Spring Water

Bentjharan is a spring of water which has resulted in creation of a patch of dense greenery in a small patch. Bentjharan name is made of two letters "Bent" and "Jharan where "Bent" is a name of plant or tree found mostly in this patch and "Jharan" means source of water. The place is awesome in terms of calmness and beauty that it portrays. So, this means Chhattisgarh Tourism has also got a Spring in its belt.

Bentjharan is located about 36 km away from Jagdalpur near a village known as Jaitgiri in Bakawand Block. The best part about this place is one can visit this any time of the year. There is also a very famous and old Temple 12km away from Bentjharan known as Jaitgiri Temple. People from distant places come to visit the Temple.When i was first time going to visit Bentjharan i had no idea about it. One moment i was in a pace surrounded by dry land with a little sign of greenery but after hardly 7-8 min i was surrounded by dense bunch of trees. Then there was a temple which is usual for most of the tourist places in Chhattisgarh. The whole area is surrounded by greenery making me feel that we are totally in a new world.There were a lot of trees arising from the spring of water creating a swamp. These types of trees are never seen by me i don't have the picture to show you. But they are beautiful and amazing to see, the place has also many different type of plants. The trees here are very large and you can find a large number of bats are inhabiting in these trees. There are few beautiful termite mounds (Deemak ki Bambi) about 6ft tall and are nice to see.

Bentjharan can be nice pick for having picnic. Children can have lot of fun, but one has to be careful as one can easily find snakes and poisonous insects in the area. I think Chhattisgarh Tourism should put more effort to develop this place. Villagers nearby are cutting trees regularly which is a danger for beauty of this area. which should be prevented.

One can easily spend hours sitting in Bentjharan and analyzing its beauty. Bentjharan is calm, quite, amazing and one of its own kind. Hope you enjoy reading blog i will try to provide more information on Chhattisgarh ie. Chhattisgarh Facts, Chhattisgarh Cultures, Chhattisgarh Tourism, Chhattisgarh Nature so do keep visiting and provide your valuable comments this will keep me motivated.

Want to know more about Chhattisgarh,read my post on Gulmi and Bhainsa Darha of Chhattisgarh...

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Goriyapal The Tribal Village

Goriyapal (The Tribal Village)
by Jitendra Nakka

In the fairy tales, you would have heard about voyage of adventurous valleys and mountains of some places. Let me tell you sometimes dreams come true. Way back, to the south of State of Chhattisgarh, in the district of Bastar, we can find one such a place. It is called Kanger Valley National Park. This park being a shelter for lot of flora and fauna, supports a lot of tribes who are the inhabitants of the place from their primitive life. One such habitat of this tribes is GORIYAPAL, which is a Van Gram (forest village).

When and How To Reach?

The Kanger Valley National park , being the most desirable project of Chhattisgarh, as the government want to develop it as the third biggest Butterfly park of India, invites a lot of tourists from all part of the country and world. Its head quarter, Jagdalpur is directly connected to Hyderabad(NH-16) and Raipur(NH-43) by Bus Route. It is also connected to Vishakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar by train route.

For reaching Goriyapal, one should contact the District Forest office for the permission and tickets of the route of Kailash Caves (that’s another wonderful gift of Kanger valley) as it has been considered as a reserved forest area. Goriyapal lies to the South-Eest of the District Head Quarter, Jagdalpur, nearly 29 kilometers away from it, on the way of Kailash Caves in Kanger Valley National Park.

Tourists can have their lodging and boarding at Jagdalpur. Here a lot of hotels are available with good lodging facilities like Hotel Aakanksha, Hotel Rainbow, Hotel Atithi, Hotel Devansh Residency.

Photo : Courtyards of the huts of the Village (Photograph by : Jitendra Nakka)

This National Park and the village Goriyapal is best approachable in the month of summers and winters between November to June.

Salient Features:

As the Kanger Valley National Park is conserved as the reserve forest, and covers the areas of Machkote, Jagdalpur and Darbha forest ranges, this national Park is full of God’s gifts like steep and gentle mountains, beautiful valleys, inviting rivers, the cascades and rapids of waterfalls, a plenty of flora and fauna and a everlasting greenery. It also serves the purpose of shelter and adaptation for one of the most primitive and rarer schedule tribe of Bastar and India. One such tribe is the Dhurwa tribe, who like to live only on the Bank of River Shabri (which flows in the South-East border of Bastar Division) and like to live in the Van Gram (forest village) of Goriyapal.

