Have you ever heard of Mainpat? If not, you are missing out on one of the most beautiful and fascinating hill stations in India. Mainpat is a small town in the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, about 55 km from Ambikapur and 360 km from Raipur. It is a cluster of 62 plateaus perched over 3200 ft, rich in bauxite and sal forests. It is home to native tribes like Yadavs, Manjhi, Manjhwar, Kanwar and Pahadi Korwa. It is also a refuge for Tibetan exiles who settled here after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in the 1960s. It is famous for the Ulta Pani/Bisar Pani phenomenon, where water appears to flow upwards or against gravity. It is also known as Shimla of Chhattisgarh and Mini Tibet of the state.
In this article, we will explore the various attractions, activities, food, nearby places, how to reach and where to stay in Mainpat. We will also share some tips and tricks to make your trip to Mainpat a memorable one.
Things to do in Mainpat
Mainpat offers a variety of activities that cater to different interests and preferences of tourists. Whether you are looking for an offbeat, adventurous, fun or romantic getaway, Mainpat has something for you. Here are some of the things that you can do in Mainpat:
Offbeat
If you want to experience something unique and unconventional in Mainpat, you can try these offbeat activities:
Visiting Jaljali: Jaljali is a place that is about 10 km from Mainpat. It is a bumpy soil that bounces when jumped on. It is believed to be caused by the presence of methane gas under the surface. You can have fun jumping and playing on this natural trampoline.
Walking around the Tibetan camps: Mainpat has four Tibetan camps where the Tibetan refugees live and work. You can walk around these camps and interact with the friendly and hospitable Tibetans. You can learn about their culture, history and religion. You can also shop for designer mats and woolen cloth made by them.
Exploring the Kailash Cave near Tiratgarh Waterfall: Kailash Cave is a natural cave that is located near Tiratgarh Waterfall, about 12 km from Mainpat. It is believed to be an ancient meditation site for sages. You can explore this cave and admire its rock formations and carvings.
Shopping for local handicrafts: Mainpat has a rich tradition of handicrafts made by the native tribes. You can shop for items like bamboo baskets, pottery, paintings, jewelry and masks. You can also buy organic honey, spices and herbs from the local markets.
Adventurous
If you want to experience some thrill and excitement in Mainpat, you can try these adventurous activities:
Trekking to and around the waterfalls or viewpoints: Mainpat has four waterfalls and four viewpoints that offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills, valleys, forests and waterfalls. You can trek to these places and enjoy the scenic beauty and fresh air. You can also trek around these places and discover new trails and spots.
Paragliding from Mehta Point: Mehta Point is one of the most popular viewpoints in Mainpat. It is located about 8 km from Mainpat. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. It also has a paragliding point nearby that attracts adventure seekers. You can fly in the sky and feel the adrenaline rush as you glide over the landscape.
Rappelling from high points: If you are looking for more challenge and adventure, you can try rappelling from high points in Mainpat. You can rappel down from cliffs or rocks near the waterfalls or viewpoints. You can test your skills and courage as you descend from great heights.
Zorbing ball on the fields near Bisaar Paani: Bisaar Paani is a place where water appears to flow upwards or against gravity due to some magnetic force. It is located about 5 km from Mainpat. Near this place, there are fields where you can try zorbing ball. Zorbing ball is an activity where you roll inside a giant inflatable ball on the ground or water. You can have fun bouncing and spinning inside the ball.
River rafting on the streams: Mainpat has several streams and rivulets that flow through its plateaus. You can enjoy river rafting on these streams and experience the thrill of riding the rapids. You can also enjoy the serene and scenic views of the water and the nature.
With friends
If you want to have fun and enjoy with your friends in Mainpat, you can try these activities:
Camping near the waterfalls or viewpoints: Mainpat has many places where you can camp near the waterfalls or viewpoints. You can pitch your tents and enjoy the night under the stars. You can also light a bonfire and sing songs, tell stories and play games with your friends.
Enjoying a picnic at Dhakpo Shedupling Monastery: Dhakpo Shedupling Monastery is the largest and oldest monastery in Mainpat. It is located about 3 km from Mainpat. It has colorful architecture, statues, paintings and prayer wheels. It also has a large lawn where you can enjoy a picnic with your friends. You can also visit the monastery and learn about Tibetan Buddhism.
Playing games at Jaljali: Jaljali is a place that is about 10 km from Mainpat. It is a bumpy soil that bounces when jumped on. It is believed to be caused by the presence of methane gas under the surface. You can play games like hopscotch, skipping, jumping and running on this natural trampoline with your friends.
Taking selfies at Mehta Point or Tiger Point: Mehta Point and Tiger Point are two of the most popular viewpoints in Mainpat. They are located about 8 km and 6 km from Mainpat respectively. They offer panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, forests and waterfalls. You can take selfies with your friends at these places and capture the memories of your trip.
