Handawada Waterfall

Handawada Waterfall

Introduction

Yes, it is true…Chhattisgarh is full of surprises and so the division of Bastar. Interesting to know that Chhattisgarh is one of the most undiscovered states of India, in which one of the most untouched divisions is Bastar. Mostly people think, the district of Dantewara, Bijapur and Narayanpur are known for sensitive activities only, but very few people know that these districts are the home of some of the most exotic and beautiful waterfalls, caves and valleys namely Usur waterfall, Usur caves, Tular caves, Lankapalli waterfall, Shakalnarayan cave, Bogtum waterfall, Saath-dhaar waterfall e.t.c. One such virgin waterfall is “Handawada waterfall”(also called as Milkulwada-Handawada waterfall)

 Courtsey: Om Soni

When and how to reach?

In Bastar division, Barsur (comes under Dantewada district) is considered as the ‘southern gate-way’ of the Abujhmaad mountains. Travelling on NH-16, after 77 km from Jagdalpur, comes Geedam, from where to the north just after 22kms, lies the artistic town of Barsur…From where the road crossing Saath-dhaar bridge over river Indravati goes upto Handawada(a tribal forest village), which lies 40km away from Barsur, in the block Orchha of Narayanpur district.

Courtsey: www.mapsofindia.com

But remember!!! The way after Saath-dhaar bridge is unmetalled (Kachha road) and suitable only for walk or two-wheelers. And one thing more, that you have three or more mountainous nalas, coming in the way. For the reason, that Handawada is a forest village and approach road is unmetalled, the best time to visit this place is from December till May. The Govt. is authorized to open this path from 20^th of January. For four-wheelers, summer is the best season(but be ready along with extra materials, food items as the way after saath-dhaar bridge is nearly a no-mans land path). As the area is completely covered by shaded teak(saagon) and other mixed forests, you can notice wild animals crossing along either of your road-side.

Courtsey: Om Soni

Being in Handawada……

What should I depict? Beauty has just hugged this place through the arms of nature. The whole way, you can able to hear the roaring sound of mountainous rivers, along with facing fierce sloping U and V turns….as you complete this mammoth task, you can able to see village of beautiful small huts called Handawada. In this village, the department of tribal development has established an ‘’Aashram” from where you can start hearing the humming sound of waterfall. The next 3 km of distance can be covered only by walk, ending up of which you can see this beautiful waterfall. It is considered to be one of the highest waterfalls of Bastar division. Starting from mountains and flowing as a mountainous stream, the “Goyder Nala” falls from a great height and appears like cutting the under lain rocks, and finally forming a natural lake like reservoir (kund).

Courtsey: Om Soni

Conclusion….

The Govt. should try to develop road and bridges along the way so as to develop this fall as one of the upcoming famous tourist site….The ignorance is so much that even the local people nearby don’t know about this marvel…..

It is an appeal to all of you, if you wanna discover some of the most undiscovered, most untouched part of Chhattisgarh, do visit Bastar…….if you wanna admire some of the exotic natural beauties, do visit Dantewada………….if you are a daredevil and want to enjoy an adventurous trip by praising a completely virgin waterfall………do visit HANDAWADA WATERFALL….;)

Note: A part of this citation is inspired by the facts given by Dr.Suresh Tiwari. I pay my reverence for such a great writer of this soil for writing such an interesting book called “BASTAR – Paryatan, Itihaas, aur Sanskriti”.

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Kutumsar Caves

Kutumsar Caves

Kutumsar was discovered in 1993 and is well known for stalactite and stalagmite formations. Kutumsar caves are located in Kanger valley national park. 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!!!


                                                     picture: budding of new stalactites

                                     picture: mature stalactites (people call them Giant Elephants)
How to Reach

To visit Kutumsar, one will have to reach to Jagdalpur in Bastar district. Jagdalpur is in Chhattisgarh and is connected by bus to Raipur and Hyderabad, and by train to Vishakhapatnam. Kutumsar is 40 Km away from Jagdalpur. It takes a drive of about an Hour to reach Kutumsar.

