Chhattisgarh is gifted with rich natural beauty and diversity and pregnant with affluent cultural heritage. It is blessed with varied topography and landscape, filled with ancient monuments, delicately carved temples, Buddhist sites, lush green forests, rare and endangered wildlife, exotic waterfalls, palaces and ancient caves, tribal villages and enthralling hill plateaus.
Almost all of these locations serve as an unexplored and alternate tourist destination and provide an enthralling experience to the travellers. The distinct cities and towns of Chhattisgarh consist of their own respective unique appeal and charm. Bastar region has a unique biological and cultural existence that can invigorate the tourists. Dantewada is dominated by the aboriginals or the tribal people who still continue their age old lifestyle. Bhilai on the other hand is a well developed city and forms the central point of industry and economy of the state.
Pilgrimage Tourism in Chhattisgarh
Various pilgrimage sites are also developed as attractions for tourists. The most popular pilgrim destinations are Champaranya, Sheorinarayan Fair, Ratanpur, Rajim, Girodhpuri, Sirpur, Dongargarh, Ratanpur, Dantewada and several others. Dongargarh and Sirpur are renowned Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
Nature Tourism in Chhattisgarh
The stunning and magnificent waterfalls of Teerathgarh, Chitradhara, Chitrakoot, Mandra, Tamda and many others are popular as family picnic spots. Chhattisgarh is a haven for adventurers and nature explorers. The wildlife sanctuaries of Sita Nadi, Barnawapara, Indravati National Park, Badalkhol, Kanger National Park and Sanjay Gandhi National Park provide the chance to observe the diverse wildlife, of the state, in their natural habitat and enjoy the serene and indolent environment. Moreover the various tribal and conventional handicraft villages and several museums also provide the opportunity to get adequate memorabilia and souvenirs.
Leisure Tourism in Chhattisgarh
The grand palaces and ancient temples of Kawardhaa and Kanker Palace portray the tales of the ancient period. The various museums and conventional handicraft villages are excellent places to browse and pick up assorted merchandise and paraphernalia as gifts. Along with the support of the private sector, heritage sites and monuments and ethnic villages are being developed and maintained. Some of these are Sheorinarayan, Bhoramdeo, Sirpur, Rajim, Malhar and Tala. Moreover, various festivals and occasions are also being marketed, particularly to attract foreign tourists. The most popular festivals are Madai Dance at Dantewada and Narainpur, Raut Nacha, Dussehra at Bastar and Chakradhar Samaroh.
Adventure Tourism in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh is also being promoted as an adventure destination and measures are taken to lure adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Facilities for various adventure activities and sports like trekking and hiking, rock climbing, water sports, bungee jumping, parasailing etc are being developed in the various regions.
Eco-Tourism in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh is fast emerging as an eco-tourism destination in India, with it 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 3 National Parks. The conserved regions like Barnawapara, Kanger Valley National Park, Achanakmar and Udanti Sanctuaries and many others added the ecological balance in Chhattisgarh. The State Animal is the endangered Wild Buffalo and the rare and endangered Hill Myna is the State Bird.
The region is developed and promoted with participation of the locals and the emergence of natural health resorts and herbal and eco-gardens. Keshkal valley in Kanker, Bagicha in Jashpur, Mainpat in Surguja, Chitrakoot falls in Bastar, Chaiturgarh in Bilaspur, Kailash and Kutumbsar caves, Teerathgarh falls and many others are all being promoted as enticing as nature and wildlife tourist destinations. Adventure, trekking and camping facilities are also being provided.
Urban and City Tourism in Chhattisgarh
The cities of Chhattisgarh are well developed with modern amenities and city tourism is also being promoted amongst the tourist by the state government of Chhattisgarh. The capital of the state, Raipur is an escalating centre and the hub of economy and industry of the state. Raipur is an ancient city with a picturesque landscape, situated on the banks of the Mahanadi River. There are many sites of historical importance that contain ancient temples. Dudhadhari Monastery, Mahakoshal Art Gallery, Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum, Mahamaya Temple, Hatkeswar Mahadev Temple and Budhapara Lake are few of the popular destinations.
The district of Bastar is also renowned for the presence of tribal villages and stunning waterfalls. The Marias and Gond tribe are the native tribes of the state who inhabit the secluded forests in the region. Jagdalpur is also a well developed town that links many of the popular tourist destinations and provides comfortable accommodation to the tourists. This ancient town hosts many temples and most of the popular waterfalls of Chhattisgarh are located in the nearby areas.
Chhattisgarh is also encouraging private sectors to invest in the state and develop business-cum-recreation centres to cater to business travellers and corporate holidays. Modern and advanced convention centres and seminar halls are being developed around the state. Moreover, improvements in infrastructure like health spas, hotels, amusement parks and shopping malls, golf courses and multiplexes are encouraged by the state authorities to meet the needs of affluent business tourists.
The state government is taking initiatives to improve and enhance tourism in Chhattisgarh as it is a major contributor to the state`s economy. Various developmental plans, like improving infrastructure and encouraging investors, are being undertaken by the authorities to attract domestic and foreign tourist to the state.
Tourist Information for Chhattisgarh
The best time to travel Chhattisgarh is the months spanning from October to March. Chhattisgarh has a domestic airport, which is linked, to almost all major airports in the country. Indian Airlines operates regular flights to and from Raipur. Two major railway stations in Chhattisgarh- Raipur and Bilaspur rail way stations. It connects the major railway stations in India. Since Raipur comes almost in the middle point between Mumbai and Howrah, two most important railway stations in West and East India respectively, it is served by important trains regularly. Some major trains are Chhattisgarh Express, Gondwana Express, Gitanjali Express, Azad Hind Express, Howrah Mail, Samarsata Express. The road way-network in Chhattisgarh is very good. The NH 6, NH 16 and NH 43 are the national highways that link all the major cities and towns of Chhattisgarh to other parts of the country. Chhattisgarh has a tropical climate due to which mercury rises to as high as 45°C in the months of mid-April to June end. In contrast to this, in the winter season the tourists can enjoy Chhattisgarh and its adjacent areas in the temperature of 10°C. Similarly, monsoon arrives in Chhattisgarh in the mid June and lasts till October. So the best time to visit Chhattisgarh is the months of winter.
