Indravati River

About:

The Indravati River is a tributary of the Godavari River, located in central India. The river rises in the Eastern Ghats in Orissa and flows westwards to join the Godavari, thus forming the boundary between Maharashtra and Chhatisgarh states at some places. Most of the River Course of Indravati is through dense forests of Bastar. The famous `Chitrakoot` falls forms on Indravati River, some 40 km from Jagdalpur in Chhatisgarh. The Indravati River is sometimes known as the "lifeline" of the Bastar District, which is known as one of the greenest districts in India. There is a famous wildlife sanctuary named Indravati National Park on its bank.

Location info:

Address:Chattisgarh,India.
District: Bastar district.
Nearest City: Jagdalpur.
Best time to visit: October to March

Climate/Weather:

History:

Festivals and Fairs:

Dusshera:
The most famous festival of Chhattisgarh, is celebrated with great fanfare in Bastar region. Dusshera in Bastar is different, as it has nothing to do with the triumphant return of Lord Rama in Ayodhya or defeat of evil Ravana. Bastar Dusshera is devoted entirely to Goddess Danteshwari and celebrated in high spirits by all major tribes of Bastar.

Madai Festival:
Another famous festival of this region is held in the different villages extending from Mandla to Bastar. Thousands of devotees gather under the shade of a sacred tree to sacrifice a goat to the Mother Goddess and the whole night is spent in dancing, eating and merry making.

Bhagoriya Festival:
A popular festival among Bhil tribes of the region is dedicated to the god of dance. Bhagoradev, the god of dance is worshipped with young girls and boys dance with each other and express their love.

 

Interesting things to do:

Visit the Anthropological museum on the route to Chitrakoot waterfalls, also gives valuable insight into tribal history and culture. There also exists a Jagdalpur palace & museum which showcases the long history of Bastar.Also to check out are the Danteshwari & Venkateshwara temple and an interpretation centre at Kutumsar, imparts knowledge to visitors about the wild life and forests.

Interesting things to Visit:

Indravati National Park:
It is situated in Dantewad (formerly Bastar) district of Madhya Pradesh. The Tiger Reserve is named after the Indravati river which flows from East to West and forms Northern boundary with Maharashtra.The Reserve forests are the catchment area of the perennial river Indravati. Numerous seasonal streams criss-cross the area. The terrain is undulating with most of the area covered with small hills - Kutroo to Kandlapatru and Matti Murka.There are around a score of excellent grasslands. Wild buffalo, Chital, Barking deer, Neelgai, gaur are seen grazing in these areas.

The Park has derived its name from the Indravati River, flows from east to west, forming the northern boundary of the reserve with the Indian state of Maharashtra. The park has a total area of roughly 2799.08 sq km, Indravati attained the class of a National Park in 1981 and a Tiger Reserve in 1983 under the famous Project Tiger of India to become one of the most famous tiger reserves in India.

Kanger Valley National Park:
Kanger Valley was declared a National Park in 1982. It has breathtaking wilderness and abundant fauna. Located on the banks of Kholaba river, 27 Km from Jagdalpur, it is the ideal place for nature lovers and wild life enthusiasts. Wildlife here includes panther, tiger, bear, snakes and many species of deer’s.

Bairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary:
This sanctuary abounds in Chital, considered the most beautiful of the deer species. They are found roaming in open grasslands as well as dense forests. Apart from its wildlife, the park has beautiful landscapes.

Bhainsa Darha:
Kanger River flows into this lake, which is spread over nearly four hectares in the thick bamboo forests. Famous residents of this place are Crocodiles and tortoises. It is 63 Km from Jagdalpur.

Chitrakoot Waterfalls:
50 Km from Jagdalpur is the crescent moon shaped Chitrakoot waterfalls. It is often compared with the Niagra falls of the US for its shape, although it is smaller. River Indravati plummets down from the Vindhya mountain ranges and forms these waterfalls. The waterfalls and surrounding areas are spectacular in their beauty and extreme challenge for adventurer’s.

Tirathgarh Waterfalls:
Tirathgarh, 32 Km from Jagdalpur is famous for this waterfall that drops into Mugabahar river. On descending down the steps you can get a grand view of the falling sheets of water that falls from a height of 50 metres. There is also an old Shiv-Parvati temple at the site. You can go up the watchtower to enjoy the panoramic view of the waterfalls and surrounding forests.b Waterfalls abound and range from zig-zag trickles to roaring falls. Smaller waterfalls include Kanger Dhara near Kutumsar, Mandra, Chitradhara, Tamada and Dhoomar. Although smaller, each one surrounded with greenery is a treat to the eyes.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Jagdalpur.
Nearest Airport: Raipur and Vishakhapatnam.
Road Transport: Jagdalpur , the district head quarters of Bastar district is well connected by roads to all important cities and towns of the state and near by states also.

Nearest Visiting places:

There are a chain of waterfalls and many other tourist places in Bastar. The MANDAWA waterfalls is located 12 km away from Tokapal of Jagdalpur Tehsil. It is also a natural place of tourism. Another waterfall in Bastar district is CHITRADHARA, which is just 19 km away from Jagdalpur and is in Potanar village of Lohandiguda block of Jagdalpur Tehsil. THAMADA GHUMAR water fall is another recently discovered waterfall which is also in Lohandiguda block. Its height is more than 100 feet and is generally formed from the water in rainy season. There are green fields on both sides of this waterfall .

Kutumsar Cave:
This underground cave is 330 metres in length and is known to be the second longest natural cave in the world. It is about 32 Km from Jagdalpur and was discovered in the year 1900. There are stairs at the entrance and once inside, you can see stalactite formations. No sunlight reaches the cave and in little puddles of water there live blind fish and frogs. The cave has many connecting compartments. At the end of the cave is a stalagmite Shiv-linga, which is revered by tribals and visitors alike.

Kailash Cave:
40 metres above the ground level and 200 metres in length, this cave derives its name from the natural carving of the idol of Lord Shiva. It is located on a small hill in the Kanger Valley National Park. It was discovered in 1993 and the salt deposits here, called the music point, sound musical when tapped with a stone. Presently solar energy is used to light this cave. The Stalagmite and Stalactite formations inside the cave are beautiful.

Dandak Cave:
This underground cave was discovered in 1995. It is 200 metres in length and divided into two compartments. To go from the first compartment to the second, you need to go on your knees. White stalactite formations here look resplendent. Solar lamps are used to light the cave.

The whole area of Bastar has many smaller caves such as Kanger, Karpan and Devgiri among others. All the caves are a geologist delight as their rocks are said to be millions of years old.

 

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Jagdalpur.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Government rest houses and a number of good Hotels and Lodges are available in Jagdalpur.

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station: 100
Nearest Hospital:
1.Maharani Hospital,New Narendra Talkies Raod,Jagdalpur.
2.Vivekanand Tribal Hospital,Dharampura (Kangoli),Jagdalpur.
Society/Community Phone Number

Links:

http://surs-pensieve-sur.blogspot.com/2007/05/exploring-chhattisgarh-bastar.html
http://bastar.gov.in/TRANSPORT.html