India, Oct. 8 -- If you have been looking for a reason to visit Bastar, this festive season offers a pretty good one. The region in Chhattisgarh is seeing growing tourist interest, with its forests, waterfalls, caves, tribal traditions and local food giving travellers plenty to explore beyond the usual city breaks.

The biggest draw right now is Bastar Dussehra, a 75-day celebration that feels very different from the Dussehra festivities seen across much of India. There is no Ravana effigy or the familiar Ramayana narrative. Instead, the festival revolves around a massive chariot, local customs, music, rituals and tribal traditions that have been part of Bastar's cultural life for generations.

President Droupadi Murmu's attendance this y...