“Chhattisgarh?”
“Chhattisgarh.”
Have you ever asked yourself if you want to visit Chhattisgarh? Being a Delhiite, I haven’t. But let me tell you, it’s sad that we haven’t because Oh My God it sure has places you’d want to visit, and culture you’d wish you still had. Don’t believe us? It’s fine. But we will change your perspective at the end of this article. And you may end up traveling to this amazing heavily forested area located in Central India which is still home to as many as 42 tribes! Chhattisgarh is famous for its waterfalls, tribal culture, and loads of heritage. It is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and attractive natural diversity. The State is full of ancient monuments, rare wildlife species, carved temples, Buddhist sites, palaces, waterfalls, caves, rock paintings, and hill plateaus. It is a reserve for many minerals like coal, dolomite, and iron. It is the only state in India producing tin concentrates. Taken its name from the 36 ancient forts of the area, Chhattisgarh is a state located in the heart of India ready to be explored and cherished.
Also read: Exploring Under-explored Rural Areas of India: An Imperative
The cuisine of Chhattisgarh is famous in itself due to the difference in flavors and the tribal customs to cook it. Most of the foods are made of rice and rice flour. Curd plays a very important role in their diet. A lot of green leafy vegetables can be found and are cooked here due to their dense forests and variety of flora. Lal bhaji, Cholai Bhaji, Chech Bhaji are a few of the very exquisite vegetables cooked. When it comes to sweet dishes, no place in India can be left behind. This place has a lip-smacking Khurma made of roasted vermicillies and dry fruits.
Apart from the tempting food, this place has to offer, let’s have a look at uncountable places that can be visited in Chhattisgarh!
1. Sirpur
Tourism in Chhattisgarh is fully supported by the government and measures are being taken to make it better by the day. Sirpur is supported by government resorts and hotels to make the stay convenient for the tourists. There are many places for sightseeing in Sirpur. Maharaj Indrabal Rajamahal Parisar Marg opens doors to Surang Tila which is a historical landmark of importance. Made of grey sandstone that gives a calm look on a hot summer day this place is host to the largest Buddhist Vihar. The architecture is believed to be from 6 Century A.D. There is a Shiva Temple with four Shiva Lings here of colors white, black, red, and yellow. Sirpur has a Lakshman Mandir dedicated to Lord Vishnu with fine intricacies and marvelous architecture.
2. Chitrakote Waterfalls
Famous as the ‘Niagara Falls of India’, this is the widest waterfall in India. Cottages are made by Chhattisgarh Tourism for staying the night here. The best part about these cottages is that they are located right in front of the waterfall and one can truly experience the beauty of nature here. Several stairs take you to the river coast from where boats are provided with life jackets to go to the waterfall.
3. Kanger Ghati National Park
Located amidst the 34-km-long Kanger Valley, it is one of the most picturesque national parks of India. It was declared as a national park by the government of India in 1982. It is very dense and known for its biodiversity. A huge number of flora and fauna species inhabit here. It is home to almost 553 floral species and 532 species of fauna, many of which are rare.
4. Chingitarai Haat Bazaar
Coming down to the culture and old ways, this place in Jagdalpur, Bastar District is very different from any other village culture. It is mainly due to the majority of tribal people and their difference in a tradition that has been long ongoing from the past. Chingitarai Haat Bazaar is a local bazaar of the district which will look very interesting to an outsider. It starts on a Sunday midday and lasts only 2 hours. The intriguing factor about this Bazaar is that the barter system is still prevalent here. People from different villages come over and exchange goods. To experience a rich tribal culture is a must-visit!
5. Tirathgarh Waterfalls
Being the second most famous waterfall of Chhattisgarh, this waterfall has a very different vibe than Chitrakote. It has a step texture behind the fall that makes it protrude towards the outside and look many times beautiful.
6. Tribal Dance
There are many places in Chitrakote and Bastar District where one can experience watching live tribal dance. Gond tribe that lives near the waterfall performs its tribal Gond dance for tourists. It expresses their deeply cherished customs. Another tribe is Bison-horn Maria Tribe which is famous for its men wearing buffalo horns and dancing. They form a prominent subgroup of the Gond tribe. Bison is a kind of buffalo in Jagdalpur from where their name comes. Colorful beads and clothes, tribal jewellery and their welcoming nature make them renowned.
7. Mahanadi, Gandal
Around a 4-hour drive from Chitrakote ends at Gandal where one can experience the beach vibe along the coast of Mahanadi. Mahanadi is a major river in east-central India that stretches for about 858 kilometers. This place offers motorboat riding which adds to all the thrill and adrenaline. You can enjoy the sunset here with your loved ones. The best part about Gandal is that there are cottages to stay overnight so one can enjoy the river with the beach vibe early morning also. Majorly if you’re looking for a relaxing evening to enjoy the water and its humming sound, this is the place for you!
8. Satrenga, Korba
Satrenga is a part of the Hasdeo river and is also known as the mini Goa of Chhattisgarh. Hasdeo river is huge and is believed to have drowned 36 villages. That justifies the reason for it being huge and having many islands. Motorboats are provided to take the visitors to the island. The beauty of these islands cannot be described. The rocks and the sand at the coast giving it a Hawaiian beach vibe is a must to see for yourself!
9. Bagicha, Jashpur
Although numerous places can be visited here, we may not be able to talk about them all. So we are going to leave it on you to visit this amazing place in Chhattisgarh. Khudiya Rani is a place in Bagicha where waterfalls and caves are astounding. The cave is dark and natural with water flowing inside it making it an adventurous experience. Rajpuri waterfall is another beauty to visit. It is located at a solace place with very few visitors. One can feel close to nature in this rocky antique vibe with a lot of peace and nature besieging. Jashpur is also called the Scotland of Chhattisgarh due to its country-side energy.
10. Kunkuri, Jashpur
Asia’s second-largest and India’s largest church Kunkuri has the capacity to hold about 10,000 people.
11. Desh Dekha Mountain
This mountain top is also famous as a picnic and camping spot in Jashpur. It makes one feel as if in heaven. The best time to visit this spot is winter so as to actually be above clouds.
So next time you must plan a visit to such an amazing and underexplored part of the country!
