CHATTISGARH TOUR (CENTRAL INDIA TRIBAL TOUR)
 Chhattisgarh, situated in the heart of India, is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and attractive natural diversity. The State is full of ancient monuments, rare wildlife, exquisitely carved temples, Buddhist sites, palaces, water falls, caves, rock paintings and hill plateaus.
Breaking away as an independent entity, from the state of Madhya Pradesh in the November of 2000, Chhattisgarh has paved the way for marketing some of its most attractive tourist assets. Chhattisgarh State largely consists of plateaus streaked with high range of Satpuras in the North, the river Mahanadi and its tributaries in the Central Plains and the Bastar Plateau in the South. Known in ancient times as Dakshin Koshal it is home to ethnic communities (making up one third of the state) that are still steeped in cultural traditions from ancient of days, and the bounty of nature spread so lavishly across the state that it boggles the mind with its kaleidoscopic range. With almost 44 per cent of the state under forest cover its protected biospheres, the turbulent rivers, majestic waterfalls and mysterious caves are its most obvious temptations.
Chhattisgarh is dotted with ancient monuments, magnificent palaces, beautifully carved temples, caves, rock paintings, important Buddhist sites, rich and varied wildlife, picturesque waterfalls and charming hills. Most of the sites in Chhattisgarh are unspoilt and unexplored and they offer a never before experience to tourists
Day 01: Arrive New Delhi, air
Arrive New Delhi by flight. Assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.
Delhi - The capital of the vast, mystic subcontinent “ India”. A fine blend of old –n-new, ancient and modern Era. History of Delhi goes back to the days of Mahabharata, when it was known as the Indraprastha. It is surprising, indeed, that since that era this city has remained the capital of the country.
Magnificent forts and edifices of the Mughal and the pre-Mughal era and the huge architectures of the Raj era have become the pride of Delhi. The cosmopolitan nature of the city has only added to the beauty and glory of it. Big gardens, wide roads, ancient structures, and power of politics is what Delhi is all about.
 Day 02: New Delhi –Jhansi - Khajuraho , shatabdi/172 kms/4.5 hrs)
Morning departure transfer to the station in time to board the train for Jhansi.
Depart : Delhi 0615 hrs Shatbadi Express # 2002
Arrive : Jhansi 1056 hrs
On arrival in Jhansi straight drive for Khajuraho enroute visiting Orcha.
Orchha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries, situated along the Betwa river, retain much of their pristine perfection. From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular.
The following places are famous in the town :
Ram Raja Temple,- Jahagir Mahal,- Chaturbhuj Temple,- Laxmi Temple,- Phool Bagshish Mahal, Badi Chhatrian, Rai Praveen Mahal, Keshav Bhawan.
On arrival in Khajuraho, check-in at your hotel for overnight stay.
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India is a famous tourist destination. Known world over for its magnificent Temple complexes, Khajuraho is a fascinating village showcasing rich cultural heritage of India In the temple architecture of India, the Khajuraho complex remains unique. Today, of the original 85, only 22 have survived the ravages of time; these remain as a collective paean to life, to joy and to creativity; to the ultimate fusion of man with his creator.
Day 03: Khajuraho - Bandhavgarh National Park (189 kms/5 hrs)
 Morning guided city tour of Khajuraho.
The Khajuraho temples were built during the reign of the Chandelas in 10th-11th century. The Khajuraho temples are marked by religious fervor, rich patronage, excellent craftsmanship, and aesthetic sensuality, depicting life in every form and mood. Originally there were 85 temples, but today less than 30 temples are in proper condition.
Visit :- Western Group of Temples , Eastern Group of Temples as well as
Southern Group of Temples
Lateron drive for Bandhavgarh and on arrival check-in at your lodge/resort.
Bandhavgarh National Park is spread at vindhya hills in Madhya Pradesh. Bandhavgarh National Park consists of a core area of 105 sq km and a buffer area of approximately 400 sq km of topography varies between steep ridges, undulating, forest and open meadows. Bandhavgarh National Park is known for the Royal Bengal Tigers. The density of the Tiger population at Bandhavgarh is the highest known in India.
Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the finest national park in the India and has the distinction of harboring the highest concentration of tigers per unit area of forest. Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968.
Bandhavgarh National Park as an unspoilt national habitat for a variety of wildlife peculiar to the area. These includes gaur (Indian bison), sloth bear, leopard, porcupine, wild boar, sambhar and spotted deer, among others and of course, the tiger.
Overnight at your lodge / resort.
Day 04: Bandhavgarh National Park
Enjoy an early morning visit to the Park to see the amazing varieties of wildlife including hundreds of exotic species of birds in their own natural habitats.
Afternoon, again enjoy an exciting Jeep Safari in the Park for tiger tracking and game viewing.
Overnight stay at your lodge/resort.
Day 05: Bandhavgarh - Amarkantak
Morning proceed for Amarkantak and on arrival check-in at your hotel.
Narmada is one of the holy river of the country. Narmada, the life line of Chhattisgarh, its name is also mentioned in vedas and puranas. Amarkantak, the source of the river Narmada is full of natural beauty. Beside the source of river Narmada, Mai ki Bagiya, Kapil dhara , Dugdha Dhara, water falls are wroth seeing.
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Amarkantak, situated at the height of 1065 mtrs on the highest peak of Vindhya mountain, is holy pilgrim of Hindus. Amarkantak is abundant of natural beauty.
Rest of the day enjoy the enchanting beauty of the surroundings. Overnight stay will be at Amarkantak.
 Day 06: Amarkantak - Dindori -Amarkantak
Morning drive for same day excursion to Dindori - a unique and fascinating village of the famous Gond tribes.
Overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 07: Amarkantak - Kanha National Park
Morning drive for Kanha National Park and on arrival check in at your lodge / resort.
Kanha National Park is located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh. Kanha National Park is the largest national park in Asia and is one of the first Project Tiger reserves in India. This national park was established in the year 1974.. Kanha national park extends over an area of over 1,940 square kms. Out of the total area, the core area, which is about 940 square km, is the national park.
In the evening, enjoy the tribal folk dances and music around a bonfire.
Overnight stay at your lodge /resort.
Day 08: Kanha National Park - Kawardha
Morning enjoy Jeep Safari through the scenic landscape of Kanha to explore its enchanting surroundings and amazing wildlife.
Lateron we drive to Kwardha in Chhattisgarh. Arrive and check into the beautiful Kawardha Palace.
Kawardha: The small age-old town of Kawardha is a tranquil retreat offering breathtaking views of nature and a rich tribal life. The royal palace introduces you to some finer glimpses of Indian royalty.
Rest of the day enjoy an exciting and memorable trip to the surrounding tribal villages, along with one of the royal family member of Kawardha. Experience the first glimpse of tribal life of the famous Bastar region.
 Bastar , The Land of Tribals and Natural Resources , is also enriched with natural beauty and pleasant atmosphere. It is surrounded with dense forests ,hilly mountains , streams, waterfalls , natural caves , natural parks etc. It is firmly a tribal area, where the natural beauty can easily attract the tourists at first sight itself. Here the art & culture is the valuable ancient property of the Bastariyas. From the view point of tourists and tourism , Bastar is called the 'Kashmir of Chhattisgarh'. If we place Bastar in the map of tourism , no doubt it definitely attracts the foreign tourists.
Overnight stay will be at Kawardha Palace.
Day 09: Kawardha
Morning , enjoy a guided tour of Kawardha to discover the secrets of Kawardha's little-known natural and tribal world. Visit some tribal villages and meet the friendly Baiga people, the principal indigenous forest tribe of the region.
Evening walk around the nearby tribal villages. Return to the Palace at sunset and enjoy the dinner with the royal family. Overnight stay will be at Kawardha Palace.
Day 10: Kawardha - Raipur - Kanker
Morning is at leisure and afternoon drive for Kanker enroute visiting Raipur which is 2 hrs drive from Kawardha .
