Balaghat

In the early 18th century, the district was divided between the two Gond kingdoms; The part of the district west of Wainganga was part of the Gond kingdom of Deogarh, while the eastern part was part of the Garh-Mandla kingdom.

The Deogarh empire was annexed by the Bhonsle Marathas of Nagpur in 1743, and the northern section of the district was conquered shortly thereafter. This section, along with the rest of the Garh-Mandla kingdom, was annexed in 1781 in the Maratha province of Saugor, then under the control of the Maratha Peshwa. In 1798, Bhonsels also acquired the former Garh-Mandla areas.

In 1818, at the conclusion of the Third Anglo-Maratha War, the Nagpur Empire became a princely state of British India. In 1853, the Nagpur Empire, including the Balaghat district, was annexed by the British, and became the new province of Nagpur. The Balaghat district was then divided into the British districts of Seni and Bhandara. In 1861, the Nagpur province was reorganized into the Central Provinces.

Balaghat district was formed during 1867 during the amalgamation of parts of Bhandara, Mandla and Seni districts. The headquarters of the district were originally called "Buha" or "Old". Later, however, the name fell into disuse and was replaced by "Balaghat", which was originally only the name of the district. Administratively, the district was divided into only two tehsils, the Baihar tehsil in the north, which included the plateau region and the Balaghat tehsil in the south, which included the more stable lowlands in the south. The new district was part of the Nagpur Division of the Central Provinces.

In the middle of the 19th century, the upper part of the district was lightly settled, and a beautiful Buddhist temple of cut stone from some remote times, a sign of civilization that had disappeared before historical times. The first deputy-commissioner of the district, Colonel Bloomfield, is regarded as the pioneer or builder of the Balaghat district, who encouraged the settlement of the Baihar tehsil with the Panwar Rajputs from the Viranga Valley. At that time a Lakhman Panwar established the first villages in the Paraswara plateau. Malanjkhand is the most popular copper mine in the Asian region.

In 1868–1869, the rains ceased a month earlier, leading to the failure of lowland rice crops and famine. The district suffered very severely from the famine of 1896–1897, when production of all crops in general fell by only 17 percent. The district suffered again in 1899–1900, when the rice crop again failed, which normally fell to only 23 percent. The population in 1901 was 326,521, which declined by 15% in the decade 1891–190 due to the effects of famine.

In the early 20th century, the district had only 15 miles (24 km) of paved roads, along with 208 miles (335 km) of unpaved roads. The Jabalpur-Gondia railway line through the district was completed in 1904 with six stations in the district.

After Indian independence in 1947, the Central Province became the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. In 1956, the Balaghat district became part of the Jabalpur division of Madhya Pradesh, when the districts south of Balaghat, including Gondia, Bhandara and Nagpur districts, were transferred to the Bombay state.

Balaghat district is currently part of the Red Corridor. The Balaghat district was formed during the amalgamation of parts of Bhandara, Mandia and Seni districts during 1867–1873. Its name signifies "above the ghats" and is due to the fact that the original intention of the government in creating the district was to influence the colonization of the areas above the ghats. The district headquarters was originally called Bura or Old. Later, however, the name fell into disuse and was replaced by 'Balaghat' which was originally only the name of the district.

Balaghat district is also rich with natural beauty, mineral deposits and forests. Many stories have been told for Balaghat's nomination. Buddha, the name is given by historians of the time period 1743–1751. Balaghat falls under the Bhandara dist. Raghuji is the first Maratha who came from Kiranpur side at this place.

In 1845, Dalhousie started the adoption tradition (adoption practice). Through this tradition, the kingdoms of the God Emperors were added to the British states, at that time the real name of this place was Barghat. A resolution was sent to the capital of Calcutta at that time before 1911 to correct this name. The name Barhghat is named because all the names of the hills have the word Ghat, which includes Masen Ghat, Kanjai Ghat, Ranram Ghat, Bas Ghat, Dongri Ghat, Selan Ghat, Bhisana Ghat, Salateri Ghat, Dongria Ghat, Kawargarh Ghat, Ahmedpur Ghat, The Tepagarh Ghats are important. When the word was sent to Calcutta it merged with the word ANGL and the name was Barghat. When it was returned from there the name changed to "L" because Balaghat meant "R", Which was allowed. And the district got its name as Balaghat. On 1 November 1956, it was declared as an independent district of the newly created state of Madhya Pradesh.

Places of Interest:

Kanha National Park:

Kanha Tiger Reserve, also known as Kanha National Park, is one of the tiger reserves of India and is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh located in the middle of India. Presently the Kanha region is divided into two sanctuaries, Hallan and Banjar, 250 and 300 km2 respectively. Kanha National Park was created on 1 June 1955 and Kanha Tiger Reserve was created in 1973. Today it is 940 km 2 km in two districts Mandla and Balaghat. Spread over the area.

