Kanger Valley National Park

Ancient Forest of Sal Trees, beautiful waterfalls, mystical mountains, hidden caves, rich Flora and fauna, endangered species collectively have contributed in formation of this beautiful National Park. Kanger Valley National Park or Kanger Ghati National Park derives it name from Kanger River which flows through it. Kanger Valley National Park was formed in the year 1992 It has so many places to see that it can be said as the heart of Bastar Tourism. Kanger Valley National Park will surely play a vital role in Chhattisgarh Tourism in coming years.

How To Reach:

To visit Kanger Valley National Park, one will have to reach to jagdalpur. in Bastar district Jagdalpur is connected by bus to Raipur and Hyderabad, and by train to Vishakhapatnam. Kanger Valley National Park is 35 Km away from Jagdalpur. It takes a drive of about an Hour.

Best Time to Visit

The Park opens at 8o'clock and entry is stopped at 4 o'clock in evening. It is open throughout the week. Its better to go early in morning and visiting the places like Kutumsar Cave, Kailash Cave and Bhainsa Darha while the evening can be used to visit Tirathgarh Falls. The entry fee for bike is Rs. 50 and for Four-Wheeler is Rs 150. The best time to visit is September onwards. During rainy season many caves and Bhainsa Darha lake is closed.

Flora and Fauna - Kanger Valley National Park

Flora in the park chiefly comprises of mixed moist deciduous type of forests with predominance of Sal, Teak and Bamboo trees. In fact, the Kanger Valley is the only region in the Peninsular India where one of the last pockets of virgin and untouched forests still left.

Major Wildlife of the Kanger Valley National Park are the Tigers, Leopards, Mouse Deer, Wild Cat, Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, Jackals, Langurs, Rhesus Macaque, Sloth Bear, Flying Squirrel, Wild Boar, Striped Hyena, Rabbits, Pythons, Cobra, Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards and Snakes to name a few. The avian fauna at the Park includes Hill Myna, Spotted Owlet, Red Jungle Fowls, Racket-tailed Drongos, Peacocks, Parrots, Steppe Eagles, Red Spur Fall, Phakta, Bhura Teeter, Tree Pie and Heron among many others.

Tourist Attractions of Kanger Valley National Park

Tirathgarh Fall:

Tirathgarh Fall as said in title can be claimed as "Milky Fall" because of its white colour it looks like milk is falling. The Tirathgarh fall is very beautiful as one can see in the following picture. Tirathgarh is surrounded by greenery as it is located in the forest which enhances the beauty of the fall.

Kutumsar Cave:

known for stalactite and stalagmite formations. Some tell that Kutumsar cave is largest natural cave in the world, some say it is largest cave in Asia and is seventh largest cave in the world. There are various rumors about the length of the cave. But let me tell you, whatever will be the true fact one thing is for sure u will enjoy the visit to Kutumsar!!

Kailash Gufa: Similar to Kutumsar but located at top of mountain, it has got big chambers and stones which gives musical sound. It is small as compared to Kutumsar but beautiful in its own way.

Bhainsa Darha: Lake on 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.

Kanger Dhara: A cool picnic spot, people can spend time and can have lot of fun. Nice small cascading falls, give you enough space to take a bath and enjoy. The location also present beautiful scene of Kanger River going through the forest.

Dandak Gufa: Similar to Kutumsar Cave, one can see the stalactites and stalagmites in fantastic formations.A very beautiful cave.

All the above tourist destinations are surrounded by thick greenery and mystical mountains, adding to the beauty to each one of them. Kanger Valley National Park is on the most beautiful and best Tourist Hub for Chhattisgarh Tourism.

Want to know more about Chhattisgarh, read my post on Chitrakot Waterfall and Barsur City of Temple...

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Jagdalpur

Jagdalpur is a beautiful city located on the Banks of Indravati River in Bastar District of Chhattisgarh State in India. Jagdalpur is the headquarter of Bastar District. Jagdalpur is known for tourism places, wooden crafts, bell metal, silk cloths, festivals, tribes etc. The following map shows the location of Jagdalpur in India.

 

JAGDALPUR: 

HOW TO REACH: It takes one night to reach Jagdalpur from Raipur. Only means of transport are Buses (no Railways) so i would suggest you travel at night. Buses are comfortable and you will not feel much tired. Also one can reach by train from Vishakhaptanam.

CITY OF SQUARES: As told Jagdalpur is said to be having about 204 squares across the city within span of about 8.75 sq km which is the area of city and thus is known as City of Squares (Chourahaon ka Nagar) . Jagdalpur population is about 2,50,000 where people from across the country have settled here and has a mixed population.

NICE WEATHER: If you ever met person lived in Jagdalpur he will surely tell you that Jagdalpur has very nice weather not much heat and not much cold but surely is having lot of rains. It Rains in Summers, Winters nullifying the effect of heat and cold. People here thus find it difficult to stay at other parts of country as other places have extreme temperatures. Jagdalpur has very nice climate.

CULTURAL FACTS: Jagdalpur has been mentioned in Ramayana and Dandkarnya through which Lord Ram is said to have passed. Rishi Valmiki's Ashram is also said to be here. Bastar Dusherra is famous not only in India but in the world. Jagdalpur witnesses all the rituals of this festival.

JAGDALPUR FAMOUS STUFF: Jagdalpur is famous for the following things:-

1. Silk Cloths.

2. Wooden Handicrafts.

3. Bell-Metal Stuff.

4. Kaju.

So get ready to buy these things, they would be expensive in Market but to have cheap wooden handicraft i would suggest you to go Nagarnar Village as this is the place where handicrafts are made and are really cheap. so Enjoy Shopping!!!

JAGDALPUR ATTRACTIONS: In the city there are few places one can go for a visit:

1. Saheed Park: Nice Park to go in evening and have some chaat. Well Maintained but only good for sitting enjoying beauty of flowers.

2. Dalpat Sagar Island: Nice place to spend evening, its an island developed by tourism. board on Dalpat Sagar lake. People come enjoy and spend time overhere. Do read my post on Dalpat Sagar for further information.

3. Temples: There are many famous temples one can visit:

a. Danteshwari Mandir: well known temple.

b. Balaji Temple: must visit.

c. Jain Mandir near Akansha Hotel.

4. Anthropological Museum: located in Dharampura, Jagdalpur. Proving information about Tribal Cultures and Traditions.

JAGDALPUR TOURISM HUB: This title i have given as Jagdalpur acts as a central point for many attractive tourist destinations as:

1.  Chitrakot Waterfall: The Gorgeous Fall.

2.  Tirathgarh Fall: The Milky Fall.

3.  Tamra Ghoomar.

4.  Kutumsar Caves.

5.  Dalpat Sagar.

6.  Gulmi: The Place with Hidden Dangers.

7.  Chitradhara

8.  Bentjharan Spring.

9.  Kailash Gufa.

10.Kanger Dhara.

I have posted information on these places on my previous post. These are some well known and less known places. But i am sure these are the places worth to see and must see before u die and Chhattisgarh Tourism is putting effort to develop these places. August will be the best time to visit these places.

Jagdalpur is surely a must visit city and provides all the necessary facilities along with fabulous tourist locations. As i said Jagdalpur is a complete mix of all the stuffs in a perfectly balanced way as one will get what one wants. This was the post on Jagdalpur a effort to provide relevant information on the city. Surely i would be glad to have a feedback from you and do mention the points i have missed about Jagdalpur. Keep reading my blog!!!!

Want to know more about Chhattisgarh,read my post on Dantewada city which is known for Danteswhari Temple and Barsur which is known as city of temple of Chhattisgarh...

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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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