Handawada Waterfall
Sub Place Details: Handawada Waterfall, also known as Goyedhar Ghumar, is arguably the most spectacular and remote waterfall in the entire Bastar region. Located on the fringes of the mysterious Abujhmarh forest—a territory known for its deep isolation and untouched tribal culture—this waterfall is a true frontier for travelers. The water originates from the Goyedhar runnel and plunges from a staggering height, making it one of the highest in Chhattisgarh. Reaching Handawada is an adventure in itself, often requiring a crossing of the Indravati River by boat followed by a trek through dense meadows and forests. The area is only accessible during the dry months from January to May, as the monsoon rains make the river crossing and forest tracks impassable. The sight of the waterfall is overwhelming; a massive column of white water crashing against dark rocks, surrounded by a prehistoric-looking landscape of giant ferns and towering trees. The "Hill Top Rest Point" near the falls offers a panoramic view of the cascading water and the endless green canopy of the Abujhmarh hills. Due to its extreme remoteness, the site sees very few visitors, ensuring a sense of discovery and awe. The local tribes live in harmony with this giant, and visiting Handawada is as much about cultural immersion as it is about natural beauty. It represents the "wild heart" of Chhattisgarh, where the modern world feels like a distant memory and nature reigns supreme.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 Full DayPlace Type:
Adventure & Extreme NatureEntry Fees:
Sub Place Entry Fees:
Entry Charge: No official fee, but a boat crossing fee of INR 50-100 and a guide fee of INR 700 are standard.
Trekking Permit: Visitors may need to register at the local police outpost o...Sub Place Entry Fees:
Entry Charge: No official fee, but a boat crossing fee of INR 50-100 and a guide fee of INR 700 are standard.
Trekking Permit: Visitors may need to register at the local police outpost or forest office for safety monitoring.Timing:
Sub Place Timings:
Regular Timings: Access is strictly limited to daylight hours, typically from 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: January to March is the only safe window; visits outside this period a...Sub Place Timings:
Regular Timings: Access is strictly limited to daylight hours, typically from 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: January to March is the only safe window; visits outside this period are not recommended due to terrain.Special Events:
Sub Place Special Event:
Fagun Madai: The regional tribal festival in spring brings thousands of villagers together for dance and commerce nearby.
January Opening: The official "opening" of the track after th...Sub Place Special Event:
Fagun Madai: The regional tribal festival in spring brings thousands of villagers together for dance and commerce nearby.
January Opening: The official "opening" of the track after the monsoon is a celebrated time for local adventure guides.Best Photo Spots:
Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
The Hilltop Rest Point: Provides the most stable and wide-angle view of the entire waterfall structure and the valley.
River Bank: Capture the reflection of the Abujhmarh hills in ...Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
The Hilltop Rest Point: Provides the most stable and wide-angle view of the entire waterfall structure and the valley.
River Bank: Capture the reflection of the Abujhmarh hills in the Indravati River during the boat crossing.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Sub Place Things to Do:
River Crossing: Experience a traditional boat ride across the wide and powerful Indravati River to reach the trailhead.
Long-Distance Trekking: Embark on a multi-hour hike through the meadows and forests of the Koshalnar region.
Hilltop Viewing: Relax at the Rest Point to take in the sheer scale of the waterfall from a safe and scenic distance.
Cultural Immersion: Learn about the unique customs and lifestyle of the tribes living on the edge of Abujhmarh.
Bird Photography: The area is a sanctuary for rare raptors and forest birds that are seldom seen in more populated areas.
Botanical Study: Observe the rare tropical flora, including giant f...
Information
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Why Famous:
Why Famous Sub Place:
Height Record: Famous for being one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in the Bastar and Abujhmarh regions.
Abujhmarh Gateway: It is the primary tourist gateway to the unexplore...Why Famous Sub Place:
Height Record: Famous for being one of the tallest and most powerful waterfalls in the Bastar and Abujhmarh regions.
Abujhmarh Gateway: It is the primary tourist gateway to the unexplored and culturally sensitive Abujhmarh forest.
Exclusivity: Known for its extreme difficulty of access, making it a "bucket list" item for serious explorers. -
Architecture:
Sub Place Architecture:
Plunge Type: The waterfall is a "Classic Plunge" where water loses contact with the bedrock for a significant vertical distance.
Amphitheater Cliffs: The falls are enclosed by a massiv...Sub Place Architecture:
Plunge Type: The waterfall is a "Classic Plunge" where water loses contact with the bedrock for a significant vertical distance.
Amphitheater Cliffs: The falls are enclosed by a massive semi-circular cliff formation that amplifies the sound of the water.
Dimensions: The drop height is estimated to be over 100 Meters, making it one of the tallest in the state. -
How To Reach:
Sub Place How to Reach:
By Air: Fly to Jagdalpur (120 KMS) and hire a sturdy 4x4 vehicle for the journey toward the Barsur side.
By Train: Reach Dantewada Station (60 KMS) and arrange for a private jeep to ta... -
Near Tourist Places:
Indravati River (5 KMS), Barsur (20 KMS), Batissa Temple (22 KMS), Ganesh Statue (21 KMS), Dantewada (60 KMS), Dholkal Ganesh (90 KMS), Fulpad Waterfalls (90 KMS), Muchnar River Beach (30 KMS), Tular Cave (45 KMS), Bailadila Mountains (95 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Sub Place Tourism Tips:
Health & Safety: This is a high-risk zone; never travel alone and always stay with your local guide.
Packing: Carry a satellite-linked device if possible, plenty of food, a first-aid ...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(484+) of Chhattisgarh Has Been Added :-
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