Glimpses of Chhattisgarh --- Part 5

Gangrel Dam, Dhamtari

We travelled by taxi for 7 hours and reached Gangrel Dam at 3 PM.  

Gangrel Dam, also called the Ravishankar Dam is built along the breadth of the river Mahanadi within the Dhamtari District and is quite a well-known spot amongst visitors for its serene scenic views and pretty engaging and mind-blowing water games that it offers.

Hydroelectric Power Plant Information

The Gangrel Hydel Power Project was developed here to produce 10 MV power capacity. It supplies power for certain nearby areas. This dam stores 15,000 cusecs of water. It is not only the biggest dam but also the longest dam within the state of Chhattisgarh.

Reservoir, Boating & Water Sports

The reservoir offers a lot of unique and common water sports. Somewhere in the middle of the reservoir is a stationed boat where you can be dropped by other boats and you have some refreshments stationed in the boat in the middle of the reservoir.

This place, with its picturesque island, enriched flora and fauna becomes a must-visit place in monsoon season and in winter when along with greenery you can also enjoy the cold air.

Various water sports are arranged for though at a very high price. The list of water sports includes Jet skiing, Water surfing, Water skiing, Scuba Diving, Sailing, Parasailing, and Kite surfing, paddle boating, speed boating, kayaking which have been recently started.

Resort Facility

On the bank of this reservoir, the Chhattisgarh State Tourism Board has their property as a Resort Facility where tourists can book to stay. From this resort, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the sunrise.

How You Can Reach Here

This reservoir is about 15 KM from Dhamtari and about 75 to 90 KM from Raipur. You can reach here by air from Raipur Airport where prepaid taxis are easily available for Gangrel Dam. Or else you can take any regular bus services from Raipur or can also reach here using Raipur – Dhamtari narrow gauge railways.

 

Attractions Near Mahanadi (View 1)

Attractions Near; Boating On Mahanadi (View 1)

Attractions Near; Boating On Mahanadi (View 2)

Attractions Near; Jet Skiing On Mahanadi (View 1)

Attractions Near; Jet Skiing On Mahanadi (View 2)

Attractions Near; Kayaking On Mahanadi (View 1)

Attractions Near; Kayaking On Mahanadi (View 2)

 

Attractions Near; Boats Anchored On Mahanadi (View 1)

My Experience    

We were mesmerized watching such a vast river – Mahanadi. It was really a very great moment. To add to the thrill of the vastness of the river were many water sports available that really kept children and sports interested people excited and engaged. The rest of their family members were engaged watching them remain active through various water sports.   

Timings

At 6 PM it had to close and we were to leave the place. On the way, we had dinner outside.  We reached back Hotel around 9 PM. We had to pack everything as it was our last night in Chhattisgarh for this trip. After packing things we slept to wake up at 7 AM the next morning.   

    Gangrel Dam & Mahanadi

Bastar Palace

After getting fresh we went to a restaurant to have breakfast and then left for the next tourist spot. In some hours we reached Bastar Palace.

Rulers of Bastar

The Palace got its name from the name of the district. This palace was built by the Kakatiya Dynasty Kings when they shifted their capital from Barsur to Jagdalpur in prehistoric times. Bastar Palace, also known as Jagdalpur Palace had remained the most important administrative headquarters ever since the prehistoric times and the Kings who ruled, took care of the entire Bastar district from this palace. This palace has witnessed drastic changes in times, from the times of the Chalukyas to the times of Kakatiyas to the times of the British and also times beyond it.

Architecture of Palace

Despite several blows of the time the Palace stays unmatched and still, this makes it even more special to be explored and seen. This opulent, enchanting palace has been known for its splendour. 

A traditional cum colonial façade welcomes visitors. The palace is made up of White and Yellow Stone with great carving and Jali Work or the Lattice Screens Work done on it. The outside walls have light blue contrast work that makes it quite incomparable.

Walls and ceilings are decorated with various engaging drawings, impressive figurines and etchings. Many ornaments, weapons and clothes attract one’s attention. All Artefacts, Paintings, Artworks, Relics, Carvings and Singhaasana have been preserved within the Palace’s premises and the main visitor’s chamber of the palace is functional as a Museum.  These things together reflect and give us hints as to the history, culture and quality of everyday life in earlier times. Every room, wall, and corridor of this palace hides several of the real-life histories, and mysteries to unfold or explore which people interested in history come here to rejuvenate with the Culture and Heritage of Bastar. Every part of the Palace holds back certain unheard mysterious tales that historians world over are searching to narrate fascinating historical tales.

Passing various tall pillars, and finely decorated arches we reach the elegant royal halls. Perfectly symmetrical and well-designed towers and domes, with a central dome rising higher so as to provide a surrounding landscape view, make it all the more memorable architectural marvel showcasing the architectural skills of the time it was built. 

