Waterfalls, Landscapes, Crafts Of Chhattisgarh Leave Lasting Impression For DC Cartoonist

Chhattisgarh means many things for many people. But for me, a cartoonist and illustrator, it represents natural and unexplored landscapes that are going to leave lasting impressions, which will be etched in my memory and my sketchbook.

My journey began in Jagdalpur with visits to the Indravati river, Jagdalpur Palace and places showcasing Bastar’s artistic heritage. Visits to the Bastar Art Gallery and Badal – The Tribal Arts and Cultural Centre offered a closer look at the region’s traditions. To top it, meeting the present Raja of Bastar was among the memorable moments.

The monsoon gave Bastar’s landscape a distinct character. At Chitrakote Waterfall, the Indravati plunged in a horseshoe-shaped cascade. Sitting before the waterfall, I made a live sketch, attempting to capture its movement and energy.

 Tirathgarh Waterfall, surrounded by dense greenery, was another highlight of my journey. I captured the cascading waters in my sketchbook. Visits to Tamda Ghumar and Saathdhara waterfalls added to the experience.

The journey also took me into the forests, where I met tribal people and observed their close connection with nature. A visit to Danteshwari Temple offered an insight into Bastar’s spiritual heritage, while Barsoor, with its ancient temples, archaeological remains and Battisa Temple, reflected the region’s history.

At Kondagaon, I met local artisans and saw Bastar’s craft traditions up close. Sketching its people, crafts, temples, waterfalls and landscapes made the four-day journey a personal record of the region.

I thank Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the Chhattisgarh public relations department and Cartoon Watch for inviting me to be part of the tourism journey. For me, Bastar was more than a destination.