Grand cultural tour of Chhattisgarh
€1200
per person
A large 10-day cultural and ethnic tour of Chhattisgarh combines visits to ancient temples, archaeological sites, nature reserves and beautiful encounters with the Adivasi (indigenous) people of the Bastar region.
Our journey takes us first to Bhoramdeo, in the north of Chhattisgarh, where we will visit an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva built between the 7th and 11th century by the Nag Dynasty. Apart from its beautiful nagara-style architecture, the temple attracts many visitors because of its very ‘sensual’ sculptures similar to the temples of Khajuraho and Konark.
We will then head to Rajim, north-west of Chhattisgarh, one of the highest pilgrimage sites of the state where beautiful ancient temples are erected. We will then head south via Sirpur, the home to a cluster of splendid monuments including Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries dating back to both the 5th and 12th centuries.
Finally, we will spend a few days in the region of Bastar where you will meet several indigenous communities.
Note: if there are festivities on our tour such as weddings or spiritual ceremonies, we will add them to the circuit.
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17 days
ETHNIC / PHOTOGRAPHY
Discovery of the indigenous region of Bastar, its heritage and its culture through the visit of historical monuments and the meeting with the adivasi peoples combined with the extravagant festival of Dussehra.
10 days
CULTURE / ETHNIC
A journey to discover the ancient temples of Chhattisgarh (Bhoramdeo, Rajim, Dantewara, Barsoor), its natural sites (Tirathgarh, Chitrakote), and to meet the welcoming indigenous peoples of Bastar.
10 days
Day 1
Raipur - Bhoramdeo
Namaste! We welcome you warmly at Raipur airport and then head straight to Bhoramdeo whose temple, nestled among the hills, was built between the 7th and 11th century AD by King Ramchandra of the Nag Dynasty. It houses a shiva-lingam (symbol of Shiva) beautifully carved. But the main attention there ate the 'sensual' frescoes of the temple in the style of Khajuraho and Konark. Overnight in Bhoramdeo.
Day 2
Bhoramdeo - Dhamtari via Rajim & Jatmai Mata
After breakfast, we leave for Sirpur, which contains several Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments spread over a period from the fifth to the twelfth century. We will then visit the site of Rajim located at the confluence of three sacred rivers, the Mahanadi, the Pairi and Sondur. For this reason, the city of Rajim is considered as sacred as Allahabad or Varanasi. We will visit the two main temples, Rajiv Lochan and Kuleshvar and, to top the day off, we will visit the picturesque temple of Jatmai Mata, nestled in a small forest, by a waterfall. Overnight in Dhamtari.
Day 3
Dhamtari - Jagdalpur
Departure for Jagdalpur, the administrative district of the Bastar region. We check in at the hotel. In the evening, a delicious dinner prepared with local products will be served. Overnight in Jagdalpur.
Day 4
Jagdalpur - Adivasi Village
After breakfast, we will leave for a small hamlet lost in the middle of the forest and inhabited by the Dhuruwa community. We will stay there all day to discover the village, its inhabitants, and local traditions. The delicious meals will be cooked on site with local products and, perhaps you will be tempted by the red ant chutney accompanied by some adivasis 'beverages'. Evening around a campfire. Overnight in the village.
Day 5
Adivasi village - Dantewara & Barsoor
This day will be dedicated to visiting several temples and cultural sites of Dantewara (south of Bastar) such as the famous temple of the goddess Danteshwari and the archaeological site of Bansoor with its magnificent twin statues of Ganesha. On the way back to Jagdalpur, we will stop in an adivasi village to attend the fascinating 'bison dance' performed by the Dandami Madiya community. Overnight in Jagdalpur.
Day 6
Craft villages tour
The region of Bastar is dotted of small villages known for their elaborate craftsmanship. We will dedicate the day to the meeting of master craftsmen of dhokra (brass work) and lohshilp (iron work), as well as potters. Return to Jagdalpur in the late afternoon.
Day 7
Jagdalpur - Kanger National Park -Jagdalpur
After a delicious breakfast, we drive to the Kanger National Park where you can admire the majestic waterfalls of Tirathgarh. We will spend a few hours swimming there and have our picnic in front of this magnificent panorama. After this enchanting time, we will visit the Kotumsar and Kailash caves, considered the second longest natural caves in the world. Return to Jagdalpur. Overnight in Jagdalpur.
Day 8
Jagdalpur - Chitrakoot Waterfalls
In the morning, we drive 50 km towards the beautiful Chitrakote waterfalls, sometimes called 'the Niagara Falls' of India. Along the way, we will stop to stroll through an adivasi (haat) market and visit the Nayaranpal temple. Lunch will be taken in front of the Chitrakote waterfalls. Return to Jagdalpur. Overnight in Jagdalpur.
Day 9
Aboriginal Markets & Jagdalpur city tour
A relaxing day to hang out in adivasi markets (haats) and do some shopping. On the way back, we will visit several temples as well as the Anthropological Museum and the Jagdalpur Palace; perhaps you will meet the Maharaja of Bastar, Kamal Chandra Bhanj Deo. Overnight in Jagdalpur.
Day 10
Jagdalpur - Raipur
Return to Raipur. End of the trip. Looking forward to meeting you again. Namaste.
