Offbeat Alert: Did You Know About This Royal Palace In Chhattisgarh?

Bastar, a tribal region in Chhattisgarh, is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. With its breathtaking landscapes, lush forests, and majestic waterfalls, the region invites you to immerse yourself in the wonders of the great outdoors. Located just 264 km from Raipur, Bastar is India’s premier eco-friendly destination. Here, you can embark on unforgettable journeys through national parks, discover stunning waterfalls, explore ancient caves, visit historic palaces, and appreciate fascinating museums and sacred sites. One of the must-do things in Bastar is a visit to Bastar Palace.

The History

The Bastar Palace in Jagdalpur is a historical monument that captivates visitors with its architecture, featuring exquisite carvings and engravings on the walls and ceilings.

Constructed by the Kakatiya dynasty during their reign over Bastar, this palace was the royal family's primary residence and a vital centre for administrative activities. Historical records reveal it was built following the capital's shift from Barsur to Jagdalpur, marking a significant turning point in the region’s history. The palace has been a silent witness to countless historical events, playing an essential role in the political and cultural tapestry of the area. From the reigns of the Chalukya and Kakatiya dynasties to the colonial period and beyond, its walls echo the intriguing stories of the past. Every room and corridor is steeped in history, making this palace an unmissable destination for history enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

Inside The Palace

Inside Bastar Palace, visitors can explore the royal chambers that once housed the kings and queens of the region. These rooms are adorned with exquisite furniture, beautiful artwork, and intricate decorations. The palace also features a museum that showcases a collection of artefacts and memorabilia from the royal era. Guests can admire stunning jewellery, traditional costumes, ancient weaponry, and other relics that glimpse Bastar's rich cultural heritage. The courtyards and gardens of Bastar Palace are adorned with fountains and statues, creating a tranquil retreat where visitors can relax and enjoy their surroundings. Among the many attractions in the palace, the Bhoromdeo Temple stands out with its intricately carved sculptures and striking Shiva Lingam.

Places To See Nearby

Jagdalpur is a treasure trove of tourist attractions waiting to be explored. Here’s a list of captivating sights you won’t want to miss.

Kotumsar Cave

Kotumsar Cave was originally named Gopansar Cave, with "Gopan" meaning hidden. However, the name Kotumsar became more popular because the cave is located near a village called Kotumsar. This limestone cave is part of the Kanger limestone belt and is situated near the banks of the Kanger River, a tributary of the Kolab River. It lies at an altitude of 560 meters above sea level. The main entrance to the cave is through a vertical fissure in a hill, and for the convenience of tourists, a concrete path has been constructed that extends to the end of the cave.

The main tunnel of the cave is nearly 200 meters long and features several lateral and downward passages. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of various types of speleothems, making it a treasure trove of natural art that has formed over millions of years. In the dim yellow light of a solar lamp, one can admire the spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations of limestone, sculpted by nature at a glacial pace of about one inch every 6,000 years.

Danteshwari Temple

Don't miss the chance to explore the ancient Danteshwari Temple, dedicated to Devi Danteshwari, considered one of the 52 sacred Shakti Peethas in Hindu mythology. This temple draws crowds throughout the year, particularly during the vibrant Bastar Dusshera festival, making it an unforgettable experience. Bastar Dussehra, or Jagdalpur Dussehra, is a vibrant celebration which transforms the streets of Jagdalpur into a hub of energy and excitement. Participants don vibrant traditional clothing, dance, and play drums, creating a lively atmosphere. Bastar Dussehra, lasting 75 days, is one of the longest festivals in the world. Its origins date back to the 13th century during the reign of King Purushottam Dev. Unlike most other Dussehra celebrations commemorating Ram's victory over Ravan, Bastar Dussehra honours the local deity, Danteshwari Devi. A festival highlight is a grand, beautifully adorned chariot pulled by up to 400 people. Skilled carpenters construct a massive two-tiered chariot that is paraded through the streets. The final ten days of the festival are especially remarkable. They feature numerous tribal rituals and culminate in celebrations such as the Pushp-Rath Parikrama and Bheetar Raini.

Kanger Valley National Park

Visit Kanger Valley National Park, located approximately 65 kilometers from Chitrakote. This park is home to the endangered Hill Mynah and is situated near the Kholaba River. It boasts incredible wilderness and rich biodiversity, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The park's wildlife includes panthers, tigers, bears, snakes, jackals, langurs, and many species of deer. Visitors can also spot a variety of birds perched on the treetops. Additionally, Bairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its striking landscapes, is famous for the Chital, which roam the open grasslands and dense forests. Indravati National Park is another important national park in the Bastar region, and it is also known for its natural caves.

Getting There

Jagdalpur has an airport used by the DRDO, Air Force, BSF, and CRPF. The main airport in Chhattisgarh is Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, located 300 km from Jagdalpur. This airport connects to cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Jagdalpur is connected by rail to several cities like Visakhapatnam and Raipur.