About Bastar

The headquarters of Bastar Administrative Division, Bastar city is famous for several reasons. The district is headquartered at Jagdalpur with 4 Tehsils but the city of Bastar equally remains a popular destination amongst the travellers. This district of Chhattisgarh state has its total area of 10755.79 km² surrounded by neighboring Rajnandgaon District in the northwest; Kondagaon District on northern side and nearby state Odisha’s Nabarangpur and Koraput districts in the east while its south and southwestern sides is surrounded by Dantewada District.

Neighboring state Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli District surrounds it from in the western side. The city of Bastar has seen fast developmental initiatives and it therefore remains into the limelight of traders as well as tourists. Rich and colorful lifestyle of this region enchants every visitor. With exemplary history and culture besides amazing waterfalls, caves, national parks & wildlife to many ancient temples and hill stations it offers ultimate avenues to travelers to explore this area. Rich tribal culture of Baster though keeps it into forefront. Equally is famous culture and art of this region.

As history of this region explains, that once Bastar and Dantewada were part of erstwhile princely state of Bastar. Brother of erstwhile Warangal (present day Telangana state) king Pratapa Rudra Deva namely Annama Deva had founded a small kingdom of Baster in the early 14th century. This region was ruled by many regional kings until India attained freedom in 1947. Government of India acceded many of princely states into it including Bastar and Kanker states thereafter and merged both into the newly formed Madhya Pradesh state’s Bastar District. While new state of Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh, the Bastar District became its part. Earlier this district had distinction of India’s largest district with its total area of 39,114 km². In the process to reorganize various districts Bastar was also divided in 1999 to create the present-day district of Bastar, Dantewada and Kanker. Bastar still served as Bastar Division. This district was further bifurcated in 2012 to create Bastar and Kondagaon districts. Until 2000 it remained one of the famous districts of 16 districts in Madhya Pradesh until it became part of the newly carved out Chhattisgarh state. At present this district maintains its distinction of part of the Red Corridor districts of India.

Geographically located in country’s mid region, Bastar remains into limelight for its location, climatic conditions and other geographical factors. Famous Chitrakoot and Teerathgarh waterfalls are located nearby it in the Jagdalpur area. This area maintains moderate with bearable hot season not crossing 40°C and winter temperature dropping to 5°C to make it chilling in the wintertime. Monsoon welcomes this area and therefore it receives ample rainfall.

Hindi remains the most common language spoken in Bastar. Good number of its inhabitants does speak English and Urdu languages as well besides regional tribal dialects of Halbi, Gondi and Chhattisgari Bhatri. Odia is also spoken in some areas. The recently concluded census of 2011 recorded total population of Bastar at 1,411,644 with 140 inhabitants per square km population density. The area has 54.94% literacy rate while its sex ratio is at 1024 females for every 1000 males. Out of the total population of this district, 70% are recorded to represent tribal population of tribes like Gond; Maria; Muria; Dhruva; Bhatra and Halba amongst others.

Although nearby city of Jagdalpur is the administrative headquarters of Bastar District cum Division, Bastar city remains major center of attraction for many reasons including its rich history and tourist value. Considered the land of tribes and natural resources this area is nature’s bounty whose natural beauty and pleasant atmosphere seek the attention of all and sundry. Its dense forests, hilly mountains, streams, waterfalls, natural caves and parks et al especially Bastariyas monuments are sense of attraction. Administered from the Jagdalpur city, the Collector of Bastar District administers this region with the team of officers and Police Force monitored by the District Superintendent of Police (SP) and team of security forces. District Collector coordinates with the elected legislatives and team of officers in many developmental projects for region’s growth. All officers reporting to the District Magistrate ensure that projects and government schemes are implemented at the right time.

