FACTS & FIGURES
Area: 135,100 sq km
Religion: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity
Capital: Raipur
Languages: Hindi, English
Best time to visit: October to March
CHHATTISGARH
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FACTS & FIGURES Area: 135,100 sq km Religion: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity Capital: Raipur Languages: Hindi, English Best time to visit: October to March
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INTRODUCTION:
Due to its location in central
India, Chattisgarh is one of the few landlocked states of the country. Uttar
Pradesh and Bihar bind the State in north, in the east it is bound by Orissa, in
the south by Andhra Pradesh and in the West by Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Chhatisgarh, Indias 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.A large
part of the state comes under Vindhyachal range that divides the Indian
subcontinent into two. Mahanadi and Narmada are the principal rivers of the
state. Narmada has its origin in Amarkantak, which lies in Chattisgarh.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The state has tropical climate with hot summer and cold winters. Most of the
precipitation occurs during the monsoon (July to mid-September). Day temperature
during the summers (mid-April to June end) can touch a high of around 45°C while
in the winters the temperature may fall well below 10°C.
HISTORY
A major part of the Chattisgarh (Bastar) as we know today was known as
Dandakaranya in the ancient times. Other parts were known as Dakshina Koshal. In
the medieval period, the region, which falls south of the Vindhyas, came to be
known as Gondwana. Earliest human settlements were established in this region
much before they came into existence in any other part of the country.
Historians and anthropologists are trying to establish the exact date for the
earliest human settlement in this region.
Right from the beginning, Chattisgarh has been swarmed with migrants from nearby
places, who now constitute a major part of the population. Right from the days
of great Magadha Empire, Chattisgarh remained part of every empire that ruled
the country from north to south, but their dominance was political only. As the
region was extremely inaccessible, not much interference could be made in the
lifestyle of the tribes. Kalchuris were the first rulers who ruled clearly over
this region till 19th century. After the fall of Kalchuris, it was time for the
Bhonsles of Nagpur to dominate over this region for a brief period in the 19th
century. However with the decline of the Marathas, there prevailed complete
lawlessness throughout the region and many tribal chieftains established rule
over small tracts of land.
The English recognized the mineral wealth of the region and established a vast
network of mines and railway track throughout the region, which marked the
beginning of a new phase in the tribal history of Chattisgarh. Today, the state
is a heterogeneous mix of races from all over the country working together to
create a prosperous Chattisgarh.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Ghotul is a better-known event in tribal life and they have aroused considerable
interest from anthropologists to study the tradition. Both boys and girls are
allowed to spend a night out in the ghotul (kind of rest house), every week.
Ghotuls are regarded as a shrine, built by Lingo Pen, a Gond (a tribe) cult
hero. Here, the unmarried boys of the village learn songs and dance from their
leader. Besides, every week, there is a dance carnival as well in which the
girls also take part. Moreover, it is treated like a pilgrimage.
Dussehra is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Jagdalpur every year.
TOURISTS ATTRACTIIONS
Major tourist centres in the state are Amarkantak, Banjari Baba,
Bhoramdev, Champaranya, Chitrakoot, Dudhadharimath, Indrawati National Park,
Kangerghati National Park, Jagdalpur, Bastar, Danteswari Temple, and many more.
Chhattisgarh at a Glance
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Chhattisgarh, situated in the heart of India,
is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and attractive natural diversity.
The State is full of ancient monuments, rare wildlife, exquisitely carved
temples, Buddhist sites, palaces, water falls, caves, rock paintings and
hill plateaus. |
for those who are tired of the crowds at major destinations, Bastar, with its unique cultural and ecological identity, will come as a breath of fresh air. The Green State of Chhattisgarh has 44% of its area under forests, and is one of the richest bio-diversity areas in the country.
The State has taken a conscious
decision to do away with past legacies and to adopt a fresh approach to Tourism
Development. The Tourism Policy is focused on creating a unique image for the
State and to position it as an attractive destination for both domestic as well
as foreign tourists. Some major objectives of this policy are:
- To promote economically, culturally and ecologically sustainable tourism in
the State.
- Encourage and promote private sector initiatives in developing tourism-related
infrastructure
- Limit the role of Government to that of facilitator and provider of public
goods
- Increase the contribution of tourism to the economic development of inter-
related sectors
- To harness the true potential of tourism, it is necessary to undertake
large-scale development / improvement of infrastructure and create a conducive
investment climate. Accordingly, the State will take up Integrated Development
of Special Tourism Areas and have constructive collaboration with the Private
Sector. Tourism development will be primarily driven by the private sector with
the role of Government being that of a facilitator and catalyst. Towards this
end, the State has set up a State Tourism Promotion Board as the nodal agency
for translation of the Policy into action for the sustained development of the
sector.
ECO TOURISM IN CHHATTISGARH
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With 12% share of India’s
forests, Chhattisgarh’s 3 National Parks and 11 Wildlife |
The State has taken several steps
for their preservation. Natural attractions are being promoted with increased
local participation and encouragement to herbal gardens and natural health
resorts.The mystique of aboriginal tribal ethno-medicine which predates even
Ayurveda has been preserved and practised over the millenia.
