The stronghold of several erstwhile flourishing kingdoms, Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, offers a mesmerising mix of heritage and contemporary living. While the old part of the bustling city stands steeped in history, offering glimpses of the region's rich heritage and culture, its modern counterpart is a glistening example of a smart city. Mahant Ghasi Memorial Museum A window into the rich heritage of Chhattisgarh, the Mahant Ghasi Memorial Museum is located opposite the Collectorate's Office. It is believed to have been established by queen Jyoti Devi of Rajnandgaon and houses fascinating artefacts, intricately crafted idols, ancient stone inscriptions and rare coins. Arang Situated around 40 km from Raipur, Arang is renowned as the temple town of Chhattisgarh. An ancient town, Arang was once ruled by the Haihayas Rajput dynasty. Today, it is noted for a number of Hindu and Jain temples belonging to the 11th and 12th centuries – Bhand Deval Jain Temple, Panchmukhi Temple, Hanumana Temple and Mahamsmaya Temple. It was during an archaeological excavation that a copper plate, Arang Plate of Bhimasena II of the Rajarsitulya clan, with an inscription that dated back to the period of Gupta empire was unearthed here. It established that historically the town was a Hindu and Jain religious centre. The name arang is made from two words – ara meaning saw and anga meaning body. Legend has it that Lord Krishna, disguised as a Brahmin, appeared before king Muratdhwaja who offered him dakshina. But Krishna as a Brahmin had other plans and asked for one half of the body of the king who instructed him to be sawed in two. Just as he was about to be cut, a drop of tear fell from his eyes on which Lord Krishna asked him if he regretted his decision. The king replied in negative and told the Brahmin to take dakshina from the half from which no teardrop fell. It was then that Lord Krishna revealed his true identity and gave blessings to the king. During the archaeological findings, a few Jain images made of gemstones were found. The Bhand Deval temple, revered by the Jains, is a major tourist attraction here. It features beautiful black stone sculptures of Jain tirthankaras, and the shrine is believed to be one of the rare spots where the images of all 24 Jain tirthankaras can be found engraved on one stone. The Bhag Deval temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is worth a visit too. It was built in the 11th century in the same style as the Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh. Solar Energy Park Set up by the Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency, it is a unique park in Raipur. Created on the theme of generation and usage of various forms of renewable energy, it boasts lush greenery, colourful flowers, playful fountains and pretty waterfalls. The aim of setting up the park was to generate awareness about sources of renewable energy, and their importance in the world today. Accomplishing this purpose are indoor and outdoor exhibits, working models, interactive games and quizzes for children, along with solar-powered toy cars for toddlers. Another highlight of the park is solar boats that people can row in an artificial lake here. These boats are powered by batteries that are charged by solar modules mounted on their roofs. The Solar Energy Park is located on Mana Road around 8 km from the main city via Bhawanipatna-Raipur Highway and VIP Road. It is open between 10 am and 6 pm every day. Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary Situated about 175 km from Raipur, this sprawling green haven is covered by small hills and lush sal forests. It was established in 1974 and derives its name from River Sitanadi that originates in the middle of the sanctuary and joins River Mahanadi near Deokhut. Besides River Sitanadi, the Sondur and Lelang rivers also flow through its expanse and the huge Sondur Dam is worth a visit. Renowned for rich flora and fauna, it is one of the finest wildlife stopovers in the country. The animals you can spot here include tigers, leopards, jackals, flying squirrels, jungle cats, blackbucks, bisons, sloth bears, chitals, sambars, nilgais, cobras and pythons. The sanctuary is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with nearly 175 species of avifauna including crimson breasted barbet, egret and heron. Rajim Located on the eastern bank of River Mahanadi, around 50 km from Raipur, Rajim is referred to as prayaga of Chattisgarh on account of the confluence of three nearby rivers -- Mahanadi, Pairi and Sandhu. A major centre for the Vaishnavites, it is also known as Shaiva dharma centre. There are many legends associated with Rajim Kumbh. Of the most popular is oral tradition where Lord Vishnu asks the chief architect of the universe, Lord Vishwakarma to construct an earthly abode-cum-temple for him at a place that has not been defiled by dead or burnt carcasses or in cremation to a periphery of around 10 miles. Unfortunately, Lord Vishwakarma could not find any such place and returned. It was then that Lord Vishnu hurled a lotus flower on earth and told Lord Vishwakarma to make a temple at the site where the lotus flower fell. Thus, Rajim was created. Another legend has it that king Ratnakar, who once ruled here, was a pious and religious person. During a