Jagdalpur, Chattisgarh – With lush green mountains, frivolous streams and waterfalls, Jagdalpur is a perfect retreat for the nature lovers

Chitrakote Falls is the main tourist attraction around Jagdalpu City. It located 36 km away from Jagdalpur city. It is the biggest waterfalls in India and sometime it refers to as the Niagara Falls of India. This waterfall maintains a height of 95 feet which attracts thousands of tourists. Monsoon is the best season to visit to this waterfall when its breadth explode maximum. Chitrakote is also an important religious destination for Hindus. They usually visit to this place for Hari darshan. You will get here a well managed and comfortable resort which has been set up by Chhattisgarh Government.

Kanger Valley National Park is located about 26 km away from Jagdalpur on the Jagdalpur-Darbha road. It covers an area of 201 sq km. It was established in 1982 to protect the vast species of flora and fauna. This National Park is the home of several wild animals like red jungle fowl, rocket-tailed drongo, striped hyena, barking deer, Sambhar, wild boar, sloth bear, porcupine, mouse deer, civet, rabbits, tiger, leopard, crocodiles, wild dog, hyena, mongoose, wolf, leopard cat, etc.

Indravati National Park is located in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. It derived its name after the nearby Indravati River. It covers an area of 1268 sq km. this National Park was established in 1981 to protect wild animal and later in 1983, the famous Tiger Reserve project also started here. The main attraction in the park is the rare wild buffalo as well as the swamp deer. Some other common wild animals of the park are Barking Deer, Nil-gai, Gaurs, Sambars, Wild Dogs, Sloth Bear, Hyena, Crocodiles, Indian Chameleons, Cobras, Russell’s viper and Indian Rock Pythons.

Danteshwari Temple is located about 78 km away from Jagdalpur in Dantewada, at the meeting point of the holy rivers Shankini and Dhankini. According to Hindu mythology, the tooth of Goddess Sati had fallen here. The temple was established in 14th Century by the Chalukya kings. The idol of Danteshwari Mata is chiseled out of black stone. The temple is divided into four parts such as Grabh Griha, Maha Mandap, Mukhia Mandap and Sabha Mandap.

Tirathgarh Waterfalls is located about 36 km away from Jagdalpur in the area of Valley National Park. It is another tourist attraction in Jagdalpur which also attract thousands of tourists. The scenic Tirathgarh Falls is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Chhattisgarh. This fall is made by the flow of Mugabahar River and it maintains a height of about 101 ft. The area surrounding the fall features lush green forests that enhance the beauty of the falls. Winter is the best season to visit to this waterfall.

Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple is one of the most important temples in Jagdalpur. It was constructed with the determined efforts and dedication shown by the members of Andhra Association of Jagdalpur. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is considered as the god of rescuer of Universe. It is one of the best temples in Jagdalpur which attracts thousands of both local and other Indian city devotees round the year.

Kotumsar Caves is located about 37 km away from Jagdalpur in the area of Kanger National Park. It is longest underground cave in India with its 35 meters below ground level and the cave is about 1370 meters long. The breathtaking beauty inside on the cave wall where no sunlight ever seems to reach attracts lots of tourists. This cave is known to be the world’s second longest natural cave.

Bastar Palace is an important historical remain in Jagdalpur City. Once, it was the head quarters of Bastar Kingdom. This palace was constructed in early 20th century by the rulers of Bastar State when the capital of Bastar kingdom had been shifted from Barsur to Jagdalpur. At present the royal Family of Bastar state is residing here. Some part of the palace is recently converted into a medical college. This palace is encircled by an awesome decorated garden.

Dalpat Sagar is one of the biggest artificial lakes located in Jagdalpur City, Chhattisgarh. The lake was built by Raja Dalpat Deo Kakatiya in 16th century. Chhattisgarh Government has built an island at the middle on Dalpat Sagar to enjoy the beauty of the dam. The island is enriched with coconut trees, show plants, a light tower and musical fountain. You will found an old temple at the middle of the island. One will have to take a boat to go there.

Anthropological Museum was established in the year 1972 with the sole purpose of providing a fascinating insight into the culture and lifestyles of Bastar tribes. It is located about 4 km away from the Jagdalpur city center. It houses a fine collection of numerous objects and several rare items shows on display at the museum throws light.

Some other major tourist spots in and around Jagdalpur are Kailash Caves, Chitradhara Waterfalls, Tamra Ghoomar Waterfalls, Mandawa Waterfalls, Kanger Dhara, etc.