In sunlight the fort glitters, this is one speciality of its architecture. The Government of India had built a monument within the boundaries of this palace which has beautiful garden in the front of it. This palace is surrounded by gardens which visitors find is quite interesting. 

This palace is well connected with other parts of the state, hence, it is easy to reach. Complex outlines on dividers, upper parts of the palace rooms, carvings on pillars, walls and elsewhere in the palace make this palace special, inspiring and awesome. The Royal family still resides here.  

Nearby Tourist Places

Chitrakote Waterfall, Kotumsar Cave, Teerathgarh Waterfalls all are near the Bastar Palace.

Weather of Bastar

As Bastar experiences an extreme climate, summers with 37 Degrees Celsius would make you uncomfortable to go for a journey, it would be better that you visit Bastar in the winter season when the temperature ranges from 12 to 28 Degrees Celsius and when the precipitation is low.

How You Can Reach Here

Bastar Palace, being well connected by road with all key parts of the State can be reached by private transport like car or taxi or public transport like bus by road. Jagdalpur Station being about 17 KM away is the nearest railway station and Visakhapatnam Airport is the nearest Airport.

Festivals

The palace is specially decorated and gets lit up on every Dussehra.

Attractions Near Me; Bastar Palace (View 1)

Unlike the rest of India’s cause and way of celebrating Dussehra, tribal people and other people of Bastar celebrate Dussehra by worshipping Danteshwari Devi. During Dussehra worship ceremonies of Danteshwari Devi, including her rath yatra are arranged for and conducted. 

Royal Family, Bastar & Dussehra

In the 15th century for the first time the then King Purushaottam Deo arranged and celebrated Dussehra with such practices. Having Zamindar and other post personnel in administration as witnesses the control of the kingdom is transferred to the Diwan. In the ten-day festival, the royal family of Bastar considers the ancient arms of Danteshwari Devi as divine worship. The first day of Dussehra starts on the day of Kunwar Amavasya. On this first day of the festival transfer of control takes place. Before transferring power to Diwan, a girl considered to have spiritual powers stands in a warlike state holding a wooden sword. On Pratipada day, the second day of the festival arati and salami take place. On the ninth day Danteshwari Devi comes to the entrance of the city and the King of Bastar welcomes her. On the tenth day, the King organizes a darbar where people come forward and present their requests, and everyone performs an arati ceremony praying Dantreshwari Devi.

Timings

The Bastar Palace opens at 8 AM and closes at 6 PM. We spent one hour in the palace portion open for visitors. Much of the part of the palace is not open to visitors and is used for residential purposes.

Bastar Art Gallery, Jagdalpur

Then we moved to our last tourist destination – Bastar Art Gallery. For generations, the tribal communities have been protecting and promoting the Bastar Tribal art. Working with conventional tools they have made it famous in the world but still they don’t have the facility to use modern machinery. Their woodwork is used to make things exhibiting Bastar culture, statutes of gods and goddesses, various creatures, festivals and do decorations. Their bamboo art is used to make bamboo sheets, baskets, chairs, tables, mats living rooms and home furnishings. Their soil art is used to make pots, decorative utensils, statues of goddesses, vases and household furnishings. Their metal arts use copper and tin mixed with the metal to make idols of worship, tribal culture idols, statues of goddesses and home furnishings. have been fabulous to date.   

About Bastar Art Forms

The showpieces or items made by the Dhokra technique use cow dung, red soil, paddy husk and most important of all beeswax.

The Bell Metal Handicrafts and Dhokra handicrafts are today world famous but the process by which Chhattisgarh artisans make these is very painstaking.

Bastar Art Gallery, Jagdalpur (View 1)

Bastar Art Gallery, Jagdalpur (View 2)

 

Bastar Art Gallery, Jagdalpur (View 3)

 

Bastar Art Gallery, Jagdalpur (View 4)

Bastar Art Gallery, Jagdalpur (View 5)

Bastar Art Gallery, Jagdalpur (View 6)

Bastar Art Gallery, Jagdalpur (View 7)

A Model Tribal Arts Village (View 1)

A Model Tribal Arts Village (View 2)

A Model Tribal Arts Village (View 3)

My Experience                                                                                                                                            

After some minutes we reached the destined art gallery in Jagdalpur. It was the abode of such art forms that really expressed the emotions, feelings and everyday engagements of the Bastar tribal people. In a way, this gallery is keeping the traditional tribal art alive and is also working hard with all modern techniques to revive certain of its unknown spheres.

How You Can Reach Here   

Bastar Art Gallery is well connected by road with all key parts of the state and can be reached by private transport like car or taxi or public transport like bus by road.

Jagdalpur Station is the nearest railway station and Visakhapatnam Airport is the nearest Airport.  

