5 PLACE TO GO IN CHHATISGARH

CHITRAKOOT FALLS

Chitrakote Falls

Chitrakoot Falls Situated near Jagdalpur in Bastar district, Chitrakoot Falls are the broadest waterfalls in India and have been nicknamed “Niagara of India”, due to its beautiful horse shoe shaped structure flowing with a width of nearly 300 m wide falling from about 29 meters height into Indravati River. In July to October monsoon season, the falls are a frothy roar backed by rainforest greenery that creates an ethereal mist before your eyes. Adjacent formations lend it very spiritual feeling moonlit night spot and a must for the trekker/photographer in raw chhatisgarh.

BHORAMDEO TEMPLE

Bhoramdeo Temple

Known as the “Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh”, Bhoramdeo Temple near Kawardha is an 11th-century specimen of Nagara-style temple architecture, replete with arresting erotic carvings on sandstone walls that tell mythical tales like its Madhya Pradesh cousin but minus the touristy bustle. Lord Shiva in main complex contains four shrines in a verdant valley amidst forested hills and provides an idyllic escape with potential deer sightings and panoramic sunrise views. History aficionados love the mingling of Hindu and tribal influences, and each year at the Bhoramdeo Festival

KANGER VALLY NATIONAL PARK

Kanger Valley National Park

It is spread across 200 sq Km in Bastar of southern Chhattisgarh, a biodiversity hotspot with Limestone caves such as Kutumsar and Kailash as well as subterranean rivers and unique flora & fauna species like the hill myna bird on the verge of extinction or leopards! There are stalactite formations deep in the caves, which adventure seekers can hike to through lush sal forests, or wildlife-viewing opportunities on guided jeep safaris — especially during winter when migratory birds crowd around the Kanger River. The park’s unspoilt environment, which has been protected since 1982, showcases Chhattisgarh’s dedication to conservation.

SIRPUR

Sirpur

An ancient site a stone’s throw from Mahasamund, Sirpur was a bustling Buddhist and Hindu hub from the 6th to 8th centuries, teeming with over 200 monuments including the Laxman temple with its garbagriha and mounds of brick that were all once monasterie. Archaeological excavations have unearthed Satavahana and Panduvamshi artifacts which show the lost civilizations through museums. Great for a day trip from Raipur, this riverside place on the banks of Mahanadi is good for some boating and laid-back vibe.

MAINPART

Mainpat

Known as the “Shimla of Chhattisgarh,” Mainpat’s rolling meadows, Tibetan refugee settlements and Ulta Pani (water flowing uphill illusion) make for a chilly escape in this 3,000-foot hill station amid Ambikapur highlands. Hikers head to viewpoints that look out over the expanse of plateaus dotted with pine trees, monasteries containing prayer wheels and momos for sale in Tibetan markets, especially during the October Ulta Pani Mela. Now a tranquil site for paragliding and camping, with foggy winters and wildflower blooms in spring, it stands in contrast to the state’s.