Bastar is famous for its tribal dominated culture. Their cultural leanings are easily reflected from their lifestyles and articles used by them. The culture of this region is also influenced by typical reason that as this area is covered by the dense forests it therefore remains one of the selected places in the country which is considered home to too many aboriginal tribal clans. Its culture best reflect from the typically designed wall hangings; local handicrafts and rest stuffs which enchant the connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. Most of the artifacts of this area are depictions of region’s rural lifestyle and portrayal of tribal communities inhabiting in this area. Artworks therefore project the pastoral scenes and rural lifestyles of farmers and common masses of this region. Local tribal artists are known for the creation of several renowned tribal imageries which reflect their lifestyles. They are prepared from numerous raw items and are therefore projections of the life, nature and gods of the region. Prepared from iron and metalwork such stuffs depict life and nature to the best.


Some of the renowned Bastar specializations include Dhokra Handicrafts prepared from cow dung, paddy husk and red soil to numerous other types of Bell Metal Handicrafts which turn the arts and crafts of this region rich and culturally appealing. Kondagaon area of Bastar is known for such varieties of arts and crafts which portray the culture of that area. Other products that equally appeal everybody are typically designed vessels in local fashion; jewelries projecting local deities to decorative stuffs amongst others. People lead life with simple dressing of tribal identities and so are their social and religious festivals very much imperative with regional influence. This area is famous for organizing traditional Dasara or Dussera festival in completely local style.

Mainly an agrarian society, Bastar District dominates in the agro-based small industries and so do influence agriculture in region’s economy. Entire area is known for rice production plus other seasonal crops. Traditional patterns are common in agricultural practices in this region. One still witnesses presence of wooden ploughs in this area to practice agriculture. This area is famous for the production of Kharif crops including paddy, urad, arhar, jowar and maize. Some areas have seen ample production of Rabi crops such as til, alsi, moong, mustard and gram et al.

Due to being one of the rich forestry regions in the Chhattisgarh state of India, forests too play an important role in helping the economy of this region to sustain and grow faster. Good number of forestry items are prepared in this area as handicrafts stuffs and sold to local markets. The forest produces as well as forest-related work supplements add on the economy of this area. Some of the notable forest based produces in Bastar include Mahua; Bastar Beer from Sulfi; medicinal plants Chloroxylon, Ventilago, Shorea and Cleistanthus amonsgt others. Tendu Patta (Leaf) Collection is also famous in this area.

Industrial growth has paved the way for many regions to develop faster. Such developments can be seen in Bastar District as well where numerous types of industries have been set up in the last couple of decades. The establishment of such industries has brought big change in the society. Some of the famous industries operating from this city are Sponge Iron Industry; Iron Ore Crusher Industry; Stone Crusher Industry; Rice Mill Industry; Steel Fabrication Industry; Steel Structure Industries; Flour Mills; Cement Bricks Industry; Pole Industry; Cattle Feed Industry; Agricultural Equipment and Tractor Trolly Manufacturing Industry and Tiles Industry et al. Today Bastar boasts with the presence of many industrial units which play crucial role to make the economy of this region stronger each passing of the day. Here are some of the notable industries operating in Bastar District of Chhattisgarh state of India.

Bastar offers many other avenues for its overall economic growth. Take for example 40% of the population’s livelihood are based on the agriculture based economy while 30% are on agriculture and the rest on animal husbandry and wage labour et al. Majority of the inhabitants of this district are agriculturists who cultivate or involve in animal husbandry to lead their lives.

Presence of tribal traditions in the food of Bastar is obvious because of their dominance in this region. The cuisines of this region though maintain ample varieties of foods from the area as well as other options from around the country. The dishes prepared in this area have rice in the staple foods. Other common ingredients include pulses; cereals; vegetables; fruits and meat which make the foods highly delicious. Rice remains the basic food option though. Mushrooms and plants are part of the dishes but presence of fish and pork remain hot favorites in this area. Creamy white fruit of a local tree named ‘mahuwa’ is brewed after complete fermenting to add on specialization of Chhattisgarh’s food which doesn’t complete without it. Here is listed some of the finest restaurants in and around Bastar.