Concluding Remark  

I felt that Bastar Tourism or Bastar Chhattisgarh Tourism is just incomparable. The way I enjoyed these places makes me wonder about my state if I could visit all CG Tourist Places. CG is the standard abbreviation for Chhattisgarh. I did not have till date sufficient time to visit all of the tourist places in Raipur Chhattisgarh itself, nature is so inspiring.

Gangrel Dam CG Tourism or Chhattisgarh Tourism Gangrel Dam was a nice sports-friendly spot with too much activity ongoing yet an extremely peaceful place. The hydroelectric power plant information was very enriching. Thanks to the CG Tourism, Bastar Tourism or Bastar Chhattisgarh Tourism for places to visit in Jagdalpur or Chhattisgarh were very nice. 

Glimpses of Chhattisgarh --- Part 4

 More About Kotumsar Cave

It is the biggest cave found in India and the seventh-largest cave in the world.

How You Can Reach Here

You can reach Raipur Airport and from there hire a taxi to Kotumsar Cave which is 300kms away. Under the banner of UDAN Scheme Chattisgarh Government has Bastar Airport operated and managed quite well. Currently, AIRODISHA operate flights between Jagdalpur to Raipur and Vishakapatnam. Kotumsar Cave is about 30 KM away from Jagdalpur.

You can reach Raipur Junction Railway Station and take a bus from there to Kotumsar Cave. Jagdalpur, the district headquarter of the Bastar district is well connected to the Raipur and Vishakapatnam by trains like Vishakapatnam -Kirandul Passenger, Durg -Jagdalpur Express, Hawrah-Koraput Express, Hirakhand Express, and Vishakapatnam-Jagdalpur Express. By Boarding one these listed trains you can reach Jagdalpur Railway Station which is taken care of by the East Coast Railways. Raipur To Bastar distance is about 268 KM away by Train.

The easiest way to reach Bastar is by Road. The best way is to travel to Kotumsar Cave by hiring a private taxi. Express and Sleeper buses regularly and that too daily go to and fro the city of Jagdalpur (Bastar). Certain other state transporters also operate regularly like TSRTC (Jagdalpur-Hyderabad), APRTC (Jagdalpur -Vishakapatnam, Vijayawada, Rajmundry), OSRTC etc. Raipur To Jagdalpur Distance is about 284 KM by road.

                                                                 Inside Kotumsar Cave

 Teerathgarh Waterfall

It was 4 PM when we came out and within 20 minutes we reached the next spot the Teerathgarh Waterfall. About 39 KM southwest of Jagdalpur the Muna Bahar River’s water falls from a height of about 100 ft. to 300ft. through several steps like serial mounts which are distinguished by sedimentary rocks creating the Teerathgarh Waterfall. Water keeps falling vertically in a stepwise way till the bottom. The Teerathgarh Waterfall was formed about 700 to 1100 million years back. When the fall splits into several falls it looks quite stunning and mesmerizing. On a large hill opposite the fall but within its range is an ancient very small Shiva Parvati Temple with Nandi. At certain places in rocks, there are beehives also. Around the fall ruins of about 1000 years old Hindu civilization can be noticed easily. This falls and the old civilization remains could relate to certain historical persons or events related to Ramayana or Mahabharata as Chhattisgarh was Dakshin Koshal described in both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

This waterfall is surrounded by lush green forest and is related to Kanger National Park so it is considered an eco-tourism venture of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Department.

West of the Teerathgarh Waterfall there exists a village called Tirathgarh. On the topmost section of the fall, a Shivalaya can be seen. Annually on Mahashivratri, a 3 days long mela is conducted just like the Kumbh Mela. So, Tirathgarh's name is justified as it is a pilgrimage centre.

Legend

As per folklore, impressed by the scenic beauty of Teerathgarh Waterfall and its surrounding areas within Bastar, two brothers Tirathraj and Chingraj made this part of Bastar their capital. Chingarj established a village and constructed a grand temple, 7 km far from Tirathgarh.

Tirathraj established his garh in the lower region and a village called Tirathgarh in the upper region of the Teerathgarh Waterfall, and this Tirathgarh Village is still live.  On the banks of rivers, wreckages can still be noticed though they seem to have been destroyed.

Resources

The Tokapal region is known for Kimberlite rocks that constitute diamonds. Kimberlite zone ranges till Teerathgarh.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to watch this waterfall is between October to February.

How You Can Reach Here

You can reach Raipur Junction Railway Station and take a bus from there to Teerathgarh Waterfall. Jagdalpur, the district headquarter of the Bastar district is well connected to the Raipur and Vishakapatnam by trains like Vishakapatnam -Kirandul Passenger (58501), Durg -Jagdalpur Express (18211), Hawrah-Koraput Express (18005), Hirakhand Express (18448) and Vishakapatnam-Jagdalpur(Night Express) are operated through Jagdalpur railway station.  Jagdalpur Railway Station is taken care of by the East Coast Railways.