Mainpat (Surguja), Keshkal valley (Kanker), Chaiturgarh (Bilaspur), Bagicha (Jashpur),
Kutumbsar caves, Kailash caves, Tirathgarh falls, Chitrakot falls (Bastar) are
all exhilarating destinations being promoted for nature and wildlife tourism.
Wildlife areas, camping grounds and trekking facilities would be few of the
prime attractions.
CHHATTISGARH-
Places to See
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Raipur |
BASTAR is
the Land of Tribals & Natural Resources.
This Divine Land is also enriched with Natural Beauty which makes it a paradise
for tourists.
The deep forest area between bushes and bamboos where one always feel the
absence of sunlight, wide and thick forests, between high mountains cool flowing
streams, sky-touching mountains, caves, high waterfalls, and in the valleys the
spread of greenary and in between this, the huts made by bamboo sticks, the
fearless life style of the tribals and their culture, one's heart and mind would
be filled with new wonders and pleasure.
Champaran (Champajhar)
The village is identified with Champaranya, the birth place of the Saint
Vallabhacharya, the reformer and founder of the Vallabh Sect for whom this place
has religious sanctity. A temple was constructed in honor of Guru Swamy
Vallabhacharya. Near to this Temple, there is the temple of Champakeshwara
Mahadeva.
Fair
An annual fair is held every year in the month of Magh (January - February).
Birth Anniversary of Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya is celebrated every year on
Eleventh bright day of Baisakh (April-May) and a large number of followers of
the Sect assemble here to pay homage.
TRIBAL TOURISM:
BASTAR is the Land of Tribals & Natural Resources.
This
Divine Land is also enriched with Natural Beauty which makes it a paradise for
tourists
The deep forest area between bushes and bamboos where one always feel the
absence of sunlight, wide and thick forests, between high mountains cool flowing
streams, sky-touching mountains, caves , high waterfalls , and in the valleys
the spread of greenary and in between this, the huts made by bamboo sticks, the
fearless life style of the tribals and their culture, one's heart and mind would
be filled with new wonders and pleasure.
Bastar is a tribal district where about 70% of the total population is tribals
and which constitutes 26.76% of the total tribal population of Chhattisgarh
state. Each tribal group has their own culture and each of them are following
their own traditional living ways.
These tribal groups are having
different spoken languages and they differ from each other in their costume,
eating habits, customs, art, living ways etc. Some of the tribals are still
living in interior forests and they do not like to come to the outer world and
mingle with the modern civilisation and are unaware of what is happening in the
world.
TRIBAL GROUPS
The Main tribal groups that are seen in Bastar district are:-
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Gonds Tribals
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Abhuj Maria Tribals
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Bison Horn Maria Tribals
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Muria Tribals
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Halba Tribals
CULTURAL HERITAGE IN CHHATTISGARH
Chhattisgarh has identified and is
developing ethnic villages and private sector is encouraged for proper
maintenance and professional site management of important heritage
sites/monuments. Bhoramdeo, Rajim, Sirpur, Tala, Malhar and Sheorinarayan are
prime sites for heritage tourism.
Festivals like Dusshera at Bastar, Madai at Dantewada and Narainpur, Bhoramdeo,
Raut Nacha, Chakradhar Samaroh and Rajim are being marketed for global exposure.
BUSINESS AND LEISURE TOURISM
Chhattisgarh encourages investments in
establishment of business-cum-recreation centres to cater to the needs of
business travelers. State-of-the-art convention centres, seminar halls etc for
corporate events are being encouraged. Investments for the entertainment needs
of business tourists with high purchasing power, facilities such as hotels,
entertainment and amusement parks, multiplexes, health spas, shopping malls and
golf courses are being encouraged.
PILGRIM
TOURISM
The State encourages development of pilgrimage centres. Rajim,
Champaranya, Dongargarh, Sheorinarayan, Girodhpuri, Dantewada, Ratanpur, Sirpur
and others are prime destinations for pilgrim tourism. Sirpur and Dongargarh
would be part of the wider Buddhist tourist circuit.
ADVENTURE TOURISM
There is great scope for the promotion of modern adventure sports such as
water sports, trekking, rock climbing, parasailing and bungee jumping.
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Chhattisgarh
The
district of Raipur possesses three wildlife sanctuaries. The sanctuaries are
open throughout the year but looking to the accessibility it is advisable that
the visits are made during November to June in the Year.
With a varied terrain of wooded hills abounding with evergreen sal forests,
precious timber procuring, natural and planted teak forests and mixed forests of
higher and medium quality, the sanctuaries offer abundant opportunities of
sighting a variety of wild life.
The predominant species in the sanctuaries are deer and the most easily sighted
are the graceful little chinkara, the Indian gazelle and the chital or spotted
deer. Other species that have their habitat in the sanctuaries are nilgai,
Sambar, Kotri,barking deer, chausingha or four horned antelope, sloth bear, wild
boar, wild dog, jackal,wolf, hyena and bison.
