Jagdalpur

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Jagdalpur is a city in the Chhattisgarh state of central India. The city is located on the south bank of the Indravati River, and has a population of approximately 250,000. It is the administrative headquarters of Bastar District and Bastar Division, and was the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Bastar.

Jagdalpur and its surrounding area comprise a major part of the Bastar District. The area is famous for age old wooden handicrafts. These are in high demand among both local as well as foreign tourists.

The city is served by Jagdalpur Airport.

[edit] Places of interest in and around Jagdalpur

Danteshwari Temple located arourd 80 km (50 mi) from Jagdalpur city is the famous and sacred temple of Ma (Hindi for mother) Danteshwari, a local goddess, worshipped as an incarnation of Shakti. This temple is believed to posses several divine powers. Every year during dushera thousands of tribals from surrounding villages and jungles gather here to pay homage to the goddess.

Chitrakote Waterfall is supposed to be the Niagara Falls of India. It is the broadest water fall in India. During Monsoon one can see its might. The River Indravati falls from a height of 29 m (96 ft) to form this waterfall. It is located 48 km (30 mi) from Jagdalpur and is accessible by road only. There is a helipad but it is used by government only. A few small hotels and restaurants are located near the falls.

Kailash and Kotumsar Caves are the caves which are about 2 km (1 mi) deep. They are situated at a distance of about 40 km (25 mi) from Jagdalpur. There is lack of oxygen when going deep into the cave. So, they have been restricted to a fixed point.