yajna, several demons attacked and disturbed him. In a state of helplessness, he called for the gods to help him. This happened even as his royal elephant Gajendra was struggling for life as he was caught by a crocodile called Grah. Lord Vishnu appeared, saved the elephant and blessed the king and promised to stay on earth as Rajim Lochan. Durg Located on the banks of River Shivnath, the district of Durg is home to the state’s most vibrant folk traditions. Durg boasts numerous folk dances, songs and dramas. It also houses the ancient building of Hindi Bhawan, which has now been converted into a municipality office. Travellers can also pay a visit to the Chandi Mandir, which is dedicated to Goddess Chandi. The Jain temple of Nagpura nearby is also worth a visit. When you happen to be in Durg, visit Maitri Bagh, a joint initiative of the Indian and Russian governments as well as Devbaloda, which is famous for an ancient temple of Lord Shiva. It is said this temple was built by kings of the Kalchuri dynasty in the 13th century AD. The east-facing temple houses a 1.5-ft-high shivling and the pillars are decorated with intricate carvings, depicting gods and goddesses. A carved door leads one to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The exterior wall has carvings of animals such as horses and elephants, and divine figures. A square pond inside the complex draws devotees, who take a dip in it. Champaran Believed to be the birthplace of Saint Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, the founder of Vallabh sect, Champaran is a quaint village, about 60 km from Raipur. Formerly known as Champajhar, it is home to two temples constructed in honour of the saint: Prakatya Baithakji Mandir and Mool Prakatya also known as Chhatti Baithak. A small stream of River Mahanadi flowing nearby is worshipped in the form of River Yamuna. Champaran is known for being the birthplace of the first Satyagraha movement by Mahatma Gandhi, in 1917. When Gandhi returned from South Africa in 1916, he saw farmers being oppressed by indigo planters. He used the same methodology he had once put to use in South Africa to organise mass protests against this injustice, where Britishers grew indigo forcibly to extract opium for their trade with China. At village Barharwa Lakhansen, Gandhi started the first ever basic school in November 1917. Bhoramdeo Temple Located in the Kabirdham district, approximately 130 km away from Raipur, the Bhoramdeo Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its architecture is noteworthy and due to its similarity to the temples of Madhya Pradesh, Bhoramdeo Temple is also called the Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh. Its pinnacle is said to look like a blooming lotus flower, while its mandapa (pillared outdoor hall) is supported by 16 pillars, each of them having unique and intricate carvings. A highlight of the temple are the shivlings placed inside, along with the idols of Uma-Maheshwar, which are beautifully carved. The temple sits atop a 5-ft-high platform or plinth which, on its exterior faces, has sculptures of Hindu deities. As one enters the sanctum sanctorum, not-to-be-missed are the exquisitely carved sculpted images of Lord Vishnu’s Dashavtaar or the 10 incarnations, along with images of Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva. The sanctum sanctorum’s roof is topped by a circular-shaped kalash (a holy metal pot). The entrance door has the images of Goddess Ganga and Goddess Yamuna on its doorpost. Another temple worth a visit is the Madwa Mahal, around 1 km from Bhoramdeo Temple. It is set against a picturesque backdrop of the Maikal range of hills in Dakshin Kosala region. The name 'madwa mahal' in local dialect means marriage hall. Also known as Dullhadeo, the temple was constructed in 1349 by Nagavanshi dynasty ruler, Ramchandra Deo. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of a shivling, which is erected over 16 pillars. Budhapara Lake One of the most popular travel stopovers in Raipur, Budhapara Lake is a beautiful sight. Built by king Brahmadeo, of the Kalchuri dynasty, in the 14th century, it is the largest lake in the state of Chhattisgarh. Its surroundings are picturesque and the lake has a calm ambience that lures visitors to spend some time and enjoy natural beauty. Birdwatchers can also have a good time as species like heron, swan, duck, stork etc., are often spotted nearby the lake. Moreover, facilities of paddle-boating and motor-boating are also available at this place. There is a musical fountain that enhances the charm of the lake. Well-lit at night, the lake makes for a great spot. Though tourists can visit throughout the year, the best time is in winters. Chitrakote Waterfalls Surrounded by the majestic Vindhya ranges, Chitrakote Waterfalls on River Indravati in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, cascades down a height of 32 m. It is believed that herds of deer once lived in its scenic surroundings and this is how it derives its name - chitar is the word for deer in the local Halbi dialect. The waterfalls is situated around 275 km from the city of Raipur. It is often called the Niagara Falls of India as it is the widest waterfall in the country and has a horse-shoe shape. Spectacular at any time of the year, this waterfalls is at its roaring