Tiger & leopards/panthers can also be spotted in the sanctuaries, but they are
certainly in limited numbers. The sanctuary's avifauna includes peacock, jungle
fowl, pigeon, green pigeon, wood plucker, quail, gray-partridge, parrot, stork
etc. Artificial water holes have been developed in the area to attract migratory
birds which are good sites for bird-watchers in winter and for general tourists
in summer.
MAJOR DESTINATIONS IN CHATTISGARH:
Bastar-The Paradise of Tourists
Kutumsar Caves and Kailash Gufa
Bastar-The Paradise of Tourists
Bastar, the Land of Tribals and Natural Resources, is also enriched with natural beauty and pleasant atmosphere. It is surrounded with dense forests, hilly mountains, streams, waterfalls, natural caves, natural parks etc. It is firmly a tribal area, where the natural beauty can easily attract the tourists at first sight itself. Here the art & culture is the valuable ancient property of the Bastariyas. From the view point of tourists and tourism, Bastar is called the 'Kashmir of Chhattisgarh'. If we place Bastar in the map of tourism, no doubt it definitely attracts the foreign tourists too.
The deep forest area ,between bushes and bamboos where one always felt the absence of sunlight , wide and thick forests , costly woods such as Sal , Teak , Sheesam ,Bija etc., between high mountains cool flowing stream , mountain valleys , caves , high waterfalls , sky-touching valleys and in the valleys the spread of greenary and in between this , the huts made by bamboo sticks, the fearless life style of the tribals and their culture, our heart and mind can be fill with new wonders and pleasure.
There are so many places which are worth seeing, not only in Bastar district, but also in the neighboring districts Dantewada and Kanker, which are in Bastar division.. It’s often heard that there are many places worth seeing which are still unexplored .Bastar imprints are an inerasable memory in the mind of a tourist.
The important tourist places in Bastar district are Chitrakot and Tiratgarh, Kotamsar and Kailash caves, Kanger Valley National Park etc.Indravati National Park, known for tigers and wild buffaloes are situated at a distance of 200 Kms, west of Jagdalpur, is another place worth seeing. Another virgin tourist spot is Kurschel Valley, with its gigantic trees, situated at 40 Kms. north west of Narainpur.
About JAGDALPUR Town
Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar district and entire Bastar division, is a small and developing town with all facilities. The area of the town is 8.50 sq.km. and the area of the Jagdalpur urban including the Jagdalpur town is 23.75 sq.km. The Jagdalpur urban area not only includes Jagdalpur town but also includes the areas Frijarpur, Hotakachor, Sargipal and Dharampura which are the outgrowth areas of Jagdalpur town.All the higher education institutions such as Arts & Science Colleges, P.G College, Engineering & Polytechnic Colleges, Hostels etc and Anthropological Museum are located in Dharampura.
Jagdalpur is one of most beautiful towns of the country. Jagdalpur is rich in greenary, with big trees everywhere, and plantations surrounding the town providing a pleasant and healthy atmosphere and free from pollution. Because of this the temperature even in peak summer is moderate which is a key attraction of Jagdalpur.
It has a mixed culture of people pertaining to different states such as Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Bengal, Punjab and etc. Most of them are settled as business men and as government servants.Jagdalpur is one of the few towns in India where people of different religion, caste and culture are living in peace and harmony. The places worth seeing in the town are Gole Bazaar during night hours and during Dusshera and Diwali festival seasons & Kumhara Para area where all types of handicraft items made by the skilled hands of Bastar tribes are available.
Jagdalpur is well connected with road from the State capital Raipur and other parts of neighboring state Orissa.In addition to this a railway station is also there and a passenger train with sleeper coach is running daily to Vishakhapatnam and vice-versa. The railway station is located in a naturally beautiful area ,where sometimes film shootings are carried out. More over an Air Strip is also situated in Jagdalpur; but presently no passenger services are rendering from here.
Main Attractions
The key attractions in Jagdalpur town are Danteshwari Temple, Bastar Palace, Handicraft shopping complexes,Anthropological Museum and a couple of beautiful lakes.
Danteshwari Temple
It is an ancient temple built by the kings of Bastar for inhabiting there family Goddess, Devi Danteshwari. Devi Danteshwari is the Goddess of entire Bastar division, equally worshipped by Hindus as well as tribals.This temple is located beside Bastar palace and near to Gole Bazaar.
It is worth seeing and pleasant to watch the temple during the famous Bustar Dusshera festival season, decorated in color lights and lambs, where the main traditional functions of the festivals are being carried out.
Bastar Palace
It is another historical remain that is seen in Jagdalpur.It was the head quarters of Bastar Kigdom. It was built by the rulers of Bastar State when the capital of Bastar kingdom had been shifted from Barsur to Jagdalpur.At present this is keeping as a monument by the government.
Anthropological Museum
This Museum is located in the office of the
Anthropological Survey of India situated at Dharampura.It provides a perfect
window-view of the life-styles of various adivasi tribes in Bastar to a tourist
hard-pressed for time.
