Monday 26 September 2016

Chitrakoot Waterfall - Niagara Waterfall of India



The Chitrakoot WaterFalls (alternative spelling Chitrakut) (Hindi: चित्रकोट जलप्रपात is a waterfall located near Jagdalpur, in Bastar district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh on the Indravati River. The height of the falls is about 29 metres (95 ft).The breadth of the waterfall varies, as the water level in the river goes down drastically during summer. However during a monsoon the river touches both the banks and is filled with silt. In contrast, during summer the water carries no silt and looks different. This is a contrast to Jog falls which has water that looks white even during monsoon.The area around the falls is largely forested.











Chitrakoot Falls is listed amongst the most popular waterfalls in Chhattisgarh. The strikingly beautiful falls showcases immense natural beauty amidst the densely forested surroundings.The waters of the river flowing through dense vegetation and cascades from a height of about     95 feet is a treat to watch and attracts thousands of tourists. The breadth of the waterfall varies according to the season and goes down drastically in the summers. 

Indravati River flowing through the majestic grandeur of Vindhya ranges is one of the main tributaries of the mighty Narmada River. Chitrakoot  s also an important religious destination and a famous Hindu pilgrimage center in Chhattisgarh. Every year thousands of pilgrims visit this place for Hari darshan and offer prayers and homage to the Lord Hari. Tourists and pilgrims get a golden opportunity of watching the falls as well as offering prayers on their visit to Chitrakoot   The best season to visit this place is during the months of July through October.

Chitrakote WaterFalls is also referred as the Niagara Falls of India and has got the distinction of being the broadest waterfall in India. It is located 38 km (24 mi) from Jagdalpur and is accessible by road only.There is a helipad but it is used by government only. A very good quality resort namely Chitrakot Resorts has been set up by Chhattisgarh Tourism near the falls.





Wednesday 21 September 2016

Majuli-largest river island in the world

                                                                     Aerial View of  Majuli  River Island


             Majuli (Majoli) which lies in the Brahmaputra River in Assam state is one of the world’s largest freshwater river islands. Majuli lies about 200km east of Guwahati, Assam’s largest city, and can be reached by ferry from the town of Jorhat.


                                                                 
                                                                  


              
             

                 The majority of majuli’s inhabitants are tribal’s, mainly Mishings, who migrated here from Arunachal Pradesh hundreds of years ago. There are 144 villages with about 1.5 million people. The island was once the centre of the Vaishnava cult (there are 22 of the original 65 satras or monasteries which have survived), and the Ras or the dance of Krishna and the gopis, is still performed here during Bihu, the harvest festival.Its tributaries, mainly the Lohit. Mājuli is also the abode of the Assamese neo-Vaisnavite culture.


                                   
      

Tourist interests

                                                                                An exotic view of Majuli

              Mājuli is situated at a distance of 20 km from Jorhat. One can take the bus or a hired taxi to the Nimati Steamer Ghat from where ferry services ply. The distance takes over three hours to cover, with three bus rides and two ferry rides.
            On the north-bank is the river Subansiri and on the South bank, the mighty Brahmaputra has excided the island from the main land. Lakhimpur town is to the North and Golaghat is to its southwest. The town of Sibsagar is on the southeast and Jorhat is to the south. On the extreme east is Dibrugarh District.

  • The Vaishnava Satras founded by Sankardeva
  • The colourful culture of the tribes
  • Migratory birds
  • The Ali-ai-ligang festival in Feb-March
  • Pottery making
  • Mask making
  • Paal Namm festival in the end of winter
  • The sunset in winter
  • Exotic homespun masks crafts


How to go :
              
               Majuli can be reached by three prime routes in normal time. From Jorhat through Nematighat, Luit-Khabalu ghat from North Lakhimpur and Dhakuakhana from Dhemaji. Air connectivity to Jorhat from Delhi via Kolkota and daily flight to Guwahati from Delhi and Kolkota are available. By roadways Jorhat and Lakhimpur are the first destination where from you will get next road communication to Majuli through daily ferry services available on the bank of Brahmaputra and Khabalu river respectively. By roadways daily train services are there to Guwahati from Delhi and Kolkota.