Mesmerising – Kanker`s Malajkudum Waterfalls

It was the month of January and we started from Raipur early in the morning heading towards Kanker which is located in the southern region of state Chhattisgarh , to see Malajkudum Waterfalls. Malajkudum is part of Kanker sub-district and is a part of Marapoti.  This predominant Waterfall in Kanker are composed of three falls at three altitudes which are of 10meters, 15 meters & 9 meters. The five rivers that flow through the district include Doodh River, Hatkul River, Mahanadi River, Turu River and Sindur River.

The weather was cold with a temperature of 21`C and we had 145 kms to go to reach to our destination. It usually takes approx 3hours to reach the place from Raipur but we the nature lovers could not resist taking photos out of the picturesque sceneries coming our way taking certain halts from our vehicles. The weather was awesome when we gazed at the cloudy sky with the sun trying to come out & play. I fantasized about living in nature`s own lap. The breathe in the intoxicating fragrances of the natural trees coming across was pleasant touching our souls.

Chhattisgarh which is popularly known as “Dhan Ka Katora” for its variety of Rice grown here. The major occupation contributing in this district`s economy is agriculture with the main crop grown, Rice. Although, there are other mojor crops also grown here like Chana, Wheat, Sugarcane, Maize, Moong & Tilli.

In Chhattisgarh there are so many beautiful waterfalls which includes Chitrakote waterfall, Tirathgarh waterfall, Ghatarani & Jatmai waterfall, Dev-pahari waterfall, Chitradhara waterfall, Amritdhara , Charre-marre falls & Malajkudum waterfalls which is attracting visitors out of it`s phenomenal rocky – watery sceneries luring tourists hearts away. This fall is located at a distance of approx 15 kms from Kanker on the Doodh River.

We decided to get our food packed and take it to the destination as the fall is in a hilly, mountainous area . So, we chose to get it from one of the most famous dhabas on the way named Makdi Dhaba. I am bound to recommend all food lovers to eat its famous lip smacking dessert “Kheer”  that actually satisfies one`s sweet-tooth. The other option is to get the bonfire set at the destination if you are truly fond of cooking and sharing with your buddies.         

We reached the destination at around 12:30pm parking our vehicles downside and got ready for trekking. Yes, one need to climb up in the hilly, rocky surface to see the waterfall closely. It`s a unique experience but is advisable be visited by the young people & not the place for the old age ones.

As we came closer to the waterfall we could easily hear the gurgling of the waters running out of the falls. The weather was cold and so was the water. There were certain smaller falls naturally made out of the waters falling in between the rocks. We chose to sit beside one such small tiny waterfall. We took our stuff we got packed and decided to climb further to experience the broader view of the waterfall. Utmost care should be taken while climbing this mountainous terrains & sports shoes are advisable to be worn-off. The waterfall consists of 3 levels each having its own distinct beauty. The highest is around 55-60 feet making it Malajkudum waterfall.

The best time to visit the place is from October to March, easily reachable by both two & four wheelers as it is located near by the main road.

 Not only this fall but Chhattisgarh is blessed with other exotic & remarkable tourist destinations. From Pre-historic caves, archaeological sites of various heritages , thundering waterfalls, national parks, lakes and rich wildlife and tribunal cultures and ultimate dishes for the food fonders. Chhattisgarh offers an amazing mix of historical and vivid natural beauty.

Chhattisgarh is exquisitely scenic, covered with dense forest , it is one of the most promising tourist destinations of India.  We recommend every Indian “Go Chhattisgarh” and get aware of the naturally rich heaven on earth.

Heavenly Tiara on Chhattisgarh – Barnawapara

It is giving me an immense pleasure in sharing my experience on visiting Chhattisgarh`s most beautiful wildlife sanctuary Barnawapara located in the northern part of District Mahasamund which is approximately 100 kms from  Chhattisgarh`s capital city Raipur and around 45 kms from Mahasamund spread over an area of approximately 245 Sq Kms.

We, a group of 8 girls went to this wildlife sanctuary in t he month of June 18. Yes, we all girls only drove to that place . Chhattisgarh is safe enough for all cadre of people.  We girls feels ourselves fortunate enough that we belong to such a state which is safe , secure and Liberal to all especially to the women with ample opportunities.

We all reached the destination Barnawapara & was deeply mesmerized by the nature`s beauty there. This wildlife sanctuary consists of remarkable flora and fauna. It is surrounded by some villages like Sirpur, Narayanpur, Shivrinarayan, Girodhpuri Dham, Malhar consisting of ancient temples, archaeological foundations which flaunts the beauty of theri ancient tribal cultures.

One can easily accommodate at the sanctuary for mental peace & relaxation choosing amongst certain Govt. Owned & private resorts far from the hectic life schedule followed by today`s generation. The moment we entered into the sanctuary , it took us to an entire another world. Its god`s own created natural world. We could smell the earthiness, the chirping of  birds perching from bushes to bushes. The sightseeing of Antelopes, monkeys, peacock and a huge species of beautiful birds took our hearts away. We were all influenced by the magic of nature`s beauty.

The forest is tropical dry deciduous forest consist of variety of trees like Tendu, Mahua, Ber and Semal which can be commonly seen but the most useful tree found in abundant is Bamboo. Not many people know but Bamboo tree is used as an eatable by the villagers here, cooked in their own traditional way other than its other usages.