Photo: A Dhurwa House (Photograph by: Jitendra Nakka)
The village, being in the south of Kanger valley is actually a depressed low-land or better to say, a valley like region, surrounded by mounts or hills from all the sides of village. The people are so innocent as they still maintain their primitive customs and traditions. The products from the forests are the chief source of earning their livelihood. As we know, Bastar has got its name for its fame of abundance of Bamboo trees (called Bans in Hindi), the major occupation of the native villagers is the preparation of Bamboo and other forest products.

Photo: A Dhurwa Woman making Patri (also called as Pattal) which we normally know as plates made of leaves (generally teak leaves are used) (Photograph by: Jitendra Nakka)

Photo: A Dhurwa man starting to prepare buckets and charts ( called Tookni and Chataayi in the local language by native villagers.) (Photograph by: Jitendra Nakka)

Agriculture:

As gifted by the God, nature has provided this village all the fundamental facilities. Even being away from the direct contact of any river source, the village is provided with a good amount of ground water which is in confined condition, so the villagers there, enjoy water as they are in semi-artesian condition.

This water condition, serves better for the sloping depressed lands for the natural growth of Sarso plants as meadows. They basically cultivate the crops of paddy and other local vegetables.

Photo: Sloping Meadows of Sarso Plants (Photograph by: Jitendra Nakka)

Photo: Sloping Meadows of Sarso Plants (Photograph by: Jitendra Nakka)

Photo: Origin of Confined ground water (behind the Dhurwa boy)

Photo: A Dhurwa woman caring her son

(Photograph by: Jitendra Nakka)

Some other posts you can have a look are  Tribal Culture and Tribal Community of Chhattisgarh...

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Tribe Community

The post gives an general introduction about various tribes of Chhattisgarh. Each of the tribes have different culture, traditions, beliefs i.e. altogether different lifestyle. Chhattisgarh can be developed as a hub for Tribal Tourism as it has diversified cultures and traditions. Chhattisgarh inhabits tribes living from centuries whose practices are still the same and are not affected by modernization hence the culture is preserved.

The Tribe

There are various tribal Castes in Chhattisgarh as:-

Gonds:-also identified as Koytorias are the most popular, oldest and largest tribal group of central India. There inhabitant is in dense forest in Southern Bastar District. They are well known for Ghotul System of Marriges. They depend on agriculture, forestry, hunting, fisheries. The term Gond comes from Telgu word "Kond" which meaning hill. The three principal sub-caste of Gonds are Dorla, Maria and Murla Races.

Abhuj Maria:- one of the primitive races which are aloof from the changes in modern society, they live in the area known as Abhujmar. The area is covered by dense forest, the tribes are of ferocious nature and keep themselves at a distance from mankind. I came to know that they cover themselves with Lion Cloth and might directly shoot arrows on strangers. Let me tell you they live in most dangerous and unexplored areas of Chhattisgarh.

Bison Horn Maria:- located in the south of Indravati River i.e. the lifeline for Bastar. The tribes wore Bison Horn Headgear in the dances and rituals. They worship Earth as Deity and hence depends upon the collection of food from forest, also for agriculture they use stones as there tools as they dont want hurt mother Earth.

The Tribe

Muria:- live in open valleys unlike Abhuj Maria, Gonds. They are also located in Bastar, They grow rice for food and also depend on forest resources. The people also practice dark magic and wizadry.

Halba:- These tribes are dispersed all over Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgaria, Bastariya and Maratia are three sub-clans of the Halba Tribes. The tribes are primarily farmers.

Bhatra:- The tribes are located in Bastar and Raipur District. They rank 1st here in terms of social hierarchy.

Dhurvaa:- The tribes are located in Bastar. they are caste cautious and are in terms with the people of equal status. The tribes depend on agriculture and are good craftsman made of forest products and cane.

The above are the major tribes of Chhattisgarh with some general information. I am sure the post will surely compel you to explore and research more about tribes of Chhattisgarh. 

Some other posts you can have a look are  Tribal Culture and Tribal Village...

