Beautiful Bastar. Review on Bastar

Lush green mountains, deep valleys, dense forests, streams, waterfalls, caves, natural parks, magnificent monuments, magical herbs, exuberant festivity and blissful solitude. The very name Bastar in Chhattisgarh conjures up images of the royal past and the mysterious tribes.

With the newly formed state of Chhattisgarh opening its door to tourists in the domestic as well as international circuits, the state is slowly growing into a promising tourist destination. Chhattisgarh is being promoted as a state that is economical, cultural and ecological for tourists.

Places to Visit

DANTESHWARI TEMPLE

Situated in Dantewada, about 80 Kms southwest of Jagdalpur, this six hundred year old temple is an ancient heritage site. The rest of India remains oblivion to this vast temple complex which is truly a standing monument to centuries of history and tradition. With its rich architectural and sculptural wealth and its vibrant festival traditions, Danteshwari temple serves as the most important spiritual center for the people of this region.

The temple was built in the 14th century by the Chalukya kings in South Indian style of architecture. The idol of Danteshwari Mai is carved in black stone. There is a Garud Pillar at the entrance of the temple.

JAGDALPUR PALACE

This palace not only reminds one of the glorious past, of Rajas, Maharajas and their enormous wealth, but also displays a refined taste of art and architecture of that era. The legends attached to the palace, steeped in stories of heroism and chivalry, will tickle your imagination while the architecture will appeal to your aesthetic sense. Jagdalpur became the seat of power of the Bastar kings during the reign of Maharaja Dalpat Deo. Its opulent architecture reflects the glory and splendor of the kingdom.

ANTHROPOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Explore the cultural heritage and travel through time in this museum located in the office of the Anthropological Survey of India at Dharampura. It provides a perfect window to the lifestyles of various adivasi tribes in Bastar. The collections represent the four fields of anthropology - ethnology, linguistics, archaeology, and physical anthropology. The museum was established in 1972.

LAKES

Enjoy the morning mist and the quiet tranquil of the lakes of Jagdalpur - Ganga Munda and Dalpat Sagar. These lakes serve as a wonderful picnic spot for those looking for some peace away from the rush of the city life. The best time to visit the lake is between October and June. River Indravati flows through Bastar passing through Jagdalpur before taking a leap at Chitrakoot forming a magnificent horseshoe waterfall. It finally merges into the Godavari at Bhadrakali in Dantewada district. The river is not navigable owing to its rocky bed.

CHITRAKOOT WATERFALLS

Experience the silvery showers of this majestic waterfalls nestled in the mountain rages of Vindhya. Chitrakoot Waterfalls constitute one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. Situated at a distance of 38 Km. in the west of Jagdalpur Chitakoot Waterfalls peaks at approximately 100ft. In fact it can be called a miniature version of the world famous Nayagra waterfalls. A must-see in the monsoons.

TIRATHGARH WATERFALLS

The Tirathgarh falls will enchant you with its pristine beauty. The fury and splendor of these milky waterfalls is best seen just after the monsoon when it stretches to 160 meters width and falls 100 mtrs deep on the Mugabahar river. Tirathgarh is about 38km from Jagdalpur and is actually situated in Kanger Valley National Park. This place is a favorite picnic spot, especially for large groups looking for a day-long picnic in a forest.

KUTUMSAR CAVE

Known as India's first and the world's seventh underground cave, it is situated at 35 mts below ground level and is 1371 mts long. The entrance is accessible by stairs and leads to tall, narrow chambers with superb acoustics. The five chambers in the cave have several blind wells. The stalactites inside the cave never ceases to fascinate the visitors and have remained a mystery to scientists. Their breathtaking beauty is accentuated by the fact that no sunlight ever seems to reach the cave. The tribal people have many a tale woven into the history and mystery of the cave. This is known to be world's second longest natural cave. The Kutumsar caves are also known as Gupanpal or Kotamsar caves. It is located at about 40Km from Jagdalpur.

KAILASH CAVE

Situated in the Kanger National Park the Kailash Cave is about 250 mts long and 40 mts above ground level. It is perched on a small hill and has a narrow entrance. Just about 30 mts from the entrance is a natural rock carving of Lord Shiva.

KANGER VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

The park is a paradise for nature lovers. The valley is in fact one of the last pockets of virgin forests left in the peninsular region. The valley is nearly 34 kms. long and about 6 kms wide. The park houses tiger, panther wildcat, cheetal, samber, barking deer, wild pig, jackal, langur, rhesus macaque, sloth bear, flying squirrel, python, hyena, crocodile, otter and civet. The Park derives its name from the Kanger river which flows throughout its length. There are many scenic spots along this stream. Kanger Dhara and Bhaimsa Dharha are two good picnic resorts. The latter is a crocodile park.

KANGER VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Discover nature in all its splendor in this exotic wildlife sanctuary dotted with breathtaking landscapes, tiger, leopard, spotted deer, sambar and wild buffalo. Watching these animals closely in the park adds a special zing to your holiday.