Chhattisgarh , India’s 10th largest state is endowed with a rich culture, heritage and attractive natural diversity. Situated in the heart of India with a ten thousand years old civilisation it is a land ‘Full of Surprises’ that attracts tourists who look forward to experience the pristine. Chhattisgarh is an uniquely Indian experience. Home to the country’s widest waterfalls, caves, lush green forests, ancient monuments, rare wild life, exquisitely curved temples, Buddhist sites and hill plateaus. Chhattisgarh boasts of more than 80% of bio diversity that is not found anywhere across the country. The state has 44% of forest cover with 32% of tribal population. Chhattisgarh has become a magnet of nature enthusiasts who wish to explore unique tribal arts, crafts and traditions. For centuries its tribal communities have played a pivotal role in nurturing and protecting the natural habitat through the eco-friendly practices.Chhattisgarh offers everything to a traveller - art and architecture, heritage, handicrafts, cuisine, fairs and festivals. Chhattisgarh figures in numerous tales that form part of the two great Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The state boasts of the widest waterfall in India, Chitrakote. In monsoon when the Indravati River is in full flow, this waterfall in Bastar District becomes almost 980 ft wide!!! Chhattisgarh has a legacy of gods and goddesses and numerous temples, both ancient and modern which attracts devotees, pilgrims and travellers throughout the year. The annual mega event ‘Sirpur International Dance and Music Festival’ which is held every year at the Buddhist site of Sirpur is particularly note worthy. This state presents a curious mixture of modern and traditional way of life. Chitrakote Waterfall Chitrakote waterfalls, also called the mini Niagara Fall of India, bears the proud distinction of being the broadest waterfall in India. The majestic beauty is located 38 km from Jagdalpur in Bastar on river Indravati. The water of the river flows through dense vegetation and cascades from a height of about 95 feet. A horse-shoe shaped waterfall, best seen during and after monsoon, between July and October, Chitrakote paints a very beautiful sight. Bastar Bastar is a tribal region in Chhattisgarh, blessed with an exceptional scenic beauty that beckons the lovers of nature to explore its forests, waterfalls, wildlife, ancient temples, tribal dances and music. Located at a distance of 264 km from Raipur, Bastar is one of the most significant eco-friendly destinations of the country. It has plenty to offer to its visitors with its valuable tribal art and culture that lie in and around the lush green city of Jagdalpur. One can choose from National Parks, waterfalls, natural caves, palaces, museums and places of religious significance. Sirpur Sirpur has a rich background of traditional cultural heritage and architecture. The archaeological remains are still a pride for this region. The Buddha Viharas in Sirpur are older than those in Nalanda. The town of Sirpur has been mentioned in ancient epigraphic records, dating back to the 5th to the 8th centuries A.D. Drained by the pristine waters of the Mahanadi and facing the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary on the Northeast, Sirpur is a small town, 84 km from the capital, Raipur. Moving along from Raipur, one reaches Arang, from where one goes to Tumgaon. A road from here leads northwards, to Sirpur. It is an enriching experience to see how life goes on in these quiet villages, without getting affected by the hustle – bustle of the outside world. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is named after Bar and Nawapara forest villages, which are in the heart of the sanctuary. It is a landmass of undulating terrain, dotted with numerous low and high hillocks. The tributaries of Mahanadi are the source of water. River Balamdehi forms the western boundary and Jonk river forms the north-eastern boundary of the sanctuary. The well-stocked forests of the sanctuary are classified as teas, sal and mixed forests. This sanctuary is famous for the frequent sighting of the Indian bison (Gaur) cheetal, sambar, nilgai, wild boar, etc.. Bar-Nawapara boasts of over 150 species of birds. Achanakmar Tiger Reserve A visit to the Achanakmar is a mesmerizing experience. Discover the dense lush green sal and bamboo forests and take delight in wildlife sightings. Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is situated in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh. Even a short trek through this park easily reveals its extraordinary beauty and biodiversity. The most favorable time to visit here is from the month of November to the month of June. Manipat Manipat is a popular best honeymoon destination. It is situated on a plateau surrounded by jungles. It has beautiful hill slopes, jungles, waterfalls and is a hill station that remains unspoiled and pristine. There is a Tibetan settlement that offers an excellent opportunity for interaction with them. In fact, Mainpat is also known as 'Mini Tibet' because of the settlements. It is also called the Shimla of Sarguja because of what nature has created here. Champaranya Champaranya (earlier known as Champajhar) is a small but famous village as it's the birthplace of the saint Vallabhacharya, the reformer and founder of the Vallabh Sect. A beautiful temple has been constructed in honor of this great saint, which has enhanced the religious significance of the place. The temple of Champakeshwara Mahadeva is another attraction at Champaranya, worth visiting on your Champaranya tour. It is now generally regarded as a Vaishnava peeth (pilgrim site). The temple complex is also referred to as Sudamapuri. The shrine attracts a large number of pilgrims, mostly Gujaratis during the Hindu month of Shravan. Kanger Valley National Park Get enchanted by rugged mountain views, deep gorges, dancing trees and seasonal wild flowers, as they make the perfect environment for varied species of Wildlife. Chhattisgarh gives you the rare opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat at the Kanger Valley National Park. Bhoramdeo Temple Bhoramdeo Temple, or the ‘Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh’, carved on the rocky stones in the Nagar style is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated in the Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh, this temple was built in the period of 7th to 11th century AD and is beautifully located amidst mountain ranges. The temples are said to be built by King Ramchandra of the Nag Dynasty. The Shiva Linga in the temple is wonderfully carved and the artistic appeal beckons the visitors. The Bhoramdeo temple has a resemblance with the Sun temple of Konark and the Khajuraho temple.
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