LAKES
The prominent river of Bastar district- Indravati, passes through Jagdalpur.There are two lakes namely Ganga Munda and Dalpat Sagar with in the boundary of Jagdalpur town. These lakes will be a great attraction for tourists coming to Bastar in the future.
HANDICRAFTS
Various kinds of exotic handicrafts made by the skilled hands of Bastar tribals are available in shops which are concentrated at Kumharapara, Jagdalpur.
These include wooden crafts, bamboo crafts, terracota, bell metal items, wrought iron items and cotton fabrics (Kosa sari etc).
Chitrakot Waterfalls
Chitrakot, the gorgeous waterfall is on the river Indravati, situated at a distance of 38 Km. in the west of Jagdalpur. Height of this waterfall is approximately 100ft.The Chitrakot waterfalls can be called as the smaller form of the world famous Niagara waterfalls.
The rainbow colors of the falls attract the tourists at the first sight itself. This is the prime attraction for all tourists and worth seeing in rainy season, between July and October. These waterfalls are in a horse-shoe shape and often compared to the great Niagara
Tiratgarh Waterfalls
These waterfalls are situated at a distance of 35 Km. from Jagdalpur in south west direction and can be approached through the state highway of Jagdalpur to Sukma. The waterfall is actually situated in Kanger Valley National Park and the height is approximately 300 ft. This place is a favorite picnic spot, especially for large groups looking for a day-long picnic in a forest. The good season for visiting these waterfalls is from October to February.
Kutumsar Caves and Kailash Gufa
This is a biggest tourist attraction, and is close to Tiratgarh waterfalls. Both Kutumsar Caves and Kailash Gufa are located in Kanger Valley National Park and situated at a distance of 38 Km. and 40 Km. from Jagdalpur respectively.
The Kutumsar caves are pitch-dark caves, which has Stalactites and Stalagmites in fantastic formations. A forest guard equipped with torchlight will be provided for necessary guidance. Kailash gufa is also similar to the Kutumsar caves
KANGER VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
The park is Paradise for the nature lovers. The Moist Peninsular valley Sal forests and the South Indian Tropical Moist Deciduous forests are seen in their finest form here. The park is situated in a transition zone where southern limit of sal forests and northern limit of teak forests overlap. Hence both Sal and teak are seen together in this valley.
The Park consists of tiger ,panther wildcat, cheetal,samber,barking deer, wild pig, jackal, langur,rhesus macaque,sloth bear,flying squirrel, python, hyena, rabbit, crocodile, otter,and civet.The avian fauna includes birds of prey ,scavenging birds, waterbirds, pheasants etc.The reptiles include snakes, lizards and the insects include butterflies,moths.dragonflies,grasshoppers etc.Lower forms of plants such as fungi, algae, bryophytes and pteridophytes are also quite common. All these put together with the virgin forests make the park a unique ecosystem.
The Park derives its name from the Kanger river which flows throughout its length .There are many scenic spots along this perennial stream. Rather bigger tourist attraction are the Kotamsar Caves, Kailash Caves, limestone Caves etc.The gorgeous waterfall Tirthgarh is also here.Kanger Dhara and Bhaimsa Dhara are two good picnic resorts and especially Bhaimsa Dharha is a crocodile park.
The valley is infact one of the last pockets of almost virgin forests still left in the peninsular region. To protect this unique eco-system, it has been proposed as a Biosphere Reserve under the MAB Programme.The valley is nearly 34 kms. long with average width of about 6 kms.The terrain is hilly mostly.
OTHER PLACES OF ATTRACTION
There are a chain of waterfalls and many other tourist places in Bastar.The MANDAWA waterfall is located 12 kms away from Tokapal of Jagdalpur Tehsil. It is also a natural place of tourism. Another waterfall in Bastar district is CHITRADHARA, which is just 19 kms away from Jagdalpur and is in Potanar village of Lohandiguda block of Jagdalpur Tehsil. THAMADA GHUMAR water fall is another recently discovered waterfall which is also in Lohandiguda block.Its height is more than 100 feet and is generally formed from the water in rainy season.There are green fields on both sides of this waterfall . Indravati National Park situated in Narainpur Tehsil is famous for tigers and wild buffaloes.It is situated 200 kms. west of Jagdalpur. Also about 40 kms. north west of Narainpur is the virgin Kurschel Valley, with its gigantic trees.
BILASPUR
RATANPUR - The old capital of the Chatisgarh state - the Ratanpur, is situated Approximately 25 km away from Bilaspur hq. in the way of Katghora Road. According to the voice of local people , it was the important place in all four Youg. (Satyug,Dwaper,Treta,Kalyoug).
As per the tourism importantance, there is an old fort which is to day In scraped condition. There is very good attractive old sculpture On stone over the frame of Ganesh gate. In this Gate frame Idols of River Ganga-Jamuna are found to see. On entrance there looks Of the Tandav Dance of God Shivji and statue of Bramha and Vishnu
There is a special to see that idol of God Dashanan who is cutting his own head one after another and offering to Lord Shivji. The local area's eminent faithful one of temples is the Godess Mahamaya. This temple is of eleventh century old made during the regime of CALTURI the king of Raja Ratnadev. In its surrounding, there are different old temples and ponds. Before entering in to the place of Ratanpur there is a temple of Baba Bairavnath in which an idol of nine feet. At the place of Ramtekri there is a temple of Ram Panchayat. There is a Bhuddeshwar Shiv Temple made at the feet of hill made by Bhimbhaji Bhosle and at the top there is Laxmi temple which is called Ekbira Temple. Similarly there is found Ratneswar Mahadev temple.