The easiest way to reach Bastar is by Road. The best way is to travel to Teerathgarh Waterfall by hiring a private taxi. Express and Sleeper buses regularly and that too daily go to and fro the city of Jagdalpur (Bastar).

 

Teerathgarh Waterfall at that Moment was a Waterfall Near Me (View 1)

Teerathgarh Waterfall at that Moment was a Waterfall Near Me (View 2)

Certain Other State Transporters also operate regularly like TSRTC (Jagdalpur-Hyderabad), APRTC (Jagdalpur -Vishakapatnam, Vijayawada, Rajmundry), OSRTC etc.

You can reach Raipur Airport and from there hire a taxi to Teerathgarh Waterfall which is about 300kms away from the fall. Under the banner of UDAN Scheme Chattisgarh Government has Bastar Airport operated and managed quite well. Currently, AIRODISHA operates flights between Jagdalpur to Raipur and Vishakapatnam.

My Experience

Water streams kept falling from a wide range of rocks and at one place there was a notice board asking not to come close to the grills or water sources as if someone fell in it there could be a high chance that he or she might get caught in a whirl of water. Some said certain incidents of this sort had happened in the past. So, this notice was an important one to be shared.

Concluding Remark

Jagdalpur Tourist Places were rejuvenating in a true sense.              

I am awe-struck after visiting these places. This is how Chhattisgarh Tourism will always remain in my memories. Each of these was in every way keeping up our interest like the Chhattisgarh Tourist Spot usually does.

Danteshwari Temple Dantewada

At 5 PM we left for the Hotel Sudha Palace. Had tea on the way. Rested for some time in the Hotel room. Had dinner at the hotel. We slept early that night as the next day we had to cover long distances and that too in the early morning.  We took some packed food for us and decided to have food on the way itself.  

On the 3rd day, we woke up at 4 AM. Had tea and got fresh. And then, left for the next part of the journey. At 7 AM we reached Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada. 

Goddess Danteshwari

In the Danteshwari Temple of Dantewada, an idol of Goddess Danteshwari is worshipped. This east-faced temple was first built in around the 11th -12th century then renovated in the 14th century A.D., in the Dantewada District of Chhattisgarh on the confluence of two rivers, Sankhini and Dankini. This temple is surrounded by serene greenery, forests and hills. Local people believe that when a tooth of Sati had fallen at this place, it became one of the 52 Shakti Peethas or the shrines of goddess Shakti, within various parts of India, where one or the other body part of Shakti had fallen.

About Construction of this Temple & its Idol

The main image of Denteshwari Devi is in the form of Mahisharsurmardini who has six arms on both sides and is made out of black stone. Just like any other traditional Hindu temple this temple also comprises the Garbhgriha, Antaral, Mukhamandap, Muktimandap or Darshak Dirgha and Natamandap. The Garbhagriah, Antaral and Mukhmandap of this temple were made of stone but the Muktimandap and the Natamandap built pyramidal shapes were built using 32 wooden pillars and then covered with terracotta tiles. A pillar with a Garuda idol stood at the entrance door of this temple.

About the Rulers

When the Chindak Nagvanshi dynasty rulers of Bastar built this temple in Dantewada, then Goddess Danteshwari was commonly called Manikeswari Devi. The Earlier Kakatiya rulers considered Goddess Danteshwari to be their presiding deity.

As per historical records, Prataparuddev was the succeeding King of the Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal in the 13th century. When the Mughals attacked Warangal and took away Prataparuddev along with them to Delhi, Prataparuddev's cousin brother Annamdev or Anuj Annagdev attacked Bastar, defeated the Nagvanshi King and established the Kakatiya Dynasty. Initially, Mandhota and later Jagdalpur was made the capital.

Here is the legend related to the Danteshwari Temple. While Annamdev was bathing in the River, he found an idol of a devi. Annamdev was the younger brother of the Warangal King. At that very moment, he got a boon -- as far as he would take the idol with him walking all through the way, his kingdom would expand till there, and the Goddess would follow him, and the condition was that he would not look or turn back and the moment he would turn back he should build the devi’s temple there itself. So, Annamdev walked for many days and reached the Dankini River. The goddess was following him, but in the river, the sounds of the anklet were not heard. So, Annamdev turned back to look at the Goddess, so his kingdom reached there and he built the devi’s temple there.

On Festivals

During Navaratri in summers and winters, the town becomes a hub of festivities. In Navaratra days Jyoti Kalasha are lit traditionally and during Dussehra, a vast crowd, in thousands of tribals of Chhattisgarh come to Dantewada to worship goddess Danteshwari, then the devi idol is made to sit in a doli and the rath yatra or procession is taken to the Bastar Palace in the city with the priest and the devotees lifting the doli. Nowadays, several people join in this annual festival. For the people of Bastar Danteshwari is the most revered deity and Dantewada Temple is the most important temple.

