My parents live in Raipur with my younger brother. I had quit
my job in Parker and still had 18 days to join TACO in Pune and trust me the
best time you have in your corporate life is the layover between two jobs. No
phone calls to attend, no emails to check upon, no reports to publish. The best
utilization of this blissful period is to go on a trip. It had been a long time
since I went on a trip with my lovely family.
So, to en-cash this opportunity we decided to explore Bastar
in our Ford Eco sport. Bags packed, camera charged, hotel booked and Pendrive
loaded with good music.
Bastar is tribal and cultural capital of Chhattisgarh and a
home to many waterfalls, mountains and dense evergreen forest. Jagdalpur is
approximately 300kms from Raipur and Chhattisgarh government has done wonders
in maintaining the highways.
After a couple of pit stops to recharge our appetite we
reached Jagdalpur hotel by 4pm (8 hours). After rest and freshening up in a couple
of hours we left to see the Massive Chitrakote Falls aka Niagra falls of India.
The beautiful waterfall is about 40 kms from Jagdalpur city and is located on
Indravati River. The height of the fall is about 30 meters and it is the widest
waterfall of India. The lights made the falls look even more mesmerizing and it
was truly a sight to watch.
Next morning, we left for Kanger Valley National Park – One
of the densest forests of India. Spread over an area of approximately 200
square kilometres (77 sq mi) consisting mainly of hilly terrain, the park
derives its name from the Kanger River, which flows throughout its length.
Trust me I have never seen a forest so green in the month of May when it’s the
peak time of summers in India.
My father works for Central Government and hence he could get
us a booking in forest resort located right in the middle of Kanger Valley.
The major attractions are:
1. Tirathgarh waterfalls -
Tirathgarh Waterfalls can be termed as "Milky Fall" because of the
white colour of the water as it descends down the rocky slope giving an
impression as if milk is falling. You can have a bath with small fishes around
you in the clear water of this magnificent water fall. The water flowing
through the various streams and crossing numerous paths along the way in a
zigzag manner and finally ending up in the falls is a treat to watch. Besides
the natural beauty associated with this place, Tirathgarh Falls is also an
important religious place featuring a temple which is dedicated to Shiva
Parvati.
2. Kotumsar caves – These Natural caves are about 35
meters below ground level and around 1371 meters long. You can witness the
stalactite and stalagmite formations. There is lack of oxygen when going deep
into the caves. In view of which, for safety reasons, entry beyond certain
points has been restricted. The cave is closed from 15 June to 31 October
during rainy season. The caves are pitch
dark and the fishes found here are naturally adapted to be blind as they cannot
see even if had eyes.
Baster is called the land of Whispering Mountains because
when you are here you will continuously hear a whispering sound created by
amalgamation of sounds made by bats, frogs, snakes, crickets, spiders.
Visit Credible
Chhattisgarh and experience a divine connection with soil, soul and nature.
