Mainpat
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Mainpat
Where Buddhism blossoms in the most spectacular natural surroundings… Famously known as the Shimla of Chhattisgarh, Mainpat is a plateau located at a height of 1099m from the sea level. Out of this area 226 sq. km. is a dense forest cover. This entire plateau is called Mainpat.
Spread over an area of 368 sq. km., this plateau offers breathtaking views of Mother Nature. Melodiously singing streams, gracefully flowing tranquil rivers, and dense forests brimming with rich flora and fauna enchant millions of travellers. Ayurvedic herbs, rare plants and vibrant varieties of avifauna enliven the beautiful plateau.
Mainpat consists of 24 villages with a total population of 25000. Mainpat is truly a hidden gem, with lots of adventure awaiting tourists in its green slopes, beautiful valleys, gently flowing brooks, unexplored waterfalls, and virgin forests . Historic Importance: After the India-China war in 1962-63, Tibetan Refugees settled on the plateau and today, the Tibetan population here is approximately 1800. Very rich in their roots, Tibetans have maintained their vibrant culture and Buddhist flavour. A very authentic and highly unique way of life, Buddhism offers the way to Nirvana. Based in Surguja, the people here offer a warm delight to the travellers, giving a glimpse of their Buddhist culture that transcends all religions.
Buddha Temple: This is the only temple dedicated to Lord Buddha in Chhattisgarh, and the most authentic Buddhist rituals are performed here every day. The most interesting thing about this temple is that many Tibetan marriages have been held here in great harmony. The most famous Tibetan festivals are celebrated in this temple, these include: The day of Lord Buddha's First Speech after Enlightenment, The Day Lord Buddha returned from heaven to meet his mother after attaining Nirvana, New Year, and Dalai Lama's Birth Day.
This temple is of special interest to various tourists because it has the rare confluence of Surguja's simplistic Adivasi culture and Tibetan Buddhist culture. Mainpat attracts many tourists from all religions, not only due to its breathtaking natural beauty but also due to many cultures existing in harmony. Tiger Point: At the centre of the Mahadev Muda River, where the forest cover is extremely dense, there is a beautiful waterfall that falls from a height of 60m. Since this was a territory marked by Tigers, it came to be known as the Tiger Point. At this point the river is at its most beautiful best and surrounded by lots of medicinal herbs. The Government has constructed railings so that travellers and tourists can enjoy the breathtaking views from here. The fire watch tower constructed here is great for viewing the amazing surroundings at this place. The placement and use of this tower for fire safety, forest safety and tourism purposes has been greatly appreciated by various officials.
Machali Point: Enveloped in the deep mountain ranges, is the clean river called Machali Nadi. Full of little fishes, this river falls deeper, creating a spectacular waterfall. This point is called the Machali Point and the height of the waterfall is 48m. Through the droplets and fog of the falling water, the hills look even more mesmerizing. Here, you can also see an 80m waterfall, cascading down like milky white satin. This waterfall is rightly called the Milky Way. For geologists and environmentalists, this point is of special importance. Various water sports can be enjoyed here and tourists can take back memories of a thrilling and exhilarating experience.
Parpatiya
Located in between forest department vigilance point no. 2328 and 2329, Damli, Parpatiya presents unlimited natural beauty and heart-stirring surroundings. Many awe-inspiring points can be seen from Parpatiya, mainly–Bandarkot Mountains, Raksamada Caves, Dulha-Dulhan Mountain, Banrai Dam, Shyam Ghunghutta Dams and Ramgarh Mountains.
The Chhattisgarh Tourism Board has created a spot for Adventure Sports here. Tourists can enjoy paragliding here. Mehta Point: Just 8km away from Mainpat, this spectacular waterfall is embraced by tall mountain ranges. Blending together the borders of Surguja and Raigarh, the Mehta Point is a must visit for all travellers. Comfortable shelters of the Forest Department are available to tourists. The Mehta Point is very much reachable by private vehicles.
Dev Pravah (Jaljali)
This beautiful stream located in Kamleshwar, flows incessantly, later falling into an 80m waterfall. This waterfall is called the Dev Pravah and is extremely famous for rich herbs and medicinal plants that grow around it. Enriched with unique flora and fauna, this waterfall offers the tourists an interesting getaway in the proximity of nature. Caves: Chhattisgarh is a land of mysterious caves, and Mainpat is no exception here. The caves of Mainpat include – Bandarkot (32km), Raksamada (32km), Bhalumada (8km), and Paiga Khoh (15km).
Adventure Zone
The prime adventure zones in Mainpat are, the Parpatiya (28km), and Maltipur (22km). Cultural Delight: A beautiful blend of various cultures can be enjoyed at Mainpat. The main delights are Tribal Village, Avgava and Tibetan Camps.
Pilgrimage
Different pilgrim destinations welcome you to this sacrosanct land. These include – Buddha Math (2km), Kala Mandir (16km), Banjara Temple (12 km), Jungleshwar Temple (18km), Shivalaya (12km), Panhi Pakhna (36km), and Dulha-Dulhan (31km). Forests & Valleys: Bathed in rich green foliage, Mainpat blushes in green with beautiful valleys like – Kadnai (28km), Kardna (26km), Sakriya (16km), Govindpur (21km), and Paiga (15km).
Accommodation
Saila Tourist Resort operated by Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, 2-Room forest department shelters are available. Apart from that, Ambikapur via Darima (55km) one can reach luxury hotels and authentic Dharmashalas.
How to reach
By Air
Raipur (100kms) is the nearest airport well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Ranchi, Vishakhapatnam and Chennai.
By Rail
There are trains available from Bilaspur (240km) to Ambikapur.
