Chhattisgarh the Best Kept Secret of India. Photo credit: Chhattisgarh Tourism Board
And finally, I could go on a road trip to My Chhattisgarh “The Land of Surprises.” This trip was a real soul-elevating trip where every mile threw a surprise and the intrigued soul was on a roller coaster ride. And this time trip was with 9 fellow passionate travelers from #TWC2015 , supported by Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, which added a lot more fun and learning.
The excitement was at its peak, after all, I would be traveling through the region which is, it is believed, was blessed by The Lord Rama along with Laxmand and Sita, by The Lord Buddhha and also as per legends Pandawas during exile also roamed around , the region now called as Chhattisgarh, The Land of Mysteries and Surprises.
The itinerary we followed was: Raipur – Baranawapara Wild Sanctuary – Sirpur – Kanker – Chitrakote – Barsur – Dantewada – Chitrakot – Tribal Villages – Tirathgarh – Jagadalpur – Chitrakote – Kondagaon – Raipur.
For a road tripper, roads create first impression and having lived in Chhattisgarh for more than 15 years I was not sure of the road conditions. However, as we left Raipur, roads were in superb condition vouching for Chhattisgarh’s rising economic power. The excellent highway from Raipur to Bastar was my first big surprise in Chhattisgarh.
Road to the Centre
Day 1:
First day’s schedule was a Jungle Safari in dense forest reserve of Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary and followed by a night stay at Hareli Resort run by Chhattisgarh Tourism Board.
Hareli Eco Resort at Barnawapara
Verdant Jungleland of Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Small water stream flowing over the road inside the sanctuary: Added Adventure
A Pond inside Sanctuary with Dead Trees: Mesmerizing and haunting!!
Thanks to team of Chhattisgarh Tourism Board for arranging tribal dance for us which was our first peek into tribal life.
Tribal Dance by Karma Tribe
Day Two:
Day two was reserved for exploring Sirpur which is an ancient town where every unearthed stone tells a story of antiquity, of faith, of belief and of History.
Laxman Temple at Sirpur, A 7th Century AD Temple: One of the best brick temple of India
Sirpur was the capital of Dakshin Koshala under the Sarabhapuriya and Panduvanshi Rulers achieved its peak from 600 AD to 900 AD. Situated on the banks of River Mahanadi, it was an important port town with a vibrant economics.
Mahanadi River in Sirpur
A multitude of people of different faiths thronged this town and excavated ruins tell the story that every faith and religion of that era found solace at this city and thus, making this town, probably, the first cosmopolitan city of the world which was even visited by Chinese Scholar and Traveler Hiuen Tsang.
Lord Buddha: Teevardev Monestary at Sirpur
Surang Tila: The Shiva Temple, One of the highest pedestal Temple in India
We stayed at the huein Tsang Resort managed by Chhattisgath Tourism board where HH Dalai Lama have also stayed twice.
Hiuen Tsang Resort at Sirpur
His Highness Dala Lama’s words for Sirpur,
Really Amazing, The History of Sirpur Is Glorious, I Am Now Carrying The Memories of Lord Budhha From Here.
(**Sourced from a book distributed by CTB)
Day Three:
On day three we traveled all the way from Sirpur to Chitrakot which is home to india’s broadest waterfall and also the most famous tourist destination of Chhattisgarh. Even before I could see the fall, I could hear the roar that was to become the constant feature of my stay at Dandami Resort managed by CTB.
Chitrakote Fall at Twilight
Chitrakote fall, the pride of Chhattisgarh, during its peak season it is said to have 75% of the volume of the Famous Niagara Fall and thus famous as india’s Niagara.
During this journey we were hosted by the royal family of the Kanker at their Palace which they are promoting as Heritage homestay.
Kanker Palace: A Heritage Homestay
This drive of 350 KM was the longest day on the road but gave us ample time to soak in the awe-inspiring landscape and also to align our mantle receptors for the ultimate treasures of Bastar.
Landscapes punctuated with stretches of paddy field
Day four:
We went to the Ancient Town of Barsur which was the capital of Nagvanshi Rulers and it has very strange set of temples. First one was the Twin Ganesha Temple where gnaesha has taken Warrior Posture and second is Battisa Temple with 32 Pillars where there are two sanctum sanctorum of Shivlingas in one temple.
Twin Ganesha at Barsur
Another legend of Mama Bhanja took us to the temple known as Mama-Bhanja Temple. This temple has an interesting story where Mama & Bhanja (Uncle and Nephew) fought with each other over this temple and finally Bhanja won and adorned the temple with the Dead Head of his Mama!!!
In the second part of the day we went to Dantewada and day ended with a visit to the Tribal Haat where tribal and villagers walk for miles to barter and swap gossips.
Danteshwari Devi Temple at Dantewada
Tribal Haat of Bastar
Day five:
This day was reserved for the tribal life of Bastar. We were hosted by a Tribal Family and served with tribal food and specially the famed Red Ant Chutney.
