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Showing posts with label Bastar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bastar. Show all posts

Monday, August 5, 2013

Bastar - a little explored city in Chhattisgarh

Overview

Far from the glitz of ultra-modern world and annoying crowds of the bustling cities, Bastar is an unspoiled place flourishes with pristine natural beauty and warm-hearted tribals. A charming district in Chhattisgarh, Bastar is bestowed with precious natural gifts such as a beautiful landscape, dense forests, lush green hills, gushing waterfalls and streams, exotic floral and faunal species and natural caves. Besides the natural jewells, the vast and varied population of the tribes add more charm to the tribal territory of Bastar that is inhabited by major tribal sects like Gond, Abujmaria, Bhatra, Bisonhorn, Dhurvaa, Halba, Maria, Muria and Parja. Even today, the tribes of Bastar are not influenced from the fast developing world and follow the centuries old traditions. In fact, each tribal group of the district has its own distinct history, customs & traditions, and unique culture of music, dance, handicrafts, food and dress. While Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar is the major town of the district and houses many tourist spots, Nagarnar and Narayanpur are other important towns. A trip to Bastar is once in a lifetime experience, and it provides you a wonderful chance to observe the nature at its best. Once you are in Bastar surrender yourself completely to nature and enjoy the gratifying hospitality of simple but lively tribes. Don’t forget to participate in the local festivals or fairs, eating local tribal cuisines and shopping of tribal handicrafts.

Bastar


Fast Facts

Main languages: Chhattisgarhi as well as Hindi are widely spoken and understood by the locals.

When to go: Bastar boasts of a tropical climate marked by hot summers from April to June, rainy season between July and September and winters from December to January. The best time to visit the town is between October and March.

Local Transport: There are no specified modes of local transport to cover tourist attractions of Bastar. You can hire a private vehicle from the district headquarters Jagdalpur to explore the major spots. Government as well as private buses ply across Bastar region.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) 1 USD is approximately 48 INR

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)

Location: Chhattisgarh state in central India

Nearest Metropolis: Hyderabad 550 km away, Raipur 300 km away

STD Code: 07782

Eating

If you are fond of savoring exotic cuisines or wish to taste some never before tried dishes, then Bastar is a place for you. Most of the dishes of Bastar are mainly influenced from tribal cuisines and prepared with the extensive use of natural ingredients. You can visit the food outlets in Jagdalpur or a village market to savour the traditional dishes of Bastar. While on a holiday in Bastar eat as much as you can, and carry along some lifelong eating memories.

Shopping

Although Bastar region doesn’t have big shopping malls or complexes, but any trip to Bastar is incomplete without shopping of exotic handicrafts. The tribals of Bastar follow the old traditions and make a variety of items from wood, bamboo, terracota, cotton, wrought iron, betal metal, etc. Made from cotton, Kosa sari is a popular handicraft that you can buy as a souvenir for near and dear ones. Visit the handicraft shops situated at Jagdalpur and Kumharapara to buy traditional handicrafts of Bastar region. You can also visit the village markets to buy locally made objects.

Sightseeing

The district of Bastar has a wonderful assortment of ancient mythological (religious) sites, magnificent palaces, old caves, well managed museums and natural treasures. Once served as the headquarters of Bastar Kingdom, Bastar Palace is the prime attraction of Jagdalpur and provides a glimpse of the bygone era. Constructed by the erstwhile kings of Bastar, Danteshwari Temple is one of the major attractions of the district and dedicated to their family goddess Devi Danteshwari. Set beside Bastar Palace, Danteshwari Temple is a sacred place for both Hindus as well as tribals. Next, visit the museum situated inside the office of Anthological Survey of India and see the items linked to local tribes. Further, visit Ganga Munda and Dalpat Sagar lakes and later move outside Jagdalpur Tehsil. Looking like crescent moon in apperance, Chitrakoot Waterfalls is situated 38 km away from Jagdalpur. One of the most beautiful waterfalls in India, Chitrakoot is often called as the smaller form of the world renowned Nayagara waterfalls. Just 12 km away from Tokapal (Jagdalpur Tehsil) is Mandawa waterfalls, which is a must visit place for nature lovers. Chitradhara, approximately 19 km away from Jagdalpur is a beautiful waterfall that you can visit during Bastar trip. Close to Chitradhara there is another waterfall called Thamada Ghumar. Located 35 km away from Jagdalpur, Tirathgarh waterfalls can be reached through the state highway leading to Sukma. At a short distance from Tiratgarh waterfalls are Kutumsar Caves and Kailash Gufa, approximately 38 km and 40 km away from Jadgalpur respectively. See the excellent Stalactites and Stalagmites formations in both the caves. Dhoomar is also a noted waterfall close to Jagdalpur and its beauty enhances during monsoon season. About 27 km away from Jagdalpur, Kanger Valley National Park is an excellent place to see tigers, bears, and many species of deer and reptile. Also visit Bairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and spot Chitals roaming in open grasslands and thick forests as well. Bhainsa Darha is a famous lake located 63 km away from Jagdalpur and abounds with crocodiles and tortoises. Further proceed towards Indravati National Park (approximately 200 km west of Jagdalpur) in Narainpur Tehsil and see tigers, wild buffaloes, nilgais, barking deer, flying squirrels and a variety of other animal species. Around 40 km north-west of Narainpur Tehsil is Kurschel Valley, which is known for its unparalleled beauty especially high rising trees and soothing environs.