The caves are filled with water from June to august so they are closed for visit. Also one will have to pay for the tickets, the guide, for the lamps and here there is no other way to skip tickets as was in case of Tirathgarh. I would insist to bring lamps from home to visit the caves.

Being in Kutumsar:-

Ok, the cave is around 10km away from main entrance of the national park. The drive goes through thick dense forest making the drive exciting and enjoyable. You will not be able to figure out where the cave is even when you have reached the place. The view outside the cave is very good and there is a board which gives information about the various aspects of cave.

                                                         Fig: Stalactites near the last chamber

There is a narrow opening along with stairs through which one can enter inside the Kutumsar cave; it’s totally dark inside the cave hence you need to light the lamps. After spending 5-10 min one can see the stalactites and stalagmites in fantastic formations. They glitter in light making the ambience very beautiful, it takes millions of years for these formations to form. They are very white and look very beautiful. One can also see formations at nascent stages. 

Also when goes more inside the cave one can layers of rocks and various kind of rock cuttings presenting some beautiful formations. The guide will show u some formations which look like trunk of elephant, the eye of some animal etc. They are really worth watching. To click the snaps one should have a very good camera with flash otherwise u will miss everything. Inside as common with most of the tourist places, a Lord Shiva Shivling is present.

The path inside the cave is not that easy, I would insist people to be careful as there are various slippery patches, formations are also needle shaped which might hurt you. And please don’t throw any waste inside the cave it will be harmful for cave and nature.

 

pic: stalactites on the ceiling

pic: stalagmites (during way to last chamber )

                                         Pic: stalagmites (during way to last chamber)

Now, I will tell you one of the important things, the fishes, the frogs inside the caves are said to be blind i.e. Blind fish. The fishes can't see as there is no light and after millions of years they have adapted in their own way and lost their sight. I have seen some frogs inside the cave but I don’t know whether they are blind or not but there colour was beautiful.
                           Fig: New species of Frog found in the darkness of Kutumsar caves


After spending around 1hr guide will tell u to return but I m sure one feel to explore various ends of cave as they don’t show you the total length. Guide might also tell you that there is a well inside the cave which is so deep that if you will throw a coin u will not hear its sound, but wait he will not show u. These things u can further tell to others as I m telling to you.
 
                                          Pic: Stalagmites during way to last chamber

After returning outside the Kutumsar cave one will feel tired for sure but will be contended with the kind of experience one gets. Visiting Kutumsar Cave is a must.!!! Once again for food and snacks bring in sufficient quantity from Jagdalpur. Chhattisgarh Tourism should put more effort to develop this place.

Have a look at these beautiful places of Chhattisgarh Tirathgarh Waterfall and Bhainsa Darha also known as Crocodile Lake...

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Malajkudum Waterfall

Malajkudum Waterfall
(a blog by Jitendra Nakka)

Bastar division is a vast ocean of natural beauty where you can feel the music and its melody even in the blowing winds. If ever a tourist visits such a beauty, he can never leave the wish to come back again. Being the home of India’s most exotic and virgin sites, the Bastar division enjoys the pride of possessing more than a dozen of waterfalls and more than a half dozen natural caves. Talking about the northern part of Bastar, here lies the district of Kanker, which is famous for its mountainous terrains, perennial rivers like Dudh and Mahanadi, beautiful waterfalls. One such incredible waterfall is Malajkudum waterfall. 

                              Figure showing Second stage of Fall

                                                    
Where and How to Reach?

Malajkudum is nearly 18 kms away from District head-quarter Kanker. Starting from Kanker itself, Malajkudum can be reached after crossing villages like Garh pichhavadi, Ikshapur, Mardapoti. Reaching near about it, first we have to encounter a valley. It feels very thrilling riding up those curvy roads of the valley and reaching the town near this beautiful waterfall. Just after 1km of this town, the view of this waterfall is ultimate beautiful.

