This is the tale of one travel dream that realized partially in my home country India, three years back, before my visit to the grand Niagara Falls of USA…
Since long, the image of majestic Niagara Falls was set deep in my mind. One day I came across one tempting headline “Niagara Falls of India.” I was pleased. Not yet seen the great Niagara Falls. Why not, in the meantime, have the mini version of Niagara Falls in my home country!
I am talking of Chitrakot Falls, the widest falls of India, located near Jagdalpur in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh state.
As if luck was chasing me. I got my work assignment for few days in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh. That meant I did not need to travel separately to Chhattisgarh. I happily merged my leisure travel with my work trip.
When I enquired in Raipur I found out that road trip to Chitrakot Falls takes around seven hours, may be more. Other less tiring option was to reach Jagdalpur. Stay there and from there hire taxi for Chitrakot Falls. And I chose the latter option.
Driving in hilly terrains. Meandering through dense forests. Exotic aroma of medicinal plants all around. Crossing tribal areas. Beautiful handicrafts. I never knew Chhattisgarh has so much to offer. That proved to be my wholesome experience, indeed.
And now the climax. I stepped out of taxi at Chitrakot Falls and got the first glimpse of magnificent waterfalls. I beamed. Moved closer. Stood still, gazing at the spectacular free fall of water braids from the height of around 78 feet. The horseshoe shaped gorge of Chitrakot Falls resemble the Niagara Falls. Thus earned the title of Niagara Falls of India.
There were boat cruises available to get the intimate feel of falls. With safety vest on my chest, I enjoyed my cruising thoroughly. Saw rainbow formed. My body drenched with heavy mist originated by falls as I was not wearing raincoat.
After my luscious lunch followed by tea I strolled around to view falls from different angles. Then sat under a shade and relished sunset aura surround falls. As darkness set in the whole area dazzled in milky light of countless bulb lending magical effect to Chitrakot Falls.
Though I went to waterfalls in low season, still Chitrakot Falls were roaring due to the forceful free falls at great pressure.
Bastar district was dreaded for Maoist threats at that time. But nothing could dampen the spirit of travelers like me. Grandeur of Chitrakot Falls lures all.
Hi
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Thank you Gaurav. I will check just now.
Wow these falls sounds amazing! I will have to add these to my bucket list of wonders to see!
Thank you Daniella.
This is so beautiful
Chitrakot Falls definitely looks similar to Niagara Falls. There are several beautiful places in India that many of us do not know about. It is great to read about these tourist spots!
Absolutely Vasundhara.
When I hear of Niagara Falls I automatically think U.S.A. i didn’t know of India’s. Now I have another location to add to my bucket list.
Good to know you love mini Niagara Falls of India, as much as grand Niagara Falls of US.
These are some gorgeous “mini Niagara Falls!” It is indeed splendid and breathtaking. Such a calming view.
Yes Amy these are splendid.
What a beautiful place to visit! I’m sure that it’s really relaxing, I’ve never been in India but I’ll make sure to add it on my bucket list!
Thank you Courtney.
Well yes chitrakot falls resembles like Niagara falls if USA …
Wow … being in India I should visit this breathtaking place !!!
Helene you should visit these falls when in India.
Oh wow, the waterfall is impressive and it definitely resembles Niagara Falls, even if it’s smaller. I have actually been quite close to Niagara Falls but because I was too jet lagged and had only 20 hours to spend in Toronto, I didn’t make the trip to there.
Oh. But you can do so next time. I visited Niagra Falls on US side.
That is a magnificent waterfall! Thanks for sharing the pictures. Must be amazing to see it live.
Indeed so. Seeing it live is memorable experience.
Sounds like an amazing place to visit. I have always wanted to visit India
Yes this is spectacular Ellie.
Wow this is so cool! Does it make you want to check out the US Niagara Falls now?
I have already done that two years back.
These are so beautiful falls. I have never heard about them until this post. Still so many hidden treasures in India 🙂 Would love to visit these.
You must visit Preet you will love the whole feel.
I have only seen the majestic Niagara Falls! This mini-version of Niagara Falls look absolutely surreal! Glad that you made it there!
Yes Ana I had both. First mini version than grand version. Loved both.
Wow I love this I didn’t know India had something like it looks beautiful would love to travel there.
Thank you Taslyn.
Ths Niagara falls looks like a stunning place to visit. I really want to visit India because of its beautiful scenery and tourist spots.
You are so welcome Candy.
They do look like the Niagara Falls! This is a breathtaking view, I wish I could see it myself too!
Yes these resemble so much like Niagara falls.