- Sandipan Mazumdar

Considered one of the youngest states, Chattisgarh’s history dates back to the prehistoric times. Enriched cultural heritage and natural beauty of the colourful tribes, their customs and traditions, of history almost unspoiled by modernity, have made Chhattisgarh a real splendour to visit. With a bounty of treasures, like amazing waterfalls, undulating mountains, pre-historic ruins, tribal arts et al, Chhattisgarh is waiting to be discovered.

RAIPUR
Raipur is the ideal spot from where one can proceed to explore the entire state. Begin with the 16th century Dudhadhari Math and Temple dedicated to Lord Rama with scenes painted from the Ramayana; Vivekananda Sarovar, earlier known as lake ‘Burha Talab’ with a huge effigy of Swami Vivekananda; Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum, established in 1875 with five galleries and is home to ancient coins, artefacts, weapons etc.; Purani Basti, a part of old Raipur and its five century old Kali Temple; and Purkhauti Muktangan, site of an art pilgrimage on the National Highway no.43.

RAJIM Also known as the ‘Prayag of Chhattisgarh’, Rajim is positioned on the confluence of the Mahanadi and Pairi rivers. Just 45 km from Raipur, Rajim is famous for a group of temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. Every February this

place holds the ‘Rajim Kumbh’, drawing thousands of saints and pilgrims to its holy bank. The Rajivlochan temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu is perhaps the best temple in Rajim. The original temple dated back to 600 AD. Beautiful architecture can be seen in Gaja-Laxmi, Shiva, Vishnu, Baraha- Avtar and Narisingha-Avtar on the doorway and the walls of the temin ple. The Old Kuleshawar Mahadev temple and Daneshwar Mahadev temple are also significant spots of this locality.

SIRPUR
Located on the right bank of Mahanadi, Sirpur was known as Shripura in olden times. In fact it was the capital of Dakshin Koshala. The glory of Sirpur can be realised through the writings of famous Chinese traveller Hiuen-Tsang, who visited Sirpur in 635 AD. The magnificent part is that Sirpur has archaeological remains associated with Shaiva, Vaishnava, Buddhist and Jain faiths. Excavations at Sirpur have yielded extensive ruins of ancient structures. Among the various temples and Buddhist monasteries, the most notable are the Laxman temple, Gandheshwara temple, Ananda Prabhu Kutir Vihara and Swasti Vihara. However, the best temple so far is the Laxman temple which was established in the 7th century and is surely one of the finest brick temples in India

BARNAWAPARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY The sanctuary is located in the northern part of Mahasamund district and covers an area of 245 sq.km. This region

is varied with plains and hills of altitude ranging between 265 m to 400 m. You will find trees like Teak, Sal, Bamboo, Tendu, Haldu, Sarai, Biza, Saja, Amlaki, etc. The sanctuary is also home to the tiger, sloth bear, flying squirrel, jackal, four horned antelope, leopard, black buck, chinkara, barking deer, bison, chital, gaur, nilgai, python, etc. Barnawapara is said to have the largest density of leopards in India. The forest remains closed from July 1 to October 31.

BHORAMDEO
Bhoramdeo is famous for its temple known as the ‘Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh’. Situated near a lake, the temple, built in 1089 AD, has beautiful Vaishnava, Shaiva and Jain sculptures. Legend has it that this temple was dedicated to the tribal deity Bhoramdeo (a form of Shiva). Mandwa Mahal and Chhera-ki-Mahal are also worth visiting for their magnificent sculptures. The area is surrounded by the Maikal mountain range and the scenic beauty of this area is just breathtaking. Tourists can also visit the adjacent Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary.

GANGREIL, KANKER (NATHIANAWAGAON), KONDAGAON At Gangreil, view the huge dam on Mahanadi River. The major attraction of Kanker (Nathianawagaon) is the Kanker Palace which was built in the year 1937. It served as the residence of the British agent during the Raj period. Near the Kanker Palace, Chhote-pat-deo, Balaji and Jagannath temples are also of tourist’s interest. During the south-bound journey, Keshkal, 29 km from Kanker, presents the first glimpse of the lush-green Bastar

mountains. Keshkal is widely known as one of the most beautiful valleys of the region. From Keshkal, the road leads to Kondagaon, famed for the bell-metal (Dokra) art of Chhattisgarh.

TALA
Tala is famous for its ‘Deorani-Jethani temples’, built during the 5th-6th century AD. People come here to perform the Mahamrityunjoy Jap for Lord Shiva. A sculpture of Rudra Shiva, made up of a number of human and animal figures put together in a nice collage, was discovered here. Just adjacent to the temples there is a museum maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

JAGDALPUR The capital of the erstwhile princely state of Bastar, Jagdalpur is famous for its palace and the temple of ‘Danteshwari Mata’ which witnesses a six-day long festival during Dussehra; Archaeological and Anthropological Museum which showcase the rich social and cultural history of tribes like Gond, Kamar, Byga, Halwa, Bhatra, Maria, Muria etc.; Narayanpal Temple, the 11th century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, situated on the banks of the Indravati River; and the Dalpat Sagar and Ganga Munda lakes. CHITRAKOT WATERFALLS Located 38 km from Jagdalpur, Chitrakote is widely known as the ‘Niagara of India’. The smooth flowing Indravati suddenly jumps down from a height of 32 m (96 ft). Frequent rainbows can be seen in the flow of the huge falls. You can also reach close to the falls by hiring a boat. The falls are illuminated at night, giving them a spectacular look. The best time to visit the falls is from July to December. TIRATHGARH FALLS AND KUTUMSAR CAVES Both Tirathgarh Falls and Kutumsar Caves are inside the Kanger Valley National Park. The gentle pace of the Mungabahar Nala River cascades down in the form of steps, falling from a height of 35 m. For viewing of the falls the best position is the Shiva-Parvati temple standing on a large rock facing the waterfalls. After viewing the Tirathgarh Falls, one can visit Kutumsar Caves, famous for their stunning stalactite and stalagmite formation. Kutumsar Caves are also home to a particular species of genetically-blind fish. Walking around the dark lanes of the caves, watching beautiful structures, will be athrilling experience for travellers.