From Boat Ride to Bonfire: How Gangrel Island is Redefining Tourism in Chhattisgarh

A short boat ride across the shimmering surface of Gangrel Reservoir now leads travelers to a vibrant island camp that is reshaping Chhattisgarh’s tourism narrative. The Dhamtari district’s island camp offers a menu of activities—night‑time camping, trekking, fishing, swimming, bonfires, outdoor cooking, bird‑watching and stargazing—making it a one‑stop destination for experience‑based travel.

The 40‑minute crossing has become an integral part of the adventure, setting the tone for the immersive stay that follows. On September 17‑18, travel operators participated in Familiarisation (FAM) trips to assess the site, and on September 19‑20, CampOnce rolled out a two‑day, one‑night adventure that attracted tourists from Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu. The feedback highlighted the island’s ability to combine natural serenity with adrenaline‑pumping activities.

Gangrel Island sits among a constellation of attractions in Dhamtari. The nearby Gangrel Adventure Sports centre offers water‑based thrills, while Themli Island promises fresh camping possibilities. Narhara Waterfall and the Mahanadi source at Sihawa draw trekkers and pilgrims, and the Rudri corridor’s kayaking routes add a riverine dimension. Villages such as Harfar, Mechka and Jabra are being readied for community‑led eco‑tourism, and the historic Nira Devi temple provides a spiritual anchor.

Employment prospects are expanding alongside tourism. Boat pilots, island guides, camp managers, cooks, local artisans and vendors can all find work, while women’s self‑help groups may develop micro‑enterprises centred on souvenirs and regional cuisine. These income streams reinforce the district’s socioeconomic fabric.

Sustainable practices are emphasized to protect the island’s delicate ecosystem. Waste segregation, water conservation, biodiversity safeguards and active community involvement are cornerstones of the development plan. Meanwhile, digital mapping, AI‑enhanced travel planners and virtual reality previews are being harnessed to market Dhamtari’s offerings globally, echoing the 2026 World Tourism Day focus on technology‑enabled tourism transformation.