhu, a follower of Buddha, during the period of Mahashivgupt Balarjun, is the most famous of Sirpur's Buddhist vihars . The main entrance is adorned by a dwarpaal (door keeper) carved in stone pillars on either side. A six feet tall statue of Buddha touching the earth is installed inside the vihar.
Monuments
Bastar Palace
It is another historical place that is seen in Jagdalpur in Bastar district. It was the head quarters of Bastar Kingdom. It was built by the rulers of Bastar State when the capital of Bastar kingdom had been shifted from Barsur to Jagdalpur. At present this is kept as a monument by the government.
Museums
Anthropological Museum
The Zonal Anthropological Museum in Jagdalpur was established in the year 1972 with the sole purpose of providing a fascinating insight into the culture and lifestyles of Bastar tribes. The museum is located at a distance of 4 km from the Jagdalpur city center in the office of the Anthropological Survey of India. It houses a fine collection of numerous objects of ethnographic interest. The rare item on display at the museum throws light on the rituals and customs followed by the tribes of Bastar and even highlight their religious practices and style of living. All the collections have been documented classified and are displayed in various sections of the museum.
The Zonal Anthropological Museum of Jagdalpur is one of the prominent museums in central India which is entirely dedicated to the acquisition, study, protection, exhibition and educational understanding of various objects that have historical, scientific or artistic value. Some of the rare collections found at the museum include headgears, footwear, ornaments, musical instruments, dresses, paintings, wood carvings, weapons, masks, art work, sculptures and a wide variety of objects that were used in daily life. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Chhattisgarh that serves as a window to the lifestyles and ethnic cultures of various tribes in Bastar. The rare collections on display at the museum cover four fields of anthropology namely ethnology, linguistics, archaeology, and physical anthropology.