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State - Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh, a 21st century State, came into being
on November 1, 2000. Larger than Tamil Nadu, it is just
the right size, and is also fortunate to have a low
population density. Good Governance is the highest priority
in this Fast Track State. There is both policy stability
as well as political stability. Government has been
kept small and the State is in excellent fiscal health.
Chhattisgarh is truly a land of opportunities. With
all major minerals including diamonds in abundance,
it is the richest State in mineral resources. There
are mega industries in Steel, Aluminium and Cement.
Chhattisgarh contributes substantially to the Human
Resources of India. Several hundred students from the
State qualify for admissions in prestigious academic
institutions every year. Bhilai, the knowledge capital
of the State, alone sends over 50 students to the elite
Indian Institutes of Technology every year. A unique
Private Universities Act has been passed to attract
investments in quality higher education.
Its large power surplus is attracting power-intensive
industries, and the State is poised to become the power-hub
of the nation. Its central location helps easy power
transmission to any part of the country. The State is
supplying power to Delhi, Gujarat and Karnataka, among
others. Chhattisgarh ranks high in terms of good industrial
relations and labour productivity. There has been no
labour unrest in either Bhilai or Korba, the Power capital,
for several decades.
12% of India's forests are in Chhattisgarh, and 44%
of the State's land is under forests. Identified as
one of the richest bio-diversity habitats, the Green
State of Chhattisgarh has the densest forests in India,
rich wildlife, and above all, over 200 non-timber forest
products, with tremendous potential for value addition.
The City of Bhilai with its modern and cosmopolitan
lifestyle is just 30 km from Raipur, the State capital.
A new world-class capital city is to come up near Raipur's
airport. Raipur is at the centre of the rail and road
routes between Mumbai and Kolkata, and is well connected
to Delhi and Chennai. Bilaspur's Railway Division is
the most profitable Railway operation in the country,
contributing 17% of the revenues of Indian Railways.
One third of Chhattisgarh's population is of tribes,
mostly in the thickly forested areas in the North and
South. The central plains of Chhattisgarh are known
as the "Rice Bowl" of Central India. Female
literacy has doubled in the last decade, and male literacy
is higher than India's average. Gender ratio is next
only to Kerala.
Bastar is known the world over for its unique and distinctive
tribal heritage. The Bastar Dassera is the traditional
celebration of the gaiety of our tribals. All of Chhattisgarh
has many virgin, unexplored tourism destinations.
Above all, the State's biggest asset is its 208 lakh
people. The people are friendly, open, warm and industrious.
Chhattisgarh has an enviable record of social harmony
and maintenance of public order. Upholding the Rule
of Law is top priority for the Government.
Raipur - State Capital
Founded by the Kalachuri King Ram Chandra of Ratanpur
during the last quarter of the 14th century AD, Raipur
is now the capital of the newly formed state of Chhattisgarh.
Raipur is the biggest city in the region and a fast
developing industrial center.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 65 Sq. Km.
Altitude: 298 Mt.
Temperature:
Summer Max: 42.0°C Min: 26.0°C
Winter Max: 26.0°C Min: 12.0°C
Season : July to March
STD Code: 0771.
Transport & Communication
Air: Raipur is connected by Indian Airlines flights
with Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Mumbai and Nagpur.
Fare: Mumbai - Raipur Rs. 7760/- (Y) & Rs. 10545
(J).
Rail: Raipur is connected by rail with major cities
and towns in India.
Fare: Mumbai - Raipur II A/c.: Rs. 1595/- & IInd
Class: Rs. 385/-.
Road: Raipur is connected by motorable roads with
Bhilai (25 Km.), Bhopal (712 Km.), Bilaspur (115 Km.),
Durg (41 Km.),
Jabalpur (369 Km.), Jagadalpur (297 Km.).
PLACES OF INTEREST
Buda Talaab, Dhudhari Mandir, Mahakoshal Kala Vithika,
Mahant Ghasi Das Smarak Museum, Moti Baag, Vivekananda
Ashram.