Caution About Facilities

As Dantewada is a remote town, it would be better for you to arrange for your transport to and fro Dantewada and also your accommodation in Dantewada in advance, as actually there may not be many options available in Dantewada.

How You Can Reach Here

Dantewada is a town which is about 80 KM away from Jagdalpur Tehsil and about 350 KM away from Raipur – the capital of Chhattisgarh. It is well connected by road and by road it would take about 8 hours to reach by public vehicle and about  6 to 7 hours by private car or taxi from Raipur City.  The conditions of the roads are very good.

Jagdalpur is about 80 KM away from Dantewada and is the nearest mini Airport that is connected with the nearest and bigger Airports – Raipur Airport and Visakhapatnam Airport, being almost 400 KM away.

Two trains run daily between Dantewada and Visakhapatnam Railway Station.

My Experience

We did morning darshan and distributed eatables to girls there and retreated at         8 AM. 

Concluding Remark

In my view Chhattisgarh like Madhya Pradesh is rich in water bodies, my friends searched online for waterfalls near me or waterfalls near by me or various falls near by me but I refused to go any further online searching for waterfalls.

Now that I am in Chhattisgarh I am just watching waterfall waterfalls and these have deeply freshened us up for the rest of our lifetime.

The legends behind the Danteshwari Temple or the Danteshwari Temple Dantewada were quite engaging. Danteshwari Devi seems to be really blessing its public as they live in so much harmony.

Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada

Glimpses of Chhattisgarh --- Part 3

 More About Kanger Valley National Park

Travel about 24 KM away from Jagdalpur, in the southeast direction, and we reach the Kanger Valley National Park.

Rules You Should Follow in National Park

You are required to read and understand all rules before entering the national park. If you disobey any rule, strict legal action will be taken against you. You must have a valid permit to enter the national park. With every vehicle goes an official guide who will guide you all through your way and you should obey him for your safety. You should always take your drinking water bottle with you. You need to be disciplined and remain silent, so that, animals do not go away due to any noise. If you see an animal on the road, you should wait for it to cross first. You are to wear light coloured, with nature blending, coloured clothes. If you feel or notice someone undertaking undesirable or suspicious activities during your visit you should inform the nearest forest officer or employee about it. When you spot a wild animal see to it that your vehicle maintains at least 50 meters distance from the spotted wild animal. You should not interfere with animals and should respect their privacy. You should not view a spotted wild animal for more than 15 minutes. You should maintain a minimum distance of more than 20 meters from all wild animals. Cordoning, luring, or feeding wild animals is prohibited in every way. The speed of your vehicle should be limited to 20 km. per hour.  

Things You Should Not Do in the National Park

You cannot take firearms in this national park. You can’t carry, consume, or take along with you cigarettes or alcohol. In addition to these, you also cannot take or use a match box, lighter, and can’t light the fire. Any negligence in this regard may cause forest fires. You can’t take with yourself or play inside any tape recorder, or music. You should not throw cans, bottles, or plastic bags inside the national park but should collect such garbage and dispose it off, outside of the national park. You should not leave the vehicle and get down unless the guide asks you to do so. Also, you should not chase, lure, or tease animals in any way. You should not pick up any things or trees or plants or animals to take away with you and should take only photos and memories of the national park visit with you.    
You can book the safari and accommodation 60 days before the safari or accommodation through the online website of Kanger Valley National Park.
Tickets for Kotumsar Cave and Teerathgarh Waterfall can also be bought from the Kanger Valley National Park Ticketing counters.

Charges for the National Park

For Indian or Foreign children of age 0 to 12 years entry is free, for Indians above 12 years entry fee is INR 25, for foreigners above 12 years entry fee is INR 150, guide charge is to be paid by all groups of visitors mandatorily and it costs INR 300, visitors above 12 years of age also have to pay INR 25 towards Biodiversity Conservation Fee, and Teerathgarh Waterfall visit entry fee is INR 25.

For booking Gypsy Safari the fee is INR 1,800.

For Still or Digital Camera fee of INR 25 will be charged. For a Handy Cam or Normal Video Camera, INR 200 will be charged.

If you cancel the ticket more than 7 days before the visit, then 10% of the ticket amount will be deducted. If you cancel the ticket from 7 to 4 days before the visit, then 25% of the ticket amount will be deducted. If you cancel the ticket from 3 to 2 days before the visit, then 50% of the ticket amount will be deducted. If you cancel the ticket less than 2 days before the visit, then 100% of the ticket amount will be deducted.

