SMILE TOUR & TRAVELS

 

                                             

                                JAGDALPUR

 

 

 

Jagdalpur is a city in Bastar district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. Jagdalpur City is governed by the Jagdalpur Municipal Corporation. Jadgalpur is the administrative headquarters of Bastar District and Bastar Division, and was the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Bastar. Jagdalpur is well known for its greenery, lush green mountains, deep valleys, dense forests, streams, waterfalls, caves, natural parks, monuments, natural resources, herbs, exuberant festivity and peaceful solitude. Other tourist attractions relate to Bastar's royal past and its tribes. Currently two steel plants are being built near Jagdalpur by NMDC and Tata Steel Plant. After completion these projects will be Jagdalpur city's industrial hubs. The city's demographic is changing rapidly and it has the fastest-growing population in Chhattisgarh state.

 

Transport : -

 

 

 

Road transport :-

 

 

 

 

Jagdalpur is well connected by road with the Chhattisgarh state capital Raipur, Hyderabad Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and other nearby National Highways providing onward connectivity to other major towns and cities of India.

 

The National Highways passing through Jagdalpur are NH 30 (connecting Raipur to Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh), NH 221 (connecting Jagdalpur to Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh) and NH 16 (connecting Jagdalpur to Nizamabad in Andhra Pradesh) while passing through Maharashtra.

 

NH 30 at Raipur connects Jagdalpur to NH 6 leading to Nagpur and Kolkata.

NH 43 connects Natavalasa in Andhra Pradesh and Raipur in Chhattisgarh and passes through Jagdalpur.

NH 221 near Vijayawada connects Jagdalpur to NH 9 leading to Hyderabad and Pune.

NH 16 at Bhopalpatnam connects with NH 202, which once completed, would connect Jagdalpur to Warangal and Hyderabad.

 

 

 

Rail transport :-

 

 

 

 

 

There are daily trains connecting Jagdalpur to Visakhapatnam (passenger train 58501/58502),  Bhubaneswar  (Hirakhand Express 18447/18448) and Kirandul (passenger train 58501/58502). According the new Railway Budget of 2012-13, Jagdalpur has got one new train i.e. (Durg–Jagdalpur Tri-weekly express 18211/18212 which runs between DurgJagdalpur via Raipur Mahasamund Titilagarh Jagdalpur and the (18005/18006)  Howrah - Koraput  express has been extended to Jagdalpur.

 

Festivals :-

 

Bastar Dassehra , The Goncha Festival , Haryali Aamavasya

 

Places to visit in and around Jagdalpur :-

 

 

Kanger Valley National Park : -

 

 

 

Entry into the National Park is permitted form Netanar and Kotamsar barriers. Netanar barrier is situated at 33 km from Jagdalpur on the road passing through village Sargipal, Bodal, Murma, and Netanar. The Park starts after 3 km from the Netanar barrier. Main entry of the Park is from Kotamsar barrier situated at 27 km from Jagdalpur on the Jagdalpur-Darbha road i.e. NH 221 (connecting Jagdalpur to Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh). Inside the Park there is good network of Murram and kutcha roads.

 

Rest houses, Hotels, lodges, Resorts of good quality are available for lodging at Jagdalpur. Inside the Park Forest Rest House at Kotamsar and Tirathgarh is available; Nearest Petrol Pump is at Jagdalpur. Forest wireless system is at Tirathgarh & Netanar.

 

Indravati National Park : -

 

Indravati National Park, located in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh, is named after the nearby Indravati River. It is regarded as one of the finest and top most wildlife parks of Chhattisgarh. Spread on an area of about 1258 km2, the park is renowned for its wide ranging species of animals, birds and reptiles. Indravati National Park was declared a National Park in 1981 and later on under the famous Project Tiger of India got the status of Tiger Reserve in 1983. It is the only Tiger Reserve in the Tribal State of Chhattisgarh. The main attraction in the park is the rare wild buffalo as well as the swamp deer.

 

 

 

Danteshwari Temple :-

 

 

 

 

It is located around 84 km (52 mi) from Jagdalpur city is the famous and sacred temple of Ma (Hindi for mother) Danteshwari, a local goddess, worshipped as an incarnation ofShakti. This temple is believed to possess several divine powers. Every year during Dushera thousands of tribals from surrounding villages and jungles gather here to pay homage to the goddess.