The park has significant populations of Royal Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, sloth bears, Barsingha and Indian wild dogs. The forest depicted in Rudyard Kipling's famous novel The Jungle Book is based on the forests including this reserve. It is the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce the mascot, "Bhur Singh the Barasingha".

Kanha Tiger Reserve is home to over 1000 species of flowering plants. The Terai forest is a mixture of saline and other mixed forest trees, surrounded by grasslands. The highland forests are of tropical moist, dry deciduous type and completely different in nature from bamboo on the slopes. A notable Indian ghost tree can also be seen in the dense forest.

Kanha Tiger Reserve has species of tigers, leopards, wild dogs, wild cats, foxes and jackals. Among deer species, the swamp deer or hard-ground Barsingha is the pride of place, as it is the only subspecies of swamp deer in India, except the great swamp deer of the Sundarbans. The animal adapts to hard ground unlike the marshy deer of the north, who live in marshy swamps.

Gangulpara Dam and Waterfall:

Gangulpara Dam and Waterfall is located in the Balaghat district of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is 14 kilometers from Balaghat. This waterfall can be discovered on Baihar Road. It is a wonderful blend of natural beauty and grandeur, which attracts the eyes of the audience! An ideal picnic spot for the locals, it is often visited by them for weekends.

Nature lovers appreciate this water body, which also acts as a storage tank for the water of Ghisari Nala. This water reserve caters to the irrigation needs of the farmers of the nearby local village, Tekdi.

The Gangulpara Dam is surrounded by a lot of hills and a natural water tank appears in the middle of it. You can also see the Gangulpara Dam passing through 52 ghats which is surrounded by this dam. This rainy season is very beautiful and natural small waterfalls flow everywhere.

Malajkhand Copper Project:

Malajkhand Copper Project (MCP) The Malajkhand Copper Belt in Malajkhand, Madhya Pradesh, contains a large mass of copper ore in granite rocks, which differs from diorite to granite in composition. Major deposits are: Malajkhand, Sheetalpani (Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh), Gidhari Dhauli, Jatt and Garhi Dongri.

The Malajkhand Copper Project was established in 1982. The inserial project has been set up by Hindustan Copper Limited to exploit copper ore through an open pit mine. The Geological Survey of India conducted systematic geological exploration on this deposit during 1969. The mining lease of ore was awarded to HCL during 1973. As time progressed the project was scaled up with viable operational development.

In addition to the present open pit mine and concentrator plant, the project also provides ancillary facilities such as tailings disposal and water reclamation systems, repair shops, maintenance garages, water treatment plants, warehouses, fueling stations, 132 kV power sub-station. Waste treatment facilities and townships with modern facilities.

Bajrang Ghat:

Bajrang Ghat is a dream come true for nature lovers and swimmers, who do not like the shallowness and restriction of the swimming pool of the city. One can see the various routes of this beautiful ghat including the route passing through Forest Rangers College Balaghat. The "Bajrang Ghat" has small temples and "arenas" and is a safe ghat with very slowly increasing depths, making it an ideal "natural swimming pool". The ghat becomes a witness to a large crowd in the summer season. On the other side of the ghat is known as "Jalaj", which is the tip of a large submerged rock and serves as a resting place for those who can cross the river to reach it. A local swim club is also located here, which is known as Jila Swimming Association Balaghat. This ghat is on the Vainganga river.

Rajiv Sagar Dam:

The Rajiv Sagar Dam Project, constructed by the Government of Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Maharashtra, is expected to benefit 97 villages in Balaghat district of MP: agricultural produce and financial condition of farmers is likely to improve. The Rajiv Sagar (Bawanthadi Dame) mega project built on the Bawanthadi River is an inter-state project in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The project has been constructed at village Kudwa in Tehsil Katangi in Balaghat district and Bawanthadi village near Tehsil Tumsar in Bhandara district, Bhandara district, Maharashtra. The dam here has been built 31 meters high and 6 kilometers 420 meters long.

Rampayali Temple:

It is said that Lord Rama came here during 14 years of exile, since then the name of this city became Padavali i.e. Ram Payali. According to the locals, the Sri Ram temple was built by Maratha Bhonsle 600 years ago in a scientific way as a fort on the banks of the river. A place has been constructed in the temple from where the first rays of the sun fall at the feet of Lord Rama Balaji. The construction of this temple is mentioned in the ancient history of India.

