Barnawapara Sanctuary
After Breakfast started for Barnawapara Sanctuary (225 kms 5 hrs) by road. Checked in at Eco Resort Mohda of Chhattisgarh Tourism Board. Enjoyed the serene forest facing water body from your balcony.
Chitrakote Water Falls
Next day, after breakfast, checked out of Eco resort and start for
Jagdalpur by road (380 kms/ 5 Hrs.).
Explored en-route an ancient destination, the 7th century archaeological Buddhist site once a cluster of small villages, place called Sirpur situated on the River banks of Mahanadi. Enjoyed the beautiful country side and the lush green forests.
At Jagdalpur we stayed at
The Chitrakote Log Huts |
| The Chitrakote Log Huts. Behind is Chitrakote Falls |
The Chitrakote waterfalls
After lunch and some rest, headed to explore most scenic in India-The Chitrakote waterfalls. It was a mesmerizing beauty! One of the best waterfalls. Late in the evening there were floodlights on the waterfall it was once in a lifetime experience!
Kanger Valley National Park
 |
| Enterence |
 |
| Teerathgarh waterfalls |
Next day started for the Kanger Valley National Park (48 kms / 1 hr). En route visited the Bastar Hill Myna at the Forest School at Jagdalpur.
The Bastar Hill Myna is an endangered species and can mimic human voice. After arriving at Kanger Valley National Park we visited another awesome waterfall- the refreshing seven tier Teerathgarh waterfalls.
In the evening explored the local markets on foot and visited the Danteshwari Devi temple at the Bastar Palace.
During the course of our trip and particularly at Jagdalpur which was in the district of Bastar, had an opportunity to mingle with people from different ancient tribes.
I was impressed with the district of Bastar!The spiritual forests, exceptional species, thick bamboo trees, soaring mountains, peaceful flowing rivers, breathtaking lush green valleys, mysterious caves, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and the beautiful huts built by the tribes, all of this will fill your heart and soul with surprise and bliss. It is often said that there are so many places in Bastar which are yet to be explored.
Untouched and untroubled by technological advancement, Bastar’s forests are packed with wildlife adventure that includes tiger, bear, leopard, deer, panther, wild boar, jackals, hyena, crocodiles, chinkara, black buck, sambhar, and thousands of bird species. With 3 wildlife national parks and 11 wildlife sanctuaries Bastar is home to some exotic varieties of species.
The experience was unforgettable!Tribal experience
 |
| Tribal girls of Chhattisgarh |
To speak about the Tribal Culture in Chhattisgarh, each of the tribes possesses its own rich history and culture. Their various forms of dance, music, dress and food are different from each other. The chief of a tribe is called the 'Sarpanch', who acts as the main adviser and mediator during disputes and other important matters.
If you want more insights about the Tribal Culture in Chhattisgarh, India you can visit the Memory Pillars of Gamawada in Dantewada, Maria Menhirs in Bastar and Anthropological Museum in Bastar.The Bell Metal Art
On our return to Raipur we visited local markets. Apart from handicrafts creatively designed on ageless things like stone, metal, bamboo, glass, wood etc, what amazed us was
Bell Metal art! Customary utensils and beautiful articles created by artists of Chhattisgarh are found in every household, such as table lamps, worship idols, beautiful crockery etc. Beautiful lamps and lamp-stands are used during the worship of deities. Even the simple apparatus used in the everyday life such as glasses, kitchen knife, food scissors, potato masher, water vessel, are all interesting works of bell metal craft. The artifacts made out of metal and other precious artwork are so inspiring and splendid that they are valued by ordinary people and imperial families alike. People of Chhattisgarh have an artistic inclination in the tribal art; you have got to see it to experience it.
We took around 10 days to complete the above itinerary which in opinion could be of a month or on a tight schedule, of 7 days.
http://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g297594-Activities-Chhattisgarh.htmlThe best time to visit is from October to March
With a heavy heart I returned to Mumbai and my friends to Delhi
Raipur By Air
Flights to Raipur will be available regularly, and the city houses one of the most important airports in the state – the Raipur airport. This airport has frequent flights to many destinations (locally) including Delhi, Kolkata, Indore and Bhopal. Flights will also be available to Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneshwar and Hyderabad. Flight fares from the city of Mumbai to Raipur will range around Rs 6098, and they can also go up till Rs 6467. Flights from New Delhi to Raipur will charge fares of around Rs 7232.
Trains to Raipur
Starting Station | Train | Arrival at Raipur | Service Days |
Chennai (MAS) 1 more train | | 06:25 PM(duration: 21h 15m) | Mon |
Delhi (NDLS) 5 more trains | | 10:05 AM(duration: 18h 20m) | Tue & Sat |
Mumbai (CSTM) 8 more trains | | 05:50 AM(duration: 18h 45m) | Sun |
| | 04:05 PM(duration: 19h 30m) | All Days |