Tribal Woman of Bastar
Tribal Woman of Bastar
After the tribal life we went to Tirathgarh Fall to unwind amidst the verdant nature enjoying the cascading beauty of the TIrathgarh Fall. The last lag of the one hour drive to this fall passes thru the dense Kanger Valley National Park where Kanger River creates a treat to eyes with its many tiered drop through rocks making it appear more evocative than the Chitrakote fall. However, both the falls are perfect picture postcard.
Tirathgarh Water Fall inside Kanger Valley National Park
Minimal interaction with urban counterpart has kept Bastar’s unique tradition alive and throbbing. Protective and possessive about own heritage, customs and beliefs, tribal of Bastar wears the antiquity and live it every moment.
Tribals of Bastar: Happily living traditional and natural way of life.
Day six:
For me no road trip is complete without a stop at a Dahaba and The highlight of the day’s journey was the Makri Dhaba near Kanker which is very famous among locals and also earning name among riders heading towards Bastar.
Makri Dhaba near Kanker
We reached back to Raipur from Chitrakot and met with the MD of Chhattisgarh Tourism Board. Thanks to team of CTB for exposing us to the experience called Chhattisgarh.
With Team and MD of Chhattisgarh Tourism Board
At the end, i realize that Chhattisgarh and specially Bastar is India’s best kept secret that offers perfect gateway to the concrete fatigued city dwellers with its lush green landscape, picture perfect natural scenes, history carved in each stone and hospitable tribals. And now I am raring go again and explore more at my pace all alone.
Live life…..Go Chhattisgarh!
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For more on Chhattisgarh and on my travel stories keep visiting my facebook page www.facebook.com/everythingcandid
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Related Posts:
12 Surprising & Less Known Facts About My Chhattisgarh
Go Chhattisgarh: 5 Surprises From My 5 Days Roadtrip to Chhattisgarh
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#TWC2015 #GoChhattisgarh #Mychhattisgarh #WOWCG
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That’s a lovely crisp description of your week long trip. The pictures especially the waterfall!! Fabulous.
Thanks Shilpa. Few more posts are in the making…
Nice images and excellent narrative.
Thanks alot sir. Look forward to more such appreciations.
Sir
It is really a great work
It is a great opportunity Chhattisgarh tourism has offered. I am glad you enjoyed this long trip well. The waterfalls look gorgeous. The story from the tribal village is also cool. Red ant chutney!!
Thanks Bro. It indeed was a great opportunity. Good that u like it. 🙂
Just AWESOME! Love the photos and the narration. I wish I could go for a road trip like this … someday! 🙂
Hii Moon, thanks. Aftera long time….culd see u.
Road trips are always awesome and yes Chhatisgarh offer a distinct road trip experience. Go there whenever u can….. Till then happy traveling.
Nice description of chhattisgarh specifically of Bastar, am also looking forward to write about my 8 months experience in abhujmar area.
wants to write about their respect for me all of experience that I had in 8 month being with them 24*7.
Thanks for your appreciation. Look forward to your tale of abhujhmar. I also want to visit that region….
Please share your blog detail or connect with me everythingcandid@gmail.com
Great itinerary and this part of India looks very beautiful! All your Chhattisgarh posts are eye-opening!
Thanks. It measn alot.
Chhattisgarh in itself is eye opener. A must for any bucket list. 🙂
That’s a very beautiful read trip, you saw a lot, and your pictures are really great, especially photos of people! very good, and very natural!
It was an incredible road trip in the central part of India. Thanks for dropping by and commenting. It means alot.
no problem 🙂 Take care!
Love all the photos! I feel like even a month in India isn’t enough to cover all its beauty!
You are actually right. India is a vast country and offers a lot for travelers and explorers.
Wow! I would have loved to have been there for the tribal activities! It is always so amazing seeing a culture unlike my own and being apart of those unique and amazing experiences!
You have got the essence. Thanks for the comment.
Thank you for sharing your journey to Chhattisgarh – it sounds like a really area to visit. Chitrakote Falls looks amazing!
Its a real virgin place for travelers making it a must visit.
Sounds like you had a fantastic time! It’s great that you’ve got the opportunity to do the trip 🙂
I really had an awesome time. Thanks for dropping by and to comment.
I’m stunned right now, this looks like an absolutely place to visit!!
Glad to have inspired you. Thanks.
Nice blog, love the photos. Hope to get there one day 🙂
GLad that you like them Do visit this yet to be explored place.
All these beautiful temples and waterfalls. Love your people photos.
Thanks for your inspiring comments.
Definitely going to try and copy your itinerary here – it sounds like an amazing trip. Chitrakote Fall’s look spectacular – remind me of the majestic waterfalls we saw throughout Iceland!
Going to try and copy your itinerary here – it sounds like an amazing trip. Chitrakote Fall’s look spectacular – remind me of the majestic waterfalls we saw throughout Iceland!
Wow… i am so glad that you like it. I hope your India Trip would be an awesome experience.
Sounds like a fantastic trip and you experienced so many cultural activities. 😉 Never heard of this area so glad to have learned something new.
Its still to be explored by the world travelers. Would soon be in buzz.