India’s Secret Ganesh Trek: Hidden Temples, Wild Trails ! Dholkal | Tamda & Mendri Ghumar | Ep 6

In this exciting Episode 6 of our South Odisha & Chhattisgarh road trip series, we explore one of the most offbeat, awe-inspiring, and historically rich corners of India — the mystical Dholkal Ganesh trek, ancient Barsur temples, and the roaring waterfalls of Bastar! All of these are part of Chhattisgarh Tourist Places !

We took the services of "Unexplored Bastar" for our Bastar Trip :: +91 837 007 8567 ;
+91 910 918 8567

📌 We begin our journey at the Dholkal Jungle Camp, nestled in the heart of the Bailadila ranges near Dantewada, Chhattisgarh. Our day starts with birdsong and mist, as we prepare to trek to the 11th-century Ekadanta Ganesh idol perched at 3000 feet on Dholkal Peak. This ancient monolithic idol, carved from solid granite, sits at the border of Dantewada and Bijapur districts and requires a challenging 3 km jungle trek — including a vertical final ascent!

📜 Along the way, we narrate the mythological tale of Lord Parashurama and Lord Ganesha, the dramatic rediscovery of the idol in 2012, and its restoration after Maoist damage in 2017. This is a hidden spiritual and archaeological gem of Chhattisgarh.

🍃 After the trek, we share a rustic meal served with warmth by local self-help groups supported by Unexplored Bastar, the eco-tourism initiative that’s redefining sustainable travel in the region.

🙏 Next, we visit the revered Maa Danteshwari Temple, one of the 52 Shakti Peethas of Hinduism, at the confluence of the Dakini and Shakini rivers. We explain how the name Dantewada is linked to the “tooth” (Dant) of Sati that fell here.

🏛️ From Dantewada, we drive to Barsur, once known as the city of temples. Here, we visit:
• The iconic Battisa Temple (32 Pillared Temple)
• Chandraditya Temple
• Mama Bhanja Temple
• Unique Ganesh idols, steeped in mythology

🌿 The road to Chitrakote from Barsur is a visual treat, winding through jungles, ghats, and tribal villages. En route, we detour to:
• The spectacular Tamda Ghumar Waterfall – where the Indravati river plunges 100 feet over red rocks
• The mystical Mendri Ghumar, set against the breathtaking Fog Valley, a major winter attraction

🌅 As dusk falls, we reach Chitrakote — but this time, we approach from the opposite bank of the Indravati river to set up camp and witness Chitrakoot Waterfall in a new light!

🎥 This episode captures a rich blend of adventure, history, culture, and nature. If you enjoy road trips to hidden, unexplored destinations, ancient legends, eco-tourism, and raw natural beauty, this is a must-watch!

📺 Missed the previous episodes? Here's a quick recap:
• Ep 1: Road trip from Kolkata to Koraput – crossing Odisha’s forests, rivers & hills    • Kolkata to Koraput Road Trip | Scenic East...  
• Ep 2: Tribal heritage of Koraput, Sabara Srikhetra, Rani Duduma and Deomali – Odisha’s highest peak    • Koraput - Day 1| Deomali Hills,Rani Duduma...  
• Ep 3: The mythical Gupestwar Cave temple , Majestic Duduma Falls and gorgeous dams of Koraput region – Machkund , Jalaput & Kolab !
   • Exploring Koraput - Day 2| Gupteswar, Dudu...  
• Ep 4 (Originally released first): Grand celebration of Bastar Dussehra, the world’s longest festival    • Unseen Bastar Dussehra | India’s Most Uniq...  
• Ep 5 From Koraput we move into Jagdalpur and Bastar and visit the sublime Madarkonta Caves, Grand Tirathgarh Waterfall, picturesque Mandwa Falls & arrive at Dholkal Jungle Camp deep in the forests of Dantewada !    • জঙ্গল, জলপ্রপাত , গুহা আর রহস্য ! Bastar R...  

🔔 Subscribe now and hit the bell icon to follow the next episode where we reveal the hidden side of Chitrakoot Waterfalls from a remote camping location!
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#DholkalGanesh #TrekToDholkal #ChhattisgarhTouristPlaces #OffbeatIndia #Bastar #BarsurTemples #TamdaGhumar #MendriGhumar #ChitrakoteFalls #ChitrakotWaterfallsJagadalpur#ChitrakootTouristPlaces #HiddenIndia #UnexploredBastar #RoadTripIndia #IndianTravelVlogger #Battisa Temple #Dantewada # DanteshwariMandir

Playlists :
South Odisha & Chhattisgarh | Offbeat Road Trip Series :
   • South Odisha & Chhattisgarh | Offbeat Road...  
Adikailash / Om Parvat / Darma Valley – Self Drive :    • Vyas and Darma Valley Trip  
Offbeat Odisha – Self Drive :    • Offbeat Odisha  
Spectacular Sirmaur (Offbeat Himachal) - Self Drive :    • Spectacular Sirmaur  

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Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:26 Dholkal Jungle Camp & Dholkal Ganesh Trek
09:05 Dholkal Jungle Camp to Dantewada & Maa Danteshwari Mandir
10:47 Dantewada to Barsur – about Barsur
12:31 Barsur Temples
15:12 Barsur to Tamda Ghumar
16:48 Tamda Ghumar & Mendri Ghumar (Fog Valley)
18:35 Mendri Ghumar to Tiratha (Chitrakote Waterfalls)
20:05 Outro
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