Dantewada Tourism
Dantewada recently came into being, in 1998, after the formation of Chattisgarh from Madhya Pradesh. Situated in the Bastar district, the quaint little town of Dantewada offers a panoramic landscape view of gushing rivers, sparkling waterfalls, mighty hill peaks and lush green meadows.
Historically, the town was named after the deity Danteshwari, an incarnate of Shakti, who later came to preside the Danteshwar temple. Dantewada was known as Tarlapal and Dantawali in pre-historical days. The town also houses recently developed stretch of Rowghat mines. However, currently, the area is affected by Naxalism and a well-versed research is advisable before heading out in the area.
Dantewada offers you all natural elements from hills mountains to rivers and hence creating complete sceneries. It also houses recently developed stretch of Rowghat mines. However, this area is affected by Naxalism and it is advisable to research properly about the recent events before heading out to Dantewada.
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Things to do in Dantewada
1. Danteshwari Temple
One of the 52 Shakti Peeths of the country, this 600 year old temple has been constructed in South Indian style of temple architecture in the 14th century by the rulers of the Chalukya Dynasty.
2. Mama-Bhanjaa Temple
Housing the idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this Dravidian style temple is well known for its sculpted murals and the dome that touches 50 ft. height. There is (Read More) also Shiva Temple and a Ganesha Temple situated close to the Mama-Bhanjaa Temple.
3. Indravati National Park
The only tiger reserve in the green state of Chhattisgarh, Indravati National Park boasts of a wildlife population larger than many others in the country. It is among the three royal tiger reserves th (Read More)is state, the other being Achanakmar and Undanti-Sitandadi tiger reserves. Deriving its name from the Indravati River in much proximity, the national park is said the be one of the best in the state.
4. Bodhghat Sath Dhar
Lying 6 km off Barsur, river Indravati's seven parts come together here to form this scenic waterfall amidst lush green forests making it an idyllic picnic spot.
5. Barsur
Barsur Village, the throne of power for Gangawanshi rulers in 840 AD, is located on the banks of river Indravati. The village famously known as the city of temples and ponds is adorned with a total of (Read More) 147 temples and 147 ponds.
6. Bailadila Mountains
Rich with deposits of iron ore, Bailadila Mountain range consists of 14 reserves with 3 under mining. Bacheli and Kirandul are the two industrial zones in this area.
7. Memory Pillars of Gamawada
Situated 14 km off Dantewada, the memory pillars of Gamawada commemorate the relatives of the local inhabitants and are centuries old. It can be spotted on the way to Bacheli. The memorial made of lar (Read More)ge sized stone pillars marks the age old tradition of the local tribes to honour the deceased.
More on Dantewada Travel
Customs and Traditions
Dantewada mostly has a tribal culture, owing to its population. The native tribes are majorly Muriyas and Dandami Mariyas. Although surrounded by Orissa and Andhra Pradesh, the town has kept its heritage and customs alive. The people are mostly non-vegetarians and wear minimalistic clothes. Women adorn themselves with handmade jewels of rocks and stones.
Hinduism is a common religion, and most celebrated festivals include Diwali, Dussehra, Holi etc.
Local people are also excellent artisans. They excel in crafting goods from bamboo, clay and metals. Other than this, the town is also a peek into the enchanting world of witchcraft, black magic etc. Exorcism and Sorcery are common practices.
Places to Visit
1. Danteshwari Temple: Maa Danteshwari Temple situated in Dantewada is one of the 52 Shaktipeethas in India. Built in the 14th century, the presiding deity of the temple is Danteshwari Mata, who is the Kuldevi of the former Kakatiya rulers. According to many legends, this temple is the spot where Sati's tooth (Daanth, in Hindi) when all the Shakti shrines were created in Satya Yuga. The 'Bastar Dussehra' festival is a huge event in the town of Dantewada and thousands of people from all over the country come to visit the temple to pay their respects and homage. The tradition of lighting the Jyothis Kalashas, a symbolic representation of Goddess Durga is carried out here during Navaratri every year.
2. Dholkal Ganesh: A beautiful spot located around 3000 feet high in the Bailadila Mountains, stands a stone idol of Lord Ganesha which is almost 3 feet tall. It is considered to be created during the Naga dynasty, around the 10th and 11th centuries. The peak also offers a beautiful view.
3. Phoolpad Waterfalls: A waterfall that is formed by a mountainous river that has its origins in Aranpur Valley, the Phoolpad Waterfalls are also referred by many locals as 'Phoolpad Tandhul' and 'Indul Jharna'. The waterfall is a magnificent sight when visited during the monsoons, which is between November and February.
4. Barsoor: A place of cultural and historical importance, the present-day village of Barsoor was once the seat of power during the reign of the Gangawanshi rulers during the 840 AD. Known as the city of temples and ponds, it is believed that Barsoor once housed almost 147 temples and ponds, some of which are still a favourite among many locals and tourists. Mama Bacha Temple, Chandraditya Temple, Battisa Temple and twin Ganesha Temple are a few spots that you must visit.
5. Saathdhaar Waterfalls: As its name suggests, the river of Indravati parts into seven distributaries that form one small waterfall, which is the Saathdhaara Waterfalls. Surrounded by rocks and mountains, this place is an ideal destination for a family picnic and is also famous for the rare Bodh fish.
2. Dholkal Ganesh: A beautiful spot located around 3000 feet high in the Bailadila Mountains, stands a stone idol of Lord Ganesha which is almost 3 feet tall. It is considered to be created during the Naga dynasty, around the 10th and 11th centuries. The peak also offers a beautiful view.
