Bastar in Chattsigarh, Central India, is predominantly a tribal
area with 70% of its population being of tribal origin. Each
tribe in Bastar has its owns set of traditions complete specific
and distinct dialects, clothing style, eating habits, hand woven
jewelry etc. These tribes even differ in the extent to which
they interact with the modern technology driven world. For instance,
the Maria tribe is more accessible than the Gonds, who prefer
to marry within the family and tribe.
Though there are many distinct tribal communities in Bastar
the main ones are the Gonds, Muria, Abhuj Maria, Bison Horn
Maria, Halbaa, Bhatra and Dhurvaa. Whichever tribe the people
of Bastar may belong to, Bastar is a community that is at peace
with its surroundings, rich in minerals and forests on the Abujmarh
hills.
The 'Ghotul' culture of Gonds (Telugu for hills) and
its sub tribes of Muria, Maria will make the progressive society
of US rethink its status as a progressive society. Here, mature
boys and girls are allowed live in separate huts, copulate at
will, and enjoy life. If they wish to marry within the tribe
where women have a say, they are free to leave the Ghotul and
start a family of their own. You too can partake of such intriguing
and interesting tribal traditions on your tour to Bastar, Chhattisgarh.
Some of the major tourist attractions in Bastar, apart from
the study of tribal customs, are set in its picturesque landscapes
cut through by swift waterfalls such as Chitrakote Falls
(India's largest waterfalls) and Tirathgarh Falls on
the Indravati River. Ganga Munda and Dalpat Sagar Lakes
on the river are other tourist attractions in Bastar.
It is natural that Bastar should have many actively visited
temples, as it is a place where people are still in touch with
their roots and traditions. Some of the famous temples that
you can see on your trip to Bastar are Danteshwari Temple,
Barsur (Shiva) Temple and Ganesh Temple. You can
also attend the Dusshera festival that is celebrated
with great enthusiasm Jagdalpur, near Bastar.
Kanger Valley National Park and Indravati National
Park are places renowned for tiger and wild buffalo populations
that you must see on your visit to Bastar. The extent of nature's
dominance over this tribal land can be seen at the Kurschel
Valley that has gigantic trees with canopies.
The five-chambered caves at Kutumsar with resonating wells
are worth a visit on your tour to Bastar. Kailash Gufa, also
located in Kanger Valley National Park, is similar to the Kutumsar
caves and boast of the oldest stalactite and stalagmite formations.
To get a quick understanding of the regions' evolution and
the might of the Bastar Empire, visit the Anthropological Museum
and Bastar Palace that are near Jagdalpur.
There are several hotels and government circuit houses at Raipur,
Bilaspur and Jagdalpur where you can put for the nights and
explore Bastar in the day. You can easily reach Bastar through
Raipur that is well connected by air, road and rail to the rest
of the country.
Tourism of Central India offers specialized tour booking, and
travel packages for Bastar, Chhattisgarh. To book your tour,
or for more information, please fill the form below.
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