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Tribal Culture

Tribal Culture of Chhattisgarh is not only well known in India but also in the world. Tribes of Chhattisgarh inhabit in the dense forest are living from centuries and are known for there Cultures, Superstitious and Traditions. There are various tribal groups in Chhattisgarh which are different from each other in lifestyle, traditions and culture. Bastar is largest tribal district of Chhattisgarh with one-third of its population as tribes which constitutes about 26.6% of tribal population of Chhattisgarh.

Tribes

The tribes of Chhattisgarh are known for there dances, the music, the traditions, lifestyle. They differ on there eating habits, rituals, dialects etc. Even financially the tribes are very poor and considered backwards but there is no effect of this on them as they are very fun loving and have there own means of enjoyment. The tribes can be differentiated by the cloths, ornaments, dialects.

Tribe Dance

Dusherra is the main festival of the tribes. If one to get glimpse of tribal culture, one should come in the time of Dusherra ie. September-October. The Dusherra festival is different from that of North India and no Ravana is burnt here. However a beautiful (Chariot) Rath decorated with flowers is prepared and pulled by the tribes. All the tribes gather at the Danteshwari temple at Dantewada to worship Danteshwari Mata. The festival reflects colour of tribal culture, the rituals, the dances, the music, the women decorated with ornaments and traditional cloths all at one place. This is a must watch!!!

Tribal Marraige

Each of the chhattisgarh tribes have a different culture and traditions. For discovering diversified cultures and traditions Chhattisgarh is the most suited and preffered locations for you. In my opinion Chhattisgarh is the best location for tribal tourism in India.

Also Read my post on Tribal Village and Famous Bastar Dussehra (Tribal Festival) of Chhattisgarh.... 

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Chhattisgarh

This is the first post of my blog Quest Chhattisgarh, the blog will be dealing on Chhattisgarh Information, Chhattisgarh Culture, Chhattisgarh Tourism, Chhattisgarh Nature and Chhattisgarh Facts well Chhattisgarh is one of the states in India and is located in central India. This post will let you know how the name "Chhattisgarh" came into picture or the various notions prevailing for the existance of this name.


These are various popular names of Chhattisgarh:-


Dakshin Kosala:- Chhattisgarh's Ancient Name:- All inscription, literary works and the accounts of foreign travelers, call this region Kosala of Dakshin Kosala.


Mahakosala:- Available evidence are there that later the region was known as Mahakosala.


Ratanpur Territory:- Mughals used to name Chhattisgarh as Ratanpur Territory.


Chhattisgarh:- The word "Chhattisgarh" was popularized during the Maratha period and was first used in an official document in 1795.


These are some interesting explanations about the naming of Chhattisgarh:-


A British Chronicler, J.B. Beglar provides and interesting story explaining the origins of the name Chhattisgarh. It becomes very relevant in the context of contemporary caste consciousness and the caste configuration of the region. According to Beglar "the real name is Chhattisghar and not Chhattisgarh. There is a tradition saying that ages ago about the time of Jarasandha, thirty six families of dalits (leather workers) emigrated southwards from Jarasandha's kingdom and established themselves in country, which after them is called "Chhattisgarh".


Another common explanation regarding the origins of the name Chhattisgarh is that it denotes the number of forts in the region, which are supposed to be thirty six in number. However, experts do not agree with this explanation, as thirty-six forts cannot be identified in the region.


Some experts and historians believe that Chhattisgarh is the corrupted form of “Chedisgarh” or the political seat of Chedis.


So much mysteries and reasoning behind the name "Chhattisgarh" only but me let you know there are many mysteries and facts about the various aspects of Chhattisgarh which i will uncover with my postings so enjoy!!!! reading and believe me Chhattisgarh is full of surprises...

Want to know more about Chhattisgarh,read my post on Chhattisgarh Mineral Resources and Tribal Communities of Chhattisgarh...

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Kanger Dhara

Kanger Dhara

There are many parts of India, which are still so undiscovered, so untouched, so unexplored. Being a newly formed state and coming under the central province, Chhattisgarh is the most untouched state of India.

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For the scope of adventure and tourism, Chhattisgarh is the most promising state of Central India, as it has the natural gifts of the districts like Sarguja, and Bastar, which represents the tourism of Chhattisgarh in the whole country and world.

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In the south of Chhattisgarh, lies the district of Bastar which has been given incredible beauty of nature by God in the form of Kanger Valley National Park. This Kanger Valley is embraced and bestowed by many beautiful caves and waterfalls. One such waterfall is KANGER DHARA.

