Visit Chitrakote Waterfalls : The Broadest Waterfall In India in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh (2024)
Are you on a budget and wish to go on a vacation to a naturally beautiful place? If you were under the impression that natural beauty is something that can be found only in international travel, then we will be pleased to tell you that the Indian country is a home to a plethora of scenic destinations as well. The virgin hinterlands of Chhattisgarh are actually a great choice for you. Chhattisgarh state is actually a land of surprises with its many attractions. Though there are many spectacular sightseeing attractions to explore in Chhattisgarh, but when it comes to the Chitrakote waterfalls, one can surely not miss visiting it. Offering a plenty of scenic views and incredible memories, Chitrakote waterfallsis one of the must-visit tourist places in Chhattisgarh. If you wish to know more about the place, you have arrived at the right place. In this article, we will try to solve all your doubts regarding the Chitrakote waterfalls. Continue reading!
Overview of the Chitrakote Waterfalls, Jagdalpur
Located in the Jagdalpur city in the Bastar district of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh, Chitrakote waterfalls or Chitrakoot Waterfalls is considered as one of the most beautiful waterfalls of the state. It is towards the western region of the Jagdalpur city that the Indravati river takes a deep plunge from a horseshoe gorge in Chitrakoot. Originating from this beautiful river, the Chitrakote waterfall boasts of being the broadest waterfall in the entire country. In fact, it is probably due to its extraordinary width that the waterfall has got itself the title of Niagara Falls of India.
Cascading down from a height of about 30 metres, sporting a width of approximately 985 feet, it is truly a spectacular sight to see. Moreover, the waterfall is so wide that it cascades down from the top of the cliff in 3 separate streams during the summer season. Rightly regarded as one of the top tourist places of Chhattisgarh, natural beauty is not the only exclusive feature of the waterfall. Another significant attraction of the Chitrakote waterfall is the shrine of Lord Shiva which is at the bottom of the waterfall. Housing many Shivalingas, this shrine is visited by many devotees of Lord Shiva. Also, if you visit the place during the low season, you can also go to take a dip, swim or use a paddle boat on the river.
Popular Tourist Places To Visit Near The Chitrakote Waterfalls, Jagdalpur
For all those of you who are worried about Jagdalpur to be a boring area with not much to explore, then you are highly mistaken. This is one of the most popular tourist cities of Chhattisgarh and there are a plenty of sightseeing attractions to explore in Jagdalpur. Some of which you can consider visiting are as follows:
1. Tamra Ghoomar Waterfalls
Tucked away amidst natural serenity, this is the perfect sightseeing attraction to visit in Jagdalpur for all those people who are wishing to escape the chaotic city life. Surrounded by lush green pastures on both the sides, this natural waterfall is pretty spectacular. With a height of over 100 feet, this waterfall is located not far away from the Chitrakote waterfalls and serves as a popular picnic spot in the area among both the locals as well as the travellers. Offering a peaceful solitude, the place with its dense valleys, magnificent hills and refreshing waters has an astounding picturesque quality to it which attracts a wide range of nature lovers and photographers.
- Approximate Distance From The Chitrakote Waterfalls: It takes a drive of about 20 minutes from Chitrakote waterfalls to reach this waterfall.
- Best Time To Visit: For watching the Tamra Ghoomar waterfall at its peak glory, make sure you visit it during the monsoon season. During this period, the waterfall is literally overflowing and appears magnificent.
2. Kanger Valley National Park
Named after the mighty Kanger river that flows along the area of the national park, this is one of the best sightseeing attractions to visit in Chhattisgarh for all the wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. Apart from being a house to a wide range of wildlife, the national park also boasts of having a diverse range of flora and fauna. You will be surprised to know that a significant population of tribal people can also be found here. Sprawling over a vast area of 34 km, Kanger Valley National is located in the 34 km long stretch of the Kanger Valley and is considered as one of the densest national parks with the entire country. Boasting of a hilly topography with lush green landscapes, serene waterfalls and caverns across the park, you can also go for a jeep safari inside the park to explore it from up close.
