Chhattisgarh is an Indian State that still carries a mysterious aura about it. A landlocked State that shares its boundary with seven Indian States was carved out in 2000 from Madhya Pradesh. A "young" State, it has slowly yet steadily began to occupy a place of priority and respect in the wishlist of an explorer. Since Chhattisgarh is still devoid of crowds that throng a popular destination, a nature lover will find Chhattisgarh relatively untouched, unblemished and unspoilt.
Foliage Outdoors will take you through the journey that begins at the Coastal Town of Vizag (Visakhapatnam) in Andhra Pradesh and we will meander through to Araku and beyond in one of the best train journeys of India. A run over 58 tunnels and 84 bridges, this engineering marvel of the Indian railways will leave you awestruck. This rail journey is best undertaken post-monsoons. After a spell of rains, the valley is a verdant green with numerous cascading waterfalls and gushing streams.
The end of this train journey will get us into the treasure trove of History, Nature, Heritage, Culture, Festivity and Art that keeps every traveler interested and spellbound. Chhattisgarh is blessed with exotic waterfalls and it would only be appropriate to call it "The Waterfall Capital Of India". The Jewel In The Crown certainly goes to horseshoe shaped Chitrakote Falls. Chitrakote is the largest waterfall in India that falls from a height of about 100 feet and widens up to 150 meters is a sight to behold in peak rainy season.
The majority of the state's population belongs to tribal communities and we will make an attempt to known their lifestyle from close quarters. We will visit the famous weekly Tribal Markets and feast on the local cuisine.
Join Foliage Outdoors as we try to decipher a mystery of our own land that has, for long, gone unnoticed even for a discerning traveler.
- See submarine from close quarters at Visakhapatnam.
- Undertake one of the best Train Journeys of India, popular known as Araku Train.
- See the "King of Waterfalls" the Chitrakote Falls.
- Explore more waterfalls like Teerathgarh, Mehndri Ghoomar and Tamda Ghoomar.
- Visit Tribal Village and their Weekly market.
- Enjoy the "Cock Flight" in the Tribal Markets.
- See the process of making of traditional craft – Belmetal and Wrought Iron.
Day 1 : Visakhapatnam | Overnight at Visakhapatnam
Fly from Pune to Visakhapatnam (Vizag).
See Submarine Museum, one of its kind in India. Time permitting, we will also see the beach(es) of Vizag.
INS Kurusara, a decommissioned Foxtrot class submarine has been converted into a museum for the people to know the inside and the life of a sailor inside a submarine. It is a guided tour managed by the veterans of the crew of the vessel.
Overnight at Visakhapatnam.
Day 2 : Visakhapatnam - Araku - Jagdalpur | 9 Hours Train journey | Overnight at Jagdalpur
Early wake up and transfer to the Railway Station to enjoy the ride on famed Visakhapatnam - Araku train (58501) Visakhapatnam - Kirandul at 0650 hrs.
The train journey to Araku is one of the most breathtaking rail-journeys in India. A run over 58 tunnels and 84 bridges, this engineering marvel of the Indian railways will leave you awestruck. This rail journey is best-undertaken post-monsoons. After a spell of rains, the valley is a verdant green with numerous cascading waterfalls and gushing streams.
Reach Jagdalpur at 1615 hrs.
Stay at Jungle Resort, Jagdalpur.
Day 3 : Sightseeing | Overnight at Chitrakote
Visit the densest forest of India Kanger Valley National Park is situated where you enjoy the famous waterfall of Bastar region – Tirathgarh, it has seven waterfalls with itself, the butterfly zone. After lunch, visit the Tribal memory pillars of the Muria tribes lastly tribal dance from the bison horn Madiya tribes.
Stay at Luxury Resort, Chitrakote.
Day 4 : Sightseeing | Overnight at Chitrakote
Early morning nature walk and hiking will be done at one of the riverside beach near Chitrakote waterfalls. Enjoy the tribal food near the waterfalls traveling through the boat, the opposite side of Chitrakote waterfalls “Tirtha”. Spend some time in the tribal village and understand their culture. Visit the thousand-year-old Narayanpal Temple, built by the Nagavanshi dynasty.
Stay at Luxury Resort, Chitrakote.
Day 5 : Sightseeing | Overnight at Chitrakote
Visit the Unexplored waterfalls Mehndri Ghumar waterfalls, Tamda Ghumar waterfalls with its spectacular valley with the packed lunch. Visit the tribal market of Bastar, enjoy the cockfight. Spend time with the Madiya tribes. At the market one can also taste the local beverages and the local snacks.
Stay at Luxury Resort, Chitrakote.
Day 6 : Chitrakote - Dhamtari | 5 hours drive / 210 km | Overnight at Dhamtari
Experience and be a part in the making of the traditional craft – Belmetal and Wrought Iron at Kondagaon craft village. See how the indigenous people of Bastar are still adopting the process which was there at the time of Harrapan civilization while crafting their art. Watch the scenic valley of Keshkal which divides Bastar from rest of the Chhattisgarh.
Stay at Lake View Resort, Dhamtari.
Day 7 : Sightseeing | Dhamtari - Raipur | 2.5 hours drive / 85 km
Enjoy the water sports (Swimming, Water-ski, Boating, Speedboat) and the beautiful view at Gangrel Dam, try few hands at the local Chhattisgarhi cuisines at Raipur. Flight from Raipur.
What is included in the tour
- Stay on twin sharing basis as per the itinerary for 6 nights.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner starting with lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 7. Food will be veg.
- Transport by AC chartered vehicle as per the itinerary.
- Train journey from Visakhapatnam via Araku to Jagdalpur in 3 AC
- One day tribal food
- Boating charges at Chitrakote waterfalls
- Local Bastar beverage (one time)
- Tribal Dance (one time)
What is NOT included in the tour
- Airfares up to Visakhapatnam and from Raipur
- Anything that is not mentioned in “Inclusions”.