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(Photographed by: Jitendra Nakka)

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When and How to Reach?

The Kanger Valley National Park lies to the South of District Head Quarter, Jagdalpur, nearly 36 kilometers away from it. As it is directly connected from District Head Quarter, Jagdalpur, we can reach here by bus route directly i.e. from Hyderabad (NH-16), and from Raipur via Jagdalpur (NH-43). By train route, the district Head Quarter is directly connected to Bhubaneswar and Vishakhapatnam. For reaching Kanger Dhara, one should get the concerned permission and tickets from the District Forest Office. This helps us to hire any guide officially. This facility is provided by the Forest office at Forest Barrier at the start of Kanger Valley. Reaching 6 kilometers inside, we can refresh ourselves at the beautiful rest house of Kanger valley, from where the Kanger Dhara Water Falls is just 3 kilometers away.

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Photo: Entrance of Kanger Valley National Park

The best season for reaching this park is from winters up to summers, after which the park closes for the tourist from the beginning of Monsoons in the month of July, but as obvious, waterfall can be best viewed in the rainy season, we can also enjoy it at the beginning of winters.

Salient Features:

Being in the laps of Kanger Valley, Kanger Dhara waterfalls is actually produced in the Kanger River due to presence of undulating rocks present there. Geologists suggest that the respective area was a sedimentary terrain, later intruded by Igneous rock bodies, due to which, the area has got such folded structures.

Just at the beginning of the downstream of Kanger river, when the river falls from undulating folded rocks, present a magnificent view of small cascades of water fall, which forms beautiful Kanger Dhara.

(Photographed by: Jitendra Nakka)

Guys, It’s a suggestion to all of you who want to enjoy your holiday trip to Kanger Dhara, go with a lot of food and drinks, ‘coz you can’t resist yourself by breaking your body by tiredness and fatigue, ‘coz that will surely be an adventurous trip for you. .Myself, being a geology student, do invite you to get the best of Kanger Dhara, as it is a geological paradise.

                                             (Photographed by: Jitendra Nakka) 

Want to know more about Chhattisgarh,read my post on Kanger Valley National Park and Kutumsar Caves of Chhattisgarh...

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Bhainsa Darha, Lake, Crocodile, Forest, Kanger Valley, Chattisgarh, Nature

Bainsa Darha beautiful lake located in Kanger Valley National Park in Chhattisgarh State. Not a bit less beautiful as compared to famous spots of Chhattisgarh like Chitrakot fall, Tirathgarh fall or the caves. Chhattisgarh Tourism Board should highlight this place as it has everything to become an awesome tourist destination. I have tagged Bhainsa Darha as a place of Adventure, Danger & Gracefulness of Nature. The reason being:-


Adventure:- Going through the forest where the sunlight cannot reach easily.


Danger:- Danger lies in the way as the roads are not good and Crocodiles are there in lake, with no security persons, So enter at your own Risk also " No Mobile Coverage".


Graceful:- A lake gracefully sitting in lush greenery surrounded by mountains and bamboo forest depicting the beauty of nature in its divine form.

How to Reach:-

To visit Bhainsa Darha, one will have to reach to jagdalpur. Jagdalpur is in Chhattisgarh and is connected by bus to Raipur and Hyderabad, and by train to Vishakhapatnam. Bhainsa Darha is 65 Km away from Jagdalpur and lies in Kanger Valley National Park which is the host for famous tourism spots like Tirathgarh Fall, Kutumsar Cave and Kailash Gufa. It takes a drive of about two hour to reach Bhainsa Darha. The best time to visit is during winter season. Remember during Rainy Season Roads are closed. It is risky to go on bike as roads are not good. Its a dense forest so if vehicle got punctured then no one will be there to help you. Also no mobile coverage. So you are trapped.Always prefer 4 wheeler especially going with family.

Visit to Bhainsa Darha

The roads are at terrible condition, let me make clear when i say road then you will find some area without grass which will give you indication where to move.There are big rocks lying on road, the roots of big trees can also be found blocking the roads. The road is full of up and down, so be careful while driving. The slopes are so scary that at one instant it can take your bike speed above 70km without accelerating and it goes on increasing unless you apply the brakes which you obviously have to. And at some places you have to accelerate the bike at first gear and still you might find difficult to take on the bike. The max speed you may achieve is 20 km. So the road is actually cool for Bike riders with no workshops nearby. And yeah take a mask and wear dirty cloths as dust will be throughout the way. I have suffered so better you don't. Chhattisgarh Tourism should take step to improve the roads so  more and more people can enjoy the beauty of the lake.