 

Temples in Barsoor :-

 

Located on the banks of the Indrawati river, about 75 km (a one and a half to two hour drive) to the south west of Jagdalpur, Barsoor was once an epicentre of Hindu civilization. It is believed that there were once 147 temples and an equal number of ponds here. The ruins of these temples, dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries (i.e. over 1,000 years) can still be seen today; they contain some notable images of Lord Vishnu. One Shiva temple, with 12 carved stone pillars, has nude figures on the outside. Another Shiva temple has 32 carved stone pillars, a black granite Nandi (Shiva's carrier) bull, and two sanctum sanctorum, with a common court. The ruins of this temple have been recently restored. A 50 foot high temple, known locally as Mama-bhanja-ka-mandir (temple of the maternal uncle and nephew), is in good condition, but lacks an idol. It is not clear to which deity the temple was consecrated, or even if it was ever consecrated. The biggest attraction is the Ganesha Temple. While the temple itself is in ruins, two sandstone images of Ganesh, both in the aspect of Maha-Ganapati, are still intact. The larger of these is about 8 feet high and over 17 feet wide.

 

Danteshwari Temple at Jagdalpur :-

 

It is an ancient temple built by the kings of Bastar for inhabiting their family Goddess, Devi Danteshwari. Devi Danteshwari is the Goddess of entire Bastar division, worshipped by tribals and other community. This temple is located inside the Bastar Palace. especial offering is done on Saturday and Tuesday, In bastar all goddess temple are closed on Monday, Wednesday.

It is popular to visit the temple during the famous Bastar Dussehera festival season, when it is decorated with colored lights. The temple is where the main traditional functions of the festivals are carried on.

 

Mavli temple :-

 

Devi mavali is consider as elder sister of goddess danteswari, presiding deity of narayanpur, the temple is situated in front of danteswari temple. This temple have series of Temple of other gods and goddess like goddess kali, shiva(bhairava) has great significance because in dashara festival all most rituals, offering is done in mavli temple.

 

Jagannath temple :-

 

Temple is dedicated to lord jagannath, Subhadra and Balbhadra. This temple is nearby to Mavli temple having unique singha dwar (lion gate) The famous festival Goncha (Rath yatra) is started from this temple. The festival is celebrated on ashad shukla dwitiya, second largest festival of Jagdalpur. folk from nearby and distance places participate in festival and seek blessing of lord jagannath. They play tupki in honor of lord jagannath. The sound of this tupki is heard in every corner, cross of Jagdalpur. The ripe jack-fruit and germinated mungbean is main offering to lord.

 

Hinglajin temple :-

 

There are many temple in Jagdalpur dedicated to goddess Hinglajin. As per the folk belief she is the younger sister of goddess Danteswari, her abode is in eastern part of Bastarlike Girhola, Bakavand, Jaithgiri. In Jagdalpur oldest Hinglajin temple is in Hatkachora. Girhola temple of goddess has very religious importance, people gathered in Girhola during Navratri festival from Bastar and Odisha. the idol of goddess is very beautiful and divine. Other temple are in Bastar village, nayamunda.

 

Laxmi-Narayan temple :-

 

This temple is near by Danteswari temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The architecture of temple is same as Danteswari temple. Shri Ram temple and Radha- Krishna temple is very near to Laxmi- Narayan temple which has similar architecture.

 

The Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple :-

 

The Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple in Jagdalpur is a result of the dedicated efforts of members of Andhra Association. The temple reaches out to serve spiritual, cultural and social dimensions of the society. The construction of the Balaji temple in Jagdalpur has been beneficial to many of the devotees, who now have an accessible darshan of the Lord nearer their homes. Every day devotees throng this sacred shrine of Lord Balaji, also known as Sri Venkateswara Swamy, the all-pervading Lord of the Universe.

 

Chitrakote Falls :-

 

 

 

 

Chitrakot Falls is also referred as the Niagara Falls of India and has got the distinction of being the broadest waterfall in India. It is located 38 km (24 mi) from Jagdalpur and is accessible by road only.

 

Chitrakot ghumar or Chitrakote Falls is listed amongst the most popular waterfalls in Chhattisgarh. Locally known as chitrakot ghumar, meaning of ghumar is waterfall like tarmara ghumar mendri ghumar, chitar means cheetal (deer). Earlier days numerous deer were there so people used to call it chitrakote. The falls showcase their natural beauty amidst the densely forested surroundings. The waterfall is located near Jagdalpur, in Bastar district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh on the Indravati River. The waters of the river flowing through dense vegetation and cascading from a height of about 95 feet is a popular attraction for thousands of tourists. The breadth of the waterfall varies according to the season and goes down drastically in the summers. The most spectacular view of Chitrakot Falls is during the monsoon season when the river flows in its full fury and touches both the banks and is filled with silt.

