Chitrakote Falls – A Complete Guide to India’s Wildest Waterfall

Things are just things until we experience them firsthand. A photo of a roaring tiger can’t capture its power until encountered in the wild. Similarly, a waterfall’s image fails to convey the stunning spectacle until you stand before one, gazing at its cascading waters, with mist clinging to your face and a thunderous roar in your chest. Now, imagine a waterfall as tall as a 9-story building and, during monsoon season, as wide as three football fields laid end to end. This is Chitrakote Falls – India’s majestic response to Niagara Falls – thundering with glory all year.

Situated in the Bastar district, about 50 kilometres from Jagdalpur, Chitrakote Falls extends the natural beauty of the forested state of Chhattisgarh. It is one place in this lush and green state that attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists every year, and each season shows a new face of the majestic waterfalls. Its grandeur is most apparent during the monsoon season when it transforms into a breathtaking horseshoe-shaped curtain of water, stretching 300 meters wide – making it the broadest waterfall in India.

Legend has it that the Fall got its name from the elusive Chita deer, a mythical creature with spotted coats who once drank from its waters. Chitrakote Falls originates from the River Indravati, offering a sensorial experience that captivates the eyes and stirs the soul as it invites visitors to experience the raw and untamed beauty of Chhattisgarh.

How to Reach Chitrakote Waterfalls?

By Air: The nearest airport is Jagdalpur's Devi Maa Danteswari Airport, which is at a distance of approximately 50 KM from Chitrakote Falls. Raipur Airport (RPR) (around 300 KM away) can be an alternative for connections from major Indian cities, though you will need to take additional transportation to Jagdalpur from there.

By Train or Bus: Jagdalpur railway station is well-connected to major cities like Raipur and Visakhapatnam. You can take a train to either city and then connect to Jagdalpur. Alternatively, several trains travel directly to Jagdalpur railway station. Once you reach Jagdalpur, taxis and public buses are easily available to take you the remaining distance (around 40 KM) to Chitrakote Falls. Buses operate from Jagdalpur to the waterfalls from 8 AM to 5 PM.

If you are travelling from your vehicle, National Highway 30 is the most preferred choice to reach Jagdalpur.

Once you reach Jagdalpur, you can easily hire a one-way or two-way taxi to the Chitrakote waterfalls.

Best Time to Visit Chitrakote Waterfalls

Time is of the essence when visiting a spectacle like Chitrakote Falls. Although it gushes wildly all year, the water intensity and overall experience vary according to season.

For the most dramatic show, plan your visit during the monsoon season, from July to October. This is the time when the waterfall is most excited, swollen with rainwater and thundering down in full force. The sheer power and volume during these months are truly awe-inspiring.

If you prefer a less crowded visit and don't mind a gentler flow, consider going between November and March. During these drier months, the waterfall is less forceful but equally beautiful in its way. You might even get a chance to take a dip in the calmer pools at its base. You can avoid visiting in summertime (April, May, June) when the place might become unbearably hot with water almost drying up.

Each season offers a unique perspective at Chitrakote. Monsoon brings a roaring allure, while the dry season reveals a more delicate, picturesque cascade. Both versions promise memorable experiences for nature lovers.

Entry Fee and Timings

Opens: 8 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fee: Nil

Parking Fee: Nil

Boating Charges: INR 25

Stay Options Near Chitrakote Waterfalls

There are numerous stay options near Chitrakote Waterfalls to choose your abode. Whether you like a homestay, hotel or luxury resort, there is no dearth of accommodation near Chitrakote Waterfalls. Here are the best stays near Chitrakote Waterfalls:

Dandami Luxury Resorts

Only 900 meters away from the waterfalls, this lavish resort offers free breakfast, an indoor pool, and an in-house restaurant.

Mongre Homestay

A budget option home away from home which is 3 KM away from the waterfalls. The homestay offers neat and clean rooms, a kitchen, free parking, WiFi, room service, and pet friendly.

