Chitrakote Falls, Chitrakote, Chhattisgarh

Chitrakote Falls, Chitrakote, Chhattisgarh

Chitrakote Falls is a waterfall located in Chitrakote Village in Bastar District in the Indian state of Chattisgarh. It is often called as Niagara Falls of India because of its width and its widespread horseshoe shape during the monsoon season. It is one of two waterfalls located near the Kanger Valley National Park, the other being Teerathgarh Falls.

Legends

As per legend, Lord Rama spent his exile in Chitrakote (Dandakaranya). He meditated in the caves here, beside the waterfall.

The Waterfall

It is a natural waterfall situated on the Indravati River. It is surrounded by the majestic grandeur of Vindhya ranges. The height of the falls is about 29 metres (95 ft). It is the widest fall in India, reaching a width of nearly 300 metres (980 ft) during the monsoon season. The beauty of the falls can be seen throughout the year, particularly during sunset. As the fast-flowing water of the river flows over the sharp, near-vertical rock exposure at the widest reach of the river, it generates misty clouds and then hits into a pond formed in a semicircular shape at the bottom of the falls.

During the rainy season, from July to October, rainbows are created with sun rays reflecting on mist from the waterfall. Adventure sports enthusiasts use boats in the stormy part of this pond. Pilgrims bathe in the calmer part of the lake. In the low-flow season, paddle boats are used in pools formed in the upstream part of the falls. In the pool below the falls, swimming and paddle boats are permitted. Local boatmen can paddle their boats under the spray below the falls. It is one of the six waterfalls in India classified as geomorphosites (geo heritage sites with geomorphological interest).

This classification is based on research studies of geological features of heritage value existing in different parts of the country. A small Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and several naturally formed caves called Parvati caves can be seen on the left bank of the falls. On the banks of the pond below the falls, many small Shiva Lingas (aniconic symbols of the god Shiva) are found in several niches, as are iron trishuls (the trident weapon of Shiva), mostly in a rusted state. 

On the left bank, there is a rock ledge and climbing down this cliff leads to a naturally formed niche which houses stone slabs carved with deities. In addition, there is a small hut made of straw where Shiva images and rusted images of his son, the god Ganesha, are seen. There is a government-run hotel at the top of the falls. A series of steps from the garden of the hotel leads to the falls. Chitrakote log huts with basic and modern cabins have also been built at the location. Some of the cabins provide good views of the falls.

Connectivity

The falls is located at about 33 Kms from Bastar, 42 Kms from Jagdalpur Railway Station, 43 Kms from Jagdalpur Airport and 49 Kms from Barsur. The falls is situated on Jagdalpur to Barsur route.

Location