Chitrakoot Fall: 'Niagara of India' and its ethereal beauty

I am a nature enthusiast and love to visit jungles, beaches, mountains and waterfalls equally. I have been wanting to experience and visit Chitrakoot Falls also known as the ‘Niagara’ of India. And monsoons are the best time to visit it to see the full-fledged falls at its best avatar.

My birthday falls in September which is peak monsoons in most part of India so we planned to visit it during this time.

We booked our flight from Delhi to Raipur (capital of Chhattisgarh). We landed in Raipur and my husband’s office car was waiting for us. Otherwise, you can get a cab or bus for Bastar or Chitrakoot falls. It is about 600 kms from Raipur.

It is advised that if it’s post sunset then you must stay at Raipur for the night and leave for Bastar the next morning as the road is pretty deserted and goes through the naxal populated jungles of Bastar and could be risky.

We however, left at around afternoon, had lunch at a local dhaba and reached Chitrakoot falls at around 9 pm at night. It was monsoon so there was water logging but the roads are not that bad. We checked into our PWD guest house room and then went for dinner at a nearby restaurant. We could hear the loud roar of the waterfall but as it was very dark, we could not see it but it felt like it was right in front of us. It was bit eerie and also quite adventurous. After dinner we went to bed with the excitement of waking up to the most mesmerising waterfall of India.

Day 2

As soon as we woke up, we straight went to our balcony and I could not believe my eyes. It felt like I was still dreaming and may be this was a dreamland as what was in front of me could not be real. I kept pinching myself to confirm that I was awake and that the Chitrakoot Falls was right in front of me overlooking my balcony. I could be there forever. It was my birthday and I could not have asked for anything more.

After freshening up we got dressed up and went downstairs and went closer to the falls. The view was way more mesmerising than anyone would imagine. We had breakfast and spent some time there. By around 12 noon we went for some local sightseeing. Most of the caves, jungle safari and other attractions like Kanger Valley National Park, Kutumsar Caves, and Jogimara Caves were closed due to the monsoon season. But we still went out as the local farms, villages and forests in itself was amazing. Being a city person who would not want to have some fun amidst nature and breathe in some fresh air.

Mobile network is pretty weak around there so our GPS was not quite working but the locals are so helpful they guided us towards the Tirathgarh Falls which is about 62 kms away from the Chitrakoot Falls. You will have to cross the Kanger Valley National Park to reach there. Finally, we reached the falls and after a short trek amid the forest rocks and stairs we reached there. The falls were beautiful and also in its full form due to the rainy season. There were too many monkeys there so one has to be careful about the belongings. After clicking pics and sitting there for a while we left.

On our way back we bought freshly plucked custard apples which are so affordable there as compared to what you get in cities. It had started drizzling a bit and the roads and greenery on both sides looked just so refreshing. It was next level beautiful. Do not forget to buy freshly plucked custard apples from the locals. They were the sweetest and the tastiest ones I have ever had in my life.

After coming back, we had Bastar special chicken at one of the local dhabas. It is a must try for all non-vegetarians. Then we went back to our room for some rest. In the evening, we again came out for some snacks and had maggi and coffee. There aren’t many things around the falls but you can just sit there quietly and listen to the falls and you’ll feel such tranquillity that you can’t ever feel anywhere. After an early dinner we went to our room.

Day 3

The third day we explored the surrounding areas. Locals generally visit there over the weekends so there was more crowd that day than usual. There were local women selling hand made souvenirs like purses, toys and local ‘dhoop’ (incense dust) from the surrounding jungles of Bastar.

It was a beautiful sunny day and we thought of exploring the banks of the Indravati river the one that flows from the Chitrakoot falls. It was a short and easy hike as there were stairs going downstairs. The view was absolutely breathtaking. We just didn’t feel like leaving but as it was a bit deserted there, we came upstairs after clicking some pictures. While coming up there was a small garden that can also be explored and you can rest there for some time amidst nature.

That day we went for lunch to the nearby resort by the Chhattisgarh Tourism called Dandami Luxury Resort. It was a simple Indian thali and was so fresh and nutritious. After lunch we went back to our guesthouse and rested for a while.

In the evening, we again came out and sat near the falls. It was a full moon night and the falls was lit with the moonlight and looked ethereal. It still seems like a dream as we bid farewell to the majestic Chitrakoot falls.

Day 4

After having breakfast, we left Chitrakoot and carried with us memories that can’t be described in mere words.

It was a trip and experience of a lifetime. As a nature lover and traveller this is a recommendation for fellow travellers.