Trying Tibetan dishes at local eateries: Mainpat has many local eateries that serve authentic Tibetan cuisine like momos, thukpa, noodles and soup. You can try these dishes with your friends and enjoy the flavors and spices of Tibet. You can also try other local dishes like rice, dal, roti, sabzi and pickle.
With couples
If you want to spend some romantic and cozy time with your partner in Mainpat, you can try these activities:
Watching sunrise or sunset at Mehta Point or Tiger Point: Mehta Point and Tiger Point are two of the most popular viewpoints in Mainpat. They are located about 8 km and 6 km from Mainpat respectively. They offer panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, forests and waterfalls. You can watch sunrise or sunset with your partner at these places and enjoy the colors and beauty of nature.
Visiting the Buddha Temple and Monastery: Buddha Temple and Monastery is located about 2 km from Mainpat. It is a serene place where Tibetan monks pray and meditate. It also has a school for children where they learn Tibetan language and culture. The temple has a colorful architecture, statues, paintings and prayer wheels. You can visit this place with your partner and feel the peace and tranquility of Buddhism.
Taking a romantic walk along the streams or forests: Mainpat has several streams and rivulets that flow through its plateaus. It also has sal forests that cover its hills. You can take a romantic walk with your partner along these streams or forests and enjoy the sound and sight of water and nature.
Staying at a cozy resort or cottage: Mainpat has many resorts and cottages that offer comfortable accommodation at reasonable rates. You can stay at one of these places with your partner and enjoy the amenities like TV, AC, Wi-Fi, etc. You can also enjoy the views of the hills, valleys, forests and waterfalls from your room or balcony.
Enjoying a candlelight dinner at a restaurant: Mainpat has some restaurants that serve delicious food in a romantic setting. You can enjoy a candlelight dinner with your partner at one of these places and savor the dishes like momos, thukpa, noodles, soup, rice, dal, roti, sabzi, pickle, jalebi, rabri and malpua.
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Places to visit in Mainpat
Mainpat has a lot of attractions that showcase its natural beauty, cultural diversity and historical significance. Here are some of the places that you must visit in Mainpat:
Waterfalls
Mainpat has four waterfalls that offer spectacular views of cascading water amid lush greenery and rocky terrain. They are ideal for photography, relaxation and adventure. Here are the four waterfalls in Mainpat:
Tiratgarh Waterfall: Tiratgarh Waterfall is located about 12 km from Mainpat. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Chhattisgarh. It falls from a height of about 300 ft into a deep gorge. It also has a natural cave nearby called Kailash Cave that is believed to be an ancient meditation site for sages.
Tiger Point Waterfall: Tiger Point Waterfall is located about 6 km from Main Tiger Point Waterfall (continued): Tiger Point Waterfall is located about 6 km from Mainpat. It is a waterfall that offers a spectacular view of the water falling from a height of about 100 ft. It also has a cave nearby that has fish in a pond. The fish are considered sacred by the locals and are fed by the visitors. The cave also has a viewpoint that offers scenic views of the hills and forests.
Mehta Point Waterfall: Mehta Point Waterfall is located about 8 km from Mainpat. It is a waterfall that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. It also has a paragliding point nearby that attracts adventure seekers. You can fly in the sky and feel the adrenaline rush as you glide over the landscape.
Chota Jharana Waterfall: Chota Jharana Waterfall is located about 4 km from Mainpat. It is a small waterfall that flows through a narrow gorge. It is surrounded by greenery and rocks. It is a peaceful and serene place to relax and enjoy nature. Chota Jharana Waterfall is rated 3.5 out of 5 by the Fish Point Cave (continued): Fish Point Cave is located near Tiger Point Waterfall, about 6 km from Mainpat. It is a natural cave that has a pond with fish inside. The fish are considered sacred by the locals and are fed by the visitors. The cave also has a viewpoint that offers scenic views of the hills and forests.
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Temples
Mainpat has three temples that reflect the spiritual diversity and harmony of Mainpat. They are also places to learn about the history and culture of the native tribes and the Tibetan refugees. Here are the three temples in Mainpat:
Buddha Temple and Monastery: Buddha Temple and Monastery is located about 2 km from Mainpat. It is a serene place where Tibetan monks pray and meditate. It also has a school for children where they learn Tibetan language and culture. The temple has a colorful architecture, statues, paintings and prayer wheels. The monastery is the oldest and largest in Mainpat.
Machali Wale Baba Mandir: Machali Wale Baba Mandir is located about 4 km from Mainpat. It is dedicated to a saint who lived on fish. It also has a pond with fish that are considered sacred by locals. The temple has a simple architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
Shiv Mandir: Shiv Mandir is located about 5 km from Mainpat. It is a Hindu temple that worships Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil. It also has a statue of Nandi, the bull of Lord Shiva, outside the temple. The temple attracts devotees during festivals like Shivaratri and Sawan.
