Nambi Waterfall Draws Tourists as Bastar Moves Beyond Naxal Shadow

Bijapur, August 19, 2026; A new chapter is unfolding in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region as Nambi Waterfall in Bijapur district gains recognition as an emerging tourist attraction. Improved connectivity and a gradual return of normalcy have encouraged visitors to explore the scenic destination, while local residents are finding fresh opportunities to earn a livelihood from tourism.

Situated amid Bastar’s natural landscape, Nambi Waterfall is regarded as one of the prominent waterfalls in Chhattisgarh. The growing tourist movement has also encouraged young villagers to take an active role in managing tourism-related activities at the site.

A 27-member local committee has been formed to assist visitors. Members are engaged in guiding tourists, managing entry tickets and providing food services. According to local representatives, the group earned more than Rs 2 lakh over the past two months through these activities.

Local guide Gajendra Kattam said tourism has brought a significant change to the area. The committee has established a small kitchen where visitors can purchase meals for Rs 120 per plate. He said more than 2,000 tourists have visited Nambi Waterfall since July.

Kattam said the situation was very different during the height of Naxal activity, when movement in the region was severely restricted and visitors were unable to freely reach the waterfall. The improvement in infrastructure and security conditions over the past two years, he said, has helped attract people from outside the region.

The changing tourism landscape has also been noticed by visitors. Govardhan Sahu, Tehsildar of Dantewada and a tourist, said improved road connectivity has made the waterfall considerably easier to reach compared with his earlier visit to the area.

He described the surrounding landscape as one of the most attractive parts of Bastar and suggested expanding basic tourist facilities. According to him, homestays and small food outlets could provide additional income to residents while making the destination more convenient for visitors.

At the same time, Sahu stressed the need for adequate safety arrangements because of mining-related activity in parts of the region. He said tourists should be clearly informed about routes where mining operations are underway and appropriate security arrangements should be considered.

The growing popularity of Nambi Waterfall highlights the wider transformation taking place in Bastar. Areas once associated primarily with security concerns are increasingly being explored for their natural beauty, offering local communities an opportunity to participate in tourism and develop alternative sources of income.

With photographs and travel experiences spreading through social media and word of mouth, Nambi Waterfall is gradually gaining attention beyond Chhattisgarh and emerging as one of Bastar’s promising new tourist destinations.