Jagadalpur - A tourist destination during the Christmas vacation

Overview

Prominent places of visit

1. Chitrakoot waterfall

   The Chitrakoot Waterfalls near Jagdalpur are known as the Niagra of India. Located at 45 K.m west of Jagadalpur, the flow of water from these waterfalls would be like a roar of a group of lions down the rocks and we can enjoy the beauties and bounties of nature around the Chitrakoot valley surrounded by the Chitrakoot forest.

2. Thirathgarh waterfall

These waterfalls are on the other side of the Jagadalpur city or rather in an anti-direction to Chitrakoot waterfall and just 35 K.m away from the city point. A visit to this place would be a scintillating experience and one would feel as if he were talking to the Mother nature directly and would live in their own world. We have to go down deep into the valley to view the waterfall where steep stars have been arranged naturally with the rocky layers. It is an ideal place to have a close look at nature and view up above sky from this point would describe the scenery as if we are speaking to. It gives an impression of being in the lap of mother nature. the sky from the 'Patal Loka' (Place below the earth) and make us feel proud of visiting such a marvelous place. One can enjoy in water but beware of the deep water ponds and adequate safety precautions need to be taken



Kutumsarh caves

Your trip to Jagdalpur won't be complete if you miss the two caves namely Kutumsarh and Kailash. It is located in the deep forest of the Kangar Valley Park with a dimension of 330 meters long and depth is 72 ft. It would be a thrilling and exciting experience while you enter the cave having a very narrow entrance and you have to crawl one by one very carefully till you go down in sitting position for few meters through a railing circular staircase to reach the floor level. The cave inside is wide open but be careful while walking as no lighting is there and you need to take the help of local tribes work here as guides each holding charging lights. The caves inside is completely a geological formation of rocks known as stalactites and stalagmites and some formations look like Shiva Lingas and other idols of worship. You can see small fishes available in the water deposit s inside the cave and the locals name them as blind fish as they won't see the light.



Kailash caves

The Kailash Cave, located nearby, is another spot to be visited and it wouldn't be as dangerous as the one like Kutumsarh cave. here also the rock formations are Stalagmites and Stalignites and the area is widespread. The natural formation of the rock in the form of the idol of Lord Shiva was the main reason to name the caves as Kailash Guha.

Kangar National park

The Wildlife sanctuary at Kangar forest 30 K.m away from Jagdalpur is one of the National Parks mentioned with pride. This forest hosts wild animals like panther, tiger, bear, snakes, jackals, langurs, and many species of Deer. You can spend your time very pleasant here with the sounds of the Indravati river water, the roaring Thirathgarh waterfalls down the rocky layers and the humming of birds. What a pleasant moment to enjoy! You can spot numerous varieties of birds perching at the treetops.



Dhanteswari temple

The Danteshwari Temple is an ancient temple of Devi Danteshwari and located at Dantewada 70 K.M from Jagadalpur. The Goddess is treated as very powerful and an incarnation of Maa 'Adishakti' and worshipped by the tribals here. This place is considered as one of the 52 sacred Shakti Peeths of the Hindu Mythology. One of the tourist attractions throughout the year, especially during the festival of Dusshera.

Another famous temple which is more than 910 years old is Narayanpal temple. The ancient magnificent Vishnu temple is situated near the confluence of rivers Indravati and Narangi at the Narayanpur village lying at a distance of 12 K.M from Chitrakoot waterfall. Its architecture reflects the cultural, historical and spiritual value in the heritage of Bastar and Dantewada region and seems to be under the influence of the Chalukya style of architecture. Historians say that the temple was built by Mumundadevi, the queen of Chindak dynasty.

Other places

• Tribal Museum: The tribal and handicrafts museum at Jagadalpur is also another spot to be visited. The various weapons used by the kings, the tribal arts and their utensils, the tribal hand works and their lifestyle, the metal works and other things of local importance are displayed here



• Bastar Palace:: The Bastar palace stands as a testimony of the ancient culture and heritage and a historical monument in the middle of the city. People consider it as a symbol for their pride of Bastar. a sight of the palace would reveal an impressive art and architectural work with exquisite carvings and engravings on walls and ceilings. Bastar Palace was built by the rulers of Bastar and speaks of many legends of gallantry and heroism of these kings. The Bhoromdeo Temple in the palace surroundings is said to be worshiped the Rajahs/tribal kings of Bastar. It is a very magnificently carved erotic sculpture. The Shiva Linga here is a striking piece of architecture



• Wood bazar and Handicrafts shoppers: Bastar region is famous for interior home decors with a different style of arts and handicrafts. The famous Dhokra handicraft has originated from this place which involves a great deal of precision and skill.
  
  The artifacts prepared from Dhokra technique of this art use the cow dung, paddy husk, and red soil in the preparation, beeswax being the most important one. Apart from contouring, wax wires are also used for decoration purpose and for giving a finishing touch to artifacts. Artisans of Chhattisgarh carve the things by the impression of their sheer dexterity is worth watching. Bell Metal Handicraft the real genius and creative faculty of the artisans come into picture.



• Shri Venkateswara temple: The Balaji Mandir at Jagadlpur is a recent addition of temples having caught the attention of the visitors to this place. It resembles the temple at Tirumala and the temple complex is very spacious and the inhabitants of the city would prefer to have their spiritual devotion to the Lord in the evenings at such pleasant atmosphere

Wrap up