Top 10 places to visit in Bastar

There are so many attractions for tourists in Bastar and if you want to see only must see places here, than you are at the right place. I live in Bastar Dist. (Jagdalpur city) and i am listing the top 10 places to see here. I must admit that choosing the top 10 was not an easy task for me, as there are so many magnificent places in Bastar. So i considered three main factors : Famous among the people, Access to the place and Variety (from waterfalls to ancient town)). So let's start..

1. Chitrakot waterfall : "The Niagara falls of India"

If you ask "why is it No. 1 ?"

The best reply would be "The Niagara falls of India, Broadest waterfall of India, Pride of Bastar, No. 1 Tourist destination of Chhattisgarh and so many other terms...."

You might have already seen it on Discovery channel, Incredible India! ad or Chhattisgarh full of surprises ad, but the best way to experience the fall is to go down, sit on a rock in front of the fall, put your legs in the water, hear the nature's music and relax.

2. Tirathgarh waterfall : "The milky fall"

It is one of the most beautiful cascaded waterfall of india. Tirathgarh fall is a multi step waterfall with 300ft of total height . First step is extremely beautiful because of its cascaded form and pure white milky water. Second step is "a true heaven" and it feels like a featured place of a fairy tell story. You can feel the breeze of sprinkles if you stand behind the fall. This is my favorite spot. From 3rd step you can see the Tirathgarh fall as a whole and also you can take a bath as this step is relatively small but its not for children, not in monsoon season and also be careful from your side otherwise don't.

3. Kotamsar cave : "Most explored natural cave of India"

After talking about two waterfalls lets go to the deep inside of the earth. Kotamsar (Kutumsar) is the most biologically explored natural cave of India and its 1.37 Km long and 35 meters deep. It is famous for the stalactite-stalagmite formation and blind albinic cave-fish. Entrance of the cave is thrilling and difficult but trust me all the effort worth so much. As you go inside, a big chamber is there to welcome you. In the inside the cave is pitch dark and if you want to see it, just tell your guide to turn off the gas light for a moment. At the end, there is a Shiv pilgrim formed by natural process. Inside the cave you can feel the lack of oxygen so only healthy person should go inside.

4. Barsoor : "An ancient town"

OK now its time to go 1000 years back. Yes, because the next on the list is an ancient town of Barsoor. It was known to be a "city of temples and ponds". Ruins of the temples are still there along with some good condition temples. Some famous temples here are Mama-Bhanja temple, Battisa temple, Ganesha twin temple, Chandratiya temple etc. Although the biggest attraction here is the Ganesh Temple due to the size of the Ganesh idol which is 8 feet high and 17 feet wide.

5. Danteshwari temple, Dantewada : "Shri siddh shakti peeth"

Maa danteshwari is deity of the earlier kaktiya rulers. It is a shakti peeth, which makes it an important religious destination. This 600yrs old temple is in an extremely good condition. The architecture of the temple is southern kaktiya style. There are so many idols inside the temple. The temple is at the confluence of shankini and dhankini holy rivers.

6. Taamra ghoomar waterfall : "An untouched fall"

Tamra ghoomar waterfall is recently discovered waterfall, which is 10 kms away from the famous Chitrakot fall. It is a plunge type rainy fall so best time to visit it is in monsoon season. The fall is surrounded by the lush greenery. This untouched place is in raw form, which is a good thing for nature lover.

7. Bhainsa darha lake : "A crocodile lake"

Is zoo the best place to see animals ? No, watching them in their natural residence is the most exciting thing. As bhaisa darha is a natural habitat of crocodiles and tortoise, you can see them here. The 10 acre bhaisa darha lake is extremly beautiful. But be careful and never go inside the lake and take proper guidance before going there.

8. Akash nagar : "Top most peak of Bailadila mountain range"

Akash nagar is situated at the top most peak of Bailadila mountain range, which satisfies its name. It is a part of Bacheli, industrial area developed by NMDC. Take permission from NMDC to visit akash nagar and to see the mining process. It is famous for the iron ore and panoramic view of cloudy mountains. The ghat road which connects Bacheli to Akash nagar gives you a thrilling experience. Akash nagar was a village with some population but nowadays only mining activity is going on there so don't forget to see "The monster trucks", its like a double story building running at 40-70 kmph, Wow !!

9. Jagdalpur city : "The city of squares"

Jagdalpur is not just a halting point during the trip of Bastar, the city is also having a lot of attractions. It is district headquarter and largest city of south chhattisgarh and also called "The city of squares" because of its large number of squares in a small area. Danteshwari temple, anthropological museum, Lamni park, Dalpat sagar lake, Balaji temple, handicraft stores, Bastar haat, main market are some of the attractions in the city. But the best time to be in the city is during the famous Bastar dussehra.

10. Keshkal valley : "The flower valley"

If you are coming from Raipur by NH 30 during daytime than you must turn off your engine in front of Panchvati park at the end of the Keshkal ghat, after enjoying the thrilling U curves of the road. Panchvati park is just another park but one thing is different, breath taking view of the valley from the watch tower. From here you can see, why the Bastar is among the greenest district of India.

Wish you a happy journey !!

All suggestions, questions, experiences and comments are welcome. This list is not an official list and i compiled this list after taking a survey, research, exploring these as well as other tourist places in bastar.

Thankyou.

Safety Note: Before going to any place please take a local guide provided by chhattisgarh tourism board or private agencies. Some places need extra permissions. Please be careful of height, depth and animals.