Fauna in Barnawapara consists of Tigers, Four-horned Antelpoes, Chinkara, Black Buck, Junglee Cat & Bison, wild dog, Chital, wild Buffalo, Sambar, Sloth Bear & Porcupine. One need actually 3-4 rides to see them all or if you are lucky enough you can see them all at one ride itself. The deeper the forest goes the deeper it enter to our hearts. A perfect place for nature lovers .

The Deep dense forest with large trees , the fascinating backgrounds with a variety of majestic animals make the sanctuary a perfect destination for fun, leisure, frolic, adventure and amusement. A perfect natural place for photography where no experiment is done with the nature, where every part of the jungle remains natural protecting the privacy of the wild animals in their natural Habitat.

The sanctuary remains closed from July to September due to monsoon, rest of the time it is opened and attracts tourists out of its natural luring beauty. A Visit to Chhattisgarh is incomplete without visiting this sanctuary. Amongst all other beautiful places in Chhattisgarh this sanctuary stands remarkable one should visit.

छत्तीसगढ़ के आदिवासियों की समृद्ध संस्कृति

 

          छत्तीसगढ़ की आबादी में बड़ी संख्या में विभिन्न आदिवासी जनजातियों का समावेश है। इसमें उरांव, कमार, बैगा, बिरहोर, मुरिया, माड़िया, वगैरह शामिल है  उनकी बोलियां भी विभिन्न है जैसे हल्बी, गोंडी, अबूझमाड़, सरगुजिया, भरतरी आदि आदि इनकी जीवन शैली पर प्रकृति का गहरा प्रभाव देखा जा सकता है आडंबरहीन और सच्चा सादा जीवन जीने वाले यह आदिवासी अपनी अपनी परंपराओं का पूरी तरह से पालन करते हैं। पीढ़ी दर पीढ़ी चली आ रही मान्यताओं और रिवाजों को यह बड़ी आस्था के साथ जीवित रखे हुए हैं। छत्तीसगढ़ की धरती पर वन क्षेत्रों की भरमार है। साल, सागौन, तेंदू, इमली, आम, महुआ जैसे वृक्षों के अलावा असंख्य वनस्पतियों से यहां के जंगल भरे पड़े हैं। सघन वनों के बीच बहती नदियां मंत्रमुग्ध कर देने वाले पहाड़ी झरने सबने मिलकर इन आदिवासियों को मानो स्वर्ग में बसा रखा है। साफ-सुथरी प्रदूषण रहित हवा में सांस लेने वाले इन आदिवासियों की सादगी अपने आप में एक बड़ा गुण है। मौसम के साथ-साथ उनका सम्मान करके चलना एक बहुत बड़ा मानवीय गुण है। जो इनको कभी भी प्रकृति के विरुद्ध चलने या पर्यावरण को नुकसान पहुंचाने का काम नहीं करने देता। हम भले ही इन्हें पिछड़ा समझने की भूल कर बैठते हैं, लेकिन ऐसा नहीं इनकी सोच सुलझी साफ-सुथरी और बुद्धिमतापूर्ण होती है। 

          दो उदाहरणों से ऐसे समझा जा सकता है। पहला यह कि ये कच्चे फल नहीं तोड़ते। जैसे गर्मियों में कच्चे आम तोड़कर खाने का लालच हमें रहता है, लेकिन यह आदिवासी कभी कच्चे आम नहीं तोड़ते विधिवत पूजन करने के बाद ही यह इन आबू आम को उपयोग में लाते हैं। छत्तीसगढ़ की आबादी में बड़ी संख्या में आदिवासियों की विभिन्न जनजातियों का समावेश है। इनके द्वारा बोली जाने वाली भाषाएं या बोलियां भी अलग-अलग है। जैसे छत्तीसगढ़ी के अलावा हल्बी, गोंडी, सरगुजिया, अबूझमाड़ी, भरतरी आदि। इनका जीवन सादा लेकिन ये अपनी अपनी परंपराओं को जीवित रखे हुए हैं। इनकी परंपरा और संस्कृति सब ज्यादातर प्रकृति से जुड़ी हुई है। पीढ़ी दर पीढ़ी चले आ रहे रीति रिवाजों को बड़ी आस्था के साथ मानते चले आ रहे हैं।

          दूसरा उदाहरण ‘घोटुल’ का... साफ सोच और पवित्र मानसिकता के साथ आदिवासी युवक-युवतियां लगभग प्रत्येक सप्ताह आयोजित होने वाले ‘घोटुल’ में मिलते हैं। घर से दूर एक रात यहां गुजारते हैं नाच गाना चलता है। अपनी अपनी पसंद का साथी चुनने की पूरी छूट रहती है। यहां ध्यान देने वाली बात यह है कि इस स्वतंत्रता का कोई गलत फायदा नहीं उठाता मर्यादा का पूरा ध्यान रखा जाता है। क्योंकि इनके चुने हुए साथी से ही बाद में परिजन इनका विवाह रस्मो-रिवाज के साथ कर देते हैं। यह परंपरा इतना तो सिखा जाती है की स्वछंदता का अर्थ उच्श्रृंखलता नहीं होता।

          इन आदिवासियों को वनस्पतियों और खास तौर पर औषधीय वनस्पतियों का अच्छा ज्ञान रखता है। गुजरात के ‘‘डांग’’ आदिवासियों की तरह इनको भी रोजमर्रा में उपयोग होने वाली वनस्पतियों से सामान्य से लेकर मधुमेह जैसी बीमारियों का इलाज करने का ज्ञान है। प्रकृति के साथ सामंजस्य स्थापित कर खुश एवं संतुष्ट रहना साथ ही प्राकृतिक वातावरण में जीने की कला हमें इनसे सीखना चाहिए।