Madku dweep is an excellent island and a natural beauty located in the Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh state. It is an ancient place located by the river Shivanath and separates it into two parts. The beautiful waterfalls on the island enhance its beauty up to a greater extent. The archaeological survey of India has recovered many ruined temples, ancient poetry, coins, and many other things. The excellent art and crafts in the temple will stunt you and provides an idea about skilled craftsmen during that time. A lot of tourists and local people came to the place during Push Purnima and Shiv Ratri. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Dhumnath and has very much importance in this place. About 19 temples recovered from Madku village. Madku dweep covers an area of 24 hectares approximately surrounded by greenery and natural beauties.
Madku means from as per Hindi dictionary. From the above, the place just looks like a frog not only in shape but also in color and texture. Dweep means an area surrounded by water. So the site is named as Madku dweep. But still, it's a surprise of how ancient people saw the place from the above and named it as so. Some of the people believe that there was a sage named Mandak hence the place got its name as Madku Dweep after him.
As per the legends, the place was discovered during the 11-15th century AD. During that time Kalchuries ruled over the area. This place is rich with its fertile soil, breathtaking natural views, mesmerizing waterfalls and greeneries, and about 19 temples dedicated to various God. But the largest temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. Vibrant art and crafts by Kalchuries are reflected in the temple. Some part of the temple has been destroyed because of the various flood and other natural disasters. But the archaeological survey of India had given their tremendous efforts to recover the lost or the ruined parts of the magnificent temple. This place has a lot of similarities with other sites like tala and Malhar located nearby. Some of the stones, tools, and epigraphs recovered from the island which are of the 3rd century. A stone inscription written in Brahmi and Shankhha script is there on the island. The place is also very popular as Kedar Tirtha and Harihar Kshetra Kedar Dweep.out of 19 temples the face of 18 temples is towards the east side but the main temple face towards the west side.
The place is rich with its art and culture. Ancient Sculptures of animals like lions, elephants, birds, and Images of various gods and goddesses can be noticed. People here on the island observe various festivals during different times. Almost all, the Hindu festivals here celebrated with joy. Priests from all around the state came to the place to worship the Lord. The island is decorated beautifully during Navaratri. An annual Mela is also celebrated in Madku Dweep locally famous as Dhorohar.
Known as the 'Rice Bowl of India', the cuisine of Chhattisgarh mainly deals with rice and rice flour in a variety of dishes. Rice is extensively used to prepare indigenous species of Cheela, Chausela roti, and Bor Basi. 'Dahi', or curd, or buttermilk, flavored or unflavoured, is a must in every meal for promoting excellent gut performance and overall health. Boasting an immense variety of agrarian grandeur, this state containing Madku Dweep serves locally grown and prepared dishes of fried leafy vegetables like lal bhaji, Kanda bhaji, choulai bhaji, etc. Jackfruit or 'kathal', as it is vernacularly known, is used both as a fruit and a vegetable, along with its seeds served in the form of gravy or sauté. Badi is another local food item that often served as a side dish along with pickles and raw onions, which act as a much-needed source of hydration and cooling the body. Tourists can experience a myriad of different flavors owing to the various sauces and pickles served along with the main course.
Apart from these, the common preparations of curries and desserts popular all across India are also served in local restaurants.
Madku Dweep is in Shivnath river, so differents things there to do with water. Water sports and boating in the river is the main attraction. Boats can be hired at the shore at a reasonable price. Also, you can ride a boat of your own and also can take the help of a person for rowing. Morning and evening hours, mostly sunrise and sunset hour is the best time for water sports activity. Also, you can enjoy an excellent trek in the surrounding forest. It is the best place to feel the nature from nearby. Some of the delicate plants and rare flowers also found from the island. You can even walk behind the island and explore nature.
Madku dweep is about 25 kilometers away from Bilaspur, the main town nearby.raipur is about 79 kilometers from the place. The nearest airport is in Raipur, and the nearest railway station is located in the city of Bilaspur. Travelers can take the route of Sargon village by Annicut bridge to come to the island quickly. An alternate route is also available via Baithalpur.
The visiting times of the dweep are 7 am to 12 pm, and 3 pm to 6 pm, all days of the week. To explore the serene island time taken is around 2 hours. Visitors can stay in the district of Bilaspur for further touring of the region and its local tourist attractions. A 'two-day two-night' stay can cost around 4 thousand to 5 thousand for luxury tourists, whereas backpackers looking for quick exploring of the island in a couple of hours and venturing into the adjoining attractions in the same day, can do so within a budget of 1 thousand.
Madku Dweep, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India
P. I. N. Code: 493118
Phone Number: +91-771-2537404