At Kariyapara, Ancient Shiv ling and Surya Temple found in the pond of Krishna Arjuni. In front of Mahamaya Temple there is a temple of Kantideval of Maratha Period which is renovated by architecture department. There are Sitchourai and Jagarnath temple found too see inside the Ratanpur fort. There is a Dargah of Muse khan in near by Juna town. Khichdi Kedar and Lateswar are also among the tourist importance.
MALLHAR - (Saravpur) Once open a time the Saravpur was the State of Capital of ancient Chatishgarh. It is approximately 14 Km. away from Masturi block on the way from Bialspur to Raigarh. At this place remaining found of the period from appx. 1000 BC to Culturi regime. The temples of 10th and 11th century old are seen here. Among those Pataleswar Kedar temple is one of them where Gomukhi Shiv ling is the main point of attraction. The Didneswari temple of Culturi regime is also found. Artisitc idols are found in Deor temple. At this place, there is museum having good collection of old sculpture being managed by Central Govt
TALAGRAM - Talagram is famous for "Deorani-Jethani" temple and is situated appx. 25 Kms. from Bilaspur on Bhojpur-Dagori road. The name of Talagram is Ameri-kapa gram. There is a wonderful statue present in the temple which is approximately 7 ft. height, 4 ft. width and weighed 8 tons. People from all corners of the world come to see the statue. There is no any name has been given to that statue even after several years.
KUTHAGHAT
It is basically a dam located appx. 10 Kms. from
Ratanpur. It is surrounded with forest and hills. There is a rest house near to
that dam. It is a natural tourist point.
BELPAN
It is situated appx. 11 Kms. from Takhatpur. It
is famous for a big pond (kund) and samadhi.
KHADIA
DAM
It is situated in Lormi Block which is appx. 85 Kms. from
Bilaspur. It is famous for natural resources.
KABIR
Chobutara - It is situated in Gourella Block and appx. 41 Kms.
from Bilaspur. It is a place of saints and mahatma.
DURG
Famous for Bhilai Steel plant Durg has a MAITRY BAUGH
The only zoo cum children park available in this region for general public. The Baugh is maintained by the Bhilai Steel Plant Management with all the facilities of playing for children apart from a comprehensive zoo with many birds, animals and reptiles. Main attraction is the white tiger which are 4 in number. The huge sized Lions and lionesses also attract all age group of people. People and many school children come for picnic and other functions. Every year a Flower show is organized in the Bag during which many kind of unbelievable sized flowers and vegetables are displayed which are brought from various part of the district.
Musical Fountain is a marvelous fountain that is being maintained by the management of Bhilai Steel Plant at Maitry Baugh. The Fountain comprises of many fountains of water dancing on the tune of music. The show is organized in the evening on alternate days. The viewers view the fountain with an astonishing eye. The programme is of 20 minutes and per day only 2 shows are organized.
Uwasaggaharam Parshwa Teerth, Nagpura
The Epic Of Devotion
Uwasaggaharam Parshwa Teerth,
Nagpura, Durg; M.P. (India) has a unique distinction of acquiring unprecedented fame and adoration as a pioneer Jan Shrine, hardly within a span of half a dozen years since its formal installation on 5th' February' 1995. Situated on the bank of river Sheonath which had the singular good fortune of washing the holy feet of Shree Parshwanath, thousands of years ago, during his august visit to this area of Chhattisgarh; amidst the breath-taking natural beauty. This holy place not only documents India’s glorious past with its rich cultural past with its rich culture and architecture, it tells a tale of unshakeable, faith, unflinching devotion, selfless dedication, voluntary cooperation and above all divine inspiration and Providential Grade also.
The brief history of this holy place of worship is more miraculous than mysterious and proves how an unknown barren land could be transformed into an outstanding Teerth within two decades by divine grace. An eminent journalist and litterateur, Shri Rawalmalji Jain "Mani" perceived the maimed and mutilated idol of Shri Parashwanath, unattended at village Nagpura and decided to restore it under the inspiration of JAIN ACHARYA Shree RAJYASHSURIJI on the auspicious day of the Lord's birth: 10th day of Paush0th day of Paush, Bada 1979, but the destiny had decided otherwise. Incidentally, this idol of Nagpura has striking similarity with installed idol of the 23rd Teerthankar. In 1981 while digging Shri Bhuwan Singh's - well at the Northern India semi-civilized village "UGANA" situated on the bank of river Gandak an idol of Parshwanath surrounded by poisonous snakes was excavated. The villagers decided to install it but Shri Bhuwan Singh's friend Shri Hirachand Bhansali, a dedicated devotees was instructed to hand-over the idol to Shri Rawalmalji Jain in a mysterious dream. None knew Shri Maniji, miraculously enough; Shri Rawalmalji Jain was located and contacted at Durg. He paid a visit to Ugana, appeased the inhabitants and came back to Durg with the idol, loaded on a van with a view to install it at Nagpura, Surprisingly enough, the van stopped without any mechanical defect on the bridge of the rivulet, hardly 100 meters away from the present Teerth and refused to move. Ultimately, it was decided to install it at the same place which bears the mutilated-foot-prints and stone-inscription of the Lord to commemorate Shri Parashwanath's visit to this area in 1227 B.C. by Kalchury kings and followers of Jainism.
