Rajmergarh Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

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The Complete Guide to Rajmergarh Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

The Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek takes you by surprise. We have done lots of treks in jungles before but nothing similar to Chhattisgarh.

The first thing that strikes you in Rajmergarh Chhattisgarh are the forests. Everyday of the trek the forests are different. Even within a day's trek there are variations that pleasantly surprise you. At no point do you feel claustrophobic with too much forests. The variety is astounding.

low-preview-Rajmergarh Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

Picture by Sandhya UC.

You walk on plateaus, dive down to valleys, and cross rivers, streams, and waterfalls. Suddenly you pass through ancient settlements -- tribes that are almost extinct (like the Baga) and get a sneak peek into their way of living. The trek is like a motion picture between the densely carpeted forest floor and the interwoven canopies of tall trees.

Trekking here is like being caught between the covers of "Jungle Book". And why not these are the very same jungles that inspired Rudyard Kipling to write the famous book. You are transported to a land that you always imagine in your minds but hardly get to see. Finally, you can experience such land on this trek.

This jungle trek is located in the Satpura range near Amarkantak, where the Narmada river originates. It's very near to the buffer zone of Achanakmar Tiger reserve area. You will be finishing off this trek at the beautiful Lakshman Dhara waterfall.

The trail passes through the tribal settlements around the area. Picture by Sandhya UC

Note: The trek to Rajmergarh Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek was an initiative between the Chhattisgarh Tourism and Indiahikes. This was explored in 2018 and Indiahikes ran a few teams in 2019.

However, later in the year 2019, the Government of Chhattisgarh declared the Guru Ghasidas National Park as a tiger reserve and since then the trek is not possible.

Just like you, we love trekking! And this is a trek we've documented in great detail to help you do it on your own. Drop-in comments at the end of the page if you need any help! You will get all the information required to do the Rajmergarh Chhattisgarh Jungle trek on your own.

To navigate through the documentation easily, use this section of the Table of Contents.

Quick Itinerary

Day 0: Take a train from Raipur to reach Pendra Road. The train we recommend is the Gondia Bju Express, which starts at 12:15 am from Raipur Junction and reaches Pendra Road at 4:00 am.

Day 1: Reach the base camp Laxman Dhara Waterfall. Trek to Munsiyari.
From Pendra Road it will take around 45 mins to 1 hour to reach Laxman Dhara Waterfall.
Distance - 15 km drive by car
Trek distance - 11 km

Day 2: Munsiyari to Keonchi.
Trek distance – 17 km
Trek gradient – Mostly flat
Terrain type – Jungle trail throughout

Day 3: Keonchi to Rajmergarh.
Trek distance – 10-11 km
Trek gradient – Flat for the most part, some undulating ridges and ascend in the last section towards Rajmergarh
Terrain type – Jungle trail with portions passing through a basthi

Day 4: Rajmergarh to Pendra Road.
Have your breakfast in the morning and you can go on an excursion to Amarkantak. Start for Pendra Road around the afternoon and reach Pendra Road Station from Rajmergarh in 40-45 minutes. Around 3-4 PM.

It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id for entry at forest check posts on the trek.

Know Your Trek

Day 1: Reach the base camp Rajemergarh
Distance: 20 km drive by car
Time:1-2 hours

Reach Pendra road railway station by 4:00 am. Start the 2 hours drive to Rajmergarh which will serve as the basecamp for the trek. It will be an 18 km drive on a motorable road till Jaleshwar and the final stretch of 2 km on a kutcha road till Rajmergarh campsite.

Rajmergarh campsite. Picture by Sandhya UC

The village of Rajmergarh is placed on a plateau with little or no habitation. The dense forest cover all around is a welcome balm to the eyes.

Day 2: Trek from Rajmergarh to Keonchi

Trek distance: 8.8 km
Time taken: 4-5 hrs
Trek gradient and type: Mostly flat with gradual descents through a jungle trail

The second day is mostly under the tree cover as you make your way towards the village of Keonchi. This trail isn’t very discernible. It was used for a long time by locals to commute between the basthis (local settlements) through the jungles. With the development of an alternate asphalt road, locals have now stopped using this path. The trail is filled with undergrowth and weeds.

The plateau of Rajmergarh. Picture by Sandhya UC

You’ll pass by multiple dry stream beds. Keep heading in a southerly direction as you follow the trail. At about 5 km into your trek, you’ll see a small hut and farmlands all around. This is the last basthi of Amadobe village. At this point, the trail becomes prominent as the locals of this region regularly use this trail. You’ll also notice the power lines coming from Keonchi.