Monasteries
Mainpat has two monasteries that are Tibetan Buddhist monasteries that have colorful architecture, statues, paintings and prayer wheels. They are also places to see the Tibetan culture and lifestyle. Here are the two monasteries in Mainpat:
Dhakpo Shedupling Monastery: Dhakpo Shedupling Monastery is located about 3 km from Mainpat. It is the largest and oldest monastery in Mainpat. It was established in 1970 by His Holiness Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetans. It has a large lawn where tourists can enjoy a picnic or play games. It also has a souvenir shop where tourists can buy Tibetan handicrafts and books.
Gaden Tharpa Choeling Monastery: Gaden Tharpa Choeling Monastery is located about 3 km from Mainpat. It is a newer and smaller monastery than Dhakpo Shedupling Monastery. It was established in 1992 by His Eminence Gaden Tripa, the head of Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It has a school for children where they learn Tibetan language and culture. It also has a library where tourists can read books on Buddhism and Tibet.
Viewpoints
Mainpat has four viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, forests and waterfalls. They are also popular for paragliding and rappelling activities. Here are the four viewpoints in Mainpat:
Mehta Point: Mehta Point is located about 8 km from Mainpat. It is one of the most popular viewpoints in Mainpat. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, valleys, forests and waterfalls. It also has a paragliding point nearby that attracts adventure seekers. You can fly in the sky and feel the adrenaline rush as you glide over the landscape.
Tiger Point: Tiger Point is located about 6 km from Mainpat. It is another popular viewpoint in Mainpat. It offers a spectacular view of the Tiger Point Waterfall and the Fish Point Cave below it. It also has a rappelling point nearby that attracts adventure seekers. You can descend from great heights and test your skills and courage as you rappel down from cliffs or rocks near the waterfall or cave.
Sunset Point: Sunset Point is located about 7 km from Mainpat. It is a romantic spot to watch the sun set behind the mountains. It offers a beautiful view of the sky changing colors from orange to red to purple as the sun dips below the horizon. It also has a small temple nearby where tourists can offer prayers or light candles for their loved ones.
Fish Point: Fish Point is located about 6 km from Mainpat. It is a place to see fish in a pond near a cave. It also has a viewpoint that offers scenic views of the hills and forests. You can feed the fish or take pictures with them. You can also enjoy the views of the nature and the wildlife.
Places to visit nearby
Mainpat has some nearby destinations that can be combined with Mainpat for a longer itinerary. They are also places to see more of Chhattisgarh’s culture, nature and history. Here are some of the places to visit nearby Mainpat:
Ambikapur: Ambikapur is the nearest city to Mainpat, about 55 km away. It is the headquarters of the Surguja district and has some attractions like Mahamaya Temple, Ramgarh Hill Station, Tattapani Hot Spring and Sita Bengra Cave. Mahamaya Temple is a Hindu temple that worships Goddess Durga, the mother of power. Ramgarh Hill Station is a hill station that offers scenic beauty, pleasant climate and historical monuments like Ramgarh Fort, Ramgarh Palace and Ramgarh Lake. Tattapani Hot Spring is a natural hot spring that has medicinal properties and cures skin diseases. Sita Bengra Cave is a cave that has mythological significance as it is believed to be the place where Lord Rama’s wife Sita was hidden by Ravana, the demon king.
Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary: Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife reserve that is about 140 km from Mainpat. It is home to various animals like tigers, leopards, bears, deer, monkeys and birds. It also has some waterfalls and caves within its premises. You can enjoy safari rides, trekking, camping and birdwatching in this sanctuary. You can also see the tribal culture and lifestyle of the locals who live near the sanctuary.
Ramgarh Hill Station: Ramgarh Hill Station is a hill station that is about 70 km from Ambikapur and 125 km from Mainpat. It is known for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate and historical monuments like Ramgarh Fort, Ramgarh Palace and Ramgarh Lake. Ramgarh Fort is a fort that was built by Maharaja Madan Shah in the 17th century. It has a museum that displays weapons, armors, coins and paintings of the royal family. Ramgarh Palace is a palace that was built by Maharaja Raghunath Shah in the 18th century. It has a garden, a pond and a temple within its premises. Ramgarh Lake is a lake that was created by damming the Mahanadi river in the 19th century. It offers boating, fishing and picnic facilities for tourists.
Places to eat
Mainpat has some restaurants and cafes that serve delicious food in a cozy and hygienic setting. They offer local and Tibetan cuisine as well as Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes. Here are some of the places to eat in Mainpat:
Cafe Tibet: Cafe Tibet is a cafe that serves authentic Tibetan cuisine like momos, thukpa, noodles and soup. It also has a variety of beverages like tea, coffee and juice. It is located near the Buddha Temple and Monastery in Mainpat. It has a warm and friendly ambiance with Tibetan music and decor.
