Mainpat- A Shimla which is Not in Himachal

Mainpat

Yes, you read it right. This Shimla is not in Himachal and this Shimla is still hidden from tourists. This Shimla has a treasure chest full of wonders and this Shimla is in Chhattisgarh. The name of this Shimla is 'Mainpat'. Here, I would give you eight reasons why should pack your bags and set off on a journey to Mainpat.

1) Mainpat is a beautiful hill station with green pastures, valleys, colourful fields, waterfalls and a lovely cool weather. Located about 360kms from Raipur, Mainpat is the best option if you are looking for an unexplored hill station.

Photo of Mainpat, Chhattisgarh, India by The Rooted Nomads (Ria Chaudhury)

5) Most of you have heard about Tibetan settlements in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. But did you know that Mainpat is also one of the places apart from Dharamsala where Indian Government had re-settled the Tibetan Refugees in 1959. Currently about 2000 Tibetans reside in Mainpat and you can experience Tibetan culture here. From Delicious Tibetan foods , colourful prayer flags to a beautiful Tibetan Monastery , Mainpat has everything to give you a beautiful experience.

6) Mainpat has Majestic waterfalls amidst breathtaking green forests. One can easily reach the waterfalls by trekking short distances and enjoy the natural beauty. The two waterfalls which are very popular are the Tiger Point Waterfall and the Machili / Fish Point.

7) Have you ever jumped on a natural Trampoline? If your answer is 'no', then you must visit Mainpat. There is a bouncing ground in Mainpat which is sure to bring out the child in you. You may be 10 years old or you may be 70 but I can bet that when you visit Daldali in Mainpat, you are definitely going to jump and jump and Jump. You have the watch the video below to know what I am talking about.

Ulta Pani Visarpani

2)Physics says that Water shall always flow from a higher point to a lower point. If you want to make water flow from a lower point to higher point you have to use a pump. What if I tell you that there is a place in Mainpat where water flows from a low point to a high point on its own defying the laws of Physics? At 'Ulta Pani' , pani ulta behti hain. Also, at this place a car would move up a slope with its engine turned off. Watch the video below to see 'ulta pani'.

Thinthini Patthar

3) What would you hear when you strike a rock with another rock? Can you make music out of it? No? At Mainpat , there is a huge rock that produces different kinds of sound when struck with another rock. This is named as 'ThinThini Patthar' because of the 'thinthin' (metallic) sound that the rock makes. This a sonorous rocks and sonorous rocks are rare in India. I shall only share a picture here. To make your own musical composition , you must visit Mainpat.

jogimara caves

4) Mainpat is located in Surguja district. While on your way to Mainpat, you would cross Ramgarh. Set amidst hills and forests, there are the Jogimara and the Sita Bengra group of caves. Sita Bengra caves are known to be Ram and Sita's residence during their exile. These caves are one of the best examples of rock cut architecture and steps and benches cut out of rocks can be seen. The benches and the aisle also provide evidence of this cave being used as an amphitheatre. The Jogimara caves have paintings which are older than the paintings found in the Ajanta caves and estimated to be made between 300BC to 1000 Bc.

8) Road to Mainpat goes through a place known as Pali. At Pali there is a historical temple built during 870-900AD by Vikramaditya of Bana Dynasty. This Nagara style temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva , is adorned with exquisite carvings and sculptures. There are sculptures of gods, goddesses, human figures, everyday life and floral designs. If you are a lover of architecture , then this temple is sure to mesmerise you with its carvings.