Picture by Tanmay

Head eastwards on the trail. You’ll descend gradually and along multiple streams. About 7.6 km into the trail, the basthis of Keonchi will be visible. Walkthrough the farmlands and the settlements up until the road head. You’ll reach the road connecting Pendra to Bilaspur. Just beside the road is a flat ground which will be your campsite. The water source is close by in the form of a tap. Adjacent to the camp, you’ll find a flowing river. This water is not suitable for drinking as it heads down from Amarkantak.

Day 3: Trek from Keonchi to Musiyari

Trek distance: 13 km
Time taken: 5-6 hr
Trek gradient and type: Flat for the most part, some undulating ridges

Start the third day of the trek by passing through the paddy fields in Keonchi and back into the jungle. Listen to the sound of the jungle as you head towards the basthi of Auretiayi. The jungle today isn’t as dense and the trail is on a bed of grass surrounded by Sal and other trees. The sunbeams dancing through the tree cover make for a surreal experience in the forest.

The trail goes through dense forests. Picture by Tanmay

At 1.4 km into the trail, watch out for a dry stream bed along your right (S) side. You will be crossing this stream bed shortly. The locals call this stream Koilar Nala. At 1.8 km, you’ll see a fork in the trail. Continue towards ESE direction. At about 3.5 km, you’ll come into a small clearing in the jungle.

The local villagers use this region for wood and to graze their cattle. You’ve now reached another tribal basthi named Auretiayi. Cross another stream called Thula naar and head towards ESE direction. 5 km into your day, you’ll see the first huts of Auretiayi basthi.

The inhabitants of this village are Adivasis (indigenous tribals). you’ll see this basthi has neither electricity nor telephone connection. It’s connected to the neighboring villages by a mud road on which vehicles can ply. The locals earn their bread by cultivating rice (dhan) and yellow dal (rahar), and from dairy products.

Be respectful when talking to the locals and request permission before taking their photographs. Continue on the trail through the village, you’ll pass beside a bridge on your right, over the Bhokra Khola nala.

2 km on the village trail, and you’ll come to the end of Auretiayi basthi. Here, veer off towards the S and into the jungle through the rice fields. These are the jungles of Patia Dongri. As you walk on the ridge, you’ll see the Kowha Nala gently meandering down in the valley.

2.5 km into the jungle, you’ll approach a clearing. Follow the trail here as it bends towards the south. Mushrooms are commonly found here, and some species are edible and delicious when made into a curry. Always confirm with the locals before any foraging.

Continue through multiple stream beds and the first huts of Musiyari welcome you. Camp near the school and use the hand pump for all your water needs.

Day 4: Musiyari to Pendra Road via Laxman Dhara Falls.

Trek distance: Trek: 12.2 km; Drive: 17km
Time taken: 6-7 hrs
Trek gradient: Gradual descent, mostly flat
Terrain type: Jungle trails for the first 2 km, village trail for the next 1 km, jungle rest of the way, village trail for the last 1.5 km

Next day, from the Musiyari road head, catch the trail heading towards Bhanwartonk village. This trail also goes through the Marhi Mata Mandir which the locals revere. Keep on the trail heading eastwards. After 1.4 km, you will cross a railway track.

Continue on the trail and 0.6 km after the crossing you will reach Bhanwartonk village. The railway station is in the vicinity, and so are a bunch of houses and a hand pump. Use the hand pump to refill your bottles. Pass through the village and back into the jungle.

This is a prominent trail, used by the local folks to get in and out of the jungle for wood. After about 3.6 km you’ll come to a fork in the trail. Take the trail heading NE. The other trail takes you to the railway line. Continue on this trail for 1.8 km and you’ll reach the shores of the Arpa River.

Remove your shoes and ford the river. The flow is gentle but watches out for the slippery rock bed. Take your time to cross the river. Take a break here, and soak inside the gorgeous settings. The trail then drifts off towards the E along the shores of Arpa. The babbling brook makes for a serene sound.

After 1.3 km, you’ll have to ford the Arpa again. Remove your shoes once more and watch out for the slippery rocks. The trail now heads north, following the route of the Arpa. Continue for 1.5 km, and you’ll hear the raging sound of the Lakshman Dhara waterfall. The waterfall set in the midst of a rock formation is the highlight of the day.