                                      Valley of Malajkudum
 

                               source: www.mapsofindia.com

For boarding and lodging of tourists, Govt. has made some good rest houses and guest houses of forest department. As there is no pool in the route of Kanker to Amabeda (which leads to Malajkudum after 18kms), during the rains the road gets flooded, hence September to December can be opted as the best time for enjoying this waterfall. As this tourist spot is directly connected by main road, it is approachable throughout the whole year.

Salient Features…

Just before reaching Malajkudum, we can view one small waterfall more, but wait………..this is just the beginning. If any tourist departs back just after watching this fall, then we can imagine that his plan went worthless. ‘Coz the actual waterfall remains hidden and comes after small waterfall. After climbing up only we can manage to see this beautiful bigger waterfall, but hang on…..this is not over…..after climbing over this waterfall again, we can see one more thin and small waterfall. Hence Malajkudum is a combination of three waterfalls, where the upper and lower falls are comparatively small than the middle one and falls from 15 to 20 feet while the middle one falls from 20 to 25 feet.

The specialty or you can say peculiarity of this waterfall is that you can enjoy it stage wise, i.e. you have to climb and reach up to each level to enjoy that part of waterfall. There is flat surface near the upper waterfall, from where we can enjoy the complete view of the valley. As there is no stairs provided near this waterfall, we should avoid taking children with us, but on the contrary, it is one of the best sites of tracking for youths.

                             Picture showing the complete waterfall

Covering a distance of 15km from Amabeda, Dudh river falls from a height of around 55-60 feets and form Malajkudum waterfall. Malajkudum has got its name from two local words i.e. ‘malaj’ and ‘kudum’ where ‘malaj’ means a valley or a pit(some depressed part) and ‘kudum’ means a typical fish that resembles like a snake. In the nearby area, you can find a lot of ‘kudum’ fish. It is reachable both by two and four wheelers.

Near kanker, you can find a lot of picnic spots, like the confluence of Mahanadi and Dudh river just 12km far from Kanker, confluence of Hatkul and Dudh river, Mankeshri dam, Gadiya Pahar, Kanker palace, Sonai Rupai lake, Sihvahini temple e.t.c.

Conclusion:

As the area is full of pink granites and as there is no stairs given for the ease of tourists, care should be given while coming along with the kids. So if you wanna enjoy some of the best sites for tracking, do visit Malajkudum waterfall.

Note: A part of this citation has been inspired by Dr. Suresh Tiwari’s book- “Bastar- Paryatan Itihaas aur Sanskriti “

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Tirathgarh Waterfall

Tirathgarh WaterFall as said in title can be claimed as "Milky Fall" because of its white colour it looks like milk is falling. The Tirathgarh Waterfall is very beautiful as one can see in the following picture. Tirathgarh Waterfall is surrounded by greenery as it is loacted in the forest which enhances the beauty of the fall. The post will reveal the various facts about this wonderful fall.

Photograph by : David Sumit Tirkey

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

Mystic View Tirathgarh

Before talking about the fall, let me tell you the drive to the fall goes through Kanger Valley National Park. The road drives through dense forest, misty views filling you with joy and enthusiasm. Unlike Chitrakot, here you will have to pay for ticket but let me tell you u there is a way u can skip the ticket but for that u will need a drive of 6km more along with a person who knows the way.
 

Photograph by: Jitendra Nakka

Here also it is best to bring the snacks from Jagdalpur or home. One will have to climb down the stair-case to have view of the fall. The surrounding is filled with greenery; one can peek through the trees to have view of fall. At the bottom one can have the clear view of the fall. The water looks very white like milk. The place is wide open so that one can enjoy. This is the place to have your snacks, click snaps and enjoy the view.
Photograph by : David Sumit Tirkey

If you think you have seen a lot let me tell you there is lot to come. This is not the end of fall as I already said the Tirathgarh fall has multiple splits, one can move further down through staircase which enables u to see the dimension of fall which u cannot see from top. Here water directly falls i.e. it is not staircase falling. One can bath here easily and enjoy a lot. The picture shows the fall at the bottom. Don't miss this but it is insisted to older people not to become here as it will be very tiresome. Also one will have to take care of children avoiding any accidents.