3. Phoolpad Waterfalls: A waterfall that is formed by a mountainous river that has its origins in Aranpur Valley, the Phoolpad Waterfalls are also referred by many locals as 'Phoolpad Tandhul' and 'Indul Jharna'. The waterfall is a magnificent sight when visited during the monsoons, which is between November and February.
4. Barsoor: A place of cultural and historical importance, the present-day village of Barsoor was once the seat of power during the reign of the Gangawanshi rulers during the 840 AD. Known as the city of temples and ponds, it is believed that Barsoor once housed almost 147 temples and ponds, some of which are still a favourite among many locals and tourists. Mama Bacha Temple, Chandraditya Temple, Battisa Temple and twin Ganesha Temple are a few spots that you must visit.
5. Saathdhaar Waterfalls: As its name suggests, the river of Indravati parts into seven distributaries that form one small waterfall, which is the Saathdhaara Waterfalls. Surrounded by rocks and mountains, this place is an ideal destination for a family picnic and is also famous for the rare Bodh fish.
Suggested Itinerary for Dantewada
Spending a day in this town can be an experience of the lifetime for you. Begin your journey early in the morning by visiting the famous scenic waterfalls of the Bodhghat Sath Dhar. Move ahead to pay a visit to the famous Danteshwari Temple and proceed to Mama Bhanja Temple.
Spend a quiet evening in Indravati National Park. End your day with a stroll in the local markets and purchase some of the amazing handcrafted memoirs to take back home.
Spend a quiet evening in Indravati National Park. End your day with a stroll in the local markets and purchase some of the amazing handcrafted memoirs to take back home.
Best Time to Visit Dantewada
Nearby Places
How to Reach Dantewada
How to Reach Overview
Dantewada is connected with Jagadalpur the nearest town, by State Highway 16. Private Luxury Buses are available from almost all the big cities of Chattisgarh like Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg & Rajnandgaon to Bailadila, which goes through Dantewada. APSRTC buses connect Dantewada with Hyderabad as well. The Nearest airport is in Raipur. Dantewada has its own railway station too.
How to reach Dantewada by flight
There is no direct flight connectivity to Dantewada. The nearest airport is in Raipur, around 350 km away from the same. You can take a flight to Raipur, and thereon, you can take either a taxi or a train to Dantewada.
How to reach Dantewada by road
Regular bus services ply to and fro the city of Dantewada. They operate on a daily basis, whether day or night, from places like Raipur, Bhilai, etc. You can also take shared taxis or cabs for the same route.
How to reach Dantewada by train
Dantewada is well connected to the rest of India by railways as well. Dantewada railway station is the major railway junction connecting Dantewada town to the rest of India by railways. Autorickshaws are the cheap mode of transportation from the railway station, though taxis are also easily available to take you to the required destination.
Local transport in Dantewada
Buses and Autos are the preferred modes of travel.
Dantewada Photos
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FAQs on Dantewada
What is famous about Dantewada?
The local crafts made of stone, clay, metal and bamboo are a great attraction for tourists.
What is not so good about Dantewada?
The area is affected by Naxalism, so you need to be alert at all times.
Who should visit Dantewada?
Dantewada draws a large number of tourists from India and abroad, as visitors escape to this getaway to attain soul and peace of mind amidst nature and tranquillity. It is a popular pilgrimage site as well. It can also be visited by adventure enthusiasts as there are trekking expeditions in and around the city.
What is the best time to visit Dantewada?
Winter season is the best season for a visit to Dantewada. The months when Dantewada is ideal for a trip is for the months of October - March. Monsoons are also a good time to visit, especially regarding the budget travellers while summer season, with unbearable climate, is seriously the least advisable time for a visit.
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What is the local food in Dantewada?
Dantewada offers both continental cuisines as well local and tribal delicacies. The food here is dominated by non-vegetarian relishes. What stands out here is a number of interesting and exotic alcoholic beverages that the local tribal cuisine offers. This include Paje a non-alcoholic liquid preparation made from water and small amount of cooked rice, Sulphi, an intoxic liquor collected from a tall palm like trees and Landa an alcoholic beverage prepared from water, madiya, rice and corn. Kosra (a kind of grain, similar to rice), rice and madiya are the staple ingredients used by the tribals.
Other than the tribal flavors, there are some things that you can just not miss while you are in Chhattisgarh. These include Jalebi, Petha and Rakhia Badi .
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Other than the tribal flavors, there are some things that you can just not miss while you are in Chhattisgarh. These include Jalebi, Petha and Rakhia Badi .
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What is the best way to reach Dantewada?
Dantewada is connected with Jagadalpur the nearest town, by State Highway 16. Private Luxury Buses are available from almost all the big cities of Chattisgarh like Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg & Rajnandgaon to Bailadila, which goes through Dantewada. APSRTC buses connect Dantewada with Hyderabad as well. The Nearest airport is in Raipur. Dantewada has its own railway station too.
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What are the things to do in Dantewada?
The top things to do in Dantewada are Danteshwari Temple, Mama-Bhanjaa Temple, Indravati National Park, Bodhghat Sath Dhar, Barsur, Bailadila Mountains. You can see all the places to visit in Dantewada here
What are the places near Dantewada?
The top places near to Dantewada are Papi kondalu which is 145 km from Dantewada, Bhadrachalam which is located 145 km from Dantewada, Visakhapatnam which is located 239 km from Dantewada, Jeypore which is located 128 km from Dantewada, Bhamragad which is located 98 km from Dantewada
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Dantewada Reviews
Your rating
Shreyas Kapoor
6 years ago
- As this area is affected by Naxalism and it is advisable to research properly about the recent events before heading out to Dantewada.