After Lakshman Dhara, the trail continues North, and your destination is the village of Daihanpara. There is a mud road here which jeeps use to ply to Lakshman Dhara. Follow this trail through Saigun forests. The type of wood found in this jungle is very sought after in the furniture business.

1.5 km from Lakshman Dhara is another railway crossing. The trail then heads into the Daihanpara village, as you pass a school and a hand pump. Continue on the village road for another 1 km as you reach the main road called Tenga Dia. This is the end of the trek.

Passing through the paddy fields of Keonchi. Picture by Ramapriya SR

Start the fourth day of the trek by passing through the paddy fields in Keonchi and back into the jungle. Listen to the sound of the jungle as you head towards the basthi of Auretiayi. The jungle today isn’t as dense and the trail is on a bed of grass surrounded by Sal and other trees. The sunbeams dancing through the tree cover make for a surreal experience in the forest.

The local villagers use this region for wood and to graze their cattle. You've now reached another tribal basthi named Auretiayi. Cross another stream called Thula naar and head towards ESE direction. 5 km into your day, you’ll see the first huts of Auretiayi basthi.

Going through dense forests en route Auretiayi. Picture by Tanmay

The inhabitants of this village are Adivasis (indigenous tribals). you’ll see this basthi has neither electricity nor telephone connection. It’s connected to the neighboring villages by a mud road on which vehicles can ply. The locals earn their bread by cultivating rice (dhan) and yellow dal (rahar), and from dairy products.

Continue through multiple stream beds and the first huts of Musiyari welcome you. Camp near the school and use the hand pump for all your water needs.

Commonly found mushrooms around the area. Picture by Tanmay

Day 5: Musiyari (507 m) to Daihanpara (567 m) and further to Pendra Road

Trek distance - Trek: 12.2 km
Drive -17km
Time taken - 6-7 hrs
Trek gradient - Gradual descent, mostly flat
Terrain type - Jungle trails for the first 2 km, village trail for the next 1 km, jungle rest of the way, village trail for the last 1.5 km

Arpa river. Picture by Tanmay

Remove your shoes and ford the river. The flow is gentle but watch out for the slippery rock bed. Take your time to cross the river. Take a break here, and soak inside the gorgeous settings. The trail then drifts off towards the E along the shores of Arpa. The babbling brook makes for a serene sound.

Lakshman Dhara waterfall. Picture by Tanmay

Is Rajmergarh Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek Safe?

A question that may arise for many is whether this trek is safe given the political unrest in Chhattisgarh.

Rest assured that this trek is absolutely safe and very far away from any Naxal-affected areas. In fact, there are no such activities at all within a 500 km radius around the trek. Geographically, the trek in the North-Western border of Chhattisgarh state whereas the region affected by Naxal activities lies on the South-Eastern corner.

Chattisgarh Naxal Map

We had opened this trek in collaboration with the Chhattisgarh Tourism Department. Before opening, we sent two teams to explore the trails. They surveyed the area along with the officials of the state Tourism Department and reaffirmed that is it completely safe to trek.

How to reach to the basecamp - Rajmergarh

By Train

The nearest railroad junction is Pendra Road Railway station (PND).

Indiahikes organizes transport from Pendra Road Railway station to Laxman Dhara Waterfalls. The pick-up is at 6:00 am on Day 1 of your trek. The cab fare is Rs. 1,200 per vehicle. This is not included in the trek fee. It is to be shared amongst trekkers and paid directly to the driver.

From Delhi

Pendra Road is directly linked to Delhi through rail:

18508 Hirakund Express: Departs from New Delhi Railway Station at 08:10 hours and arrives at Pendra Road Railway Station at 02:05 hours.

18216 Jammu Tawi Durg Express: Departs from New Delhi Railway Station at 19:05 hours and arrives at Pendra Road Railway Station at 13:55 hours.

12824 Chhattisgarh Sampark Kranti Express: Departs from Nizamuddin Railway Station at 15:25 hours and arrives at Pendra Road Railway Station at 09:40 hours.

From Mumbai

There are no trains that connect directly from Mumbai to Pendra Road Railway Station. You can choose to reach Pendra Road either through Bilaspur or Raipur.

Via Raipur: This is the most convenient route to reach Pendra Road. Arrive at Raipur by flight or by train. Then take the local train from Raipur to Pendra Road.

The Amarkantak Express, Chhattisgarh Sampark Kranti Express and the Humsafar Express are some of the trains that pass via Pendra Road Railway Station.

