Jagdalpur is the headquarter of Bastar district in Chhattisgarh state. This city has all facilities including hospitals, rail connectivity and bus services. It serves as the base for exploring some of the most spectacular waterfalls, caves and tribal culture destinations in central India.
Jagdalpur is connected by the KK line (Kottavalasa–Kirandul) which was originally constructed to carry iron ore from the NMDC mines at Kirandul to Visakhapatnam port. The train departs at 6:45 AM from Visakhapatnam and reaches Jagdalpur in the evening — a spectacular journey through the Eastern Ghats. Read more on the KK line through Araku valley.
Jagdalpur is connected to Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, by road with overnight bus services running between the two cities. Distance from Jagdalpur to Visakhapatnam is 305 km via NH 43, passing through Vizianagaram, Koraput and Jeypore.
The two most spectacular waterfalls — Tirathgarh and Chitrakoot — are located at distances of 36 km and 38 km from Jagdalpur respectively. Both waterfalls are in different directions from Jagdalpur so you need to return to the city after visiting each one. Near Tirathgarh waterfall is the famous Kutumsar Cave. The tribal culture and lush greenery of the Bastar region around Jagdalpur are a major draw for visitors. The best time to see the waterfalls in full force is during and just after the monsoon season (July–September) as shown in the video above.
Recommended day plan: Visit Tirathgarh waterfall and Kutumsar Cave in the morning, return to Jagdalpur for lunch, then head to Chitrakoot waterfall in the afternoon — plan to reach Chitrakoot around 4 PM to enjoy both daylight and the evening illumination.
| Trip | Indica / Small car | Scorpio / SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Railway station to hotel | Rs. 500 | Rs. 500 |
| One day trip to both waterfalls | Rs. 3,000 | Rs. 4,000 |
Rates are approximate — verify current rates with your driver or hotel.
About 80 km from Jagdalpur lies Dantewada, home to the famous Danteshwari Mandir — one of the 52 Shakti Peethas of India. This 14th century temple on the banks of the Dankini river is dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, the Kuldevi of the Bastar royal family, and is the spiritual centre of the entire Bastar region. The town takes its name from the goddess herself. Dantewada railway station on the KK line is just 4 km from the temple.
Danteshwari Temple — Full Details »A good number of hotels are available at Jagdalpur to suit all budgets. During peak tourist seasons — particularly Bastar Dussehra and the last week of December — hotels fill up quickly. It is strongly advisable to book in advance if visiting during these periods.
| shahjahan | 12-08-2016 |
| hi , nice narration it could b a good guide line for the visitor , by the i am planing a trip by this guide lines. | |