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Bastar Dussehra
Tribes & Folklores of the Mythical Jungles
TOUR OVERVIEW
When was the last time you visited a place most people cannot point on a map? A place with jungles as mythical as they are verdant, full of folklores, songs and stories. What was known as the Dandakarnya in the Ramayana, Bastar is a land of tribes, who are living in a world that you and I do not seem to inhabit – connected to the soil, the trees and the divine. Bastar – an unexplored, almost mysterious district in the heart of Chattisgarh – offers unspoilt nature, gargantuan waterfalls, and a peek into the lives and traditions of Madia, Muria and myriad other aboriginal communities – their customs and traditions.
What better time, then, to explore Bastar during Dussehra, a 75-day affair, devoid of the Ramayana influence that Dussehra in South East Asia is mostly associated with. Instead, Bastar Dussehra – world’s longest festival – is celebration of the tribes, their deities- Mawali mata and Maa Danteshwari; and a representation of the mythical Bastar.
Price : INR 43,500 + 5% GST
Single Occupancy Surcharge – 19000 + 5% GST
GALLERY
Day 1 - 10 Oct 2024
Arrive in Jagdalpur. After lunch proceed to Tiratha and check into your resort overlooking the Chitrakote waterfalls. Situated on the course of the Indravati river, Chitrakote is the widest waterfall in India, reaching a width of nearly 300 metres (980 ft) during the monsoon season. Dinner at a beautiful spot overlooking the waterfalls. Overnight at Tiratha.
Day 2 - 11 Oct 2024
Check out and visit the Narayanpal Temple which dates back to the 11th century and is the only Vishnu Temple in the Bastar region. Visit Tamda Ghumar and Mendri Ghumar, two gorgeous plunge waterfalls of the region.
Haat bazaars in Bastar give you a glimpse on the life of locals. They have their own food court and you would find it not just interesting but very eco-friendly. You can try their locally brewed alcohol, made and served by women of the community. Visit one such market today.
Return to Jagdalpur, the headquarters and capital of Bastar. Check in and gear up to witness the Mawali Parghav – the ritual of the Mawali Devi being welcomed to the Danteshwari temple by the royal family and the priests. Hear the stories of tribal traditions, dynasties that ruled the region and how everyone comes together today to honour the shakti. and Overnight at Jagdalpur.
Day 3 - 12 Oct 2024
The day starts early today. Visit Barsur for a heritage walk. Considered a heritage city with temples every step of the way, Barsur was the erstwhile capital of the Nagvanshi dynasty. The temples have a striking resemblance to the temples in Odisha and MP, as the region shares boundaries with both the states.
Proceed to visit the Ma Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada. One of the 52 Shaktipeeths in India, this is the most revered shrine of Bastar. Danteshwari is the kuldevi of Bastar.
Return to Jagdalpur to witness the Rath Yatra or Bhitar Raini where the chariot of Ma Danteshwari surveys the city. The chariot is never pushed as the deity rides on it; therefore huge crowds pull it on either side to turn it, moving it in one direction or another. It is a sight to behold. Enjoy the vibrant streets and markets. Overnight at Jagdalpur.
Day 4 - 13 Oct 2024
After breakfast, visit the beautiful Tirathgarh falls, which are actually a cluster of waterfalls, located in Kanger Valley National Park.
Return to Jagdalpur for the final ritual of Bastar Dussehra – Bahar Raini. You see, while we were all sleeping, the tribals stole the chariot from the palace grounds and brought it to kumdakot. Today the king goes and meets the tribals from all over Bastar, eats with them and brings the goddess back to the temple, chariot being pulled by the tribals. On this day, the various goddesses and deities from across the Bastar, who have travelled over the 75 days to reach here, set-off on their return journey to their domains in their respective palanquins and carriers.
Witness the tribal communities in their full traditional glory. Overnight at Jagdalpur.
Day 5 - 14 Oct 2024
Have a leisurely morning. Check out and depart for Kondagaon, famous for the handicrafts. Witness how the dokra artefacts take shape with the help of wax. Marvel at the terracotta contraptions like the earth lamp that burns for days. Explore the myriad arts and crafts of Bastar. We visit the artists directly and see them in action. Overnight at Kondagaon.