EXCURSIONS
Bhilai (24 Km.): It is an industrial township
with one of the biggest steel plants in India.
Arang (34 Km.): Situated on the Raipur - Sambalpur
National Highway, Arang is famous for its temples, the
main one being an 11th century Jain temple.
Durg (39 Km.): It is a district headquarters
and an industrial town.
Rajim (47 Km.): Rajim on the river Mahanadi is
a pilgrim centre, famous for its fine group of temples.
The main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu known as
Rajivalochana. The other important temples in Rajim
include, Kuleshwar Mahadev Temple and Rajeshwar Temple.
Chamaparan (60 Km. via Arang): This town is identified
with Champaranya, the birthplace of Saint Vallabhacharya,
the reformer and founder of the Vallabh Sect. There
are two important temples here, dedicated to Saint Vallabhacharya
and Champakeshwara Mahadeva. An annual fair is held
here in the month of Magh (Jan. / Feb.). The birth anniversary
of the saint is celebrated on the eleventh bright day
of Baisakh (April / May). Accommodation: Two
well-furnished dharamsalas with a total of 152 rooms
are available. PWD Rest Houses are also available at
the nearby towns of Arang (25 Km.) and Rajim (10 Km.).
Reservation: S.D.O., PWD (B & R), Arang and Rajim
respectively.
Sirpur or Shirpur (78 Km.): Erstwhile capital
of the Sarbhapuriya and Somavanshi Kings of Dakshin
Kosala or Chhatisgarh, it was an important Buddhist
centre from the 06th to 10th century A.D. and was visited
by Hieun Tsang, the Chinese scholar in the 7th century.
Excavations in and around the town have yielded scores
of temple sites with extremely good Buddhist, Hindu
and Jain Sculputes. Places of interest in Sirpur include,
Anand Premkuti Vihar, Chandi Temple, Gandheshewara Temple,
Lakshmana Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Radha Krishna
Temple, Ram Temple, Swastik Vihar Monastery, etc. Accom:
PWD Rest House, Kosaria Patel Samaj Dharamasala and
Nai Dharamsala.
Turturiya (99 Km.): This place is of great archaeological
and anthropological interest and is located 24 Km. from
Sirpur. Accommodation: PWD Rest Houses at Sirpur and
Balodabazar. Resvn: S.D.O, PWD (B & R), Sirpur and
Balodabazar respectively.
Kawardha (116 Km.): Kawardha has been connected
with the Kabir panth movement. Old Kawardha has the
remains of a fort built by King Rajpal Singh.
Bhoramdeo (131 Km.): It is referred to as the
Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh. The Bhoramdeo temple scenically
situated amidst mountain ranges is dedicated to Lord
Shiva. The temples were built by King Ramchandra of
the Nag Dynasty and have a special attraction for lovers
of history and archaeology. At a distance of 5 Km. in
the palaces of Manwa and Madanmanjari one can see beautifully
carved erotic sculptures similar to those in Khajuraho.
Ratanpur (136 Km.): Situated 25 Km. from Bilaspur,
at one time, this ancient city was the capital of the
Kalchuri Kings. The famous Mahamaya temple, the ruins
of a fort and the Kadeideol Shiva temple dating back
to the 12th century can be seen here.
Kanker (140 Km.): Formerly a princely state,
the palace here has partially been converted into a
hotel (E-mail: aditya-deo2rediffmail.com). This place
offers an excellent opportunity to explore and experience
the tribal culture of this region.
Lutrasheriff (143 Km.): Located 32 Km. from Bilaspur,
Lutrasheriff is an important pilgrim center for Muslims
which has the tomb of Hazarat Baba Sayyed, a Muslim
saint.
Champa (159 Km.): The largest town of Janjgir
District, situated on the banks of the river Hasdeo,
it is the most famous center for the Tussar silk or
"Kosa" weaving industry.
Malhar (159 Km.): This place is important from
the archaeological point of view and several Hindu and
Jain temples were unearthed here.
Keskal (168 Km.): Keskal is a scenic spot and
offers a spectacular view of the valley below.