Besides these prominent hotels cum restaurants nearby Bastar several local restaurants operate in the region. They provide excellent services to the visitors and inhabitants alike to enjoy the great taste of variety of tribal and non-tribal foods and numerous other types of dishes commonly found in the country.

Healthcare Services in Bastar

Being an important player in the healthcare sector, doctors are always admired for their noble profession and roles to help the societies sustain. Here is the list of doctors practicing in the Bastar city of Chhattisgarh state.


Dr. Prasanna Mishra
Address: Ayappa Mandir Road, Vrindavancolony, Jagdalpur, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494223
Phone No: +(91)-8103309711

Dr. VS Thakur
Address: Community Health Center, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494223
Phone No: +91-9424281947

Dr. D Rajan
Address: Community Health Center, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494223
Phone No: +91-9893468079

Dr. Y S Dhruv
Address: Community Health Center, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494223
Phone No: +91-9424296909

Dr. B N Banpuriya
Address: Community Health Center, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494223
Phone No: +91-7782-214124

Dr. P L Mandavi
Address: Community Health Center, Barda, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494222
Phone No: +(91)-9424108534

Dr. Chatturvedi
Address: Community Health Center, Bakawand, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494222
Phone No: +91-9406232141

Dr. M R Kasyap
Address: Community Health Center, Tokapal Rajoor, Bastar (Chharttisgarh) – 494442
Phone No: +(91)-9425595934

Dr. R S Bhanvar
Address: Community Health Center, Badekilepal, Bastar(Chhattisgarh) – 494442
Phone No: +(91)-9424277765

Dr. K S Pekra
Address: Primary Health Center, Bastanar, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494442
Phone No: +(91)-9752011763

Dr. Lakhan Jurri
Address: Community Health Center, Pharasgaon, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494228
Phone No: +(91)-9424292113

Dr. S N Dhruv
Address: Community Health Center, Vishrampuri, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494347
Phone No: +(91)-9893001472

Dr. D K Bisen
Address: Community Health Center, Keshkal, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494331
Phone No: +(91)-9424272744

Dentists in Bastar

The small city of Bastar offers best of healthcare solutions to its inhabitants and visitors. This city facilitates dental care to the masses. Here is the list of dentists practicing in this city.

Dr. Reena Morla
Address: Opposite Parekh Enterprises, Jagdalpur, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494223
Phone No: +(91)-9755953378

Pathological Labs in Bastar

Bastar city offers complete healthcare solutions through the presence of state of the art medical facilities. The healthcare service therefore also includes doctors, pathological labs, dentists and medical stores amongst others. Being small city there are limited services here but they definitely bring best solutions for the masses. The pathological lab in this city therefore caters to the needs of the masses in all respects. Here is the list of pathological labs operating in the Bastar city.

Devnath Pathology Lab
Address: Pharasgaon Market, Pharasgaon, Near CHC, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494228
Phone No: +(91)-9179365703

MAA Kalyani Pathology Lab
Address: Pharasgaon Market, Pharasgaon, Near CHC, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494228
Phone No: +(91)-9893971625

Chemist Shops in Bastar

Medical stores are important life savers in all societies. They cater to the medicine related needs of the people during emergency and to ensure that societies sustain with the perfect healthcare solutions. As Bastar is an emerging city it has welcomed establishment of best healthcare solution through suitable infrastructures including hospital, doctors and chemical stores amongst others. Here is the list of medical stores in the Bastar city.

