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Bastar in Chhattisgarh has a plethora of options, from National Parks, to caves, waterfalls, palaces, museums & religious/mythological places; there is no dearth of unique travelling experience. The astounding wilderness and abundant fauna make it the ideal place for nature lovers and wild life enthusiasts. A number of cascading waterfalls further add to the enchanting appeal of Bastar.

All the forests in the region abound in rare species of birds & reptiles.

Kanger Valley National Park: Declared a National Park in 1982, the park is located 27 Kms from Jagdalpur on the banks of Kholaba river. Wildlife here includes Panther, Tiger, Bear, Snake and many species of Deer.

Indravati National Park: This Park derives its name from the Indravati River, the largest & most important river of Bastar. Animals found here include Tiger, Wild Buffalo, Nilgai, Flying Squirrel and Barking Deer among others.

Bairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary abounds in Chital, considered the most beautiful of the Deer species. They are found roaming in open grasslands as well as dense forests.

Bhainsa Darha: 63 Kms from Jagdalpur, this lake (where River Kanger flows into) is spread over nearly four hectares in the thick bamboo forests. Crocodiles and Tortoises add to its glory.

The region has abundant waterfalls which range from zig-zag trickles to roaring falls that are comparable to the best in the world. Bastar is known for its famous Chitrakoot falls, one of the most beautiful of all the waterfalls. Smaller waterfalls include Kanger Dhara near Kutumsar, Mandra, Chitradhara, Tamada and Dhoomar. Although smaller, each one surrounded with greenery is a treat to the eye.

Chitrakoot Waterfalls: 50 Kms from Jagdalpur is the crescent moon shaped Chitrakoot waterfalls, one of the finest in India. It is often compared with the Niagra falls of the US for its shape & sheer beauty, even though it is smaller. River Indravati plummets down from the Vindhya mountain ranges to form the spectacular waterfall.

Tirathgarh Waterfalls: 32 Km from Jagdalpur, Tirathgarh is famous for this waterfall that drops into Mugabahar river. On descending down the steps, a grand view of the falling sheets of water that falls from a height of 50 metres awaits you. A panoramic view of the waterfalls and surrounding forests from the watch tower would entice you to visit again.


Mandra Falls: Located 12 Kms away from Jagdalpur, this smaller yet enchanting Mandra Waterfalls leaves the visitor stunned.

Chitradhara: 19 Kms away from Jagdalpur in Potanar village of Lohandiguda, lies this small but captivating waterfall.

Dhoomar: Bask in the richness and beauty of this perennial waterfall which is truly dramatic especially towards the end of monsoons when the river is at its rampageous best.

Besides the wildlife, the water cascades & caves, the princely states of Kawardha and Kanker, Nagarnar and Narayanpur are also worth visiting. Also it is a great experience to enjoy the tribal dance & music and check out the handicrafts of the region.

Other sight-seeing attractions in Bastar are:

• Deep in the forests of North Bastar, not far from Narayanpur, a tranquil Buddha sits on the site of an ancient monastery.
• At Garh Gobrahin near Keshkal stands granite Shivling which is the witness to variety and influence of worship over the years.
• Kawardha has a palace and some nearby cultural sites which includes the famous Bhoramdeo temple.
• Nagarnar is famous for its terracotta crafts and Narayanpur is known for its bell metal, woodcraft, wrought iron and bamboo artifacts.
• The Ramakrisna Mission centre which takes up the responsibility for the welfare activities for the tribals.

• The anthropological museum on the route to Chitrakoot waterfalls, also gives valuable insight into tribal history and culture. There also exists a Jagdalpur palace & museum which showcases the long history of Bastar.
• Also to check out are the Danteshwari & Venkateshwara temple and an interpretation centre at Kutumsar, imparts knowledge to visitors about the wild life and forests.

By Air: Raipur is connected to Nagpur, Delhi, Mumbai & Visakhapatnam.

By Rail: Mahoba (64 km) and Harpalpur (94 km). Jhansi (175 km) and Satna (117 km) are the nearest railheads.

By Road: Jagdalpur is connected to Vishakapatnam, on a route that passes through virgin forests with breath-taking valley-views and Raipur which is on the main Howrah-Mumbai line.

• NH 6 runs west-east from Nagpur in Maharashtra to Orissa where it branches off to Kolkata and Bhubaneshwar.
• NH43 (one of India's best-laid National Highways) runs north-south from Kawardha through Raipur to Jagdalpur and out to Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.

The roads in Chhattisgarh are generally very good - wide, clean, smooth and virtually free of traffic. Even the smallest villages are linked. All places of tourist interest are connected by good, motorable roads.

Bhagoriya Festival: A popular festival among Bhil tribes of the region is dedicated to the god of dance. Bhagoradev, the god of dance is worshipped with young girls and boys dance with each other and express their love.

An experienced guide is essential to tour the forests & the caves. It is also dangerous to roam freely in the forest away from your parked vehicle. Feeding animals is prohibited, as it will disturb the ecosystem. The National Park and adjoining areas are polythene free zones, so we are required to be a responsible traveler and do not leave a trail of packets, wrappers and other wastes behind us.