Photograph by: Mr. Roopesh Kohad

Tirathgarh fall is surrounded by the beautiful hills adding to the beauty as you can see in this awesome picture taken by Mr. Roopesh Kohad. The best time to visit Tirathgarh is Rainy Season i.e. from July to December. The visit will fill you with joy and memories of unforgettable moment’s you have lived in Tirathgarh - The Milky Fall!!! Hope you enjoy reading blog! and provide your valuable comments this will keep me motivated.

Wtach out for this amazing waterfalls of India too Chitrakot Waterfalls and Bentjharan Spring...

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Chitrakot Waterfalls

Chitrakot is one of the famous tourist spot in Chhattisgarh. This beautiful fall is on Indravati river. The approximate height of the Chitrakot fall is 100 ft. Chitrakot is considered as Mini-Niagara fall because of its shape as horse-shoe. The beauty of the fall is enriched in rainy season. Chitrakot is worth a watch especially in rainy season, between the months of July and October.


Chhattisgarh Tourism has put effort to develop this as a good tourist by providing water boats, canteen, park etc along with flash lights so people can enjoy the beauty of fall at night.

How to Reach:-
To visit Chitrakot, one will have to reach to jagdalpur. Jagdalpur is connected by bus to Raipur and Hyderabad, and by train to Vishakhapatnam. Chitrakot is 38 Km away from Jagdalpur. It takes a drive of about an Hour to reach Chitrakot.

Being in Chitrakot:-

Chitrakot Fall

Sound of water can be heard from a distance, and even the force of water can be realized by the sound. Park is maintained on the top so that people can sit and enjoy the beauty of the fall. Chitrakot is surrounded by greenery which adds to the beauty of the fall. In presence of sunlight rainbow is formed which adds to the beauty. One can spent hours by simply sitting and enjoying the magic of the nature.

Chitrakot Fall from Bottom

If one is not satisfied, they can also move down at the bottom of the Chitrakot and get a clear view of the fall which is not possible from the top. It is a nice place to have picnic, snacks are available at near by hotel but it is insisted to get food from home or hotel from jagdalpur.
At the bottom boat-ride is also available at nominal rate so that people can have closer view of the Chitrakot fall.Also some wooden crafts are also available to buy depicting the local tribal culture. I would insist u should buy some as it would add beauty to your house as well as will work as memento. Important aspect Bargaining is a must.

Also flood lights are provided so that tourist can have view of the Chitrakot waterfall at night. It’s a wonderful experience as u can enjoy the fall in cool breeze and silence. Chitrakot will surely occupy the memories that will last for a life time. My views! Chitrakot is must must watch!!!!!! Hope u enjoy reading blog i will try to provide more information on Chhattisgarh.... Do write comments it keeps me motivated....

                                        Pic: View at Winters (Snap by: Jitendra Nakka)


Meanwhile, watch out for these amazing waterfalls of India too Tirathgarh Waterfalls and Tamra Ghoomar Waterfall....

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Bastar Shiv Temple

BASTAR SHIV TEMPLE

Guys!! Forgive me ‘coz I am back again with yet another story of Bastar. Yes, Bastar, a tribal paradise, a virgin odyssey, a mystery. What else can be a better adjective for it? Isn't it?

Sometimes even on having something very near to us , we remain ignorant of the facts, and behave like an ignorant person. Bastar is a live example of it. Being a historical place, and such a promising tourist site, Bastar would have given equal importance at par with other famous historical sites of India, but no one took the initiative. The condition grew more, when the temple and other historical monuments were not even taken care by the governing bodies. Still there are many places in Bastar where valuable monuments are barely exposed and striving for attention. The best examples one can say are the areas of Barsur and Bhairamgarh.
Ok, back to my subject!! Few days back, me and Ashish (my best friend) visited a magnificent, ancient temple called as Shiv Temple of Bastar Village.

