Kamal Ghorui
Have you been to Chhattisgarh before? If not, here we give you reasons to plan a trip soon. Tucked away in the northern hills of Chhattisgarh, there is a small hill station, known as Mainpa, which feels strikingly different from the state’s largely forested and plateau landscapes. It lies around 55 km by road from Ambikapur, the divisional headquarters, and is often referred to as the ‘Shimla of Chhattisgarh’ or the ‘Swiss of Chhattisgarh.’ This destination is gradually emerging as a low-key alternative to India’s crowded hill towns. Perched at a higher elevation, Mainpat enjoys a cooler climate, rolling meadows, forested valleys and wide open fields that turn yellow and white during harvest season. Its relative isolation has long kept it off mainstream travel maps, but recent improvements in road connectivity and basic tourist infrastructure have begun to change that.Read more: “A man with bloodshot eyes and a machete blocked my path..” European traveller recounts his India trip, lists common scams to watch out for
The mystery of Ulta Pani (Bisar Paani)
Mainpat’s most talked-about attraction is Ulta Pani, also known locally as Bisar Paani. Located around 5 km before Mainpat on the Ambikapur–Mainpat road, this spot appears to defy gravity. Water in a small canal seems to flow uphill for nearly 30 ft, giving rise to decades of local curiosity, folklore and visitor fascination. For years, villagers and travellers described the phenomenon as unexplained, with no visible devices or mechanisms involved. However, academic research has since clarified the mystery. A study conducted by researchers from Ravishankar University identified Ulta Pani as a classic gravity hill, a natural optical illusion. Using Digital Elevation Modeling (DEM), the study showed that the terrain actually slopes gently downward, but the surrounding landscape and visual cues trick the human eye into perceiving an uphill flow. The findings place Ulta Pani alongside similar gravity hills found around the world, reinforcing that the effect is perceptual rather than magnetic or gravitational. Read mor: This Japan town brings the curtain down on its 10-year-old cherry blossom festival to protect the dignity of its citizens
Waterfalls, viewpoints and unusual landscapes
Besides Ulta Pani, other attractions of Mainpat that are located at different points of the plateau include Tiger Point Waterfall, Fish Point Waterfall, Ghaghi Waterfall, which get a new lease of life during and after the monsoon when water flows down the rock edges into the ravines. Viewpoints like Parpatiya provide sweeping views of the surrounding valleys, especially striking at sunrise and sunset.
Another unique feature is Zalzali, often called the “bouncing land,” where the ground appears to move slightly underfoot due to its soft, marshy surface. While harmless, it adds to Mainpat’s reputation for unusual natural phenomena.
Tibetan settlements and cultural identity
One of the distinctive attributes of Mainpat is that it is home to the Tibetan community. One is able to visit the Buddhist temples that are dedicated to the Buddha, witness the prayer rituals, and buy woollen garments and designer mats from the Tibetan families. There are religious exiles from Tibet, and they settled in this place decades ago.This blend of tribal Chhattisgarhi culture and Tibetan heritage gives Mainpat a social landscape unlike most hill stations in central India.
Adventure and slow tourism
With its open terrain and gentle slopes, Mainpat has also begun to position itself as an adventure destination. Treks, rappelling and zorbing are some of the newer additions in certain pockets, catering to the traveller seeking some adventure sans crowds. Yet, it essentially remains a destination for slow tourism — its strongest selling points are long walks, quiet drives and unhurried exploration.
How to reach Mainpat
The Sub-Divisional town is best reached by road via Ambikapur, which provides the nearest major bus terminal and rental vehicle options. Ambikapur Railway Station is the closest railhead, connecting the region to other parts of the state. In the future, air connectivity will improve. Ambikapur Airport is coming up and is proposed to connect the region with Raipur and Varanasi after flights start operating. Still largely untouched by mass tourism, Mainpat stands out not for luxury or spectacle, but for its quiet landscapes, cultural depth and natural curiosities, especially the Ulta Pani that continues to intrigue first-time visitors.
