BASTAR
INTRODUCTION
Bastar. The very name spells magic, conjuring up images of perhaps the most exotic tribes of India. Bastar is tribal territory. This land is richly endowed with minerals and forest resources. It has the largest strength of tribes anywhere in the world. The Gonds (a tribe) in Bastar remain perhaps the least in contact with the world outside.
LOCATION
On the mountains of Abujmarh, spread over the tehsils of Narainpur, Bijapur, and Dantewada, live the Maria tribes of Bastar. This 3,900 square km area shelters the people in small villages.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Bastar is, predominantly, a forest area, and home of Marias and Murias, both extremely colorful and picturesque tribes, who have preserved their ancient culture.
At Jagdalpur, the colorful festival of Dussehra is celebrated on a grand scale every year.
Chitrakote Falls. At this place, the river Indrawati has a fall of 96 ft.
Tirathgarh Falls. The picturesque waterfalls are 100 ft. in height.
Kutumsar Caves. The place abounds in caves. The five chambers in the cave have several blind wells, all except one covered with a sheet of rock that, when struck, gives a hollow sound.
Dantewada is famous for its Danteshwari Temple.
At Barsur, an old Shiva temple has 12 pillars. In addition, there is a Ganesha Temple and Mama Bhanja ka Mandir as well.
HISTORY
Maria is the largest group of tribes in Bastar. Goddess Danteshwari is the reigning deity of the Marias. Marias are steeped in superstition. They have immense faith in magic. The Marias have mongoloid blood in them. They have a coppery complexion with straight black hair, wide mouth, and thick lips. The women are graceful, light in complexion, and pretty. The jewelry the Maria women wear is even more exotic. Most of it is handmade-necklaces made of cane, grass, or beads.
The women enjoy a considerable amount of freedom. Both boys and girls are allowed to spend a night out in the ghotul (kind of rest house), every week. Ghotuls are regarded as a shrine, built by Lingo Pen, a Gond (a tribe) cult hero. Here, the unmarried boys of the village learn songs and dance from their leader. They also sleep in the Ghotuls. Every week, there is a dance carnival as well. Girls also take part in it. Moreover, It is treated like a pilgrimage.
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation is available at Raipur, Bilaspur, and Jagdalpur in private hotels and lodges. Accommodation is also available at government circuit houses.
HOW TO REACH
Raipur is the most convenient place from where one can explore Bastar. It is linked with Delhi and Nagpur through air as well as rails. Bus services are available from Raipur for all places of tourist interest in the circuit.
WHERE TO STAY
We offer excellent accommodation facilities in and around Bastar.
Please click here to get more information....
Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Bastar. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make you visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.
| Tourism-of-India.com Offers for Bastar |
| Package Tours | Yes |
| No Accommodations |
| Deluxe Hotels | In Raipur |
| First Class Hotels | In Raipur |
| Economy Hotels | In Raipur, Bilaspur and Jagadalpur |
| Budget Hotels | In Raipur, Bilaspur and Jagadalpur |
| Other Accommodations | Yes |
| Transport | Yes |
| Guides | Yes |
| Escorts | Yes |
| Porters | Yes |
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