What comes to your mind when you think about visiting India? Taj Mahal. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai – are the major cities. Varanasi is another hotspot for international and domestic visitors. Goa is yet another hugely popular place. The Himalayas are another popular tourist attraction. We hardly ever think of Chhattisgarh when thinking about visiting India. But what’s so special about this central Indian state? Food, nature, tribal culture, landscape, and people–everything about Chhattisgarh is exceptional. Chhattisgarh is a hidden gem in India. Let’s find out why you should visit this state and what to do once you get there.
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Brief overview of Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh has a population of 30 million and is the 9th largest state in India. Before 2000, Chhattisgarh wasn’t a separate state – it used to be a part of Madhya Pradesh. Chhattisgarh is a resource-rich state with the third-largest coal reserve in India. But the true beauty of Chhattisgarh is in its forests and tribal culture. More than 40% of the state is under forest cover.
History of Chhattisgarh
India is thousands of years old, and it isn’t easy to pinpoint precisely where the first settlements began. However, Chhattisgarh makes a strong case for being one of India’s earliest sites of human settlement. The Sitabega caves on Ramgarh Hill are the oldest example of theater architecture in the Indian subcontinent. It dates back to the 3rd century BCE and has inscriptions in the ancient Brahmi language.
Historians are still studying the genesis and evolution of Chhattisgarh. However, people have inevitably inhabited the place for thousands of years. Excavated artifacts reveal continuous habitation since at least 185 BCE. Chhattisgarh is situated on the Deccan Plateau, the oldest landmass in the subcontinent. Parts of the state are still unexplored and may hold yet more secrets.
How to go to Chhattisgarh
Swami Vivekananda International Airport is the main airport in Chhattisgarh. It’s 15 km away from central Raipur–the capital city. There are two other domestic airports, Raigarh Airport and Jagdalpur Airport. Chhattisgarh is well-connected by rail and road routes as well. You can easily reach Chhattisgarh from any major Indian city.
Chhattisgarh shares its boundary with the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. The state is almost at the center of India, and you can reach Chhattisgarh easily from almost all Indian states.
Things to see in Chhattisgarh
There are plenty of places to see in Chhattisgarh, from historical sites to wildlife sanctuaries. Since Chhattisgarh is not as famous as other Indian states, it’s relatively less crowded. As a result, you can enjoy some of the best forests in India in Chhattisgarh.
Kailash and Kotumsar Cave
Kailash and Kotsumar caves are one of the longest in the world, with a length of more than 2000 meters. It’s a historical site as well as a natural wonder. Visit Kailash and Kotsumar caves for one of the most surreal experiences in India.
Kanger Valley National Park
Chhattisgarh is a land of forests. Among its several national parks and sanctuaries, Kanger Valley stands out due to its adjacent villages where people still live intertwined with nature. Take a safari at Kanger Valley National Park and spot barking deer, Chikara, jackal, Chital, buck, hyena, drongo, and wild boar.
Tirathgarh Falls
Close to Kanger Valley National Park, Tirathgarh Falls is a unique and stunning waterfall. The waterfall splits into multiple falls as it flows down the steep hill. There’s a small temple at Tirathgarh Falls for devotees and anyone who wants to visit. Since it’s close to Kanger Valley National Park, you can easily club together in one trip.
Chitrakote Falls
Broader and mightier than Tirathgarh Falls, Chitrakote Waterfall is called the Niagara Falls of India. It’s the broadest waterfall in India, with a width of 300 meters. Chitrakote Falls is an archaeological hotspot widely studied for its quartzitic sandstone and Archaean granite.
Bhoramdeo Temple
Bhoramdeo Temple is a testimony to the rich cultural past of Chhattisgarh. This century-old temple is a demonstration of exquisite artistry and attention to detail. Known as Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh, Bhoramdeo Temple is a stunning historical temple.
Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
With a total area of 245 Sq.km, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India. There is a high probability of seeing the Indian Bison (Gaur) here, as well as chitals, nilgais, sambhars, and wild boars. In addition, the Barnawapara region is home to more than 150 species of birds. Explore the true wilderness of Chhattisgarh at Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary.
Are you excited to visit Chhattisgarh?
Many travelers in India and globally are still unaware of Chhattisgarh’s hidden gems. We don’t want you to miss out on the beautiful experience of exploring Chhattisgarh.
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