best during monsoons (July to October). Surrounded by dense sal forests, the falls is a sight to behold as the sheer water curtain drops down in a roar, which reverberates through the craggy hills, the cliffs and the neat paddy fields. During the rainy season, the otherwise white water turns into various shades of brown, heavy with silt. If you are lucky, you will catch a rainbow or two hanging above the water, emerging from its misty depth. You can hire a local fisherman's boat to take you as close as possible to the falls. You can also swim in the river downstream or try water rafting. A popular picnic spot, most tourists prefer making a day trip to the falls from Jagdalpur (around 40 km away). You can also explore the surrounding region for a glimpse of the local tribal culture. Nandanvan Jungle Safari Spread across an area of 800 acre, Nandanvan is a picturesque stretch of lush greenery that boasts a rich biodiversity. Located around 35 km from Raipur railway station, it is renowned for being home to several indigenous plant species that provide a healthy habitat for a wide variety of fauna. A major attraction here is the Khandwa Reservoir that hosts hordes of migratory birds every year and spans across a vast area of 130 acre. At present, four kinds of jungle safaris run at Nandanvan: the Lion Safari, the Tiger Safari, the Bear Safari and the Herbivore Safari. While the Lion, Tiger and Bear safaris are spread over 20 hectare each, the Herbivore Safari covers an area of 30 hectare. Nandanvan is home to four tigers, four bears and 106 herbivorous species including chital, sambar, blue bull, barking deer and blackbuck. The safari area has been covered by a chain link fence of 5m and 1.5 m height which is inverted at the top at a 60 degree angle. For a safe and healthy environment inside the safari belt, over 55,000 saplings were planted and a green belt created. Nandanvan Jungle Safari was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 1, 2016. It was in 2011 that the Naya Raipur Development Authority (NRDA) decided to develop a world-class safari in Naya Raipur with the idea of getting visitors to enjoy the enlivening wildlife experience through safari vehicles. Dudhadhari Temple A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama, Dudhadhari temple boasts original Ramayana-era sculptures, making it one of the rarest of its kind in the country. Built by Kalchuri ruler Jait Singh in the 17th century, the structure’s outer walls feature exquisite sculptures related to Lord Rama. A legend goes that the temple is named after an ardent devotee of Lord Hanumana, Swami Balbhadra Das, who was dudh-ahari, meaning he survived on milk alone. It is said that a cow called Surhi used to bathe the idol here in its milk and Lord Hanuman's devotee used to drink that milk as prasad (divine offering). That is how he acquired the title dudh-ahari. Hajra Waterfall Flowing down from a height of around 150 ft, Hajra Waterfall is a mesmerising sight. It is located around 22 km from Raipur. Nestled amid a dense forest, towering mountains and tunnels, the place can be a quaint and serene place for visitors to make a day of it. Its picturesque and peaceful surroundings and the sound of gushing water lulling one into rest make it a great picnic spot. The best time to travel to this spot is usually in winter months as summers are dry and humid with the temperature rising up to 48 degree Celsius. Hajra Waterfall is located between Dongragarh and Gondia railway stations en route Mumbai-Howrah railway line. Bhilai Famous for the Bhilai Steel Plant, one of the largest in India, this industrial city is located about 25 km away from Raipur. The Bhilai Steel Plant is renowned as the sole manufacturer of rails in India that are used by the Indian Railways. A planned and modern city, Bhilai is divided into neat sectors with single-storey houses and wide tree-lined roads. A popular site to visit is the Maitri Bagh, or Garden of Friendship, which is a great picnic spot. It is located near the Maroda water tanks and includes a well-maintained zoo. It also has a man-made waterfall and a toy train known as Maitrey Express that is a favourite with children. Established as a symbol of Ind0-USSR cooperation, the park also has a musical fountain and sees maximum footfalls when shows are organised in the evening. Another place that attracts locals and tourists in Bhilai is the colourful Arjuna's Rath, a sculpture located at the Civic Centre. Well-lit, the monument is a sight to behold in the evening. Tourists can also visit the famous Jagannath Mandir, which is known for its annual Ratha Yatra (chariot procession) festival. On the outskirts of Bhilai is Deobalod, popular for its ancient Shiva temple. A must-visit for all tourists coming to Bhilai is Dhamdha, located around 30 km away. With an ancient fort and temples, it's a tranquil spot for picnics and even a weekend trip. A little far away, around 80 km, is Siyadevi, known for the Sita Maiya Temple. Set in a jungle and surrounded by picturesque waterfalls, it is said Lord Rama lived here for sometime with his wife Goddess Sita and brother Lakshmana. Mahamaya Temple An architectural delight, the Mahamaya Temple is believed to have been built around the 11th century AD by king Ratnadev. It is dedicated to two Goddesses, Lakshmi and