Life on the highway is one big celebration in itself. While moving on the highway, you get that rare opportunity to let go everything you are holding back for years. Even when you pop your head out of the window, you are not only amazed to experience the natural wonders all around, but it precedes you to those realities of life that we never realize in our daily life. With every turn on the highway, you are introduced to a whole new world of cultures, traditions, languages, and lifestyles. It gives you the diversity at its best.

I experienced the same when I went to  explore one of the offbeat destinations called Chhattisgarh. I would call Chhattisgarh, “A Paradise Unexplored”. A state which is not only known for its history, cultural heritage, enchanting natural surroundings, pilgrimage, but also for its rich Tribal Culture. Known as The Tribal Planet of India, Chhattisgarh offers you a unique experience which will change your entire view about this incredibly beautiful state.

10 Incredible Photographs of Chhattisgarh

The landscape

You will be pleasantly surprised by the lush greenery in Chhattisgarh . The paddy fields look like a large sheet of green carpet laid out beyond your horizon. It’s a visual treat.

Chitrakote Waterfall

Chitrakote waterfall is one of the iconic landscapes of Chhattigarh. This waterfall is also called as “Mini Niagara Falls” of India. The name Chitrakote is derived from the word Chitra meaning “Deer” and Kote meaning “Jhund”. This horseshoe shaped waterfall is the broadest waterfall in India.

Laxman Temple

Laxman Temple is one of the finest brick temples of India. Built in 7th century AD , this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Laxman Temple is known for its intricate details in the carving of  Lord Vishnu and Krishna. The entire temple was built on a stone platform to prevent it from flooding.

Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary

Barnawapara Wildlife sanctuary is situated in the northern part of Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh and this sanctuary is mainly known for its rich flora and fauna. The major wildlife of the Barnawapara Sanctuary includes Tigers, Sloth Bear, Flying Squirrels, Jackals, Four-horned Antelopes, Leopards, Chinkara, Black Buck, Jungle Cat, Barking Deer, Porcupine, Monkey, Bison, Striped Hyena, Wild Dogs, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur, Muntjac, Wild Boar, Cobra, and Python.

 The Tribal Lifestyle

The Tribal Planet of India, Chhattisgarh takes you to those undiscovered regions where people are still living with their ancient root and culture. A land of mystery which offers you one of the most unforgettable experiences of meeting with tribal people in the villages.

Teevardev Vihar

Teevardev Vihar is a Buddhist site in Sirpur. It has the remains of two monasteries and one nunnery. A larger than life statue of a seated Buddha is one of the main attractions of this place. His Holiness Dalai Lama has visited the monasteries twice.

Tirathgarh Fall

One of the must visit places in Chhattisgarh is Tirathgarh waterfall. Located approximately 35 KM from Jagdalpur, Tirathgarh waterfall is one of the breathtaking sites in Chhattisgarh.  The gushing sound of the fall dominates the surrounding. Interestingly, you can walk down to the steps to have a closer view of this beautiful waterfall.

Weekly Tribal Market in Bastar

It was one of those days when I was exploring Bastar, I landed up in a weekly tribal market where tribal people from nearby areas come and sell their vegetables and other household products. These weekly Haats are places of recreations, social interactions and business as well.

 Surang Tila

Surang Tila is an architectural wonder. This majestic architecture is a must visit in Sirpur. This Pyramid shaped architecture is basically a temple dating back to the 7th Century. It looked more like a Mayan Temple than an Indian one. The terrace of this beautifully  structured temple is about 30 feet above the ground.

The Sunset view in Mahanadi

While traveling in the southern part of Chhattisgarh, I have been just awestruck by everything passing by. Be it the natural surrounding, lush paddy green fields, deep forest, archaeological sites, waterfalls, and the incredibly simple Tribal people. Every turn I took on the road just surprised me to the core.

Untouched by time, Chhattisgarh is truly a land of many Splendid Secrets.

Also Read :Welcome to The Tribal Planet of India : Bastar , Chhattisgarh

Upcoming Festivals: Sirpur International Dance Festival & Bastar Dussehra (Not To be missed)

•  Hareli Eco Resorts, Mohda
•  Hiuen Tsiang Tourist Resort , Sirpur
•  Dandami Luxury Resort , Chitrakote

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