Activities

Explore the waterfalls as well as wildlife areas of Bastar region and pass a good time. Both Chitrakoot waterfalls and Tiratgarh waterfalls have government run rest houses that offer accommodation facilities for families and groups as well. Besides a relaxing stay in the government rest houses, you can enjoy picnic with family or friends. Visit the tribal areas of Baster region and experience their unique lifestyles. Also enjoy the interesting tribal dance and music performed by males and females. Don’t miss to enjoy the cock-fight held at various places of the district almost every day. You can also visit the weekly haats (markets) of Bastar and pass a good time in buying traditional tribal handicrafts.

Events

Like other parts of Chhattisgarh, people of Bastar region also celebrate several festivals with great fanfare. You can observe the strong tribal influence in the celebration of local festivals and fairs. Dusshera is the most popular festival of Bastar and celebrated in quite different way. Interestingly, Dusshera in Bastar doesn’t mark the triumph of Lord Rama or defeat of demon Ravana, instead here the festival is fully devoted to Goddess Danteshwari and celebrated at grand level by all major tribes. Madai Festival is also celebrated by almost all tribal groups of Bastar. During the festival devotees gather under a sacred tree and sacrifice a goat to mother goddess. Besides this, people spend the night in dancing, eating, merry making and other interesting activities. Bhagoriya Festival is another famous festival of Bastar region, which is mainly celebrated by Bhil tribes and dedicated to the god of dance ‘Bhagoradev’. If you visit Baster during Bhagoriya Festival don’t miss the dance performed by young boys and girls of Bhil sect.

Nightlife

The district of Bastar doesn’t offer anything specific in the name of nightlife. However, the hotel (where you stay) can arrange a small party or get-together for you on request. You can participate in tribal festivals during which people perform dance and music till late night.  

Excursions

Once you cover the popular spots of Jagdalpur town don’t forget to take short excursions to nearby tourist attractions including picturesque waterfalls, wildlife parks and verdant valleys. Move to neighbouring district of Dantewada, about 82 km away from Jagdalpur to see ancient as well as historic temple dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari. Also cover the historic site of Barsur and two wildlife sanctuaries, namely Bhairamgarh and Pamed in Dantewada district.

Getting There
Air: The nearest airport is located in Raipur, which is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur and Visakhapatnam. From the airport you can hire a taxi or cab to reach Bastar. Hyderabad Airport (550 km) is the nearest major airport from Bastar, and served by a number of domestic and international flights.

Rail: Jagdalpur Railway Station is the only railhead in Bastar and connected to Vishakhapatnam (320 km) by a passenger train. The nearest major railheads from Bastar are Satna (117 km) and Jhansi (175 km), both linked by many important places of the country.

Road: Good motorable roads including NH 49 and state highways connect district headquarters Jagdalpur with other parts of Bastar including Chhattisgarh and nearby states as well. 
Driving directions: From Raipur – Start from Raipur and head on east direction till you hit NH 200. Continue on NH 200 (approximately 2 km) and later on switch onto NH 43 that takes you to Jagdalpur by crossing Banarsi, Kurud, Dhamtari, Kanker and Kondagaon en-route (300 km, 8 hours approx.).

Recommended for:
Bastar is an ideal destination for singles / couples / friends / single woman / senior travellers / family with children

Top 5 Must See
  • Bastar Palace : A magnificent palace built by the rulers of Bastar state and provides a glimpse of rich past
  • Danteshwari Temple: Constructed by the former rulers of Bastar the temple is dedicated to goddess Danteshwari
  • Kutumsar Caves and Kailash Gufa: The pitch-dark caves known for Stalactites and Stalagmites formations
  • Chitrakoot Waterfalls: Situated 38 km away from Jagdalpur, Chitrakoot Waterfalls is an excellent picnic spot
  • Kanger Valley National Park: To see a wide variety of animal species




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