Via Bilaspur: Take the train from Mumbai to Bilaspur. The Howrah Mail and Kamakhya Express are good options. Both the trains at arrive at Bilaspur late morning.

From Bilaspur, you can take the bus or private vehicles to Pendra Road Railway Station, which is about 120 kms away.

It takes about 4-5 hours to reach Pendra Road by bus; and 2-3 hours by private vehicle.

From Kolkata

There are two trains that connect Kolkata to Pendra Road:

19659 Shalimar Udaipur City Express and the 22830 Shalimar Bhuj Superfast Express.

The trains depart from Kolkata at 20:20 hours and arrive at Pendra Road Railway Station the next morning.

From Bangalore/ Chennai

There are no direct trains from Bangalore or Chennai to Pendra Road. The best option is to take a flight to Raipur. Then take the local train to arrive at Pendra Road.

The Amarkantak Express, Chhattisgarh Sampark Kranti Express and the Humsafar Express are some trains that pass via Pendra Road Railway Station.

By Air

The Raipur airport is about 250 km away from Pendra Road Railway Station. There are many local trains that go from Raipur via Pendra Road.

The Amarkantak Express, Chhattisgarh Sampark Kranti Express, and the Humsafar Express are some trains that pass via Pendra Road Railway Station.

Buses leave from Raipur airport to Raipur railway station every half hour. The bus stop is just below the road ramp on the left side of the airport. The ticket is Rs 50.

You can also reach via Jabalpur airport which is 204 km away. Regular buses, jeeps, and cabs can be found on this route.

Getting back after the trek

We will drop you at Pendra Road Railway Station at the end of your trek. You will reach Pendra Road at around 4PM.

From here you can take the night train to Delhi or Kolkata.

Alternatively, you can take the night train to Raipur and then fly out of Raipur the next morning.

How Difficult is Rajmergarh Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

The Rajmergarh Jungle Trek trek is an easy-moderate trek in terms of difficulty.

Due to the long days of trekking dehydration could be a major issue, and therefore it’s important to keep yourself hydrated. Carry atleast 3 water bottles since water sources are few and far.

Best Time and Temparature on Rajmergarh Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

The best time to do the Rajmergarh Jungle Trek would be between November and February.

The temperature is pleasant in those months, daytime in the early 20 range and evenings much cooler. You’ll need at least one good jacket to tackle the cold at night.

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What to Take on Your Trek

If you're trekking in the Rajmergarh jungles in winter, the temperature during the day will be at around 15 to 25 degrees and at night, the temperature will drop to 5 to 7 degrees. You will need to carry a minimum of two warm layers. Apart from this, ensure you carry your warm accessories such as synthetic (water-resistant) gloves, woolen socks and balaclava.

Ensure you carry sandals, a poncho and full sleeve t-shirts and pants to have a comfortable trek.

Bare Necessities

Trekking shoes: Carry trekking shoes and not sports shoes. The trail will be slippery at several places and will require shoes with good grip and ankle support. You can watch this video to learn to choose the right trekking shoes.
Backpack (40-60 litres): A backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for the backpack is essential.

Clothes

On a trek, carry fewer clothes than you would normally need. Do not pack for 'what if situations'. That will only add to the weight of your backpack and not be used on the trek. Once your clothes get warmed up on a trek, you will not feel like changing. Just maintain personal hygiene.

Two layers of warm clothes: If you're trekking in winter, carry a fleece jacket and a padded jacket. (Note: In summers, the minimum temperature hovers around 22°c, so you wouldn't need any warm layer.)
Two trek pants: Carry light quick dry trek pants. One of your pants can be tights that you can wear as an inner layer while trekking. Denim/jeans and shorts are not suitable for trekking.
Two collared t-shirts: Carry light, full sleeved t-shirts that prevent sun burns on the neck and arms. Let one of these be a dry-fit t-shirt. It will dry quickly in case you are trekking on a rainy day. A common mistake that trekkers make is not changing their tshirts often enough. Regardless of how cold it is, the body tends to sweat a lot. Trekkers who don’t change to fresh clothes after reaching the campsite fall ill due to wet clothes and are often unable to complete their trek.
Sandals: Carry sandals on this trek as there are multiple river crossings. Trekking shoes are required for the forest but have a handy pair of sandals to slip into.