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- Approximate Distance From Chitrakote Waterfalls: Located at a distance of about 78 km from the Chitrakote waterfalls, it will take you a drive of about 2 hours to reach it.
- Popular Wildlife Species: Some of the prominent wildlife species found here include leopards, crocodiles, tigers, pythons, barking deer and many more.
3. Danteshwari Temple
For all the religious people who wish to include some significant temple in their tour of the city, then this is one of the best temples to visit near Chitrakote Waterfalls in Jagdalpur. Devoted to Goddess Danteshwari who is regarded as the Kuldevi of the Bastar region, the Danteshwari temple traces its origins long back in the 14th century. This temple holds special significance, especially among the Hindu devotees as it is believed to be one of the 52 Shakti Peethas located across the country. There are a number of mythological legends associated with this temple.
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- Approximate Distance From The Chitrakote Waterfalls: It is located at a distance of just about 30 km from the waterfall.
- Best Time to Visit: Out of the many festivals celebrated here, the festival of Dussehra is considered as one of the most popular one. It is considered as the best time to visit the place. The festival is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show. A huge procession of the goddess is taken throughout the whole town.
Popular Things You Can Do At The Chitrakote Waterfalls, Jagdalpur
If you were thinking that admiring the natural beauty of the Chitrakote waterfalls is the only thing you can do here, clearly you are a first – time traveller to this beautiful place. Though the beauty of the place is extraordinary which makes it one of the top tourist places in Chhattisgarh, but there are also a couple of more interesting activities that you can indulge in here.
For the starters, as picturesque the location is, the background, landscape and lighting are just perfect for clicking some insta-worthy photographs. If you are a photographer looking for inspiration then this should be your go to place in the city.
Apart from that, you will be pleased to know that you can even go on a boat ride here. As the water cascades down from the waterfall, it collects at the bottom to form a refreshing pool which is perfect for boat rides. Boating here offers you a chance to admire the uninterrupted panoramic views of the waterfall and at the same time enjoy the light sprays of water and gushing mist emerging from the crashing of water down in the pool from the waterfall. However, you must know that for reaching the pool and to go boating, you will first have to climb down a flight of stairs.
Even if you don’t want to go on a boat ride, then also it is recommended to go down the stairs, because the view is just incredible from the bottom of the stairway. Apart from being a great photo op, it might also increase your chances upon a rainbow on a lucky rainy day.
Owing to its picturesque quality and a refreshing aura, the place is often frequented as a picnic spot. No matter whether you are travelling with your friends, family or your special someone, spend some quality time here amidst natural surroundings. All in all, the time you spend here will nothing less than a memorable gift.
Best Time To Visit The Chitrakote Waterfalls, Jagdalpur
Chitrakote waterfalls is one of the most popular attractions of Jagdalpur and attracts travellers from all over the country throughout the year. However, if you are someone who is looking forward for only the best experience, then the best time to visit the Chitrakote waterfalls will be in the monsoon season. The place experiences monsoons from the month of July till October. During this time period, the flow of the Indravati river is at its peak and hence the waterfall is also at the pinnacle of its glory.
Be it the gushing force, the surrounding natural beauty or the mesmerising sight of the water cascading down from a height, Chitrakote waterfall captivates its visitors in just a single glance.
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FAQ’s For Tourists Visiting Chitrakote Waterfalls, Jagdalpur
Q1.Is Winter A Good Time To Visit Chitrakote Waterfalls?
Ans. Apart from monsoons, you can also visit the waterfalls in winters because the climate is pleasant for sightseeing.
Q2. What Is The Ideal Time Required To Explore The Place?
Ans. People usually spend about 2 to 3 hours at the Chitrakote waterfalls.
Q3. What Time In A Day Is Best To Visit The Waterfall?
Ans. Visiting the waterfall during the sunset hours will allow you to witness the colorful hues of the sky.