Visit Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh: For Travellers Who Are A Fan Of Natural Beauty (2024)
Do you need a leisure break to relax and rejuvenate? Are you confused about choosing the right vacation destination? Don’t worry, we are here to help you. Does your idea of a perfect vacation destination involve a lot of natural greenery, historic monuments, colorful festivity and blissful solitude? If yes, then you can consider your problem solved and take a sigh of relief. The Indian state of Chhattisgarh is a beautiful tourist place that finds a place in the bucket list of many travellers. Out of the many popular tourist places to visit in Chhattisgarh, Jagdalpur is undoubtedly one of the most underrated one. Flooded with natural serenity, lush green mighty mountains, deep mysterious valleys, soothing streams, large caves, magnificent sightseeing attractions, exuberant festivities, dense forests, picturesque waterfalls, mesmerising natural parks and a lot more, a vacation at Jagdalpur will be an extraordinary experience that will stay in your hearts for a long time. Does this natural paradise make you curious? If yes, then you have arrived at the right place. In this Jagdalpur travel guide we will try to answer all of your queries regarding the place. Continue reading to know more!
Overview of Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh
Serving as an administrative headquarter of the Bastar district of this Indian state, this beautiful and naturally bountiful city of Jagdalpur is considered as one of the most popular tourist destinations of Chhattisgarh after the capital city of Raipur and Bhilai. If you were thinking that natural beauty was the only plus point of Jagdalpur, then we will be pleased to tell you that the region is also known to be a home to a plethora of ancient temples, serene lakes as well as mesmerising waterfalls. In short, one can say that the region is filled with a series of wonderful sightseeing attractions. However, when talking about the factor which has taken the tourism of Jagdalpur at great heights, then it will undoubtedly be the natural beauty of the region which has grown in abundance over the years. Image Source
History and Culture of Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh
Apart from that, over many centuries the place has remained as a witness to the rule of many dynasties and hence, also boasts of having a rich history. With a strong history of political activism, the region has developed a rich culture as well. House to a number of natural wonders, the best thing about Jagdalpur is that the natural beauty of the place is still pretty untouched in comparison to the many other tourist places of Chhattisgarh. Owing to its increasing popularity among travellers, even the tourism department of the state is continuously making efforts to promote the region by providing all the necessary facilities to the tourists.
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Why Should You Visit Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh?
If you are still a bit unsure about why you should be visiting this popular tourist place in Chhattisgarh, then don’t worry we are here for your rescue. We have compiled a list of some of the factors which will surely manage to convince you to make up your mind regarding this beautiful place.
1. Plethora of Natural Wonders
For all those travellers who are a fan of natural beauty and are in search for some wonderful masterpieces created by the nature, then Jagdalpur will not disappoint you. Surrounded by lush greenery all around, there is a lot to explore in the city.
Out of the many sightseeing attractions of Jagdalpur, Dalpat Sagar proves to be the largest and hence the most popular lake of the city. There is even a small island built in the centre of the lake where the tourists can relax and admire the serene natural view. You will be pleased to know that there is even a light tower and a series of beautiful fountains in the area. If you are interested in some water fun, then you can even go for fishing and boating here.
Some of the must–visit lakes in Jagdalpur are Ganga Munda and Ran Munda. These lakes are not just limited to nature lovers but also serve as a great picnic spot among both the locals as well as travellers.
Some other popular sightseeing attractions of Jagdalpur are Chitrakot Falls, Kanger Ghati Nationa Park, Kailash Caves, Teerathgarh Falls, Kotumsar Caves and many more.
They reflect the rich heritage, natural beauty and even the vast culture of the city.
2. Colorful Festivities
If you are a cultural person, then you would be pleased to know that the city of Jagdalpur has even been mentioned in the great Hindu epic, Ramayana. It is believed that Jagdalpur was one of the places where Lord Rama spent some of his time during the 14 years long exile. Hence, the city has a rich history of civilisation associated with itself. As far as festivals of Jagdalpur are concerned, they show a heavy influence of tribal culture. Though with similar names but they are celebrated in a strikingly different manner than the rest of the country.
Out of the many festivals celebrated in the city, Dussehra is considered as one of the biggest festivals of Jagdalpur. However, in Jagdalpur, the festival is not celebrated in the honor of Lord Rama like in the rest of the country, rather in the contrary it is celebrated in the honor of Devi Mavli who is one of the native deities of the Bastar district.
Goncha festival is another popular festival of Jagdalpur. During this festival a huge Rath Yatra is carried out throughout the city in the honor of Lord Jagannath. This grand procession involves the idols of three deities- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Subhadra. After navigating throughout the city, these idols are taken to the holy Gundicha Temple.
Apart from the regular festivals, the people of Jagdalpur also celebrate some agricultural festivals which are pretty significant and central to the farming cycles of the district. Some of the popular agricultural festivals of the area include Hariyali Amavasya and Aama Tihar.
3. Unique Art And Culture
It is a tradition among the people of the area of ritualistic artistic offerings in the honor of their gods and goddesses. It is this tradition which has kept the vibrant art and culture of the area alive from centuries ago. A glance at the tribal and folk art and craft of the region will be a treat for any art lover. The rich tradition of art is reflected in the very way the people mould clay, metal, wood, stone, etc. into a plethora of extraordinary shapes, forms and designs which are both attractive as well as alluring. Metal craft is another popular art form of the region which has an astounding rustic charm. You can find a plenty of excellent iron sculptures designed in various themes including that of local deities, horses, different birds, armed tribal soldiers and so on.
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How to Reach Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh?
Those of you who are a bit hesitant of visiting this amazing tourist place in Chhattisgarh, just because of travel issues, then we have good news for you. Jagdalpur is one easy to reach place and is well – connected with many cities and states across the country through multiple means of transports. Some of the best ways to reach Jagdalpur are as follows:
- By Air: The nearest airport to reach Jagdalpur is located in the city itself. However, since this airport is mainly used by the military and police of India, almost no commercial airlines are operating services from here as of now. The next closest airport to reach Jagdalpur is the Raipur Airport which is located about 295 km away from the city. It will take you a journey of about 6 hours to reach the city. You can also consider travelling by Vishakhapatnam airport as it is also located at an approximately same distance but offers comparatively frequent flights than the Raipur airport.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station to reach Jagdalpur is located in the city. There are a few direct trains that travel to the city from many nearby cities. You can find many frequent trains from cities like Raipur, Vishakhapatnam and Bhubaneshwar that travel to Jagdalpur. This is probably the fastest way of reaching the city. Many other rail routes are also being planned for the destination.
- By Road: You will be pleased to know that Jagdalpur is well – connected by roadways too. Since the roads are in a good condition, you can travel by personal vehicle as well. The distance from most of the major cities nearby can be covered in a journey of 6 to 7 hours. There are government owned as well as private buses that run from many nearby cities to Jagdalpur.
If you wish to escape the chaos of the fast – paced city life but also know more about the rich culture, tradition as well as history of the state, then Jagdalpur will prove to be an ideal vacation destination in Chhattisgarh for you.
FAQ’s For Tourists Visiting Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh
Q1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Jagdalpur?
Ans. The winter season is the best time to visit Jagdalpur.
Q2. How Is The Local Transport Of The City?
Ans. There is limited public transport and bus system in Jagdalpur. It is best for travellers to explore the city via an auto rickshaw.
Q3. What Are The Food Specialities Of Jagdalpur?
Ans. Some of the local dishes you must-try here include Bafauri, dishes made with Arhar dal and drinks made of Mahua flower.