Girodhpuri (191 Km.): It is the birth place of
saint Tulsidas and an important pilgrim center of the
Satnami Samaj. Girodhpuri is 12 Km from Seorinarayan
and 80 Km. from Bilaspur.
Seorinarayan (206 Km.): Situated 95 Km. from
Bilaspur, Seorinarayan is associated with the legend
of Lord Ram and Shabri. It is also the place where the
rivers Mahanadi and Shivnath meet. There is an old 10th/11th
century Kalchuri temple here. It is a very important
religious centre and is considered by some to be even
more sacred than the temple of Lord Jagannath in Puri.
For further information log on to www.chhattisgarhtourism.net
Chattisgarh - Accomodation
Other Hotels
Tariff of the following hotels range from Rs. 150 -
400/- for a Single room
and Rs. 200-600/- for a Double room.
Hotel Ajanta, Near Railway Stn., Tel: 2523419 ;
Hotel Anupam Palace, K.K. Road, Tel: 2224543 ;
Hotel Apsara, Jayastamba Chowk, Tel: 2538998 ;
Hotel Devika, Tel: 2223693 / 5064180 ;
Hotel Ellora, Tel: 2523724 ;
Hotel Giriraj, Jail Road, Tel: 2525323 / 385 ;
Hotel Kiran, Jaysytamba Chowk, Tel: 2224529 ;
Hotel Mahendra, Kacheri Chowk, Tel: 2524470 ;
Hotel Mangalam, Agrasen Chowk, Tel: 2233920 ;
Hotel Meera, M.G. Road, Tel: 2546431 / 2538405 ;
Hotel Poonam, Jayastamba Chowk, Tel: 2536503 ;
Hotel Prakash Palace, Ring Road-1, Tel: 2272870 / 50
;
Hotel Radhika, Tel: 2233806 ;
Hotel Sharda, Jail Road, Tel: 2526116 / 2525117 ;
Hotel Trimurti, Station Road, Tel: 2526926.
Other Accomodation
Hotel Chhatisgarh (Chhattisgarh Tourism)
Paryatan Bhawan, I.G. Marg,
Tel: 5066415 / 426.
Fax: 5066425.
E-mail: tourism@cg.nic.in Rs. 290-590/- Rs. 390-690/-
Durg - Accomodation
Accommodation (STD Code: 0788):
Hotel Dixit -- Moti Para, Tel: 2323463 (Rs. 125-250/-)
;
Hotel Green -- Green Chowk, Tel: 2323056 (Rs. 125-250/-);
Hotel Jalaram -- Tel: 2324238 (Rs. 125-350/-);
Hotel Jain -- Indira Market, Tel: 2323433 (Rs. 100-150/-);
Hotel Maan -- Thakur Complex, Tel: 2322121;
Hotel Sagar International*** -- Near Railway Stn., Tel:
2321130 (Rs. 700-900/-);
Hotel Sheela -- Indira Market, Tel: 2322361; Hotel Vani,
Near Rly. Stn., Tel: 2320981 (Rs. 150-300/-);
Hotel Vijay International -- Railway. Stn., Tel: 2210426
(Rs. 300-600/-).
Chhattisgarh - BASTAR
Bastar, the land of tribals and natural resources,
is also enriched with natural beauty. Bastar region
lies 282 Km. south of Raipur, with Jagdalpur as its
headquarters. Bastar is a focal point for tourists due
to its natural beauty. The green valleys, rivers, teak
and Sal forests, wild animals, caves, waterfalls, temples,
folk dance and music and tribal handicrafts attract
the tourists and make it one of the most important eco-tourism
destinations of the country.
JAGDALPUR
Jagdalpur, the headquarters of the Bastar district is
a small developing town and is a good base to visit
the surrounding villages to see the life and culture
of the tribes.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area : 8.50 Sq. Km.
Altitude : 1824 ft.
Temperature :
Summer Max : 41.0°C Min : 31.0°C.
Winter Max : 17.5°C Min : 12.0°C
Season : September to March.