Saraswati, and is one of the 52 shaktipeeths, the shrines of divine feminine, Shakti. Located around 25 km from Bilaspur, the presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Mahamaya, also known as Kosaleswari. The temple was constructed in 1045 AD by Raja Ratnadeva I who had arrived here for the first time in Manipur village. Legend has it that the king took rest on a tree when night fell. In the middle of the night, he woke up to see a supernatural light under the tree and found Adi Shakti Mahamaya holding a meeting there. He lost consciousness thereafter. He returned to his capital city of Tumman but decided to make Ratanpur his capital. In 1050 AD, a temple of Shri Mahamaya Devi was constructed here and there is a popular belief that it is a centre of yantra and mantra. The temple has been built in the Nagara style of architecture near a huge water tank. One can also find temples of Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva in the same complex. A few kilometres from here are the ruins of an 11th century Kadeideol Shiva temple with Kalbhairava as the guardian of the temple. Dongargarh Known for its scenic landscapes and a hilltop temple, dedicated to Goddess Bambleshwari, Dongargarh is a beautiful little town, set against stately mountains. Located around 110 km away from Raipur, it is dotted with ponds and is surrounded by a patchwork of farmlands, rustic homes and snaking roads. A quaint retreat, away from the bustle of cities, Dongargarh invites tourists for its pilgrimage places. Among the most important is the Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple. Situated on the top of a hill at a height of 1,600 ft, the white temple makes a pretty picture against the green hill. The temple complex has two important sites: the Badi Bamleshwari Temple and the Chhoti Bamleshwari Temple, which are located at the base of the hill. The hilltop offers stunning views of the surrounding area and can be reached either by climbing a long flight of stairs or a ropeway. Dongargarh is particularly vibrant during the celebrations of Navratri (a nine-day holy festival). It is said that around 2,000 years ago, Dongargarh was called Kamavati and was ruled by king Kamsen, who constructed the temple of Goddess Bamleshwari to celebrate the birth of his son. Later, when Kamavati was destroyed in a war between Kamsen and king Vikramaditya, the latter, though victorious, was filled with remorse at the gory outcome. He prayed to Goddess Bagulamukhi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, requesting her to preside at the Bamleshwari Temple. Since then, it is believed that Maa Bagulamukhi Devi is present here. As time passed, the name changed from Maa Bagulamukhi to Maa Bamlai to Maa Bamleshwari. Many believe this region is also blessed by the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, Saraswati. Moreover, a prominent Buddhist site, Pragyagiri, is also worth a visit. Situated just 30 km away from the Bamleshwari Temple, it lies on the Nangara hillock, dominated by a gigantic statue of Lord Buddha in a meditating pose. Devotees flock to the 30-ft-high statue that looks mesmeric during sunrise and sunset. Also located nearby is a Jain temple on Chandragiri Hill with an ancient statue of the Teerthankara Chandraprabhuji. Sirpur Sirpur (erstwhile Shripura) is a tiny hamlet located on the banks of River Mahanadi, approximately 80 km from Raipur. It boasts archaeological remains associated with Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Excavations have revealed ruins of ancient structures across the village area, out of which the Buddhist viharas are believed to be older than even the famed Nalanda University, in Bihar. Tourists can also find a multitude of temples and monasteries, the most important of which are Lakshman Temple, Gandheswara Temple, Swastika Vihara and Anandaprabhu Kutir Vihara. The Lakshman Temple, featuring Gupta architecture, is believed to date back to the 7th century and is one of the most beautiful brick temples in India. In 1872, British army officer and archaeologist Alexander Cunningham visited some of these monuments and published his findings, especially about the Lakshman Temple and its beautiful and intricate carvings. This resulted in the place gaining international recognition. The temple faces the east and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It stands on a massive platform that is accessible from the north and the south by steps. The temple has a garbh graha (sanctum sanctorum), an antarala (a small antechamber between the sanctum and the hall) and a mandapa (pillared outdoor hall). Another highlight is the popular Sirpur Music and Dance Festival organised in the premises every January. There are many Buddhist sites to explore and one can start from the most noted one, the Buddh Vihar, which is known for its beautiful carvings that narrate stories about life back then. The biggest monastery in Sirpur is Teevardev Maha Vihara, around a kilometre, from the Lakshman Temple. During recent excavations, 12 Buddhist viharas, one Jain vihara, monolithic statues of Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira along with 22 Lord Shiva and five Lord Vishnu temples and an underground granary market have also been found.
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