 

Tirathgarh Waterfalls :-

 

 

 

 

 

It is located around 38 km from Jagdalpur in Kanger Valley National Park, a renowned eco tourism site. The scenic Tirathgarh Falls is one of the most notable waterfalls inChhattisgarh. Water cascading from the hills surrounding the falls provides impressive views. Splashing streams of water come down at high speed from a height of more than 100 feet on the river Mugabahar, which originates in a lake not very far away from this point. The surrounding forests dramatize the visual effect of the falls.

Water flows through various streams and crosses numerous paths along the way in a zigzag manner, finally ending up in the falls. Besides the natural scenic attractions associated with this place, Tirathgarh Falls is also an important religious place featuring a temple which is dedicated to Shiva Parvati. Every thousands of tourists and devotees come here from within the state and rest of India for having spectacular views of Tirathgarh Falls as well as offering prayers at the temple. The best season to visit this place is in the months of October through February.

 

Chitradhara Waterfalls :-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chitradhara Waterfalls is located just 19 km form Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh on the way to Chitrakot Falls. It is one of the most popular sightseeing and weekend vacation destinations in the centrally located state of Chhattisgarh, and in Bastar District. It lies near a small village called Potanar and attracts thousands of tourists from within the state and from the rest of the country. Families and friends come to enjoy the outdoors and watch the gushing waters cascading down the hill at high speed.

River Indravati is the main source of Chitradhara Waterfalls. The river passes through dense forested lands in a zigzag manner, cutting through uneven rocky terrains and finally descending from the top of the hills. The sound of water flowing through the river and splashing into the air after hitting the ground is ever-present, especially during the monsoon season. The natural beauty of this river, along with the dense forests and clear waters of the lake, rank this place amongst the top Eco Tourism Sites in Chhattisgarh. Monsoon is the best season to visit here.

 

Tamra Ghoomar Waterfalls :-

 

Tamra Ghoomar Falls is located at around 45 km from Jagdalpur. It is very close to the Chitrakoot waterfall. This is a recently discovered waterfall with a height of more than 100 feet and is generally formed in the rainy season. There are green fields on either side of this waterfall. Like Chitrakoot and Tirathgarh Waterfalls, Tamra Ghoomar Falls is another scenic spot near Chitrakoot. The natural beauty of the area, featuring lush forested lands, deep valleys, and hills, attracts tourists to it. Even though the waterfalls lies in a secluded location, numerous tourists still make it a point to come here for picnicking and enjoying the natural wonders with their families and friends. It is one of the most popular Eco Tourism destinations in Chhattisgarh. The area surrounding the falls is rich in natural attractions. The best way of exploring this place is to trek or take a scenic drive.

It has become an important picnic spot in Chhattisgarh which numerous tourists visit to escape from the stress of busy city life. It is a popular place to relax and rest amidst scenic surroundings. Tourists are greeted with views of flowing waters, passing along the trees on both sides, cutting through the rocks and finally cascading at high speed from the top of the hill. Tourists have the opportunity to relax and play beside the gushing waters. The best season to visit this place is monsoon.

 

Mandawa Waterfalls :-

 

Mandawa waterfall is located in a place called Mandawa off the NH-16 (Jagdalpur-Geedam road), around 31 km from Jagdalpur.

At Mandawa, the stream of water flows step-wise and falls from a height of 70 ft to make a cascade called Mandawa Waterfall. The water from this waterfall collects in a small reservoir (jalkund) and then flows downstream, meeting Kanger river and forming two other waterfalls (Tirathgarh and Kanger-dhara). Due to its flat top and adjacent horizontal rocks, it offers a good view.

 

Kanger Dhara :-

 

Kanger Dhara is located inside the Kanger Valley National Park, 36 km from Jagdalpur. To reach Kanger Dhara, one should get the applicable permission and tickets from the District Forest Office located at the entry to the park.

The best season for visiting the park is from winter to summer; the park closes to tourists from the beginning of Monsoons in the month of July.

Being in the lap of Kanger Valley, the Kanger Dhara waterfall is produced by the Kanger River due to the presence of undulating rocks present there. Geologists suggest that the area was a sedimentary terrain, later intruded by igneous rock bodies, causing these folded structures.

Just at the beginning of the downstream of Kanger river, when the river falls from undulating folded rocks, it forms small cascades of water, which creates Kanger Dhara Falls.

 

 

Kotumsar Caves :-

 

 

 

 

 

Kotumsar Caves are situated at a distance of about 40 km (25 mi) from Jagdalpur. Kotumsar Caves are about 35 meters below ground level and around 1371 meters long.

