Enjoy night trekking under moonlight, birdwatching, nature walks and local cuisine while exploring rural culture
Dhamtari, November 2026: The natural beauty, peaceful surroundings and diverse tourism potential of Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district are increasingly attracting tourists from other states. As part of this growing interest, a group of bikers from Madhya Pradesh experienced an exciting nature tourism and camping adventure along the banks of the Sondhur River near Ghekudiya village on October 28.
The river's expansive sandy banks, moonlit nights, surrounding greenery and serene natural environment were among the major attractions of the trip.
The camping programme was organised by the Nirai Mata Tourism Committee, with local youth taking complete responsibility for the arrangements. They actively participated in preparing the campsite, pitching tents, welcoming tourists, arranging meals and managing various activities.
The initiative also highlighted the organisational capabilities of rural youth and the potential for developing tourism-based livelihood opportunities at the local level.
During the camping experience, the bikers pitched tents on the sandy banks of the Sondhur River and spent the night there. Besides enjoying traditional local cuisine, they participated in activities such as birdwatching, nature walks and exploring the surrounding natural environment.
Night trekking along the riverbank under the moonlight made the trip particularly memorable. Participants also took part in a storytelling session under the open sky, where they shared their travel experiences and exciting anecdotes.
The group also visited Sarai Baba and interacted with residents of Ghekudiya village to gain insights into their lifestyle, traditions, food habits and local culture.
Thus, the trip was not limited to recreation but also provided an opportunity for visitors to connect with nature and experience rural life.
The natural beauty of the Sondhur River, its tranquil banks, biodiversity and surrounding cultural heritage make it a promising destination for riverside camping, biking tourism, birdwatching, nature walks and rural tourism.
Such initiatives can generate employment opportunities for local youth, provide markets for rural products and traditional cuisine, and bring wider recognition to the cultural identity of villages. They can also help promote environmental conservation and awareness about responsible tourism.
District Collector Abinash Mishra said Dhamtari district had immense potential for tourism development, supported by its natural beauty, water resources, forest wealth and rich tribal and rural culture.
He said the district administration was continuously working towards identifying tourism destinations, expanding basic infrastructure, encouraging community participation and involving rural youth in tourism-related activities.
The objective of tourism development, he said, was not merely to increase the number of visitors but also to create employment and self-employment opportunities for local residents while preserving and promoting the district's natural and cultural heritage.
He described the camping activity organised by local youth in Ghekudiya as an initiative that promoted the spirit of community-based tourism.
By encouraging such efforts, Dhamtari can be developed into an attractive destination for nature-based tourism, adventure activities and rural cultural experiences, he added.
