Bastar is known for its picturesque waterfalls, rich tribal culture and dense forests. Indravati river is the lifeline of Bastar. Bastar division is the southernmost part of Chhattisgarh state. It includes seven districts: Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Bastar, Bijapur, Dantewada, and Sukma in the north-to-south order. Jagdalpur is the district headquarter of Bastar district. Jagdalpur is known for its tribes, culture and art. People come here to visit and experience the tribal culture and lifestyle. Bastar art which is famous worldwide originates only from Kondagaon. There are many waterfalls and picturesque places nearby jagdalpur city that you can never find anywhere else; some of the places are still unapproachable today and kept hidden due to LWE activities. The list of places to visit in Bastar is inexhaustible, but I have given my best try to comprehend the list:
1. Chitrakote Waterfall:
Chitrakote name originated from Chitar-khur; "Chitar" means deer and "Khur" means hooves. Chitrakote waterfall is in the shape of the hooves of a deer (horseshoe shaped). It is the widest waterfall in India. In the monsoon season (August & September month) Chitrakote waterfall attains full flow and width of the waterfall at that time; is more than 300 meters. The flow of water is huge and mesmerizing. This fall is located 38 kilometers from Jagdalpur city.
You can enjoy boating here at minimal charges (Rs. 50/- per person). The boat takes you very close to the point where the water is falling on. Believe me, the huge flow of water falling down near you; drops atomizing & escaping away from the falls will eliminate any darkness from your heart and rejuvenate you with new exhilarating energy so that you have a smile on your face on return. A beautiful rainbow is also visible here on a bright sunny day.
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| pic courtesy: Instagram @amiy_sonkusare |
Tirathgarh waterfall is an exquisite waterfall located at the heart of Kanger Valley national park. There are multiple steps through which water falls below. There is a natural pool here; where you must enjoy bathing, swimming etc. This fall is located approx. 40 kilometers away from jagdalpur city on Sukma Road (NH-30). Take a left turn from Keshlur dhaba (famous for paratha and Chicken) for Sukma road.
3. Kanger valley national park:
Apart from Tirathgarh waterfall, there are several places in kanger valley national park, which should be on your travel bucket list; which include Kutumsar caves, Dandak caves, Kangerdhara waterfall and Kailash caves. Normal cars and taxies are not allowed inside kanger valley national park. Everybody has to take gypsy on rent (Rs. 1500/- per visit max 5-6 people including all four places) driven by authorized driver/guide. Let me warn you once before you plan your visit to these caves: Heart patients and weak heart people should not go into these caves; period. Because while entering the cave you will be stuck at narrow passage with no light below and you cannot return also. But if you are able to pull it off, this is a "one in a lifetime" experience. I will recommend you to visit at least Kutumsar caves. Inside the cave, you will find rocks and different figures created by nature over thousands of years from calcium deposits. If you are lucky, you can also spot blind fish inside the cave, i.e. literally these fish have no eyes.
The next place is Kangerdhara waterfall. This is a small; but quiet and peaceful waterfall, where you can rest after the caves. Tribal people who live in the forest; sell Tamarind, Jujube (bair) Guava, etc. near the waterfall; which is again recommended to enjoy.
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| Kangerdhara waterfall, Credit: Amiy Sonkusare |
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| Kangerdhara waterfall, Credit: Amiy Sonkusare |
4. Mendrighumar, Tamdaghumar and Chitradhara waterfalls:
These three waterfalls are located nearby Chitrakote waterfall. These waterfalls are seasonal waterfalls and are best enjoyed during monsoon i.e. July- august.
In Mendrighumar waterfall there is a cliff valley viewpoint; from this viewpoint, one can enjoy the sunset, wind breezing, and waterfall altogether. Birds dance in the rhythm of the valley, and you can hear their song. Visit here at sunset and rest here; you will be lost in thoughts of your past or maybe future, god knows!
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| Mendrighumar waterfall |
Chitradhara waterfall is more of a picnic spot. Lush green farms of dhaan are on both sides of the way reaching here. Water flows in numerous streams before falling down and merge into a single stream here. Couples can also have a good time here.
Tamraghumar waterfall is all weather waterfall. Camping facility is also available here. You can play and enjoy the water flowing in the river. People trek to the bottom of the fall and enjoy the natural pool there. And last but not the least, there is a photogenic viewpoint also nearby fall.
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| Tamdaghumar Waterfall |
5. Maa Danteshwari temple in Dantewada:
Danteshwari mata is the most worshipped goddess of Bastar. Maa Danteshwari temple is situated at the junction of two sister rivers- Sankani and Dankani river. This temple is made from a wooden structure. Tribal people worship only Danteshwari mata. The temple is decorated by thousands of flowers during the Dussehra festival. People come to worship the goddess; walking barefoot from places hundreds of kilometers away during the Dussehra festival, and the temple is crowded heavily.
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| Maa Danteshwari Temple, Dantewada |
6. Dholkal Ganesh nearby Dantewada:
Dholkal Ganesh is a spot for adventure lovers and trekkers/hikers. You have to climb for 4 hours to reach the top, but wait there are two separate tops: Yes, at one top idol of Lord Shiva is resting and at the second top idol of Lord Ganesha is resting. Both idols are made from black rock and both are hundreds of years old. These idols are resting at a height of 3000 feet. What makes this place more adventurous is that both idols are located at a hilltop with an almost 90 degrees vertical hike at the last which is the most difficult part of the hike. Wild animals are also to be feared during trekking. But once when you are at the top, you find that the hike is worth it. The landscape is just amazing: layers of mountains below the cover of sky and clouds. The sun sets just behind the idol of Lord Ganesha; isn't it a perfect coincidence?
Barsur is a small town approx. 40 kilometers away from Dantewada city. Barsur has a rich history and cultural heritage. Once the Capital of Nagavansh Raja Banasur; Barsur village is commonly known as city of Temples and Ponds. There were 147 temples and 147 ponds known to be in Barsur. Barsur is located on the banks of river Indravati. At present Bada Ganesh, Mama Bhanja and Battisa Temple is available to visit here. These temples are example of amazing archeological techniques of that time. Each temple has its own genre and is based on different theme.
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| Battisa Temple |
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| Mama Bhanja Temple |
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| Ganesh Temple Barsur |
Saptdhara waterfall is situated on the Indravati river. One can reach here by Barsur to Narayanpur road. But it is wise to visit here with a local guide/person because this place is badly affected by Naxalite activities. As the name suggests, this waterfall flows in seven different streams. Because of the remote location, very few people come here to visit; therefore this place is untouched and non-polluted. The water is crystal clear.
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| Saptdhara waterfall |
And many more places which I also didn’t explore...
If you want to explore more then you may check below-listed places also:
- Handawada waterfall, Bijapur
- Jharalawa (Jhirka) waterfall near Dantewada
- Phoolpad waterfall near Bacheli
- Honhed, Malajkudum and Charre Marre waterfalls near Keshkal
To conclude, Bastar has hidden multiple treasures in the lap of nature. Some are located in far-flung areas with no road network no connectivity, only told about by the tribal peoples, and maybe some more, which tribal also may not have found yet. Bastar is calling to visit all those places. Bastar is waiting for the explorer to tell its stories and secrets...
So when are you planning to visit bastar??
Thanks for reading,
Amiy
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