Dholkal Ganesha Trek in Dantewada Chhattisgarh
Dantewada surprised me! Its untouched pristine forests and mountains charmed me beyond words. The amount of green cover Dantewada easily makes it an ideal adventure tourism spot from several angles. The Dholkal Ganesha Trek and Phoolpad Waterfalls Trek in Dantewada are 2 adventures you must experience if you are anywhere in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.
Dholkal Ganesha Trek and Phoolpad Waterfalls Trek
Hidden in the forest interior of Dantewada are 2 destinations in hill top worth trekking to – Dholkal Ganesha Point and Phoolpad Waterfalls.
Locals consider Dholkal a purely pilgrim destination but for trekkers this is one challenging spot to conquer. Phoolpad on the other hand is Mother Nature’s gift to Dantewada, it has a beautiful waterfall.
Trek to Dholkal Ganesha point in Dantewada
This trek to Dholkal is 16 km both ways. The last 6 km is the actual steep rise to the hill. There are 2 temples in the 2 mountain tops side by side, one Surya Temple and another Devi Mata temple in Dholkal of which nothing remains except a huge idol of Lord Ganesha.
Our destination was the ruins of Devi Mata Temple in Dholkal. Only an idol of Lord Ganesha and few stones remain there now. The 8 km uphill took almost two and half hours. I had stuffed myself with a good south Indian breakfast, hoping the energy would last the 16 km trek.
It was through a forest, the green trees provided good cover from the rising blazing sun. Sights of little streams, huge human size ant hills, hanging roots, and balancing rocks made the journey uphill interesting.
I asked the local boy if they source their red ants for their famous ant chutney, they just smiled. Interestingly, the clay from the ant hills is used for making the moulds for Dokra art.
But we didn’t pause at the spots long lest the whole trek gets delayed.
Trek through Dholkal forest
250m before the final destination the terrain changed. There were huge boulders of rocks, it was an indication we neared the hill top where no more trees grew. This part is much more difficult than the part I had covered. Yet we went on, all thanks to the encouragement and motivation from our Dholkal trek tour guide, Mr. Jeet Singh Arya.
Dholkal Tourism
Tourism is still a new concept here in the terror stricken part of Chhattisgarh state. Yet Government is going all out to extend helping hand to rehabilitate displaced locals because of acts of terrorism by Maoists. If the tourism initiatives in Chhattisgarh takes off well the future will definitely improve for the local people.
During the trek I met few locals offering help to guide us through the jungle to the trek point of Dholkal. Meet two of the local boys I met during the trek to Dholkal Ganesha idol point – Faces of India – 313 and Faces of India – 318.
Ganesh Mandir Dholkal
My Trishanku Moment
The path peaked to a point and then there was a small descent of less than 100m. Anxiety gripped me here.
Just 20m prior to the tip I faced my Trishanku moment, frozen with fear. The view from this part of hilltop, however gorgeous it may have been was scary for me. The thought that I can slip off the rocks or the rock on which I was standing will give away gripped my mind and that froze me. I was neither able to get down nor able to move up further.
After some time I found myself alone and I had to decide something. And as if God sent, a group which had completed the trek were descending. They left behind a guide, a local tribal, for me. Thank God for him I completed the next 20m a thin narrow stretch. Not once did I look down. The idol was exactly 180 degrees opposite to the place I stood for so long. 10 minutes approx, but it seemed ages to me!
Dholkal Trek
Bhagwan Ganesha idol at Dholkal
The divine sight of elephant headed, pot bellied sitting cosy – lalitasana, idol of Ganesha in Dholkal was worth all the effort. This is right at the peak of dhol (drum) shaped mountain, Dholkal. All round is green forest cover of mountain sides.
It is presumed that the Ganesha idol was made during the rule of Nagvanshi dynasty in the 9th or 10th century. This spot has ruins of Devi Mata Temple, the structure lays scattered there. From this spot we saw the Surya Temple in the next peak.
Ekadanta Form of Ganeshji in Dholkal
This unique four-armed idol of Bhagwan Ganesha was installed in the 11th century by the kings of the Chhindak Nagvanshi dynasty. It is depicted with an axe (farsa weapon) in one of the two right hands, blessing mudra with the other right hand. The idol is shown to hold the broken tusk and a bowl full of laddus in the other two left hands.
The broken left tusk gives the name Ekadanta.
The Hindu sacred thread, janeu, is depicted in the form of a chain. There a snake if you see closely around the waist of the idol. These features symbolize the origin of the Chhindak Nagvanshi dynasty.
Ganesha idol at Dholkal – this picture was taken before the idol broke after a fall from the hill.