These caves have got the distinction of being India's first and world's second longest natural caves. As they are underground, there is pitch-darkness inside. It features stalactite and stalagmite formations. Entry to the caves is via narrow stairs. Visitors have to pass through tall, narrow chambers to gain access to the main hall, which features superb acoustics. The caves feature five chambers having several blind wells. Lots of tribal tales are also associated with it and are also known as Gupanpal or Kutamsar Caves. The stalactites found inside the cave have been an interesting research topic for scientists and arouse curiosity among visitors.

There is a lack of oxygen when going deep into the caves. In view of this, for safety reasons, entry beyond certain points has been restricted.

 

Kailash Caves :-

 

Kailash Caves are located in the Kanger Valley National Park area near Mikulwada. The caves are located around 40 km from Jagdalpur. The caves are around 250 meters long and are situated at an altitude of 40 meters above ground level. The caves feature impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Access to the cave is through a narrow opening. At the end of the cave is a huge stalagmite formation in the shape of Shivlinga. The hollow walls of the cave, when struck by hand, make musical sounds.

 

Aranyak Cave :-

 

Discovered in the month of July 1996, Dr. Suresh Tiwari and his troop were the first group to view this cave. Followed by a 15 foot long aven, the cavern (solution cave) opens into a series of galleries and shafts, having two big and three small chambers, with a view of developing/budding speleothems. This cave is one of the caves of Kanger Valley National Park, situated at the extreme north-west of the Park area and under the village of Madarkonta.

 

 

 

Bastar Palace :-

 

 

 

is another historical remain that is seen in Jagdalpur. It was the headquarters of Bastar Kingdom. It was built by the rulers of Bastar State when the capital of Bastar kingdom was shifted from Barsur to Jagdalpur. At present the royal family of Bastar state is residing there.

 

Anthropological Museum :-

 

The Zonal Anthropological Museum in Jagdalpur was established in the year 1972 to provide insight into the culture and lifestyles of Bastar tribes. The museum is 4 km from the Jagdalpur city center in the office of the Anthropological Survey of India. It houses a fine collection of numerous objects of ethnographic interest. The rare items on display at the museum throw light on the rituals and customs followed by the tribes of Bastar and highlight their religious practices and style of living. All the collections have been documented, classified, and are displayed in various sections of the museum.

The Zonal Anthropological Museum of Jagdalpur is one of the prominent museums in central India which is entirely dedicated to the acquisition, study, protection, exhibition, and educational understanding of various objects that have historical, scientific, or artistic value. Some of the rare collections found at the museum include headgears, footwear, ornaments, musical instruments, dresses, paintings, wood carvings, weapons, masks, art work, sculptures and a wide variety of objects that were used in daily life. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Chhattisgarh that serves as a window to the lifestyles and ethnic cultures of various tribes in Bastar. The rare collections on display at the museum cover four fields of anthropology namely ethnology, linguistics, archaeology, and physical anthropology.

 

Lakes in Jagdalpur :-

 

Earlier days many lakes were in Jagdalpur like Ganga Munda, Dalpat Sagar, Kevara Munda, Naya Munda, Ran Munda and so on but at present time only three Ganga Munda, Dalpat Sagar and Ran Munda are in good condition, others are dry up. Munda is a Halbi word means ponds or lake. Ganga Munda and Dalpat Sagar are a great attraction for those residing in the town as well as for tourists coming to Jagdalpur.

 

Dalpat Sagar Lake :-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dalpat Sagar Lake is located within Jagdalpur. It is one of the biggest artificial lakes in Chhattisgarh. It was built by Raja Dalpat Deo Kakatiya over 400 years ago to harvest rain water. This lake is full of lotus and water lily.

Temple. There is an old temple located at the center island of the Dalpat Sagar. The temple is dedicated to lord shiva. As it is located on an island, one will have to take paddle boat or fishing boat to reach there. The island offers impressive views of the scenic surroundings.

Fishing. Dalpat Sagar is one of the major sources of fishing and provides means of livelihood to many local people. Group fishing activity takes place early in the morning or in the evening. One group of people spreads the net in the water while the other group drives the fishes into the net by beating the water. Because of fishing one might not be able to explore every part of Dalpat sagar, as paddle boats are prohibited in the region where nets are spread.

Boating. To help visitors enjoy Dalpat Sagar, the Government of Chhattisgarh has provided facilities for paddle boats and motor boats. The paddle boat has two variations, 2-seater and 4-seater, so that groups of family and friends can travel together. A shed has also been provided in each boat to protect passengers from sun.

Island. The Government has built an island on Dalpat Sagar so that people can sit, relax and enjoy the beauty of the lake. The island has coconut trees, show plants, a light tower, and a musical fountain. The light tower can be seen from anywhere in Jagdalpur. Visitors can sit on the island enjoying the view and the sunset. The musical fountain show is usually at 7 o’clock in the evening.