Like the composition of a sublime song whose each word is duly selected and rhythmically arranged, the slab of stone, shaped by selfless service and polished by profound faith began to give shape to this pious Shrine and thus began the creation of an epic poem engraved on lifeless stone - "Uwasaggaharam Parshwa Teerth" - The Emancipator of all the evils and miseries of mundane existence, the abode of blessedness and spiritual upliftment. The work began two decades ago still continues transforming and expanding the campus which today houses temples, guest houses garden and Naturopathy and Yoga Centre. The Entrance to the resplendent marble temple of Shri Parshwanath is through a 30 feet main gate of supreme architectural beauty with the idol of Parshwanath duly worshipped by two elephants and supported by four pillars each, each symbolically representing the four essentials of spiritual atonement: wisdom, introspection, good conduct and penance. Besides the main temple on whose pedestal stands the renovated footprints of the Lord, the temple of Shri Manibhadra Veer and Padmavati, stand on the right and left of the main temple respectively. They are clustered by a series of temples and guest houses with all the facilities of boarding and lodging like Namiom Jinalaya, Kalyan Mandir, Gyan Mandir, Satsang Bhawan, Meru Mountain with the Jinalaya of all the 24 Teerthankers, Charitra Mandir, Rohit Ratan Desai, Sukhad Bhawan Baid, Jain Guest House, Year Long Penance or Varshi Tap Bhawan, P.K. Shah Dharamshala, Shri Mani Bhadra Veer dining hall etc. The recent inclusion is "Teerthanker Uddyan", an unrivalled, matchless garden of renunciation, erected in semi circle containing not only the glory of the past and fine fountain this unique garden with spectacular natural setting unveils not only the glory of the past masters and godly souls it also inspires the seekers and pilgrims for introspection and renunciation.
The entire campus is not only well planned but it is nicely managed also. The present life with its, "sick hurry and divided aims" presents perpetual tension and crucifying complications. Since man is a psycho-somatic whole, he is naturally subjected to and affected by the stress of environment both psychically and physically. The psychic part is solaced and inspired by the main temple and the physical part of the Yoga centre and "Arogya Dham" - a 30 bedded, well equipped, well equipped hospital of Naturopathy translating into action the gospel of "Back to Nature". It also depicts that a sound body can subject itself to religious discipline and austerity better than a diseased one.
To the skeptic modern mind the idol of Lord Parshwanath poses an unsolved mystery. Since, "seeing is believing", none can really fathom the unfathomable charm, beauty and elevation this century old, mysteriously excavated and installed. The more photograph of this idol when was being perceived by his holiness Acharya Rajyasureeshwarji ,he felt as if a powerful spiritual current has passed through his being. As luck would have it, the formal installation was destined to have been performed by him. Millions of pilgrims, devotees, visitor’s, believers of other faiths, have felt the transporting impact of the idol.
Hundreds of visitor’s daily visit this holy shrine and many come every full-moon night from distant corners of India. Another astonishing feature is oozing of sacred water "AMIYA" or nectar from the idol. How can water come out of a stone? But many can bear unmistakable testimony to this. Several handicapped by infirmity and disease, people have been cured of their ailment. Miracles here are an every day affair. Historians have authenticated its antiquity and have traced that it was shaped and installed when the 24th Tirthankar Shri Mahaveer swami was 37 years old. It is also said that pleased by the austere penance of the Kalchury King Gaja Singh, godess Padmawati had presented him the present idol. From the very beginning this shrine has enjoyed the reverence of not only common men and women, illiterates and intelligentsia but saints and seers also. Their profound worship have electrified the whole campus and its stunning impact can be felt the moment we step in to this campus. The transcendental tranquility sanctity and spiritual ecstasy this holy shrine imparts is a thing of celestial beauty and a joy for ever.
Ganga Maiya Temple JHALMALA
Ganga maiya temple is located at Jhalmala panchayat just 4 KM East of Balod of Balod Tehsil on Durg-Balod main road. Its is 58 KM. from Durg & Rajnandgaon District Head Quarters and 40 kms from Dhamtari with well connected by road has become a premium place of religious importance in Chattisgarh.