But going through forest where the sunlight is not able to penetrate, is truly an experience one should have. Beginning with huge Sal trees later Bamboo forest. The thick bamboo forest will truly scare you. Go early in the morning would be the best option. Also pack the food as you will not find anything there. Reach Early Leave early.... .

You will have no idea of the lake moments before you reach the lake as its hidden by thick forest. Its crystal clear water of kanger River lying still with no ripples as if it is saying you have all the time in the world. Telling you to be calm and keep enjoying the moment. Its surrounded by mountains with thick greenery from all sides. The watch tower is situated at Bhainsa Darha gives an awesome view of lake. The thick bamboo forest  The place has crocodiles and tortoise so enter at your own risk. Better not to visit with kids or elder people.

Those people who know meditation will surely love this place to sit and meditate. Lakes like Bhainsa Darha are surely difficult to find as it is untouched by human influence and is in its pure form. Located in middle of forest and surrounded by mountains. Crocodiles roaming freely as if they are claiming its there lake. Difficulty to reach easily also gives a sense of accomplishment. So many emotions gets evolved after visiting the lake. You will surely feel happy after visiting the Lake.

Its sorry to say but i don't have any pictures of Bhainsa Darha, so if you get any or have any do send it to me. I will put the picture of Bhainsa Darha in this post mentioning your name. Also do comment in the post so that it keeps me improving and motivated to reveal more aspects of Chhattisgarh State.

Want to know more about Chhattisgarh,read my post on Kanger Valley National Park and Kanger Dhara Lake of Chhattisgarh...

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Chhattisgarh Mineral Resources

Chhattisgarh is known for its mineral resources not only in India but also in the world. Chhattisgarh is one of the richest state in terms of mineral resources. Chhattisgarh is not only source of many minerals but also provides very high potential for exploration of new mineral deposits. This post is an effort to make people aware of economic potential that Chhattisgarh possess and is related on facts and information about Chhattisgarh.

Facts about Mineral Deposits in Chhattisgarh:

1. About 28 varieties of minerals are found in Chhattisgarh.

2.. Chhattisgarh is known for its Bulk minerals as well as Rare minerals.
Bulk Minerals include:- Iron Ore, Coal, Dolomite, Limestone Bauxite etc.
Rare Mimeals Include:- Diamond, Cassiterite Corundum etc.

3. One of the best quality of iron-ore is found here in the mines of Bailadila and are exported to Japan.

4. Chhattisgarh accounts for about 16% of mineral production of India.

The map points to the major mineral deposits of Chhattisgarh:-

Mineral Resource Map

The following figure shows the contribution of Chhattisgarh mineral resources as percentage of India's Consumption:-

Data 2007-08

Also the following figure shows the rank of mineral production in India for various mineral resources.

Data 2007-08

The following are the mineral resources found at various districts of Chhattisgarh:

RAIPUR : Limestone, diamond, alexandrite, garnet, dolomite, granite,

MAHASAMUND : Gold fluorite

DURG : Iron ore, lime stone, dolomite, quartzite

RAJNANDGAON : Iron ore, lime stone, fluorite, quartz, granite

KAWARDHA : Bauxite, lime stone

BILASPUR : Dolomite, lime stone

JANJGIR : Lime stone, dolomite

KORBA : Bauxite, coal

RAIGARH : Lime stone, coal quartzite

KORIA : Coal, fire clay

BASTAR : Lime stone, dolomite, tin ore, diamond

DANTEWADA : Iron ore, Corrundum

KANKER : Iron ore, bauxite


The rocks found in this area are yet in the process of exploration and traces of various minerals have been found thus increasing the possibility of other mineral reserves to be found. There are a large number of mines present in Chhattisgarh and provides possibility of many more. Chhattisgarh because of Coal reserves have already become power hub. All this factors taken into account clearly indicates the economic importance of Chhattisgarh for the development of the Country.

Want to know more about Chhattisgarh,read my post on Chhattisgarh Name and Tribal Communities of Chhattisgarh...

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