One of the least visited places by outsiders-yet one of the most beautiful forested stream clad regions of India is Jagdalpur in Dantewada district of Chhatisgarh which we all know is sensitive but when visited is one of the most memorable journey. Come in late monsoon period that is August end, and you’ll see flowing streams, heavy waterfalls, green paddy fields and dense forests-you’ll love being so close to nature with more residential homes rather than apartments and less of commercialism. If you want to see Kailash-Kotumsar Caves, and Kanger Valley national park, late September will be a better month..Chitrakoot and Tirathgarh Falls are prime attractions here. Danteshwari temple and several other temples make up to the list of places to visit as well, more so because of scenic drives.
Reasons why you must visit Jagdalpur:
- The 2 km long 35 m underground Kailash and Kotumsar caves consisting mainly of stalactites and stalagmites, are a must-visit at Jagdalpur; it’s close to Tirathgarh falls, so you can’t miss it out post monsoon. S
- Chitrakoot or Chitrakote falls of width 980 feet known as the Niagara of India over Indravati river is why you’ll mainly be at Jagdalpur. And you’ll have to be here in July and August to see falls in full glory -you’ll love it!
- Tirathgarh waterfall is another one you won’t like to miss out on because it’s pretty scenic with dense forests and ideal for taking many selfies and getting wet under the falls. Monsoon anytime is the best time to be here!
- Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada is a religious place you shouldn’t miss if you have time to spare and want to give some time to the Dantewada region. The surroundings are scenic, with a river flowing by and forests in the vicinity. It’s mainly known for the Dusshera
- Eh! In Bastar district, and you miss Kanger Valley National Park? How come…you cannot as it’s one heck of tourist’s prime attraction but yeah, be sure you keep checking their site to know about bookings and best time to visit-not monsoon time of course. Kutumbasar, Kailash and Dandak caves are also worth a watch, along with booming flora and fauna.
- Dalpat Sagar, Chitradhara falls, Zonal Anthropological Museum and Bastar palace are some other exciting places you must set your eyes on! I need a day extra!!!
Location : Jagdalpur is about 300 km south of Raipur and 300 km west of Visakhapatnam, with Visakhapatnam route being more safe and well-connected.
Tourist Attraction on the spot:
Chitrakoot Falls, Kotumsar Cave(not in monsoons), Danteshwari Temple, Museum, Teerathgarh falls, Bastar Palace, Kanger Valley National Park
Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:
You can visit Visakhapatnam, Raipur, Araku Valley, Srikakulam and Chilika lake which will fall in vicinity.
Distance Charts:(Jagdalpur)
- Raipur(290 km)
- Visakhapatnam(310 km)
- Bhubaneshwar(590 km)
- Kolkata(960 km)
- Chennai(890 km)
- Vijayawada(440 km)
- Delhi(1510 km)
- Ranchi(730 km)
- Dantewada(85 km)
- Araku(185 km)
- Nagpur(480 km)
- Mumbai(1250 km)
How to Reach Jagdalpur:
Road Routes:
Visakhapatnam-Araku-Koraput-Jeypore-Jagdalpur-Dantewada
An important note from my experience:
1) To see caves and national parks, avoid the rainy season, come here after September month.
2)If forests, greenery and waterfalls are what you prefer, drop in July to September. You’ll love the greenery of paddy fields and dense forests.
3)Carry snacks and water with you as shops on the roads are few, and it takes time to reach another city.
4)Carefully study the news and the situation before arriving here. Otherwise, you can be in real trouble. Watch the news for yourself, and you’ll get to know the region’s sensitivity. Not making you fear, though!
5)Araku Valley is something you can easily cover by adding a day extra, and it’s worth it-its the best hill station of Eastern ghats in India-fact!
6)Booking a car is way better than public transport, but come in group-solo travel is not for the faint-hearted and, God’s sake-avoid venturing into forests-stay in city limits!
RAIL:Jagdalpur is well connected by daily rail service from Visakhapatnam.
AIR: Visakhapatnam is nearest airport for Jagdalpur.Raipur also can be the other one.
ROAD: You can approach Jagdalpur from Durg/Raipur or Nagpur side as well as from Visakhapatnam end as well.Roads are in good state but please check the local civil issues and aggressions before approaching roadways. This area is critical and sensitive so please be where public is-don’t try to be a lion in unknown black-hole…
Map:
Time to Visit:
August to March is a good time to be here.
Spend Time With:
Friends,Groups
Food and Lodging:
Hotels are there in Jagdalpur and you should make your stay here only as this is a safe call.No advance bookings needed as per my experience.Fooding will be available in major cities of Chhattisgarh so better have snacks and water with you all the way!
Expense:
A 2 day trip to Jagdalpur costs:
Food:INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X2
Transport:To do local sight seeing ,get some friends and make a group and go for car sharing-will cost around 3500 INR per day but its safer.May cost 6000 INR for days.If you manage to get public transport here,won’t cost more than 1000 bucks all inclusive.
Lodging:INR 700/day X2
Entry Fees includes various places (varies):Assuming INR 300 including entry fees at national park.90 % of places are rid of entry fees.
Total: 3300 INR(8300 INR in case you opt for safer transport!!!I am stressing this for some valid reason :-))
Nearby Attractions(Jagdalpur)
- Dantewada(85 km)
- Araku(185 km)
- Nagpur(480 km)
- Chikhaldara(700 km)
- Puri(560 km)
- Konark(620 km)
- Visakhapatnam(310 km)
- Bhubaneshwar(590 km)
- Pachmarhi(720 km)
- Jabalpur(620 km)
- Amarkantak(530 km)
- Hyderabad(550 km)
- Vijayawada(440 km)
