Chitrakote Falls

The broadest waterfall in India, Chitrakote is popularly known as the Niagara of India, because of its width. Situated in the west side of Jagdalpur in the Bastar District of Chhattisgarh, this waterfall originates from the Indravati river. Chitrakote Falls is at the height of about 30 metres with a width of 985 feet, and during monsoons, you can watch the falls at its full glory. The fall cascades from the top of the cliff in 3 streams during summers.

A significant attraction below the fall is the shrine of Lord Shiva with many small Shivalingas. During the low season, locals and tourists are seen to be swimming, bathing or even using paddle boats on the river.

Places to See

1. Tamra Ghoomar Waterfalls

A recent discovery tucked away in a sequestered spot away from the swarming city and surrounded by lush green pastures on both sides. Tamra Ghoomar is a natural waterfall with a height of more than 100 feet and is generally formed during the monsoon showers. It is a 20-minute drive away from Chitrakote falls and a perfect spot for a day picnic frequented by tourists and locals alike. Immerse yourself in the tranquil quietude that Tamra Ghoomar offers and spend a day amidst dense valleys and magnificent hills.

2. Mendri Ghoomar Waterfall

This is another natural waterfall that forms during the monsoon months, around 11 kilometres away from Chitrakote falls. Mendri Ghoomar is nuzzled between Chitrakote Barasur and Tirtha and located in Jagdalpur. The height of descent of the falls is approximately 70 meters with lush green covers enveloping the waterfall. The waterfall overflows during rains and has a more relaxed flow during the summers.

3. Kanger Valley National Park

The park has drawn its name from the Kanger river flowing along the area of the national park, The Kanger Valley National Park has a diverse range of flora and fauna and a considerable population of tribals. One of the densest national parks within India, it is located in the 34 kilometer long stretch of Kanger Valley. The national park amasses an area over 200 square kilometres of predominantly hilly topography and has lush green landscapes, caverns and serene waterfalls throughout the park. The park has a jeep safari that takes you to the Kanger Dhara Waterfall, Deer Park and the Kotumsar Caves, all within the National Park. Some of the key species found within the Kanger Valley National Park are Tigers, Leopards, Barking Deer, Pythons, Crocodiles among many others.

4. Kutumsar Cave

Kutumsar Cave is a naturally formed cavern which derives its name from Kutumsar village, the area where the caves are located. Kotumsar is a limestone cave along the Kanger limestone belt in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, an hour's drive away from Chitrakote falls. The caves are 200 meters long with various downwards and sideway alleys along its length. The entrance of the caves are formed by a vertical depression on the surface of the hills forming the caves, the entrance is connected to the exit by a concrete walkway created for tourists visiting the caves. The caves may flood during monsoons and is kept closed for the public during this time but remains open rest of the year.

5. Tirathgarh Waterfalls

Tirathgarh Waterfalls are located in the south-west of Jagdalpur, approximately 60 kilometers from the Chitrakote falls. The water descends from a height of 91 meters in a criss cross pattern.  It adjoins the Kanger Valley National Park and is very close to Kutumsar Caves.

6. Chitradhara Waterfalls

A small waterfall in the Potanagar area on the road leading up to Chitrakot falls approximately 25 kilometres away from Chitrakote Waterfall. The waterfall has stretches of green cover and small ponds all over the area. Chitradhara is a lesser-known place and hence receives lower volumes of tourists in comparison to Chitrakote waterfall.

7. Danteshwari Temple

A fourteenth-century temple in Dantewada around 30 kilometres from Chitrakote falls is devoted to goddess Danteshwari, the Kuldevi of the Bastar region. The temple is believed to be one amongst 52 Shakti Peethas(shrines of Shaki). Local legend suggests that the temple was erected where the tooth of Sati fell during the creation of Shakti shrines. The locals celebrate Dussehra with a huge procession for the goddess transversing the whole town.

8. Bastar Palace

The former headquarters of Bastar Kingdom, Bastar Palace was built by the rulers of Bastar. At present the palace's regular upkeep and maintenance is foreseen by the government. One of the major tourist attractions in the Bastar area, the palace is encircled by gardens on all sides and famous for its artifacts and historical relics that adorn the palace walls. The Bastar Palace is about 40 kilometres away from Chitrakote falls and should be about an hour from there.

Things to Do

1. The Chitrakote falls are magnificent in itself and you could spend your time just taking in the amazing view but there's also a couple more interesting activities that you could partake in.

2. Do not miss the boat rides in the pool formed at the bottom of the waterfalls, the boat ride offers you stunning views of the waterfall and the boatmen can also take you up to the sprays and let you experience the gushing mist that emerges from the waterfalls. You have climb down a flight of stairs to take the boat ride, and even if you decide to not take a boat ride the view from the bottom of the stairway is the best and provides for a great photo op so definitely make your way down and you might also chance upon a rainbow on some rainy days.

Chitrakote Waterfalls is the perfect monsoon getaway with overflowing pools and a majestic cascade of water from the cliffs. It is quite a tourist hotspot and is thronged by visitors throughout the year. It is also the perfect backdrop for every photography enthusiast with its alluring views. Whether it is a day picnic with your family or if you just want to spend some time by yourself in the company of nature and enjoy the serene surroundings contemplating life Chitrakote is perfect for you.