Day 6 - 15 Oct 2024
After breakfast, start your journey towards Jagdalpur to catch your return flight/train.
Inclusions
- Accommodation for 5N on double sharing basis.
- All transportation in an AC Innova during the trip – 5 pax to an Innova.
- All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6, including morning/evening tea/coffee
- A local story-teller throughout the trip
- Barsur heritage walk
- Access to view the Rath Yatra and Bahar Raini from a vantage point
- Your F5 trip lead
- Tolls and Parking
Exclusions
- Flights/Train/Bus to Jagdalpur from your city of residence, and return
- Food, snacks other than mentioned in inclusions.
- Alcohol
- Packaged drinking water
- Camera charges
- Activity charges other than mentioned
- Tips and personal expenses
- Medication
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities, personal flight delays and aspects beyond our control. We will definitely facilitate an alternative and handle the contingency, the cost being yours.
- 5% GST
Terms & Conditions
- 15% of the trip cost if cancelled 90 days or more in advance.
- 25% of the trip cost if cancelled 89 – 60 days in advance.
- 50% of the trip cost if it is cancelled 59 to 16 days in advance.
- Last 15 days – no show – the entire amount will be forfeited.
- If you use our services to book flights, cancellation charges will apply
Disclaimer
- All our trips are well-researched, including identifying access to medical facilities. In case of a medical emergency, F5 will assist the traveller in getting medical attention.
- F5 Escapes is in no way responsible for any untoward incident happening due to the ignorance/negligence of the guests, natural/man-made calamities, accidents or any other events that are out of human control during the trip.
- F5 reserves the right to cancel the trip under certain conditions – in such a case, the amount will be refunded in full.
Arrival and Departure
This trip is ex-Jagdalpur. Arrive in Jagdalpur by 1:30 PM on Day 1 and plan your return from Jagdalpur after 12 noon on Day 6.
IS BASTAR SAFE?
Absolutely. We have done our research and our female team member has travelled solo in Bastar extensively over 10 days. We have partnered with people we absolutely trust and who have been working at grass route level to bring tourism to Bastar in a sustainable manner. We have curated this itinerary to give you the authentic experience. You will see that women participate in all local activities in abundance and the tribal communities are run as much by women as by men. Roads are in good condition and people are respectful, as long as their customs and culture are respected.
Note on weahter
The weather would be pleasant with temperatures ranging between 20 and 30 degrees C. Days will be sunny with chances of an odd shower.
*Please note that now a days, climate/ weather is dependent on many factors and unpredictable hence above information might be subject to change during your actual travel days
Stays
Tiratha – A luxury resort overlooking the Chitrakote waterfall
Jagdalpur – A well appointed hotel close to the Dussehra festivities
Kondagaon – A well appointed hotel in the town accessible to the craft places
Food
You will get basic North Indian and Central Indian food with local delicacies wherever possible
Note on Smoking and Alcohol
Everyone joining is an adult and we realise that we cannot dictate the behaviour on how you should enjoy the trip. There are different kinds of local mild brews that you can sample. All we ask is to drink responsibly. Hangover delays are going to cost a lot, and will not be tolerated at all. So please do not test your limits and enjoy in moderation. Also, do respect your roommate’s comfort levels with the alcohol smell and avoid drinking in the room if she is not comfortable.
If you smoke, please do so outside the room, even if the rooms have ashtray.
Note > Prepare > Accept > Embrace:
- Please read the itinerary thoroughly. Consider asking questions if needed.
- Bastar, although completely safe, is still developing as a tourist destination. The services, especially during a high footfall event like Bastar Dussehra may be slower
- We will have an extremely experienced guide with us to explain the stories and rituals of the events. Please follow him/her as Bastar Dussehra events are crowded due to locals as well as tourists.
- There will be fair bit of walking (albeit slow progress) involved during the Dussehra festivities
‘F5 Escapes’ is a Bangalore-based, experiential travel company, with a focus on redefining the way women travel in India. The premise of F5 is an ambitious dream – to put India on the global travel map as a preferred destination for women from across the globe.
F5 Escapes offers fixed departure all-women group tours, customized itineraries for families, groups and solo travellers. We also do in-city engagements which include #JustGo travel meetups, workshops to educate women on travel safety, sustainable menstruation, motorbiking etc.