My Experience

We booked a safari, some sat with the driver, some behind the driver, and yet others stood at the last section in the safari vehicle. We got a view of the dense forest and in a few places, I could find Deer and Neelgaya. Birds and animals seemed to have been running to hide and save themselves when they heard the safari sounds. Web designs from one tree or plant or shrub to another were also visible, in which were trapped small insects.  At 2:30 it had to close, so we left for the next place to be visited.

After an hour's drive, we reached Kotumsar Cave, which is known to have been a place where certain forms formed naturally, and that too in great infinite numbers. Each formed shape is something different. Inside the cave it was quite dark, many people could not enter it out of fear. Few who could go into it found and even touched various naturally formed shapes and this was a different sort of excitement.

Kotumsar Cave
Scientists researched the internal and external surfaces of this cave and found that these were made up of limestone about 250 million years ago. Various scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, Birbal Sahni Institute of Pelkotani, Lucknow, and Geo-womb Studies, Lucknow did carbon dating and found that prehistoric humans had lived in this cave. Akashvani Kendra used stones from this cave as the Wadi device and different types of tones were produced by using each different stone.

             Kotumsar Cave --- One of the CG Tourist Places ; CG means Chhattisgarh (View 1)

            Kotumsar Cave --- One of the CG Tourist Places ; CG means Chhattisgarh (View 2)

This cave was originally named Gopansar Cave as Gopan meant hidden but as it was near the village Kotumsar, soon it was named as Kotumsar Cave, based on the name of the nearby village.

About the Cave

This cave seems to have been built on its own due to natural changes in the flow of water. Calcium from water kept depositing to form it. When water dropped calcium from it got collected and formed the calcium pillars from the ceiling. In 1951, the renowned geography scientist Dr. Shankar Tiwari discovered it. Kotamsar is the local language means ‘fortress surrounded by water’ and scientists have also found through their study that this region was actually submerged in water in the past.
Once you go down into the cave find three waterfalls appearing before you one by one. The first waterfall seems to be about 30 feet high. Stepping down from there you face a dark corridor of dimension 65 inch X 0.5 inch X 45 inch. On its right solid figures suggest that lime deposits created pillars. Calcium from water droplets was collected and deposited and such pillars got formed naturally from the ceilings.
Kotumsar cave is 330 metres long. It is 40 meters deep below the ground level. Several irregular chambers are made in it giving it a look like that of a honeycomb. You can find fish and frogs in the ditches in the cave while spiders, crickets, and bats are found on the ceilings and walls of this cave. Even millipedes are found inside the cave.  

This limestone cave was formed within the Kanger limestone belt, near the River Kanger’s bank which is known to be a tributary of the Kolab River. Its height from the sea level is 560 m. People enter through the fissure in the cave which is 5 feet in height and 3 feet in width. This cave has five chambers. Such chambers have several blind wells and only one such well is covered with a sheet of rock which when struck off produces a hollow sound. A concrete path within the cave till the end of the cave was made for tourists to explore the cave properly. Within the cave, there is a main tunnel which is 200 m long and has several lateral and downward passages. Different types of formations out of deposited calcium offer various kinds of panoramic views. Air and water temperatures within the cave are relatively stable. Several water pool seepages also exist in this cave.

How these forms get formed. Gradually dripping water forms such structures when it reacts with carbon dioxide when it passes through an organic matter. Those limestone forms that fall from the ceiling or sides of a cave are called Stalactites and those that are inverted Stalactites as they rise from the floor are called Stalagmites. Such structures that took a long time to be formed are used and will be further used by various academicians and meteorological experts to research to explore the distant past.

Inside View Of Kotumsar Cave --- One of the CG Tourist Places ;

CG means Chhattisgarh (View 1)

Several depressions have been found on the cave floor that make up very small ponds for smaller animals. At the extreme end of the cave is a Shivaling made up of limestone depositions. You can take the help of a guide and solar lamps to understand or explore things inside the cave.
Stairs are made available up to the first three levels so that the entrance is easily accessible by anyone.

Visit Closed

During the monsoon season, the cave remains flooded and for this very reason from the middle of June to the middle of October month, this cave is closed for tourists.  

Concluding Remark

I am highly impressed by the way CG Tourism has maintained these places. CG is the standard abbreviation of Chhattisgarh. By now the Chhattisgarh Tourism Places are really making me excited.

Inside View Of Kotumsar Cave --- Stalactites in Kotumsar Cave

One of the CG Tourist Places ;

CG means Chhattisgarh (View 2)

Glimpses of Chhattisgarh --- Part 2

 Jagdalpur

The next day, early morning, I took a taxi to Jagdalpur, and in between I stopped at many places to take some good photos. I would not have been able to do this if I had travelled by other means of transportation. However, if you are not going to take photographs as I did, then you could reach Jagdalpur in an hour within INR 1,999 by flight or in 7 hours by bus within INR 380.  