Dholkal mountain is a part of the Bailadila hill range. It is believed the battle between sage Parashurama and Ganesha took place here and Ganeshji lost one of his tusks on Dholkal hill during this battle. The 3 ft idol is carved out of stones that are found in the foothills of the Indravati River.
It is important to note that only few people can be there at the hilltop at a time because of space constraints and unique location of the Dholkal Ganesha idol. Nevertheless, locals make it there in huge numbers to the holy spot during festivals.
Trek down the Dholkal Hill
Trekking 8 km down the Dholkal hill to start point at Faraspal Village would be easy, I thought. But that trek too was equally strenuous. Since there was no clear cut path, and loose gravels here and there, it was an effort holding back and place steps carefully lest we slip. We halted at several places devouring the sights we had rushed past while on our way up.
Finally I spotted cow dung and I was so happy… you know why? It meant the plains are close and that meant we were closer to start point. This trip too took close to two and half hours. By the time we all assembled together again it was 3.30PM, a good 6 hours spent in trekking.
Surya Mandir at Dholkal, Chhattisgarh
Trek to Phoolpad Waterfalls Dantewada
Mother Nature has blessed Chhattisgarh with several little pockets of scenic spots. Though land locked the hilly terrains have created some very beautiful waterfalls. Chitrakoot Waterfalls being the most famous of all. The state has immense potential for Eco tourism and also spiritual tourism.
We trekked to an offbeat destination of Dantewada, the Phoolpad Waterfalls. It is known by the name Indul Jharna by local people. This can be included in the itinerary for Adventure Tourism in Dantewada.
Located at a distance of 40 km from Dantewada District. Comparatively this Fulpad trek was much easier than Dholkal trek. The distance was roughly 3 km to and fro. Half the distance was covered through concrete steps. While descend was easy, ascent had my lungs bursting. The entire trek can be covered in 2 hours
Phoolpad Waterfalls Information
Phoolpad, Fhulpad, Fulpad or Indul Jharna – all mean the same.
Location: Located in Tehasil Kuakonda of District Dantewada
Address: R5R6+GPW, Chhattisgarh 494665
Coordinates: 19.842189136032584, 81.16354321367908
Timings: 5 AM to 6 PM
Dholkal Travel Guide
Why is Dholkal Ganesha idol unique?
The Ekadanta (one tusk) form of Ganesha, the snake around the waist of Ganesha idol and the sacred thread in the form of shackles make the idol unique.
Can you do this Dholkal Ganesha trek all alone?
It is quite possible to do the trek on your own provided you have some experience in moderate trekking and you are well aware of the route. The forest is quite dense and the there are paths marked on ground that crisscross each other due to regular usage by locals.
How to reach the start point of Dholkal Trek?
The start point of Dholkal trek is in Faraspal Village. There are local buses plying to Faraspal village from Dantewada bus station and Dantewada railway station. Nearest airport to Dantewada is Raipur airport.
What is the best time to trek Dholkal?
Avoid the months March, April, May and early June because it is unbearably hot during the summers. Exercise some caution during the monsoon moths. In short, winters are the best time to trek Dholkal. I did this trek late January.
Thanks to Dantewada District Administration I could experience this adventure tourism in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh. Do meet the guide who took us up to the Ganesha point in my Faces of India series – Jeet Singh Arya.
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Your Trishanku moment was quite scary. It does seem like a crazy point of trek. Glad you went past it. The waterfalls seem so beautiful. And amidst a trek, they can be quite refreshing.
Indrani you write about places in India that I have never heard about! I haven’t ever been to Chhatisgarh, its one of the few states in our country that I haven’t made it to yet and honestly, I hadn’t even thought that there would be much to do and see there! The Phoolpad waterfalls look pretty awesome, there’s so much nature and lush greenery in Chhatisgarh, I had not imagined! And Ganesha’s statue in Dholkal is situated in such a majestic setting, at the edge of the cliff!
Those high up photos are incredible how ever did you get those shots.
Regarding Mr. Jeet singh Arya, I met him on FB ,but he helped me in arranging my 3 days tour to Jagadalpur and other areas, very effectively, and safe travel all through.Very warm personality,committed to tourism of Chattishghar.
The site of Lord Ganesh perched on the top of that hill is mesmerizing and stunned that how people had decided to have one there!
A great experience for you. My son recently went for an adventure tourism in Chemchay, Sikkim with his school.
It is very beautiful and still less explored as fear of Naxalites is there but slowly slowly the rate of adventure like travelers is increasing. Beautifuuly narrated Indrani ji
Chattisgarh has a lot to offer,but the extremism becomes a problem,of course no tourist is reported to be in problems because of it.That’s the great point.
