Jatmai-Ghatarani Waterfalls (Gariyaband)
(A blog by Jitendra Nakka)
Introduction
Depicting the beauty of the Central Plains of Chhattisgarh,
Gariyaband is one of the most beautiful districts of state. Gariyaband is the home of some of the most
beautiful waterfalls. Among them, the most beautiful waterfalls are the falls
of Jatmai and Ghatarani.
Image: Ghatarani Waterfall
Where and
how to reach?
Jatmai-Ghatarani Waterfalls
are actually two different waterfalls 6kms away from each other. Jatmai-Ghatarani
is nearly 90 kms from State Capital Raipur and nearly 40 kms from District
Head Quarter. Just 20 kms away from Gariyaband, there is a village called Panduka,
towards Gariyaband-Rajim State Highway, from where Jatmai Waterfall is nearly
is 20-22 kms away. For reaching Ghatarani, again we have to start our journey from Jatmai
and take the straight forest road which after a couple of miles, turns into a kachcha
road, which after next 4kms leads to our next beautiful destination called
Ghatarani.
Site Map of Jatmai Ghatarani Waterfalls
(Courtsey: www.mapsofindia.com)
Both the Waterfalls are approachable
throughout the year, as it is just 20-22 kms east from State highway. Here the
months of rainy and early winter season are most advisable for visiting these
wonders. As Panduka village is directly on the State Highway, one can
find good hotels, lodges and restaurants in Raipur, Gariyaband and Rajim and
can plan their tour-plan from there.
Salient
Features
- Experience being at Jatmai Waterfall:
This area actually comes under Chhura block of Gariyaband
District. Welcoming with the roaring sound of Falls, Jatmai is divine spiritual
place famous for its milky waterfall as well as Goddess Durga temple centrally placed
in a rocky sanctum in a sharp thin grotto down to middle of the left side of
bank of fall. The fall is 20 feet high (approx.) flowing with a milky cascade
of Water from upstream.
Image: Mata Jatmai Temple
Image: Jatmai waterfall with temple
Image: Jatmai waterfall with temple
Both the banks of Jatmai fall are witness of some of the most
beautiful temples of district, painted in white colour everywhere, complimenting
the milky colour of falls. The upstream can be traversed quite up to a long
distance. Tourists love to do hiking and climbing sort of sports. Other than
the fame of religious waterfall, this place is also famous for water-sports.
- Experience being at Ghata-rani Waterfall:
Ghatarani waterfall is a bit larger than Jatmai waterfall and
nearly 6kms from Jatmai Waterfall from a kachcha road directly leading
to Ghata-rani Waterfall. Ghatarani is
nearly 30-35 feet wide and 25-30 feet in height with a divine sanctum of
Goddess Durga on the right bank of fall, which is known as Mata Ghatarani
temple. This place too holds the same importance as Jatmai Waterfall.
Image: Mata Ghatarani Temple
The upper most side of waterfall is formed as cascade upto
first 5 feet, followed by formation of cataract up to 20-25 feet reaching the
foot of the falls. The foot of the falls homes a shallow reservoir which is
incompatible to store the huge amount of water coming from upstream, hence
allows the flow of water downstream again forming gentle low cascades which is
completely occupied by devotees and tourists. This place too is famous for
water-sports and young people love to do hiking and mountain climbing in this
place.
Image: Ghatarani Waterfall (with Author)
Image: Ghatarani Waterfall
Conclusion:
These sites are perfect picnic spots for youngsters as well
as families too. Being the nearest waterfalls from state capital, they have the
capacity to become one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Chhattisgarh.
As
there are some good tourist places like Taurenga Reservoir, Kukdha Mini-Dam,
Chingra-pagaar Waterfall nearby these marvels, one can plan a tour including
these places also. Last but not the least, my special tanks to Mr.
Mahendra Sinha and Mr. Verma for their support and time, they have
given me for visiting these wonders.
Note:
This citation is a part of my travalogue, my experience while going
through the different eco-touristm sites of Gariyaband district.
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