Fig: Bastar Village Shiva Temple (photographs by: Jitendra Nakka)

Where and how to reach?

Bastar is a small village which lies on the NW of the District Head Quarter, Jagdalpur, around 20 km away from it. Due to its image as transport junction (as it lies in the mid way of NH-43 between Jagdalpur and Raipur) and other usefulness, it has been recently upgraded as Tehsil. It is nearly 270-280 km from State capital, Raipur. As it is directly connected by NH-43, road transport is the best means to reach here. This temple site is approachable nearly in all the seasons of a year.

Fig: by the courtsey of www.mapsofindia.com

As for the ease of the visitors and tourists, Govt. of Chhattisgarh has taken utmost care for the propagation and knowledge of the nearby surrounding areas. For Boarding and Lodging, there are numerous comfortable and luxurious hotels in Jagdalpur, which often provide tour packages of the whole area, division and district.

On the way of NH-43, Chhattisgarh tourism Board has also made an awesome motel in village Asna, which is also considered as the NW outstation of the District Head-Quarter. Even District Forest Rest House is also available for the interested tourists. But for lodging in any of the two, you have to take permission from the respective authorities.

Historical Importance:

The history of this site is still in dilemma. All we know is from local citizens only, as there is no enough data or written literature about it. It is believed that by the thought of changing the capital region, the kaktiya rulers migrated from Dantewara to Jagdalpur. But before coming to Jagdalpur, they stayed near a village called Bastar, and then finally , they made Jagdalpur, as their capital and renowned their State (kingdom) as Bastar state. It is believed that this temple also belong to that period only.

Archeological Importance:

Still there is need of much research work to be done on the area of the Bastar tehsil, as the area suffers lack of enough historical data to bring out a clear picture. Currently, it’s a protected monument under the control of Archeological Survey of India, Raipur Circle. You would like to know that in the nearby surrounding area, archeologists have found few ancient coins telling about the rich ancient culture.

Religious Importance:

It holds much importance for the people because it is the only and most ancient(of archeological importance) temple found in the district, where people like to come from all parts of the country. On the occasion of Maha-Shivratri, this temple gets flooded by the worshippers and believers.

Art and Sculpture:

Small but truly magnificent, this temple comprises of two rooms/chambers. The first room is for offering prayers and rituals by the worshippers, while the second or the final room is also called ‘Garbha Griha’ where the one and a half feet long ‘Ling’ of Lord Shiva is centrally placed. Except priest, no one is allowed to go up till there. Just before the entrance of Garbha-griha, there are idols of two dwarpals on the either side of the entrance.

Fig: dwarpals before the main entrance of Garbha-Griha (photographs by: Ashish Gadpale)

Fig: Centrally placed Shiv Ling (photographs by: Jitendra Nakka)

Fig: left lateral view of back side of the temple (photographs by: Jitendra Nakka)

The whole temple is made over a two feet high stage and its outer wall of the temple reflects an spectacular example of sculpture symmetry on the either side of the outer walls. The back side is also equally magnificent in sculpture. From an outer view we can observe a short spire like dome artistically carved on the roof of the Garbha-Griha.

Conclusion:

On the conclusion, I should say, that if you want to see one of the most worthseeing ancient archeological temple, if you want to see some of the most rich art and sculpture of the dynasties of this region, do visit BASTAR SHIV TEMPLE.

(Note: Please do tell your near and dear ones about the virgin sites of Chhattisgarh 'coz this site is made only to unveil such kind of mysteries which are still hidden or unexplored, 'coz the name of our site itself denotes QUEST CHHATTISGARH.)

Want to know more about Chhattisgarh,read my post on Narayanpal Temple and famous Mama Bhanja Temple of Chhattisgarh...

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