Sainik Medical Stores
Address: Pharasgaon Market, Pharasgaon, Plotpara, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494228
Phone No: +(91)-9993671964

Umesh Medical Stores
Address: Pharasgaon Market, Pharasgaon, Near CHC, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494228
Phone No: +(91)-9993861624

Shree SAI Medicose
Address: Pharasgaon Market, Pharasgaon, Hospital Chowk, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494228
Phone No: +(91)-9691320301

Usha Medical & General Stores
Address: Bus Stand, Keshkal, Bastar Main Road, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494331
Phone No: +(91)-9993801107

Arihant Medical Stores
Address: Bus Stand, Keshkal, Bastar Main Road, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494331
Phone No: +(91)-9752038969

Aar Par Tablet
Address: Bus Stand, Keshkal, Bastar Main Road, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494331
Phone No: +(91)-7848-259231

Arogya Medical
Address: Bus Stand, Keshkal, Bastar Main Road, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494331
Phone No: +(91)-9993194858

SAI Medical
Address: Bus Stand, Keshkal, Bastar Main Road, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494331
Phone No: +(91)-9589353399

Those of you keen to lean about the tribal lifestyle and culture can choose to visit Bastar as a tourist and explore this region to the best extent possible. Furthermore, this area is also blessed with amazing landscapes to offer wonderful scenic beauty of nature in the forestry areas and so do appeal waterfalls, wildlife, ancient temples and last but not the least music and dances of tribal communities. That is why this region is an ultimate location for the explorers to enjoy good times as tourist. Most importantly exploration of this region is affordable hence everybody finds best opportunity to plan a tour for great tourist exploration. Some of the worth visiting location in Bastar include historically famous Bastar Palace in the Jagdalpur city; religious center of Bhoromdeo Temple, Danteshwari Temple and ancient Devi Danteshwari Temple and many more. Rich biodiversity of Kanger Valley National Park seeks the attention of every nature lover and wildlife enthusiast. Bairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a great location for them. Grasslands and dense forests in and around the Indravati National Park remain pivotal for the tourists to explore them all.

Famous 330 meters long Kutumsar Cave is known in the country as one of the natural caves visited by countless visitors. Likewise, Kanger Forest nearby Jagdalpurl; famous Shiva Lingam; Kailash Cave; Dandak Cave; Kanger Cave; Karpan Cave and Devgiri Cave et al are worth visiting as tourists. Besides the caves mentioned above, the amazing landscapes of Bastar region which encompass several beautiful waterfalls and lush green forests are all worth exploring. A few of them like horse-shoe shaped Chitrakoot Falls; Tirathgarh Waterfall in the Kanger Forest; Shiv-Parvati Temple; Kanger Dhara; Mandawa Waterfall; Chitradhara, and Tamada Ghumar are major tourist attractions to visit as a tourist.

Largest of the artificial lakes of Chhattisgarh namely Dalpat Sagar spreads across thick bamboo forests as home to varieties of fishes and so is famous Bhainsa Darha Lake for inhabiting varities of crocodiles and tortoises. Famous Anthropological Museum of this area exposes the tourists before countless valuable insights into region’s history and culture. It has ample collection of valuable items which best describe the Bastar based tribe’s culture and lifestyle.

Although the distance between Bastar District and the biggest metropolitan area cum state capital city of Chhattisgarh, Raipur is only 264 km there is a big difference in the lifestyle of both areas. It is well observed in the lifestyle of people in and around this district. Famous as one of the most significant eco-friendly destinations of India, this area is known for its highly refreshing and best rejuvenating climatic condition. People love nature and therefore do all the efforts to preserve tribal identity of theirs. Their lifestyles can be best assessed through constant efforts of theirs to sustain their valuable tribal art and culture. The lush green areas including the parks, waterfalls, natural caves, palaces, museums and religious places are all visited by people of all age groups. The inhabitants wear simple traditional dresses; eat traditional food and involve actively in all cultural and religious festivals. Their lifestyles haven’t been spoiled yet through modern trends.

Bastar District offers ultimate options to its inhabitants and visitors to avail the utilities services for their better life and enjoyable stays. The facilities include best possible security arrangement, state of the art courier & postal department, medical & healthcare facilities, electricity and many more which are ardent needs for the masses to lead best lifestyle.