The main Siddha idols of Shri Ram Temple are Balaji and Sitaji. The idol of Lord Rama is in the Vanvasi form. Ram Dev is giving a blessing on the head of Sita, frightened by seeing the huge demons by the hand. Here the devotees see Lord Ram and Sita directly.

This idol of Lord Rama's Vanvasi costumes was obtained from the depths of the Chandan River about four hundred years ago, when a person was seen in a dream. The statue was removed and placed under a neem tree at the edge of the river and King Bhosale renovated the temple and installed the idol.

Dhutti Dam:

Dhooti Dam, officially Dhoti Wear, is a diversion on the Vainganga River near Lamta in the Balaghat district of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The dam was constructed in 1923 under the supervision of the British civil engineer Sir George Moss Harriet. There are two canals on the banks of the dam. The canal on the eastern side provides irrigation to Lamta, which meets Lalbarra on the western side.

Nahlesara Dam:

Located about 58 km from Balaghat, Nahlesra is an old dam that serves the irrigation purpose of the surrounding villages. It was built during 1960–1965. Built on the Chandan River, the dam is about 2 km long. Places around Nahlesara Dam are ideal for holidaying. Amma Mai Temple, located at a distance of 1 km behind the dam, is another point of attraction.

Lanji Fort:

The present fort of Lanji is much older than the 52 strongholds of the Great King Sangram Shah. The palace currently remains in the fort, Princess Halsa's grandfather Malukuma was built in the 12th century. The fort has been constructed on a total of 7 acres of land. The main gate of the fort is oriented towards the center which symbolizes the symbol of the turtle and the snake. The fortress fortress is Chaturonian, with a height of about 20 feet, four bastions were built at the four corners, of which two bastions are still safe. The walls of the parka are 8 feet in width, which is also the route from one turret to another.

There is a deep moat around the parkota, which is said to be filled with water in the moat, where large crocodile fish were raised, crocodiles swam and drove out the enemies coming to the fort. Thus, Lanji Fort was an excellent palace in terms of security.

The structure of the fort and the turret is similar to the fort of Chandgarh, the giant trees of Peepal and Banyan have grown on the parka and burj, whose age is 300 years old. After entering the main gate of the fort, the remains of the construction work appear on the left side where the palace was located. In front of it there is a bath in the west direction which is now covered with mud.

Gomji-Somji Temple:

Gomji-Somji Temple, along with one of its sister temples, known as Jwaladevi Temple, situated on the summit of the mountains of Bharveli region and one of the places of religious importance in the region, about 10 km from Balaghat. is. Jwaladevi attracts thousands of pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra every year, especially during the Navaratri Festival. Thousands of devotees from Madhya Pradesh visit the temple for the Navaratri festival.

Maa Kalipath Temple:

Maa Kalipath Temple located in the Forest Colony in Balaghat district adds beauty to this temple. According to the local people, it is believed that the statue of Mother had gone out of the earth itself, only part of this statue was seen at that time. According to the people, the idol is coming on top of the earth day by day, because of this, today the whole part of the idol has come out of the earth, but according to the belief, no one knows the exact shape of the idol and how much the idol is is . Every year, during the Navratri festival, a large crowd of devotees gather for this darshan. Thousands of people come from Balaghat and its surroundings every year. It is a Siddha Devi place for the people of Balaghat.

Tourist Spot:

Kanha National Park:

Category:  Natural Beauty

Kanha Tiger Reserve, also known as Kanha National Park, is one of the tiger reserves of India and is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh located in the middle of India. Presently the Kanha region is divided into two sanctuaries, Hallan and Banjar, 250 and 300 km2 respectively. Kanha National Park was created on 1 June 1955 and Kanha Tiger Reserve was created in 1973. Today it is 940 km 2 km in two districts Mandla and Balaghat. Spread over the area.

The park has significant populations of Royal Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, sloth bears, Barsingha and Indian wild dogs. The forest depicted in Rudyard Kipling's famous novel The Jungle Book is based on the forests including this reserve. It is the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce the mascot, "Bhur Singh the Barasingha".

Culture and Heritage:

Hatta ki Baoli:

This baoli is built in the ancient fort of Hatta village. After the Haiyya dynasty kings, the Gond king Hatay Singh Walke built this Baoli. It is believed that this village has been named Hatta due to Hate Singh being the king of Valke. Raja Het Singh built this baoli to hide, drink, bathe and relax for the soldiers during the summer. After the Gond period, Maratha rulers and Bhonsle kingdom have also been used in it. Due to this, the art works of Maratha rulers and Bhonsle kingdom are seen in Bawdi.

