Chhattisgarh
Introduction to Chhattisgarh
Chhatisgarh, India’s 26th state, was carved out of
Madhya Pradesh on 1st Nov. 2000. The newly formed state
shares borders with Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, U.P.,
Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. It is a predominantly tribal
state, with about 35 big and small tribes spread all
over Chhattisgarh. Chhatisgarh is perhaps the most
economically strong region of the country, and is
endowed with rich mineral and forest wealth. The major
mineral resources of the State include coal, iron-ore,
lime-stone and dolomite (used in cement). There are also
diamond mines, and it is estimated that Deobhog area in
Raipur district if successfully exploited can provide
large revenue to the State.
Chhatisgarh has a potential of becoming an important
industrial centre. Most of the power generating units in
M.P., have been included in the new state, and also has
major industries like steel plant at Bhilai and
Aluminium plant at Korba. Sarguja, Raigarh and Bilaspur
are emerging fastly as important industrial centres.
There are also several cement factories and many
ancillary units in the state. The states immense forest
cover, also provides a safe haven for wildlife, and fine
game reserves are located here. Chhatisgarh is also a
major wheat producing region of the country.
Tourist
Attraction:
Kawardha:
The small age-old town of Kawardha is a tranquil retreat
offering breathtaking views of nature and a rich tribal
life. The royal palace introduces you to some finer
glimpses of Indian royalty.
Chitrakote Falls:
Deep in the heart of Bastar forest, this enormous
waterfall plunges down from a height of 100 feet.
Kanker: This
thousand year old town offers a splendid combination of
forest, waterfalls and exquisite tribal villages nestled
inside. Here is an old palace still resided by the royal
family of the area, which itself is one of the major
tourist attractions in Chhattisgarh.
Bhoramdeo: It is often referred to as the
Khajuraho of
Chhattisgarh because of its beautifully carved erotic
sculptures.
Chamaparan: The erstwhile Champaranya was the
birthplace of Saint Vallabhacharya. The place is famous
for his birth anniversary sometime in April-May and an
annual fair sometime in Jan-Feb.
Bastar: This near-perfect tribal land embodies a
wild invitation into unexplored forests with waterfalls
and wild animals, age-old temples, tribal dance and
music. It is one of the most important eco-tourism
destinations of the country.
Seorinarayan: The place is associated with
legends in the Ramayana. Some consider the 10th/11th
century temple to be even more sacred than the temple of
Lord Jagannatha in Puri. Apart from these the state
boasts of 3 National Parks and 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries
with a multitude of wildlife. Among these, Indrawati
National Park, Kanger Ghati National Park and Achanakmar
Sanctuary are important tourist attractions in
Chhattisgarh. Some endangered species like Wild Buffalo
and Hill Myna are spotted here.
How to
reach Chhattisgarh
By Air: The
state has a domestic airport, which is linked, to almost
all major airports in the country. Indian Airlines
operates regular flights to and from Raipur.
By Road: The road-network in Chhattisgarh is
excellent. The National Highways (NH) 6, 16 and 43
connect all the major cities and towns of Chhattisgarh
to other parts of the country.
By Rail: Two major railway stations in
Chhattisgarh - Raipur and Bilaspur - connect 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.
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