Hotel Hill View Restaurant: Hotel Hill View Restaurant is a multi-cuisine restaurant that offers Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes. It also has a bar and a banquet hall for parties and events. It is located near the main market in Mainpat. It has a spacious and elegant ambiance with modern furniture and lighting.
Hotel Grand Basant Restaurant: Hotel Grand Basant Restaurant is another multi-cuisine restaurant that offers Indian, Chinese and local dishes. It also has a garden area for outdoor dining. It is located near the main road in Mainpat. It has a simple and clean ambiance with wooden furniture and greenery.
Hotel Mayura Restaurant: Hotel Mayura Restaurant is another multi-cuisine restaurant that offers Indian, Chinese and local dishes. It also has a rooftop terrace for scenic views. It is located near the main road in Mainpat. It has a cozy and comfortable ambiance with colorful furniture and curtains.
How to plan a trip to Mainpat
Mainpat can be reached by air, rail or road from different parts of India. The best time to visit Mainpat is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. There are several hotels and resorts in Mainpat that offer comfortable accommodation at reasonable rates. Here are some details on how to plan a trip to Mainpat:
How to reach How to reach
Mainpat can be reached by air, rail or road from different parts of India. Here are the details of each mode of transport:
By air: The nearest airport is Raipur, which is about 360 km away from Mainpat. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to Ambikapur, which is about 55 km away from Mainpat. From Ambikapur, one can take another taxi or bus to Mainpat. The total journey by air would take about 6 hours and cost about Rs. 5000 per person.
By rail: The nearest railway station is Ambikapur, which is about 55 km away from Mainpat. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to Mainpat. The total journey by rail would take about 4 hours and cost about Rs. 300 per person.
By road: Mainpat is well connected by road to Ambikapur, Raipur and other nearby cities. One can drive or hire a car to reach Mainpat. Alternatively, one can take a bus from Ambikapur, Raipur or other nearby cities to Mainpat. The total journey by road would vary depending on the distance and traffic conditions.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Mainpat is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. This is also the peak season for tourism in Mainpat, so one can expect more crowd and higher prices. The average temperature in this season is around 20°C and the average rainfall is around 10 mm.
Hotels and resorts
There are several hotels and resorts in Mainpat that offer comfortable accommodation at reasonable rates. Here are some of the popular ones:
Hotel Hill View: Hotel Hill View is one of the best hotels in Mainpat. It is located near the main market in Mainpat. It offers spacious rooms with modern amenities like TV, AC, Wi-Fi, etc. It also has a restaurant, a bar and a banquet hall for dining and entertainment. It charges around Rs. 2000 per night for a double room.
Hotel Grand Basant: Hotel Grand Basant is another good hotel in Mainpat. It is located near the main road in Mainpat. It offers cozy rooms with basic amenities like TV, fan, geyser, etc. It also has a garden area for outdoor dining. It charges around Rs. 1500 per night for a double room.
Hotel Mayura: Hotel Mayura is another decent hotel in Mainpat. It is located near the main road in Mainpat. It offers comfortable rooms with standard amenities like TV, fan, geyser, etc. It also has a rooftop terrace for scenic views. It charges around Rs. 1000 per night for a double room.
Hotel Green Valley Resort: Hotel Green Valley Resort is one of the best resorts in Mainpat. It is located near the main road in Mainpat. It offers luxurious cottages with modern amenities like TV, AC, Wi-Fi, etc. It also has a swimming pool, a spa and a gym for relaxation and recreation. It charges around Rs. 3000 per night for a double cottage.
Hotel Panchvati Resort: Hotel Panchvati Resort is another good resort in Mainpat. It is located near the main road in Mainpat. It offers elegant cottages with basic amenities like TV, fan, geyser, etc. It also has a lawn, a playground and a conference hall for leisure and business purposes. It charges around Rs. 2500 per night for a double cottage.
Hotel Himalaya Resort: Hotel Himalaya Resort is another decent resort in Mainpat. It is located near the main road in Mainpat Hotel Himalaya Resort: Hotel Himalaya Resort is another decent resort in Mainpat. It is located near the main road in Mainpat. It offers comfortable rooms with standard amenities like TV, fan, geyser, etc. It also has a restaurant, a garden and a parking area for convenience and comfort. It charges around Rs. 2000 per night for a double room.
Conclusion
Mainpat is a hidden gem of Chhattisgarh that offers a lot of attractions, activities, food, nearby places, how to reach and where to stay for tourists of all kinds. Whether you are looking for an offbeat, adventurous, fun or romantic getaway, Mainpat has something for you.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Mainpat today and discover its wonders for yourself. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful and informative.