It is believed that there is a tunnel inside this baoli, which connects the fort of Lanji and the fort of Mandla. However, information about its closure is available. At present, this stepwell has been preserved and kept under its control by the Department of Archeology.

This baoli was built in the 14th-14th century. During this time large rocks were cut and decorated. The pillars were planted. This baoli is two storeyed. 10 pillars on the first floor and 6 pillars based verandah and room have been constructed below it. Two quadrilateral Shiva Ambika idols have been carved at the entrance of Bawdi.

This Baoli has been declared a protected monument by the Department of Archeology. Shashan has also made a provision for penalty for damage to this monument, the government had taken this baoli under its suzerainty in the year 1979. Previously this Baoli was under the landlord of Hatta. After this it was handed over to the Department of Archeology. Since then it is under the Department of Archeology.

Adventures Activities:

Jeep Safari:

Jeep Safari is available in Kanha National Park, it has mini jeep facility from the park and for which saloon has to pay its money. Jeeps can be booked before the park opens, including a driver and guide service. As per our convenience, private jeeps can be used to see the places around Kanha, natural and stunning places like Soupkhar, Garhi, Bhaisanghat. Private jeeps are not allowed inside the park.

Due to some areas of Balaghat its name lies in the heart of India. The cultural heritage of Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh) is ancient and preserved. There are countless monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces, empires, great warriors, poets and musicians as well as reminders of the days of secularism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam.

A good part of this region is forested which presents a unique and exciting panorama. Tiger is quite common in Kanha National Park. Jeep Safari in Kanha National Park gives you a great experience.

Jungle Trekking:

Balaghat Jungle Trekking prides itself on sharing its nature and century old cultures, and many years of experience in the region with you and offers you a wonderful opportunity to explore our beautiful and adventurous India.

If tourists want to enjoy jungle trekking in Balaghat, they must once roam the forest of Gangulpara. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, there are many small valleys in the forest, along with small waterfalls flowing from the middle of the mountains, further enhances the natural form of this place. The forest of Gangulpara is protected by a very big dam. There are many trails to go in the jungle.

Mountaineering:

Are you a true sports lover who wishes to bike in the most exciting areas of the world, ride the highest mountains and travel to distant cities. Want to conquer some of the highest peaks of India.

So Balaghat is an exciting and adventurous playground for those types of adventure people. And ancient cultures, Balaghat is a place to visit. Some of the best peaks in Balaghat are mountain climbing.

Hot Air Balloon Ride:

The Hot Air Balloon Ride in Balaghat takes you on a flight to Kanha National Park, famous for its tigers. The hot air balloon ride provides a fascinating view of the ancient forest. The rides take off depending on the good weather conditions and usually lasts for 1 hour in the morning (around 6pm) and evening (around 4pm). Hot air balloons can carry 8 to 11 passengers at a time. It is offbeat, experiential, and recommended for inbound passengers.

Paragliding Ride:

Paragliding is an entertaining and competitive adventure sport of flying paragliders: lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft with no rigid primary structure. The pilot sits in a harness suspended under a fabric wing. The wing shape is maintained by the suspension lines, the pressure of the air entering the front wing, and the aerodynamic force of the air flowing outward.

Hot air balloon and paragliding games are available during the Baiga Olympic event. Baiga is organized by Olympic District Administration in Baihar Tehsil of Balaghat. The Baiga Olympic Program hosts a variety of traditional sports. In these games, contestants from the Baiga tribe of Balaghat and its surrounding tribal districts take part. The Baiga Olympic event is held between January to February.

Boat Ride:

Boating in Gangulpara of Balaghat can be fun and adventure. You can be proud to experience boating in Madhya Pradesh. Gangulpara is an eco-tourism center, boating facilities are available in the Gangulpara reservoir. Life jackets are given to tourists during boating. And complete information about boating is provided.

The festival:

Pola Festival: Celebrated / Duration: August

Pola festival is celebrated by the farmers here, in which farmers worship their bulls.

How to reach:

By Air:

The Birwa airstrip is the nearest route to reach Balaghat. Birwa is a village in Baihar tehsil in Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh state, India. It comes under the Jabalpur Division. It is 55 km east of Balaghat in the district headquarters. It is situated far away. 2 km from Baihar and 410 km from state capital Bhopal.

By Rail:

Balaghat railway station is located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, on the Jabalpur-Nainpur-Gondia section of the South East Central Railway. Rail routes through the junction include Jabalpur, Gondia, Katangi to Satpura railway routes. There are 2 direct trains from Jabalpur to Balaghat. The minimum time taken by a train to reach Balaghat from Jabalpur is 5.27 Hrs

By Road:

You can easily get regular buses to Balaghat from other major cities of the country