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.
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| 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
