Exploring the tribal heartland of India

Jagdalpur, is the urban heart of the tribal Bastar region in Chhattisgarh and offers a fascinating window into India's indigenous cultures. Start your exploration at the acclaimed Anthropological Museum that artistically showcases the culture of the myriad indigenous tribes that have called these lands home for centuries. A walk through the museum's galleries gives you a peek into the vibrant cultural tapestry of tribal life.

From the intricately beaded jewellery and dhanokacchus; the traditional skirts of the Maria tribes to the fascinating Ghotul courtship dances of the Murias - every photograph and artefact has story to tell. Don't miss the exquisite Dokra artworks on display and the mesmerising Bastar dances performed live here on Sundays.

Jagdalpur's allure transcends just museums. The town's effervescent energy comes alive at the boisterous Mawai Bazaar - a weekly market where tribal folk converge from near and far. Shop for colourful handicrafts, herbal medicines and get immersed in the unique rituals, dances and fashion on display. Amidst stalls selling colourful Bastar handicrafts, herbal medicines and farm produce, you can witness unique rituals and fashion that have remained unchanged for centuries.

Jagdalpur's forested environs are a huge attraction if you are a nature enthusiast. Explore the natural beauty of the Indravati National Park. Take a boat safari along the Indravati River to spot the elusive Indian bison and other wildlife in their natural habitat within this serene national park on the outskirts. Picnic at the majestic Chitrakote Falls and enjoy the natural beauty of the picturesque Indravati River.

Venture into the primordial Kanger Valley National Park to explore some of India's oldest rock formations and the renowned Kutumsar Caves. These prehistoric caves are famous for their incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations created over millennia. As you navigate the narrow tunnels by torchlight, the eerie limestone structures seem to come alive, while little pools harbour unique frog and fish species.

Kutumsar is also a revered spiritual site with a Shiva shrine tucked away at the caves' end, which devotees’ access through cramped passageways. The very journey to these caves is an adventure - following a winding trail of red gravel snaking through the forest, over gigantic termite mounds. Geological wonders, adventure, spiritual solace: Kutumsar offers it all.

Your trip to Jagdalpur won’t be complete until you enjoy the vibrant cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh. Witness the traditional performances of Ghotul, Karma and other tribal dances and partake in the vibrant Bastar Dussehra or Jagdalpur Dussehra. Lasting for 75 days, it's one of the longest festivals and is celebrated with fervour. It dates back to the 13th century during King Purushottam Dev's reign. Unlike other Dussehra celebrations, it doesn't commemorate Lord Rama's victory over Ravana; instead, it honours the local deity, Goddess Danteshwari Devi. People from different tribal backgrounds don colourful traditional attire and fill the streets with energy, dance and folk music. The festival's highlight is a grand, beautifully adorned chariot pulled by up to 400 people.

The journey

The nearest major airport is Visakhapatnam Airport which is around 320 km away. Fly to Visakhapatnam and then take a taxi or bus to travel to Jagdalpur by road, a journey which takes around 6-7 hours.

Jagdalpur has a railway station that is well-connected to cities like Visakhapatnam, Raipur, Bhubaneswar and Mumbai by direct trains. You can take the Hirakhand Express or Araku Express from Visakhapatnam. Intercity trains and the Durg-Jagdalpur Express connect Jagdalpur from Raipur

Many prefer to take a flight or train to Visakhapatnam and then driving down to Jagdalpur to enjoy the scenic route through forests and hills. Jagdalpur is 320 kilometers from Visakhapatnam. It takes six hours to cover the 270 kilometers that connect Jagdalpur and Raipur. Both the road trips are extremely scenic and enjoyable.