On reaching Sudha Palace Hotel in Jagdalpur, I got fresh and had breakfast. This hotel provided all the basic facilities that the other hotels render and also offered vehicle rentals, photocopying, and dispensers which made it different from others. As it was post-monsoon times, I booked a Standard Room which did not have AC. If you happen to be visiting in summer you will need an AC Room. I was happy with the mobile network and also the free Wi-Fi. The room cost was INR 1293 and the Deluxe AC room would have costed INR 1749.  We took some packed food and decided to have food on the way.

Chitrakote Waterfall

At 9:05 AM we reached the Chitrakote Waterfall. Indravati River falls from about 90 to 100 feet in height and causes the majestic Chitrakote Waterfalls. The water of this fall looks reddish generally and during summer moonlight night it looks just white. This waterfall is very stunning. Once upon a time, various herds of deer had inhabited the area around Chitrakote, so only this name was given to the waterfall as in the Halbi dialect Chitar means deer.

Considered the important Waterfall of Bastar Division and the largest waterfall in Chhattisgarh, it became quite popular due to its proximity to Jagdalpur. It is the broadest waterfall in India.

Tourists find this waterfall extremely beautiful. When much of the Indravati River’s water falls from the Vindhya ranges the resulting waterfall captures everyone’s attention. 

As it looks like a horse-feet shape, it is rightly called the Niagara Falls of India.
This waterfall is visible throughout the year in every season but the scene becomes a must-watch during the monsoon season. Rainwater falls on the Waterfall, making huge roaring sounds. During monsoon season these springs become all the more enchanting. A dense forest surrounds it from all sides and further beautifies the serene beauty of this scenic waterfall. 
This Waterfall splits into three to seven Waterfalls on different occasions. The best time to watch this waterfall is from July to October month. Boating through the pristine waters of Chitrakote waterfalls is just a magical experience!   

Chitrakoot Waterfall or Chitrakote Waterfall (View 1)

Chitrakoot Waterfall or Chitrakote Waterfall (Video 1)

Chitrakoot Waterfall or Chitrakote Waterfall & Boating (View 1)

Boating & Chitrakoot Waterfall or Chitrakote Waterfall (Video 1)

How You Can Reach Here

This waterfall is about 40 KM away from Jagdalpur and about 273 KM away from Raipur.

You can reach Raipur Airport, about 284 KM away from the Chitrakote Waterfall, and hire a taxi to Chitrakote Waterfall. Under the banner of the UDAN Scheme, the Chhattisgarh Government has Bastar Airport operated and managed quite well. Currently, AIRODISHA operates flights between Jagdalpur & Raipur and Vishakapatnam.

Jagdalpur, the District headquarters of Bastar district, is well connected to the Vishakapatnam and Raipur by railways. Jagdalpur railway station operates under the East Coast Railway. You can board either of the following routes trains, Vishakapatnam -Kirandul Passenger or Durg -Jagdalpur Express or Hawrah-Koraput Express or Hirakhand Express or Vishakapatnam-Jagdalpur Expressto reach Jagdalpur. You can book a taxi to the Chitrakote waterfall from the Jagdalpur Railway Station.

Bus services run regularly, whether express or sleeper-based, between Jagdalpur City (Bastar) and other cities of India. These operate daily, through a well-connected network of national highways such as NH 30. Bus transporters from other states also operate such as TSRTC (Jagdalpur-Hyderabad), APRTC (Jagdalpur -Vishakapatnam, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry), OSRTC, etc. The best way to travel would be by hiring a private taxi to Chitrakote Waterfall.

A Unique Experience

We did boating for INR 25 per head. It was a very thrilling experience. When our boat was nearing the waterfall it became extremely adventurous. For a moment or so our breaths stopped out of fear. Water droplets as sprinkles were hitting us. Many of us closed our eyes due to the well-known dangers involved. Some screamed at real adventure. We soon came to the banks, leaving the boat. Without doing anything we felt so tired that so many stairs that we stepped down while coming to boating seemed almost impossible to be climbed. Many on the way sat on stairs, took some rest, then climbed the rest of the too many stairs which went zig zag.   

Boating & Chitrakoot Waterfall or Chitrakote Waterfall (Video 2) 

Chitrakoot Waterfall or Chitrakote Waterfall After Boating (View 1)

Chitrakoot Waterfall or Chitrakote Waterfall After Boating (View 2)

Kanger Ghati National Park

At 12:05 PM we left for Ghati National Park. We reached the Kanger Ghati National Valley in exactly one hour. About 34 KM away from Jagdalpur is a famous biosphere reserve known for its spell-bound scenic beauty. It has a rich biodiversity. In 1982 this biosphere reserve called Kanger Valley was given the status of National Park, hence its name changed to Kanger Valley National Park. Carved out of Machkote, Kanger, and Darbha ranges of Central Forest Division this national park currently comes under the Jagdalpur Wildlife Circle comprising of Kotumsar and Koleng Ranges.

