Places to Visit in Jagdalpur

It will steal your heart if you are of a nature who loves raw nature, tribal culture, misty waterfalls and offbeat adventures and Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh is the place to be. Situated in the Bastar district, this town is not a dot on the map, but a gateway to one of India’s most mystical, unexplored and unknown zones. 

Thick forests, ancient temples, spectacular caves and a tribal tradition that is both fascinating and humbling envelop Jagdalpur. This place is scarcely affected by commercial tourism, providing a genuine way out of city life

Best Places to Visit in Jagdalpur

Below I have listed some good places to visit in and around Jagdalpur, a hike through waterfalls, caves, h.eritage and some hidden spirituality.

Chitrakote Waterfalls

The crown jewel is Chitrakote Falls located around 38 km away from Jagdalpur. Considered to be the widest waterfall on India’s Indravati River, this majestic waterfall is often dubbed the Niagara Falls of India. During the monsoons, it is absolutely spellbinding to see water cascading down 95 feet in horseshoe shape.

It is surreal with mist in the air, rainbows dancing in the sunlight and the roar of falling water. In the calmer seasons boat rides are sometimes available which would give you an unforgettable close up view.

Best Time to Visit: July to October for full volume; winter for scenic beauty.

Tirathgarh Waterfalls 

Tirathgarh Falls is in Kanger Valley National Park, which is around 35 km from Jagdalpur and it is made of multiple steps dropping through rocks. The landscape, scenery and serenity of the surrounding is just not it. It is the journey through the dense Sal forests which is special too.

Tirathgarh, unlike Chitrakote, is a bit more accessible to climb and frolic in the shallows. In addition, it has a teak temple to Lord Shiva, thus becoming a spiritual as well as a scenic highlight.

Travel Tip: Visiting early morning allows you the perfect photo opp of misty, dreamy city.

Kanger Valley National Park

Kanger Valley National Park is one of India’s most biodiverse areas which is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, trekkers and snappers. The park spreads over lush hills and gorges and has leopards, jackals, langurs, wild boars and hundreds of bird species to boast of.

What’s unique here? Although animals are the highlight of the park, there are also underground caves, natural bridges, waterfalls and tribal villages. It is easy to spend an entire day in the park to explore around.

Don’t Miss: Rich butterfly population and surreal stillness of the forests don’t miss.

Kutumsar Caves 

Though it is one of the longest limestone caves in India, Kotumsar Cave is hidden in Kanger Valley. This cave is 300 meters long on the inside, has stalactites and stalagmites and stretches over an eerie distance of formations.

The place inside the cave remains dark as a result and a guided torch tour is required to go deep into the cavernous beauty. It’s a must for anyone who is an adventurous soul.

Safety Note: The cave is still closed during the monsoon as it floods.

Kailash Caves

The nearby Kailash Caves are offset by Kotumsar, and are less commercial and more serene. In addition to these limestone formations, which give a wonderful view into the underground geology, it has natural acoustics that amplify every sound.

With forested paths leading to them, the journey there is just as enjoyable as one at the caves.

Pro tip: If you want to truly experience the subterranean experience, combine the two caves on a day trip through Kanger Valley.

Anthropological Museum 

There is much more to Jagdalpur than nature, it’s also about people. Inside the town itself lies the Anthropological Museum that provides incredible insight about Bastar’s tribal cultures, rituals, artifacts, lifestyle etc.

The museum has exhibits of traditional hunting tools and musical instruments, bridal wear among other tribal masks and a real feel of the area’s indigenous communities.

What’s Special about It: You understand more than you see and the culture of it.

Danteshwari Temple 

In the nearby town of Dantewada (about 80 km from Jagdalpur), lies the Danteshwari Temple, one of the 52 Shakti Peethas in India. The temple was built in the 14th century by people of the Chalukya empire. It is dedicated to the Goddess Danteshwari, the Goddess worshiped by the tribes of Bastar.

The architecture of the temple is entirely black stones, its quiet sanctum and its cultural importance makes it high up on the wish list of any spiritual seeker or history lover.

Visit during Bastar Dussehra: the temple is the venue of the tribal festivities.

Bastar Palace 

Though Bastar no longer has a king, the Bastar Palace which sits at Jagdalpur is a reminder to the region’s royal past. Though colonial and tribal, the architecture is a reflection of the British era.

Despite the fact that the palace is not fully opened to the public, its exterior, gardens and some of the accessible rooms containing photographs and artifacts of the former royal family are nonetheless a must visit.

Best for: Quick historical detours and cultural photography.

Dalpat Sagar Lake

Dalpat Sagar Lake is one of the biggest artificial lakes in Chhattisgarh which is located in the heart of Jagdalpur. Over the time span of four hundred years ago, King Dalpat Deo has built the lake, but now it is a literal peaceful place for boating, bird seeing, and relaxing.

In the center is an island park, boat accessible, where cultural programs are sometimes mounted.

Best Time: Evening hours with cool breeze and sunset views.

Chandraditya Temple

Chandraditya Temple, a beautiful stone structure dating back to the 10th century is tucked away near Barsur which is situated at a distance of about 75 km from Jagdalpur. Though partially in ruins, it still retains an aura of mystery and spiritual calm.

Standing in the middle of it is like standing in the middle of the open air archeological museum that awaits to be discovered, because all around it are old temples and statues.

Ideal for: Offbeat temple hunters and lovers of ancient architecture.

Bastar Dussehra 

Bastar Dussehra is not per se a "place", but it is an experience that transforms Jagdalpur. Whereas, Bastar Dussehra is nothing but a tribal festival in which Goddess Danteshwari is worshipped, and not the North Indian version in which Rama's victory over Ravana is rejoiced.

The festival is 75 days long and is the longest festival in the world, with rituals, tribal processions, chariot parades, music, and drama. Tribal energy and devotion becomes the entire city.

Best Time to Visit: A trip to witness this cultural phenomenon is best on a September or October visit.

Local Markets 

Travelling to Jagdalpur is incomplete if you haven’t visited its busy local bazaars. Bastar handicrafts in the markets are Dhokra (bell metal) art, wood carvings, terracotta idols, tribal jewellery and silk sarees.

 For instance, these markets are a window into the tribal economy and a good opportunity to carry home a piece of Bastar with you.

Hot Picks: Handmade bamboo items, ironcrafts, and traditional wooden masks.

Conclusion 

Jagdalpur is not the usual vacation spot. It is wild, cultural, spiritual and untouched in its social and cultural life, and nature and tribal tradition are in harmony here. From roaring waterfalls and silent caves to the temple bells and tribal dances, those were all covered in one trip.