Gushing wildly from a height of about 98 feet, Chitrakoot Waterfalls adds a whole lot of magic to the majestic Vindhya Ranges. Located in the city of Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, it originates from River Indravati and plunges in the form of three streams during the summer and winter months. However, this horse-shoe shaped waterfall takes a mighty form during the monsoon season and looks like a wide white cascade, much like Niagara Falls in North America. Hence, Chitrakoot Falls is popularly known as the Niagara Falls of India.
Boasting a width of about 985 feet, Chitrakoot is also the widest waterfall in India. However, the width of the falls can vary depending on the water level of River Indravati. Here’s some information about Chitrakoot Falls to help you plan your trip better.
Chitrakoot Waterfalls, Jagdalpur Information
Also Known as |
Chitrakot or Chitrakote Falls |
Location |
Tiratha, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh |
Type |
Waterfall |
Timings |
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
Best Time to Visit |
July to October |
Time Needed |
2-3 hours |
Entry Fee |
Free entry |
Parking Fee |
Nil |
Boating Charges |
INR 25 |
Nearest Airport |
Jagdalpur’s Maa Danteshwari Airport (limited connectivity) Raipur Airport (285 km) |
Nearest Railway Station |
Jagdalpur Railway Station (40 km) |
Nearest Bus Station |
Jagdalpur New Bus Stand (39 km) |
Chitrakoot Waterfalls: Things to Do
There are many things to do in Jagdalpur’s Chitrakoot Waterfalls, making it a perfect getaway for those looking to connect instantly with nature. Here are some interesting activities that you can enjoy here:
1. Boat ride: This is one of the best things to do near the falls. Boat rides offer the most spectacular views of the waterfalls and the surroundings. If you move a bit closer to the falls, you can even feel tiny drops of water on your skin. However, you need to climb down a flight of stairs to take boat rides in the pool below.
2. Swimming: You can take a dip in the pool formed by Chitrakoot Waterfalls if the water level is not that high. However, avoid dipping in the pool during the monsoon season.
3. Photography: The waterfall looks stunning from the bottom of the stairway. So, if you are a shutterbug, climb down the stairs to capture some of the most amazing pictures of Chitrakoot Waterfalls. If you are there on a rainy day, you might get lucky enough to see a rainbow!
4. Picnic: If you are planning a day out with your loved ones or friends, Chitrakoot Falls is a wonderful option. You can enjoy a picnic here while soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. The area around the waterfall is covered with dense vegetation, so you can even spot some beautiful birds.
5.Temple: The left bank of the falls has a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and some naturally formed caves known as Parvati Caves. You can also see many small Shivalingas below the waterfall.
Attractions near Chitrakoot Waterfalls, Jagdalpur
Apart from Chitrakoot Waterfalls, Jagdalpur has many other attractions for different types of tourists, whether you are a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast or a pilgrim. So, you must plan your trip accordingly and try to visit as many places as you can. And if you are a foodie, make sure you head to some of the restaurants in Jagdalpur to relish the local cuisine.
Here are some popular places to visit in Jagdalpur:
- Narayanpal Vishnu Mandir (8 km)
- Mendri Ghumar Mandir (11 km)
- Parapur Waterfall (12 km)
- Tamdaghumar Waterfall (17 km)
- Bikajasha Waterfall (19 km)
- Chitradhara Waterfalls (26 km)
- Danteshwari Mandir (38 km)
- Bastar Palace (38 km)
- Kanger Valley National Park (55 km)
- Kutumsar Cave (56 km)
- Tirathgarh Waterfall (60 km)
You can also visit the local markets for shopping in Jagdalpur. The place is particularly famous for its terracotta products, such as pottery and statues.
Tips for visiting Chitrakoot Waterfalls
- Avoid visiting the falls during the summer season. The place can get unbearably hot and the water almost dries up during this time of the year.
- If you are planning to take a public bus, you must reach the waterfall early and wind up latest by 4:30 PM. The last bus for Jagdalpur leaves at around 5 PM, so plan your trip accordingly.
- Swimming can be dangerous here during the monsoon season as large volumes of water gush down at high speed.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that have a good grip as the stairs can get slippery due to water.
Chitrakoot Falls is a delight for nature lovers and those looking to spend some time away from the city chaos. Hence, whenever you plan a visit to Jagdalpur, make sure you include Chitrakoot Waterfalls in your itinerary. Since there are many hotels in Jagdalpur, finding decent accommodation should not be a problem. However, you must make bookings well in advance to get the hotel or room of your choice. It is a smart way to save some money as well and avoid last-minute rush.