Postal Services in Bastar

India’s postal department is considered one of the best and largest networked in the world with operation even in the remotest of rural areas. Perhaps such strong network makes it leader in postal communication even though various private courier service operators have delved into this business. The postal services in India are of variegated nature. They include letters, parcels, money orders, banking and many more. Recently India Post has begun in flagship Speed Post service that has literally overpowered the private couriers due to fast and professional service. Below is listed the post offices operating in Bastar city and its nearby regions to carter to all sorts of postal needs of the masses.

Branch: Post Office Keshkal BO
Address: Post Master, Keshkal BO, Keshkal, District: Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494331
Contact: +91-7848-259220

Branch: Post Office Asna BO
Address: Post Master, Asna, District: Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494221
Contact: +91-7782-261279

Branch: Post Office Bhanpuri BO
Address: Post Master, Bhanpuri BO, Bhanpuri, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494224
Contact: +91-7867-282630

Branch: Post Office Bakawand BO
Address: Post Master, Bakawand BO, Bakawand, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494222
Contact: +91-7867-289241

Branch: Post Office Tokapal Rajoor BO
Address: Post Master, Tokapal Rajoor BO, Tokapal Rajoor, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494442
Contact: +91-7782-263333

Branch: Post Office Pharasgaon BO
Address: Post Master, Pharasgaon BO, Pharasgaon, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494228
Contact: +91-7784-257238

Branch: Piprabahigaon BO
Address: Post Master, Piprabahigaon BO, Piprabahigaon, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494230
Contact: +91-7848-258444

Branch: Vishrampuri BO
Address: Post Master, Vishrampuri BO, Vishrampuri, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494347
Contact: +91-7849-254655

Courier Services in Bastar

The professionalism of private courier services always seeks the attention of many people. They take care of parcels and deliver them carefully. That is why the demand of private courier services has increased in each nook and corner of the country. Bastar city is also operated by its local private courier service provider. Here is the detail of the courier service provider in this city.

Madhur Courier Services
Address: Bastar CG, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494223
Phone No: +91-9329747407, 9926120911

Gas Agencies in Bastar

Nowadays cooking gases are supplied to each nook and corner of the country. Even various remote areas now witness the cooking gas suppliers that make it easy for the masses to obtain them. Bastar city in Chattisgarh state has a full-fledged cooking gas supplier. This gas agency supplies gas to every household in the city, commercial outlets and also it caters to the nearby regions.

D.V. Gas Service
Address: Kumhar Para, Jagdalpur, Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – 494223
Phone No: +91-7782-212503

Bastar District has developed over the decades. Today it is well connected through various cities and villages located nearby. The state buses connect to this region with the nearby big cities and even the places from neighboring states. Similarly railways link this area with all parts of the country. The airways connect this region with the rest domestic destinations as well as foreign locations via international airports.

Airways: Jagdalpur Airport is the nearest domestic airport located at a distance of only 18 km from Bit connects to this region by rest domestic sectors through airways.

Railways: Jagdalpur Railway Station is the biggest railway junction nearby Bastar at a distance of 34 km. This station connects this area with the rest parts of the country through railways. Other smaller railways stations also operate in and around Bastar to cater to the local trains or the trains to operate for short distances.

Roadways: Bastar Bus Stand connects this area with other parts of the Chhattisgarh state through the sate bus service. As this area is connected to other cities and villages through national and state level highways it therefore offers excellent opportunity for the travellers to use the roadways for enjoyable road journeys.

Overall, Bastar has the recognition of one of the notable places in Chhattisgarh state. Its identity since pre-British era to thorough development in tourism and other sectors popularize it to the most. Travellers visit this area for multiple reasons. It is a great destination for affordable tourism, ultimate location to explore natural resources and last but not the least wonderful place for business and to study the tribal lifestyle in the country.