The topography of Chhattisgarh resembles a roughly outlined seahorse. The central part of the state forms a broad, flat plain created by the Mahanadi river basin. This plain is framed by varying elevations to the north and south.
To the north lies the edge of the Chota Nagpur Plateau and the Maikal Hills, where the state's highest point, Gaurlata (1,225 meters / 4,019 feet), is located in the Samri Pat region. To the south lies the Dandakaranya plateau, primarily encompassing the Bastar division. This southern region is characterized by rugged, hilly terrain, dense forests, and plunging waterfalls, including the famous Chitrakote Falls—often called the "Niagara of India."