Each time I have heard about Dantewada is in the news for all the odd reasons, so when I read the title of ur post, I was wondering y would someone embark on that journey. But after reading about the amazing experience, I am relieved. Also, hats off to ur trek guide Mr. Jeet. Indeed, the country needs more youngsters like him!
Nice to read this adventurous trekking journey….so beautiful pictures….
I must confess I’ve become quite lazy and 16km hike nowadays is quite a lot for me. But the chance to see such beautiful landscapes and 2 temples at the top definitely make it worthwhile.
Two temples at the top?! Okay, that seems worth the 16 km each way! Beautiful part of the world, thanks for sharing 🙂 Happy travels!
It was so sweet of that guide to stay with you and help you. I can understand how scary it must have been. But the views definitely look like the ordeal was worth it!
The 6 hour trek looks to be worth it from the wonderful pictures and views you captured.
32 km hikes seems like a great way to spend a day hiking. The views look amazing. I would love to spend some time photographing the Phoolpad Waterfalls. I would really like to know what country this is in?
Hi Jennifer, Chhattisgarh is in India. It is 16kms two ways not one way. I am sure you will enjoy this trek. 🙂
I’d be going to India this February… Hope I’d be able to do an eco tour like this! The view from the top is breathtaking, and the waterfalls look great for a quick dip. Here’s to climbing new heights! 🙂
This looks amazing! I love any kind of waterfalls. I would love to do this tour when I’m in the area.
I am TERRIFIED of heights so i really appreciated reading articles like this & seeing the pictures as its something i’d never be able to experience for myself!
Glad to know about these places. The trek sounds interesting. Yeah, there is definitely succuss beyond the fear or tough times.
WOW! I am a hiking lover and just made me put this on my bucket list for my next visit to India! Too many things to see in India, :p !
Really is so much potential for eco tourism here! I would love to trek to Phoolpad Waterfalls – we’re big fans of the outdoors so try to focus our travels on areas which lend itself to natural beauty and adventure 🙂 Thanks for the heads up on Dantewada!
This whole scenery reminds me of Greek landscape! I have never been trekking, even though I would like to give it a try, at least once! I like your photos, especially those with the waterfalls!
I’d never heard of Dantewada before, but it looks amazing! I would love to explore this area sometime. The waterfalls and the trekking look like so much fun and the scenery is gorgeous! Looks like you had a great time!
This trek looks really stunning. The nature is untouched, and the waterfall stunning. I wish I could visit it soon.
Wow, that sounds like a real adventure! Worth the view though, I hope. That terrain must have made the trek a good workout.
That trek looks really gorgeous, if somewhat dangerous. I am glad that you did not fall and that the other group came along at just the right time!
This sounds like an excellent hike! I would have definitely stopped a lot too. The temples at the top seem interesting. Was it crowded at all while you were there?
these both look great! But it certainly looks like you earnt your amazing views with some full on hikes!
Wow that Phoolpad Waterfalls looks pretty trek I wouldn’t mind trekking far to see this beautiful falls.
You have been to so many offbeat beautiful places. I love trekking but this seems to be the tough one. The views from the top might be amazing.
I love a good hike and this one looks beautiful! I will have to try it out. I am so happy you had a great guide to take you! A good guide can really make or break your experience, in my opinion!
You were quite brave and adventurous to go on this trek alone. Luckily you bumped into a local guide later on and successfully completed the trek. The view from the top is just amazing!
I think I might even be willing to hike to Lord Ganesha in Dholkal. The view is simply magnificent!
What a fabulous trek. With so much to see along the way in addition to the natural beauty of the region it would definitely encourage me to walk a little further than my normal comfort level for the day.
Beautiful hike and trails. Totally worth it for those lovely views! I really dig waterfalls, so I’d enjoy doing this as well.
Thank you for sharing 🙂
It looks like a beautiful waterfall and well worth the strenuous trek! Down is always worse for me these days just because it’s so rough on my knees.
Beautiful place and great information… I would be terrified because I have a 1 year old who would be jumping off the rocks and down the road! But maybe when he kids are gone this would be an amazing trip for my hubby and I. I will have to save it for a grown up trip! Thank you for sharing!
Just 2.5 hours for a 9 Km trek is good speed! But I think the path was easy mostly. I can imagine about your Trishanku moment, probably I would have felt the same way. How were you left alone? And who goes up there to worship Ganesha? 🙂
Nice to meet Jeet, we need more people like him.
Left alone means nothing serious, people were around but out of sight because of huge boulders and that was may be for 10 minutes or less. Locals worship the idol.
Very nice read and great pics ! It must have been terrifying to be alone like that. Thank God you got somebody to help you to proceed with the trek. Great to hear about prior like Mr Jeet too.
Nice to know about Mr. Jeet. Hope he can inspire more people to be like him. Waterfall looks very beautiful.