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| CHHATTISGARH |
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Breaking away as an independent entity, from the state of Madhya Pradesh in the November of 2000, Chhattisgarh has paved the way for marketing some of its most attractive tourist assets. Known in ancient times as Dakshin Koshal it is home to ethnic communities (making up one third of the state) that are still steeped in cultural traditions from ancient of days, and the bounty of nature spread so lavishly across the state that it boggles the mind with its kaleidoscopic range. With almost 44 per cent of the state under forest cover its protected biospheres, the turbulent rivers, majestic waterfalls and mysterious caves are its most obvious temptations. Added to that its antique temples, and the archaeological sites that continue to unravel its historic and mystical past-will lure the adventurer in you on a journey of endless discovery. Raipur the state capital and gateway to this lesser-explored tourist destination, opens up the world of tribal Bastar, of royal Chhattisgarh amongst the gorgeous vistas of Kawardha from where you can access the famous Kanha National Park of its parent state. At Sirpur you will discover its Buddhist heritage while at while at Rajim the old temple site by the river you will uncover vignettes of its Hindu past.
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| ACCESS |
Getting there and around
Raipur is linked by both air and rail to Delhi and Mumbai. It lies on the main Howrah-Mumbai line. Jagdalpur has rail links with Visakhapatnam. The roads in Chhatisgarh are quite good - wide,
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clean, smooth and virtually free of traffic. All places of tourist interest are connected by good, motorable roads. Good, new cars and SUVs can be rented at Raipur and Jagdalpur.
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| GRAND TOUR |
Raipur
The state capital was the old bastion of the Kalchuri rulers. You can visit the Mahamaya Mandir, Boodha Talaba and the Guru Ghasidas Mueuem…but the most attractive tourist spots lie beyond and are well connected to the city by road.
Bastar
Undoubtedly this marvelous world of ethnic Chhattisgarh-explored at close quarters during the British Raj by celebrated anthropologist Verrier Elwin-is the gem in the crown. A visit to the anthropological museum, in Jagdalpur its gateway town, which he was instrumental in establishing offers you a small window to this intriguing culture of the ethnic communities of Gond, Marias, Murias, Abhujmarias, Dhuewa and Dorla as well as the Bhatra and Haiba the non-Gond groups, that inhabit Bastar. From here head out for the Niagara-like Chitrakote Falls- created by the Indravati River. The best views are from the government resthouse. The majestic beauty of the Kanger Valley National Park-home of the Bastar's state bird, the hill mynah -- is a reminder of its importance as one of India's most treasured biosphere reserves. The multi-cascade Tirathgarh Falls, an popular picnic spot and the Kutumsar Caves, Kailash Gufa and Dandak Gufa, with their stalagmite and stalactite formations are also located here.
Dantewada
Located near the confluence of the Sankhani and Dankhani rivers is the temple of Goddess Danteshwari, the tutelary deity of the Bastar's royalty and an avatar of Mahisasurmardini. She plays a pivotal role in the annual celebrations of Bastar's Dussera ( a unique festival) which is not a celebration of Ram's triumphant return to Ayodhaya, but of the great goddess herself. It is 85km from Jagdalpur.
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Sirpur
Located by the banks of the Mahanadi River it has revealed a wealth of archeological finds. Amongst the important discoveries are that of a large Buddha and the great sandstone columns of a monastery. Sirpur was an important Buddhist hub from the 6th-10th centuries. Raised to Lord Shiva the Gandeshwar Temple has on display a huge collection of statues of many deities including one of Mahishshasura and a seated Shiva, retrieved from the river and its environs. There's also an 8th century Lakshmana Temple located here.
Kawardha
Spend a couple of nights at the lovely Palace of Kawardha about 150km from Raipur, when you plan your trip to the 11th century Bhromodeo Temple which is just 18km away. The temple, often called the Khajuraho temple of Chhattisgarh features several panels covered with amorous couples in great detail.
Rajim
Situated near the confluence of the Mahanadi, Sondur and Payari rivers it's visited for its 9th century Rajivalochan Vishnu Temple notable for its beautiful gateway with its high detailing and sculptured stone panels. Another temple worth going to is 11th century Mahadeo Kuleshwar Temple.
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| ACCOMODATIONS |
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Private and government hotels, palace homestays and government and forest rest houses.
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| SHOPPING |
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To enjoy a slice of ethnic life in Chhattisgarh try and visit the local haat (Bastar alone has at least 300 of these weekly bazaars). You can sample the local brew mahua, watch a cock fight, haggle for a colourful sarong, taste some red ant chutney-- a local delicacy and take pictures of the tribal communities spend out the day bartering forest produce such as honey, for essentials like salt, oil, cloth and tobacco. Pick up silk and local handicrafts such as bell metal work and shell crafts at Jagdalpur. When traveling around stop by at Kondagaon's Saathi Craft Centre for terracotta items and bell metal artifacts. Narayanpur's the craft centre is also sells terracotta, bamboo and carved wood as well as hand woven textiles.
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| FACT FILE |
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TOURIST OFFICE |
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Best Time: October- February
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Chattisgarh Tourism Board
Parayatn Bhawan, Indira Gandhi Marg
Raipur-492006
Tel/fax: +91 771 5066416
Email: contactus@chhattisgarhtourism.net
Web: www.chhattisgarhtourism.net
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