Chhattisgarh Special: For a solo traveller

The endless green of swaying paddy fields, the shimmer of sinuous rivers clinging to silted banks, dark stretches of verdant forests and torrential waterfalls gushing down cliffs, this is tailor-made for offbeat travel.

Wildlife spotting
Kanger Valley National Park and caving

What: The Kanger Valley National Park in South Bastar is the main draw for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. The ancient stalactites and stalagmite formations in the Dandak, Kailash and Kutumsar caves, along with the wildly thick undergrowth in the park, makes this one of India's most coveted forest destinations.

Why: An encounter with bears, leopards, snakes, deer, hyenas, water buffaloes, and a variety of birds provide great excitement. The same goes for Barnawapara, close to Raipur. The thick canopies of pristine copses provide refuge to nearly 50 resident leopards and sightings are pretty common. Udanti, Sitanadi, Indravati and Bhairamgarh national parks are relatively untreaded tracts of jungle but complement Kanger Valley National Park with their expansive green cover.

How: Arrive in Raipur, which is connected by air, rail and road to major metros and cities. The most convenient way to get there is by car. Book a cab through Ice Cubes, starting from 28/- per km, plus driver allowance. Kanger Valley National Park can be accessed between 8 am-4 pm from 1st November to 30th June. (Entry: Indian/Foreigner 225/150, car 250, guide 250, lights for the caves 225)

Art galore
Bell metal craft and tribal paintings

What: The innate talent of the tribals with metal, wood, clay and other natural produce transforms into stunning artefacts, which has shaped the handicraft industry of the state. For those interested in this array of crafts, one can plan an itinerary around this theme.
Why: Exploring different crafts can be done in Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Jagdalpur, south of Raipur. Small cluster of homes are often engaged in crafts like bell metal work (dhokra), wrought iron craft, terracotta, cowrie shell work, sisal and bamboo products, weaving, stone carving, wood craft, Kosa silk production, Tumba art, Godna printing and tribal painting.

How: Local guides and Saathi, one of the most longstanding and trusted establishments in Kondagaon, can help access these villages. You can get in touch with them at (07786) 242 852 between 8 am-6 pm (Sundays closed). The guide fee is 2500 onwards, depending on the amount of time you want to spend in these villages.

The waterfall circuit
Powerful and gushing, the falls around Bastar enthrall

What: The riveting waterfall circuit of Bastar lies around the city of Jagdalpur and can be plugged along with the famous Chitrakote falls. Lesser-known wonders like Mandawa Tamara Ghoomar Chitradhara and Tirathgarh offer plenty of reasons to fall in love with them.

Why: The paddy fields flanked roads, the fact that they are pleasantly isolated from a swarm of tourists and the view of gentle rivers that plummet down deep into the narrow valleys is nothing less than gorgeous.

How: Base yourself in Jagdalpur and then travel to the waterfalls by car. You can stay at the Devansh Residency www.devanshreidency.com; +91 7782 221199; from 21,500 onwards) and visit the falls. These are at their glorious best just after the monsoons in the months of late September and October.

Tribal zone
Experience a different way of life

What: The heart of Chhattisgarh, Bastar, is occupied by seven major tribes known as Bison Horn Marias, Murias, Abhuj (or Hill Marias) Murias, Bhatras, Dhurvas, Halbas, Dorlas and Gadbas. The Bastar region starts from Kanker district but the actual interaction with the tribes starts from beyond the Keshkal Valley, that leads to Kondagaon and Narayanpur. Plan a trip with a local expert to have a sensitised interaction with the tribes.

Why: To experience even a part of the ancient tribal culture is of colossal value for travellers. These tribes, some more elusive than the others, were possibly the first occupants of the region, living off the land for thousands of years.

How: It is recommended to hire a guide for your trip, especially if you are interested in accessing the tribal villages. Local life and special dance performances can only be done with the help of local knowledge for which, Awesh Ali (0)94252 44925; 21,500 per day, is the most credible resource.