By Road
Mainpat is reachable by buses, taxis and private vehicles from Ambikapur (85km) and Raigarh (193km).
Bagicha
Give in to the enigmatic charms of a blissful orchard that blossoms with Nashpati, Litchi and Mango plantations. Rightly known as Bagicha, it is located in Kankuri which is accessible via the Raigarh-Jashpur Highway (167km). Beautiful Ghats: A true paradise for nature lovers and environmentalists, the Raina-Sanna Ghats of Bagicha enrapture the tourists with their scenic charm. Away from the scorching heat of the summer, Bagicha offers a cooler escape into the peaceful and windy Ghats. While on your way to these forests, the mango, litchi and Nashpati trees tempt travellers with their beauty and fruit-laden sweetness. Colourful flower beds and lush-green meadows are always abounding with vibrant butterflies, birds and chirpy sounds. Welcome to paradise, and feel alive in these gardens! Take a stress-free stroll here as the rich floral aroma wafts through the air, invigorating the soul!
Rani Jhula
Located at Rani Jhula is the origin of Eeb River. A holy Kund has been built at the origin of the Eeb River. The sparkling golden sand of the Eeb River is known to have pieces of jewels in it. This is famously known as the Rani Jhula. Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary: Located on the Raigarh - Jashpur Highway, the Badalkhol Sanctuary covers a sprawling104 sq. km. Like the other wildlife sanctuaries, a rich variety of flora and fauna are found here. There are evergreen sal forests, precious teak forests and mixed forests of different qualities in the Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary. The important species in the sanctuary are deer, chinkara, and gazelle. Also found in plenty are the nilgai, sambhar, chausingha, sloth bear, wild boar, jackal and hyena. Among the birds there are peacock, fowl, pigeon, quail, parrot and stork. A lot of rare birds can be seen in these sanctuaries and it is therefore considered to be a bird watcher's paradise. If lucky, you may also get an opportunity to meet a bison.
Kailash Gufa
(Gahira Guru Ashram): Just 10km away from Bagicha, is the intricately carved out cave structure dedicated to Shri Rameshwar Guru Gahira Baba. Converted into an Ashram, this structure is entirely natural and carved out of stone. Students throng in large numbers to this Gurukul in order to attain wisdom. The temple and overall appeal of the Ashram is extremely sacrosanct and beautiful. One of the famous 'Rishi Kula' traditions, this cave-temple is full of gurgling streams and greenery. There are lots of temples in these caves. On the occasion of Mahashivratri a huge festival is organised here. Major attractions of this place are the Temple of Shiva-Parvati, Yagya Mandap, Sanskrit School, Gahira Guru Ashram and Badh Math. Coloured Earth: Based on the banks of the Geur River is Pandhrapath and close to that is Chundapath. It is here that naturally coloured earth is found. This mystical wonder attracts various tourists here.
Lekha Patthar
On the way to the Badalkhol Wildlife Sanctuary from Bagicha, a beautiful rock with mysterious inscriptions steals the breath of scientists and geologists away! The inscriptions are at a humanly unreachable height and definitely an archaeological attraction.
Deurkona
The ancient historical Shiva temple and stone inscriptions found in this 'God's own Corner' is a growing tourist attraction. Located in the Kanhesar Village of Bagicha Vikas Khand, the Deurkona is an interesting historical site. Waterfalls of Bagicha: The cascading waterfalls of Bagicha add beauty to the luxuriant gardens here. There are four spectacular waterfalls here: Rajpuri Waterfall: Located at a distance of just 3kms, this waterfall is embraced by lush green hills of the Rajpuri Mountains. Falling from a height of 50ft, this milky wonder is a dream-come-true for nature lovers. Darabghagh Waterfall: The beautiful waterfall located in the place of Darab Ghagh recreates paradise on earth. The foamy, bubbling water helps the growth of luscious green trees.
Mahnaighagh Waterfall
Near Bagicha, is a place called Mahnai Ghagh. The Mahnaighagh waterfall is surrounded by the hills covered with earth's green carpet, and this waterfall adds beauty to the scenic setting. Vechavar Waterfall: Situated in the village of Sulekha in Bagicha, the Vechavar Waterfall falls from a great height creating a vista of various waterfalls. The sunlight dances across the water, spreading different colours of joy! Accommodation: There are various shelters built by the forest department.
How to reach
Buses and taxis are available from Jashpur (112km) and Ambikapur (55km) to Bagicha. Sanna Just 25km away from Bagicha, is a beautiful place called Sanna. Bubbling with streams, dense forests and picturesque settings, Sanna is every nature lover's favourite spot. However, what attracts tourists the most is the mystical Khudiyarani Caves. Khudiyarani Caves: Maa Khudiyarani is the Goddess of the Korva Tribes. Located in Bagicha, Rouni Sanna, the Khudiyarani Caves can be reached by climbing down 30-40 ft. Right opposite a flowing rivulet is the Khudiyarani Cave. The cave is long, and holds the enigma of a bygone era. An archaic statue kept here is known to be of Goddess Khudiyarani.
Legend has it that the king of the Korva tribe won back his land due to the blessings of Goddess Khudiyarani. The revered deity of Sanna land, it is believed that Goddess Khudiyarani relieves the pain and suffering of all her devotees. English writer E. D. Brett has written about this idol to be a reflection of Buddhism. At the end of the cave, a continually lit lamp spreads light. The cave looks like an entrance into a gigantic tree dome. The mystery and beauty of the Khudiyarani Caves enchants all the tourists who wish to pay their respects to the Goddess and enjoy caving tourism. Accommodation: The Lok Nirman shelters of Sanna are great for a comfortable stay. How to reach: Private taxis can be hired from Jashpur or Ambikapur to Sanna.