Accessories

Sunglasses: Sunglasses are mandatory. This is to protect you from the harsh winter sun.
Suncap
Hand gloves: A fleece or woolen glove will do
Balaclava: You'll need this to cover your head, as most of the heat escapes from your head. (Note: Not required in summer)
Socks (2 pairs) and a pair of woollen socks: Apart from two sports socks, you can take a pair of woollen socks for the night.
Headlamp/LED torch: Mandatory
Trekking pole: Watch this video to understand why you need a trekking pole.
Ponchos: In a jungle, unexpected rain is possible at anytime, and hence it's mandatory to carry a poncho so that you don't get wet.

Others

Daypack (20 litres): You will need this to carry water bottles, light snacks, and medical kit in case you decide to offload your backpack.
Toiletries: Sunscreen, moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser. Do not carry wet wipes since these are not biodegradable. We do not like biodegradable wet wipes because they take a long time to decompose in the mountains. Use toilet paper instead.
Sanitary waste: Make sure you bring your used sanitary napkins back to the city with you. Carry a zip lock bag to put used napkins. Bring this ziplock bag back with you to the city and do not dispose sanitary napkins in the mountains.
Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug, and a lunch box. We insist on trekkers getting their own cutlery for hygiene reasons. We do not allow biodegradable or disposable cutlery on our treks.
Three water bottles: 1 litre each. We recommend the Lifestraw Go. Indiahikes trekkers can get it at a discount here.
Plastic covers: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.
Odomos or any other insect repellant

Mandatory Personal Medical Kit

Crocin – 6 tablets (fever)
Avomine – 4 tablets (motion sickness)
Avil 25mg – 4 tablets (allergies)
Combiflam – 4 tablets (Pain killer)
Norflox TZ & Lomofen– 6 tablets each (diarrhea)
Digene - 10 tablets (acidity)
Omez/ Rantadine – 10 tablets (antacids)
Crepe bandage – 3 to 5 meters
Gauze - 1 small roll
Band aid – 10 strips
Cotton – 1 small roll
ORS – 10 packets
Betadine or any antiseptic cream
Moov spray (aches, & sprains)
Knee cap, if you are prone to knee injury
Anti fungal powder
Odomos or any other insect repellent

Mandatory Documents

Please carry the below documents. Documents two and three need to be downloaded (PDF), filled in, signed and handed over to the trek leader at the base camp.

Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (driving license, voters ID, etc.) - It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id for entry at forest check posts on the trek. Since Baikunthpur will have limited facilities to photocopy, do not leave this till the end.
Medical Certificate (first part to be filled by a doctor and second part by the trekker) – Download PDF
Disclaimer form (to be filled by the trekker) – Download PDF

Here's a guide to help you pack for the trek

Here’s a quick info-graphic to give you an overview of everything you need in your backpack.

How to Get Fit for the Trek

The Chhattisgarh Jungle trek is marked as an easy-moderate trek. The trek is in the forest and has its share of climbs, descents, and long walks.

Cardiovascular Endurance

This trek requires a good amount of cardiovascular endurance. You can begin by jogging everyday. Start jogging at a slow pace and then keep increasing your pace day by day. In order to be prepared for high altitude trek, you should have a combination of distance and speed targets.

Here’s a fitness routine that works

–> Target completing 5 km in 45 minutes when you begin.

–> Gradually increase your pace by running 4 times a week and bring it down to 5 km in less than 35 mins.

–> If you are 45 years old and above and are more comfortable with long distance walking than jogging, then before you go on the trek, you should be able to walk at least 10 km at a stretch. Target completing this in 90 minutes.

If jogging is fine for you, your target should be completing 5 km in 45 minutes initially, and 5 km in less than 35 minutes before you go on the trek.

–> If you are somebody who prefers cycling over running, your target must be to cover 22 km in 60 minutes.

Working Out Indoors

If you can’t go out and jog because of time and space constraints, here’s a video you can use to work out indoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do we reach Pendra Road railway station?

The nearest railway station is Pendra Road which is well connected from Raipur and Bilaspur by bus and train. Its 15 km far from Laxman Dhara Waterfalls,21 km far from Rajmergarh, 100 km from Bilaspur, and 214 km from Raipur. Regular buses, jeeps, and taxis ply on this route.

2. Which are the best seasons for the Chhattisgarh Jungle trek?

The best time to do this trek is in December when it gets favourable. The summers are too hot and the monsoons are way too rainy and might disturb your trek experience. The winter days are just enough warm with nights cool and pleasant.