Raipur – Once upon a time the capital city of powerful kingdom, Raipur lost its raison dêtre when its reigning dynasty lost their domain to stronger forces.
Raipur is a city of lakes - the many lakes that dot the area all have a historical connection and are credited to one local luminary or the other
If time permits, enjoy a short visit to Mahant Ghasidas Museum in Raipur.
Lateron proceed to the former princely State of Kanker and on arrival check into the beautiful Kanker Palace.
Kanker: This thousand year old town offers a splendid combination of forest, waterfalls and exquisite tribal villages nestled inside. Here is an old palace still resided by the royal family of the area, which itself is one of the major tourist attractions in Chhattisgarh.
Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with the royal family members and get acquainted with the unique folklore and traditions of the state they once ruled.
Enjoy the traditional music and dance of the region.
Overnight stay will be at Kanker Palace.
Day 11: Kanker - Kondagoan - Narayanpur - Kanker
 Morning explore the fascinating tribal regions of Bastar, which can indeed be a lifetime experience for you. Climb up the forested Keshkal Ghat with your royal guide and visit a colorful weekly market, which provides you with a good opportunity to meet the local tribes. Visit the famous tribal regions of Kondagaon and Narayanpur and discover about some of Bastar's finest handicrafts.
In the evening, enjoy a dance performance by young members of Bastar's unique 'Ghotul' dormitory system.
Lateron return to the Palace and enjoy a late dinner with the royal family. Overnight stay will be at Kanker Palace.
Day 12: Kanker - Jagdalpur - Kanker
Morning drive to Jagdalpur enroute visiting countryside
Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar district and entire Bastar division , is a small and developing town with all facilities.
Jagdalpur is one of the small and beautiful towns of not only in Chhatisgarh State , but also in Madhya Pradesh State where it was earlier , before the new state formation. Jagdalpur is rich in greenary, with big trees everywhere, and plantations surrounding the town providing a pleasant and healthy atmosphere and free from pollution.
Afternoon, enjoy a royally guided tour of Jagdalpur. Visit the famous Anthropological Museum and we proceed to see the enchanting Chitrakote Waterfall (popularly known as Niagara of India) at sunset. Deep in the heart of Bastar forest, this enormous waterfall plunges down from a height of 100 feet.
Also visit some of the local Bison-Horn Maria tribe, renowned for their spectacular ceremonial dancing.
If time and conditions are favorable, enjoy a barbecue dinner in an authentic Bastar style.
You will also be entertained by a folklore dance performance of the tribal people.
Overnight stay will be at Kanker Palace.
Day 13: Kanker - Kanger Valley National Park – Jagdalpur
Morning drive to Kanger Valley National Park
National Park” is perhaps a misleading name since wildlife is not the most notable thing about this park, about 1 hour away from Jagdalpur. In fact, this new national park is one of the last pockets of almost virgin forest still left in the peninsular region.
Don't miss Kanger's 3 exceptional caves - Kutumsar, Kailash and Dandak – with the most amazing formations of stalagmites and stalactites.
Kanger is famous for its Leopards, Tigers, Sambars, Bison and the endangered Bastar Hill Myna.
 Also visit famous Tiratgarh Fall. The enchanting Tiratgarh Fall offers a spectacular view to its visitors. You will also be exploring some of Jagdalpur's unique handicrafts
Overnight stay at Jagdalpur.
Day 14: Jagdalpur – Raipur
Morning is at leisure to visit some of the bustling markets of Jagdalpur before we finally ahead for our return to Raipur.
On way to Raipur, we halt at Kanker for a farewell lunch with the royal family. Arrive at Raipur and check into the hotel. Overnight stay will be at Raipur.
Day 15: Raipur – Delhi – home-town, air Tour Concludes
Departure transfer to the airport in time to board the flight for Mumbai/Delhi and on arrival, transfer to the International airport to board the flight for home-town with sweet memories of Chhattisgarh Tour and life time experience of Bastar Tribes.
*******BON VOYAGE******* |