This national park is spread from Teerathgarh Waterfall to Kolab River touching Odisha State boundary, about 33.5 km in length and about 6 km in breadth covering an area of about 200 sq. km. Located within Eastern Ghats, this national park is also called the Kanger Ghati National Park. It lies in the catchment area of the Kanger River.  

Kanger Valley National Park & Its Bioreserve

This national park has many tourist attractions and a variety of wildlife, trees, plants, and shrubs. It has deciduous forest-type flora, that includes bamboo, saal, and teak trees. An amazing and interesting fact is that within the Indian subcontinent, only this forest area remains untouched. Cobra, Chital, Sambhar, Tiger, Wolf, Python, Langoor, Sloth Bear, Wild Cat, Flying Squirrel, Lizards, Wild Pigs, Striped Hyena, Leopard, and Snakes are some major wild animals seen here. Also, various endangered species, like, spotted owls, peacocks, parrots, eagles, and heron birds can be seen here. Besides this, it also has a large tribal population. Generally, scientists, researchers, and nature lovers visit this place for their individual, and different motives.

Forests account for 44% of the Chhattisgarh state area. In the category of the largest forest, the Chhattisgarh State ranks third within India. It falls under the Deccan Bio Geographical Zone.

Kind of Land Surface

Kanger Valley is home to low flat land, gentle land, steeply sloped land, plateaus, streams, and waterfalls. This is why, various kinds of flora and fauna exist here, making it the hotspot of biodiversity within Central India. Its name is derived from the Kanger River which flows through this national park from northwest to southeast.

Geo Data Related to Kanger Valley National Park                                                                         Its height from sea level is 38m to 781m. The minimum temperature ranges from      3 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius in winter to 20 degrees Celsius to 42 degrees Celsius in summer. It has an average rainfall of 152 cm.

Its forest type is moist peninsular Sal. This national park is located in the transition zone where the southern limit of Sal forest and the northern limit of teak forests are all grown here.

Holiday Duration of the Park

This national park is open for visitors in summer from 1^st March to 30^th June and in winter from 1^st November to 28^th or 29^th February from 8 am to 4 pm as the case may be.

Social Aspects of the Park

Within this national park, many tribal communities reside in harmony with various wild animal species.

Near By Tourist Caves

Kotumsar Cave, Kailash Cave, and Dandak Cave are a few caves found here. These caves are rich in limestone. Around 50 villages surround it and one forest village lies inside this national park. You can enter from the Kotumsar Gate or the Netanar Gate while visiting this national park. You cannot visit this national park in the night hours.

About the Mouse Deer Spotted

Recently, in this national park, a rare Indian mouse deer or spotted Chevrotain was spotted. It is the smallest and a highly nocturnal deer found in India, scientifically named the  Moschiola Indica. This endemic deer species is found in Peninsular India and Nepal. A Sri Lankan species called Moschiola Meminna is quite different from it. Within India, it was spotted in the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats up to the Odisha State, and in Central Indian forests.

It is small, 25 to 30 cm at shoulder height, weighs two to four Kilograms, and has a three-chambered stomach. It searches for fruits, roots, leaves, and herbs in the forest though occasionally it has been seen eating insects and smaller mammals.

Mandatory Things You Should Bring Along

All visitors are required to carry their original ID, ticket, and woollen clothes. if you are visiting in winter, as during Safari it becomes extremely cold. 

How You Can Reach Here

You can reach Jagdalpur Airport and from there you can book a taxi to Kanger Valley National Park.

Kanger Valley National Park, a Unique Jungle Safari in a National Park (View 1)

You can reach Jagdalpur Railway Station and from there you can book a taxi to Kanger Valley National Park.

Using a private jeep/car or by hiring it you can reach Jagdalpur using the Raipur to Jagdalpur route covering a distance of about 303 KM, Visakhapatnam to Jagdalpur route covering a distance of about 313 KM, Vijayawada to Jagdalpur route covering a distance of about 435 KM, Hyderabad to Jagdalpur route covering a distance of about 565 KM, Rajnandgaon to Jagdalpur route covering a distance of about 320 KM.

Concluding Remark

These were indeed the best tourist places in Chattisgarh in my views.

Such was the strong impression of the Chitrakote Waterfall or Chitrakoot Waterfall that I can never forget this moment in my lifetime.

I searched for parks near me or parks closest to me and the Kanger Valley National Park opened, I was too impressed by the thought of jungle safari or tiger safari, wildlife national park or forest or dense forest and so I travelled this far, now I this it was value for money!