STD Code : 07782
TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATION
Air : The nearest airport to Jagdalpur is Raipur (282
Km.).
Rail : Jagdalpur is connected by rail with Vishakapatnam
only.
Road : Jagdalpur is connected by motorable roads with
Badrachalam (266 Km.),
Kirandul (114 Km.), Koraput (106 Km.), Raipur (282 Km.),
Vishakapatnam (308 Km.).
Accomodation
Hotel Akanksha, Moti Talab Para, Tel: 222349 / 225335
(Rs. 250-750/-)
Hotel Akash, Near Collector's Office, Tel: 221699 /
222699 (Rs. 125 - 600/-)
Anand Lodge, Gurudwara Road, Tel:222560 (Rs.200-590/-)
Hotel Apsara, Thakur Road, Tel: 222563 (Rs. 80-175/-)
Hotel Atithi, Near New Bus Stand, Tel: 225275 (Rs. 175-450/-)
Hotel Gaurav, Gurudwara Road, Tel: 222449 (Rs. 75-250)
Hotel Gopika, Near Chandni Chowk, Tel: 223086 (Rs. 120-450/-)
Hotel Poonam, Circuit House Road, Tel: 222393 (Rs. 75-525/-)
Hotel Rainbow, Palace Rd, Tel: 221684 / 85, Fax: 224775,
E-mail: hotelrainbow@indiatimes.com (Rs. 250-1100/-)
Udupi Srikrishna Lodge, Nayapura, Tel: 222481 (Rs. 60-125/-).
PLACES OF INTEREST
Danteshwari Temple, Bastar Palace, Anthropological Museum,
Weekly village market.
EXCURSIONS
Kanger Valley National Park (30 Km.): Covering
an area of 200 Sq. Km., this park derives its name from
the Kanger river which flows throughout its length.
There are many scenic spots along this perennial stream.
This valley is in fact one of the last pockets of almost
virgin forests still left in the peninsular region.
The park fauna consists of tiger, panther, wildcat,
cheetal, sambar, barking deer, wild pig, jackal, langur,
rhesus macaque, sloth bear, etc. The period Feb. to
June is the best period to visit the Park.
Chittrakot Waterfalls (38 Km.): This gorgeous
waterfall is situated at a spot where river Indravati
has a fall of 100 feet.. July to September is the best
season to visit these falls.
Tiratgarh Waterfalls (35 Km.): Situated in the
Kanger Valley National Park, this waterfall drops from
a height of 100 ft.
Kutumsar Caves (40 Km.) & Kailash Caves (40 Km.):
Located in the Kanger Valley National Park, these
caves are famous for stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Kondagaon (65 Km.): Famous for its terracotta
crafts such as decorative pots, etc.
Dantewada (82 Km.): Famous for the ancient &
historical temple of Goddess Danteshwari.
Basrur (90 Km.): Basrur in Dantewada district
is where many archaeological remains of the past can
be seen. This place is also famous for its natural beauty.
Bailadila (111 Km.): Situated 29 Km. from Dantewada,
it is famous for its iron ore mines.
Narayanpur (117 Km.): It is famous for Bastar's
finest range of handicrafts. One can also get to see
the artists at work here.
Indravati National Park (168 Km.): Bordering
Maharashtra, this sanctuary is situated north west of
Jagdalpur. It covers an area of 2273.5 Sq. Km. and is
home to wildlife such as wild buffalo, tiger, panther,
gaur, etc. The nearest airport to the park is Raipur
(486 Km.) and the railhead is Jagdalpur (168 Km.). January
to April is the best time to visit the park.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Chhattisgarh Tourism Board --
Paryatan Bhavan, Indira Gandhi Marg, Raipur - 492 006.
Tel: 0771-5066415.
Fax: 5066425.
E-mail: tourism@cg.nic.in
Website : www.chhattisgarh.nic.in
Tourist Information Centre --
Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, Hotel Rainbow, Jagdalpur,
Tel: 07782 - 221686.
Fax: 224775.
E-mail: ctbbastar@rediffmail.com
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