Its history is also some thing unbelievable according to which one a fisherman was catching fish in the pond near the village when he encountered to get an idol in his net. Even after many times immersing the idol in water it again came out in the net. He left that place & went home. The same night one tribal villager "Gond" got a dream that ’I am being ignored by fisherman & take me out and get installed’. Taking this as an order of Goddess, he next morning went to pond and took out the idol and installed in a kuchha hut near the village. As it came from water hence was named as " GANGA MAIYA". Initially it was renovated by Shri Bhikam Chand Tawri and a beautiful temple shape was given. After that the process began and now it is the premium place with many activities going on regularly. The trust takes care of all the facilities in the area including the cultural activities and solving the problem of villagers. Many medical camps have been arranged from time to time to help the mankind to serve the poorer. Free medicines are distributed and care taken. To protect the environment the trust had planted many plants and due care is taken for already planted trees. The area is full of greenery with trees of fruits and flowers. The entire region has been developed as a tourist important place.
KORIYA
Amrit Dhara Water fall: - This is extremely beautiful natural waterfall on the Hasdo River. It is about seven kms away from Nagpur on the Manendragarh-Baikunthpur Road. Height of water fall is about 80-90 feets. and width is about 10-15 feets. It creates a beautiful cloudy atmosphere around the fall. In 1936, Ramanuj Pratap Singh Judeo, King of Koriya State, started a Mela (fare) on Mahashiv Ratri duration that is follow by people of Koriya to day also. Shiva's Temple is also added the extra beauty of this place.
Ramdaha Water fall :- This is another natural water fall in the District Korea .About 160 Kms. far away from Baikunthpur ,this fall is situated on the Banas river near the Bhavarkhoh village .Height of this water fall is about 100-120 ft.and width is about 20-25 ft. Forests and rocks add extra beauty to the spot
Gavar Ghat
Water fall: - This is the another
natural
water fall in Korea.About 40 kms from Baikunthpur this
fall is situated on the Hasdo river about 5 kms. from
Tarra village . Height of this water fall is nearly 50-60 feets
and width about 10 ft. This area is full of forests and rocks. 
Akuri Nala (Natural AC in Korea in summer season) :- This is called the natural AC of Korea district. About 65 kms. from Baikunthpur near Bansipur village this place exist. Small water fall is also there .About 100 mt. area is covered from both sides by rocks . In side people can walk freely. Water drops continuosly drop there in summer season and anybody can bath from these drops. There are also natural ropes here by using which one can hang and enjoy the water drops.. The surrounding area is full of forests and rocks.
RAIPUR
All the important Towns of the Region like Bhilai (25 km), Durg(41 km), Jagadalpur (297 Km), Rajnandgaon(70 km), Bilaspur (115 km) Jabalpur (369 km) and Bhopal(712 km) are connected with Raipur by Road. Visitors can also go to Hirakud Dam near Sambalpur and Puri (Orissa) by Road for which Bus Service is available. Raipur offers an attractive alternate Road route to Kanha National Park and enroute the traveller may also visit Bhoramdeo too. The route is Raipur-Kawardha- Bhoramdeo-Bodla- Chilpi- Supkhar-Muddi (178Km)
Raipur was founded by the Kalchuri King Ram Chandra of Raipur last quarter of the 14th century AD. Now, Raipur is the Headquarters of the District and Division of the same name. Centrally located in the newly formed State Chhattisgarh. Raipur is the biggest city of the Region and a fast developing important industrial centre. The establishment of Chili Steel Plant in the country has given added momentum to the pace of development of the city.
Champaran (Champajhar
The village is identified with Champaranya, the birth place of the Saint Vallabhacharya, the reformer and founder of the Vallabh Sect for whom this place has religious sanctity. A temple was constructed in honor of Guru Swamy Vallabhacharya. Near to this Temple, there is the temple of Champakeshwara Mahadeva
Fair: An annual fair is held every year in the month of Magh (January - February). Birth Anniversary of Mahapprabhu Vallabhacharya is celebrated every year on Eleventh bright day of Baisakh (April-May) and a large number of followers of the Sect assemble here to pay homage.
Other Places of Interest
Turturiya
The Forest village Turturiya Situated on the bank of a spring called Turturiya or Sursuri Ganga contains numerous Buddhist remains of 8th Century A.D. and the Brahmanical remains of later period. The site yielded numerous exquisitely sculptured pillars, remains of STUPA made of fine bricks, traces of bathing Ghats, Lingams figures of four armed Vishnu, Ganesha, a man hunting a lion with sword and a man wrestling with an animal. There are numerous heaps of ruins all of bricks, picked with stone. The place is of a great archaeological and anthropological interest.
Rajim
Situated on the right bank of the river Mahanadi was one of the important urban centres in the Mahakoshal region. It is famous for its fine group of temples. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu known as Rajivalochana Temple. The twelve pillars of the temple have tall single figures sculptured on the face like Durga with eight arms, the Ganga and Yamuna and exquisitely carved incarnation of Vishnu, Rama, Varaha (boar) and Narasimha (Man-cum-Lion) etc.
There is also a black stone statue of the Buddha meditating under the Bodhi tree. There are other temples around the main temple of Rajivalochana dedicated to different incarnations of lord Vishnu such as Vamana (dwarf) Narasimha (Man-cum-Lion) Badrinath and Jagannath. Of the ruins of numerous temples found nearby the most remarkable is that of Kuleshvara Mahadeva Temple. The tongue of the land on which the temple stands became severed from the main land by the river and is now actually on an island. Three inscriptions belonging to Somavanashis, Nalas and Kalchuris are found here.
