Trying to Find Inner Peace? Visit Chhattisgarh

When it comes to traveling across the length and breadth of India, Chhattisgarh is probably not the first place that comes to your mind. But guess what? That’s what makes this central Indian state perfect for travel, if you’re doing it for the right reasons. It separates the tourist from the traveller. And you know what’s the best part? Chhattisgarh offers a wide range of destination options, for different kinds of travellers. Simply put, there’s something here for everyone. But most importantly, this place is a must for those wanting to escape the baggage of noise an urban lifestyle inevitably comes equipped with.

The Land Of Waterfalls

Tourists in India usually think of Karnataka, Meghalaya or Himachal Pradesh when it comes to waterfalls, but a genuine traveller knows there’s more to India than what the typical guidebook says. Waterfalls are more than mere tourist spots, they are nature’s very own examples of how there is beauty in imperfection. And the multiple waterfalls in Chhattisgarh prove just that. Chitrakoot Falls, is located 50 km from Jagdalpur, in the Bastar district, and 273 km from Raipur. River Indravati flows down perennially from the Vindhya mountain ranges and gives rise to Chitrakoot, which is horseshoe-shaped and is a major natural attraction, especially during the monsoons. It is the widest waterfall in India and is often referred to as the Niagara Falls of India.

While Chitrakoot is known for its girth, Tirathgarh waterfalls is more step-like, as a single drop falls over 299 ft. And the best part? They also provide a boat service, so interested parties can get very close to the base of the fall.

Diverse Wildlife

Speaking of Tirathgarh Falls, we can’t help but highlight the beauty of Kanger Valley National Park, through which you have to pass to reach Tirathgarh. As you enter the area that spans roughly 200 sq. km, you will find yourself surrounded by the virgin forests naturally lined with tall Sal trees. Untouched and unbent, Kanger Valley National Park is a bird watcher’s delight, so make sure you have those binoculars handy. The whole untampered quality of this area is something you might experience all over Bastar, a truly underrated gem if you’re searching for a place to lose yourself for a while, allow your senses to wander and let your mind relax.

If you’re looking for your very own Jungle Book experience, you can visit the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, which supports diverse wildlife such as sloth bears, jackals, leopards, four-horned antelopes, striped hyenas, chinkara, barking deer, porcupine, gaur and bison. The sanctuary does not have any resident tiger population, but you can catch them migrating from one path of forest to another within the state. This is also the place which houses what is perhaps the last remaining pure breed of wild Asiatic buffalo.

If your travels take you to Bilaspur district in Chhattisgarh, do make it a point to spare a day to experience the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, which houses about 26 tigers, as of last count. Best time to visit would be early mornings, which is when most animals can be seen quenching their thirst near watering holes.

Historical Monuments Aplenty

The state of Chhattisgarh might have officially come into existence in the year 2000, but the history of the land dates back to the Mahabharata. Back then this area along with some parts of Odisha was known as Dakshin Kosala. Which is why it’s not surprising that Chhattisgarh is dotted with monuments from the past making it a must-visit destination for history buffs.

The famous Bhoramdeo Temple is located in the Kabirdham district and was built sometime during the 7th to 11th century AD by King Ramchandra of the Nag Dynasty. The Gond people, a tribe native to this part of the country, address Lord Shiva as Bhoramdeo, which is how the temple gets its name.

Also, in the Kabirdham district, you can drop in at the Kawardha Palace, a treasure trove of breath-taking scenery and a reminder of India’s rich cultural heritage. It was built in the 1930s by Maharaj Dharamraj Singh using the best Italian marble and stone. As of now, it’s more of a private guest house than a hotel. Once inside, you can also check out details about the founding of Kawardha in 1751, which remained a princely state up until the 1930s.

Devrani and Jethani temples are another remarkable historical place in Chhattisgarh. In Tala region, these two temples are located right next to each other. They owe their names to their dimensions. One of the temples is slightly bigger and is christened Jethani meaning elder sister in law, while the other one is relatively smaller and is called Devrani. These temples have been named so by the villagers who live nearby.

In Bastar, besides visiting the various tourist attractions of the region, you could choose to know more about the tribal culture in the region. In that endeavour, do make it a point to check the Maria Menhirs. They are monumental stones that were erected by the Maria tribe to show respect to the dead.

Having read this, you can pretty much see how much Chhattisgarh has to offer for any kind of traveller. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, natural attractions or are a history lover, this magnificent state will not disappoint you. But do not for a moment think that Chhattisgarh is only for those who like a slow pace when traveling. If you’re a fan of extreme sports, you don’t have to think twice before heading to Gangrel Dam, one of the largest ones in the state. Not only does it offer a breath-taking panoramic view of the structure, but also has provisions for water sports like water bikes and speedboats.

So, what are you waiting for? Just book your tickets to Chhattisgarh already!