Camping

You can also choose to camp at a campsite near the falls at budget-friendly prices. It can be an extremely surreal experience to stay close to the falls and experience it overnight.

Things to Do in Chitrakote Waterfalls

The sightseeing at Chitrakote Falls might inspire you to connect with nature in your own way. Here are a few things you can consider doing at the waterfall.

Boat Ride:

Boating here is one of the most exhilarating things to do and a famous attraction in Chitrakote Falls. Encounter up-close with the falls when you hop on a local board. The skilled boatmen take you close enough to feel the raw power of the majestic falls, yet keep you at a safe distance. The white noise of the gushing waters will leave you in such peace to make you want to come again.

Picnic:

If you plan a day out with your friends or family, a picnic near Chitrakote waterfalls can be an experience of a lifetime. The surrounding areas of the waterfall are full of vegetation and lush greenery. Sitting there for a few hours, having gupshup with a choice of drinks and food, and at the backdrop of mighty downpours can make up for lasting life moments.

Temple Visit:

These naturally stunning waterfalls also have a spiritual significance and make for great sightseeing near Chitrakote Falls. There is an ancient Shiva temple around the falls that you can visit. If you climb down the stairs and reach the back of the waterfalls, you can witness the Parvati caves, naturally occurring caverns that are surrounded by thousands of shivlings. It can be a jaw-dropping moment for all spiritualists to experience such a spectacle.

Swimming:

When the water levels are low, usually during the drier months, it is safe to take a refreshing dip in the natural pools formed at the base of the falls. The cool water is invigorating, and swimming here feels like you are in nature's infinity pool. However, always prioritise safety and follow local guidelines about where it's safe to swim.

Photography:

Chitrakote Falls is a photographer's paradise, offering countless opportunities to capture nature's beauty. Whether you are an amateur or a pro, you will find perfect shots at every turn. From drone shots of horseshoe-shaped falls to close-ups of water droplets catching the sunlight or standing at the back of the fall to capture a curtain of flowing water, take Instagram-worthy shots, especially at dawn or dusk.

Places to Visit near Chitrakote Waterfalls

Kanger Valley National Park:

Just 56 KM from Chitrakote Falls, Kanger Valley National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, spanning 200 sq. km. of lush forests. This park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Lucky visitors might spot elusive tigers or leopards during a thrilling jungle safari. The park's clean and green landscapes, dotted with hidden caves and pristine streams, call out nature enthusiasts here.

Kailash Caves:

A beautiful walk through the dense forest of Kanger Valley National Park will take you to one of the best attractions near Chitrakote Falls. Step back in time to the ancient Kailash Caves, a testament to Chhattisgarh's rich history. Another major attraction here is the Lord Shiva-Parvati temple which sees huge crowds and processions every year on the eve of Mahashivratri.

Bastar Art Museum:

Art enthusiasts are in for a pleasant surprise at Bastar Tribal Art Museum. The city is so rich in culture that it draws art enthusiasts from around the globe. The tribal people of Bastar are highly skilled artists in creating Bastar Dhokra - an art form that has found a place in the hearts of people worldwide. Witness wooden, bamboo, clay and metal arts and take home some invaluable crafts.

Tirathgarh Waterfalls:

Tirathgarh Waterfalls are one of the best waterfalls near Chitrakote. It is only a 1-hour drive from Chitrakote to Tirathgarh Falls. Unlike Chitrakote, it is a step-wise waterfall that gracefully cascades and imitates a stream of white milk. The soft murmur of the stream creates a soothing symphony and the chirping of birds around only extends its beauty.

Whether you seek an adventurous boat ride or a peaceful picnic by the cascading waters, Chitrakote caters to every nature lover's desire. Don't miss the chance to explore the nearby gems like Kanger Valley National Park and Bastar Art Museum, adding another layer of cultural and wildlife encounters to your unforgettable journey. Planning a Madhya Pradesh tour? Consider incorporating the majestic Chitrakote Falls into your itinerary with Veena World's all India tour packages. Experience an unforgettable slice of Chhattisgarh alongside the wonders of Madhya Pradesh.