Bewitching Bastar (Goncha Festival) – 04-08 July 2024

Dense forests, innumerable waterfalls and a unique tribal culture – this is what awaits you on a trip to Bastar, a remote tribal district in the state of Chhattisgarh!!

We thank you for enquiring about our trip to Bastar in July 2024. This is a fixed departure tour, where men and women who wish to explore this stunning tribal part of India, will get together.

The trip is ideal for those seeking to explore and uncover this hidden gem of India and for photography enthusiasts as well.

IDEAL FOR THOSE SEEKING TO EXPLORE AND UNCOVER THIS HIDDEN GEM OF INDIA AND PHOTOGRAPHY ENTHUSIASTS AS WELL.

The itinerary of the trip is as follows –

TRAVEL PLAN

– Arrival in Jagdalpur, the district headquarters of Bastar.

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– After your arrival, we will take you to a hotel to have lunch. This will be a simple fare with a set menu with both non-veg and veg options.

– After lunch, head towards a local market set up where natives display and sell local items, handicrafts, organic produce etc. Organic grains and indigenous seeds are the major points of attraction in the market. You would also come across some of the beautifully woven bamboo baskets and belmetal handicrafts. Cockfight is another major attraction of the market as it is an integral part of tribal culture. Also you’d be able to see the processing of mahua products here.

– After a quick check in and freshening up, we will go to Bastar Palace. The once ruling dynasty of Bastar lives in these premises. Visit the front gallery to see the photographs of all the former ruling kings and the earlier golden days.

– The most interesting thing about the set up is, it is not just a commercial set up but is looked upon as an occasion for local people as a weekly get together. They meet up, socialise  and enjoy various activities.

– After this, visit Tamda Ghumar and Mendri Ghumar waterfalls and be stunned by their beauty. Since July is monsoon time, the waterfalls will be in all their glory.

– Go to the hotel in Chitrakote. Check in and have dinner. Overnight in Chitrakote.

– Wake up a bit early and visit the majestic Chitrakote waterfall, called India’s Niagra.

– After breakfast, head to another waterfall Bijaksha where you can even bathe.

– Later visit the artisans who make Belmetal craft, an ancient craft of the indigenous Bastar people, from Harappan times!

– Visit the thousand year old Narayanpal temple built by the Nagvanshi dynasty. An ancient temple dedicated to lord Vishnu, it is known for its exquisite architecture and tranquil surroundings.

– Overnight in Chitrakote.

– After breakfast, check out and head towards Kanger Valley National Park.

– The drive will take about 1 hour. The National Park has one of the largest forest covers of the state and is popular as the habitat of the state bird, Bastar Hill Myna. It is a place of great ecological biodiversity. The Dhurwa tribe is considered as one of the bravest tribes of Bastar for their primitive hunting styles. Kanger Valley National Park has the largest habitat of Dhurwa tribe.

– Situated in the belt of Kanger Valley National Park, it is the only cave accessible throughout the year. Adorned with the formations of stalactites and stalagmites explore the cave ecosystem at Madarkonta caves.

– Later, visit the three tiered Tirathgarh Waterfalls. Tirathgarh also has a historical significance. Rejuvenate your senses with the view of this cascading beauty.

– Go on a village visit. A tribal village is an eye opener for city dwellers. The tribals live an uncomplicated life. Exploring remote villages on foot takes you to a world of simplicity. Observe simple yet practical architecture of local houses, lifestyle of humans living close to nature.

– Tupki is a mock weapon and an important element in celebration of Goncha festival. It is known as the ‘guard of honour’ to Lord Jagganath. Befor you observe the actual mockery play, witness the live making of Tupki.

– Reach hotel and check in. Overnight in Jagdalpur.

– After breakfast, visit Dantewada which is renowned as one of the 52 Shaktipeethas of India.  Danteshwari Temple at Dantewada is a must visit. Danteshwari Devi, the presiding deity of Bastar is revered by locals. Know about the legendary tales of this temple and visit to the confluence of two rivers. Know the importance of Bhairambaba in the history of the place.

– Enroute we will be able to see Memory Pillars, a distinct part of the tribal culture in Bastar. It will be fun to decipher one of them.

– Once a capital of the many ruling dynasties, Barsoor, is a place of great historical significance. Situated on the banks of river Indravati, Barsoor, gained its importance in the 7th century. Since then it has been the witness of power and authority of many rulers.

– We will visit the temples of Barsoor, with its exemplary pieces of architecture, to relive its grandeur and the museum of Barsoor to have a glance at the archaeological evidence of its rich cultural heritage

– Later, we will drive back to Jagdalpur and attend the Goncha festival. We’ll see the Rath Yatra (like the one in Puri) and tupki (mock weapon) firing, traditions that are more than 600 years old.

– Overnight in Jagdalpur.

– After breakfast, pack up and leave luggage at the reception. 

– The history of any place can be very well understood by visiting its museums. Get in touch with the rich historical importance of traditional arts and lifestyle of tribals of Bastar at the Anthropological Museum. Also enrich your interests in the cultural heritage of tribals of Bastar by visiting the Archaeological Museum.

– We will also visit Amcho Bastar Bazaar to buy some of the handicrafts and local food products of Bastar to gift as souvenirs to your family and friends. Also the famous Kosa Silk of Bastar can be bought from Kosa Centre.

– After lunch, head to the airport for your flights back home.

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