Rajnandgaon
A tehsil headquarter, Dongargarh is the main tourist as well as pilgrimage of the district. The famous temple of MAA BAMBLESHWARI is on a hilltop of 1600 feet in the town of Dongargarh. This temple is referred as BADI BAMBLESHWARI. Another temple at ground level is situated about 1/2 k.m. from the main temple complex. This temple is referred as CHOTTI BAMBLESHWARI. Lakhs of people from in and around Chattisgarh flock the shrine during the navratris of Kavar (during Dashera) and Chaitra (during Ramnavmi). During these navratris melas (fair) are organized in the premises of the temple, which run 24 hours. Many companies and organizations display their product during this mela. The added tourist attraction is the ropeway. It is the only passenger ropeway in the state of Chhattisgarh.
Surguja
MAHAMAYA TEMPLE
It is situated in the east of Ambikapur town. This temple is very simple whereas the effect of worship is praised by every follower who visit the temple to worship this goddess.
It is a rock of about two hundred Quintals, cylindrical in shape resting on ground rocks. When it is stricken with a rigid body, a metallic sound echoes which is considered as effect of goddess.
KUDARGARH
It is worship place. A statue of Goddess "KUDARGARHI" is situated on the Hill. It is famous for a desirous demand. On the successful desire, the godess is pleased by the blood of a goat. There is a small hole (kund), the diameter of 6 inches but it doesn't get full even thousands of goat's blood is poured into it. Many people come here to worship the Goddess from distant places.
RAMGARH AND SITA-BENGRA
These are supposed as the places where Lord Ram with his wifeSita had stayed during their 14 years of Vanvas period. The people residing in the nearby villages have many tales on these caves, narrated to them by their forefathers.There are many such places describing the history of the old past era.
TATA-PANI (Source of hot water)
This is a hot water source, and hot water is flowing continuously. Anybody suffering from skin disease is found fully cured on taking bath in the nearby collection of water. Water is so hot near the source of hot water; even the rice bundled in a piece of cloth is cooked. Whole year this water source flow with the same force and quantity. It was observed by a commissioner after taking bath in this hot water source that his skin disease was fully cured. Tatapani is situated in the Balrampur block which is 95 Kms. from Surguja district H.Q.
PAWAI WATER FALL
It is a natural water fall flowing all the season. It is famous picnic spot. It is situated inRamanujganj Block.
KENDAI WATER FALL
It is a natural water fall situated on the Bilaspur road about 85 KM from District H.Q
This is the place of mythology. Depadih is situated in Kusmi block about 70 Km fromAmbikapur district place and 15 Km from Kusmi. According to Mr. K.K. Shukla from Archeologist department, species found in Deepadi tells the story of VI th Century to 12th Century.
This is main temple in SamantSarna at Deepadhi, which is of Lord Shankar.This temple is surrounded by 4 Devs, which was there to guard the Lord Shiva. They were also serving the Lord Shiva with their various activities. These4 Devs were, Lord Ganesh, Lord Kartikay, Lord Vishnu with his all “Avtars" and Goddess MahaDurga.
Sculptures from SamantSarna
It is a famous hill station. It is famous for Tiger point water fall, Tibbati refugees Camps,
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES IN CHHATTISGARH
The district of Raipur possesses three
wildlife sanctuaries. The sanctuaries are open throughout the year but looking
to the accessibility it is advisable that the visits are made during November to
June in the Year. With a varied terrain of wooded hills abounding with evergreen
sal forests, precious timber procuring, natural and planted teak forests and
mixed forests of higher and medium quality, the sanctuaries offer abundant
opportunities of sighting a variety of wild life.
The predominant species in the
sanctuaries are deer and the most easily sighted are the graceful little
chinkara, the Indian gazelle and the chital or spotted deer. Other species that
have their habitat in the sanctuaries are nilgai, Sambar, Kotri,barking deer,
chausingha or four horned antelope, sloth bear, wild boar, wild dog, jackal,wolf,
hyena and bison. Tiger & leopards/panthers can also be spotted in the
sanctuaries, but they are certainly in limited numbers. The sanctuary's avifauna
includes peacock, jungle fowl, pigeon, green pigeon, wood plucker, quail,
gray-partridge, parrot, stork etc. Artificial water holes have been developed in
the area to attract migratory birds which are good sites for bird-watchers in
winter and for general tourists in summer.
Barnawapara Sanctuary
Barnawapara sanctuary occupies the Northern part of Mahasamund District and
covers an area of 244.66 sq. Kms
Sita Nadi Sanctuary
The Sitanadi Sanctuary occupies the Southern most parts of Dhamtari Tehsil in
Raipur District land joins Orissa State boundary. It covers lover 552.55 Sq.Kms.
of area.
Udanti Sanctuary
The Udanti Sanctuary occupies the South-Eastern portion of Gariaband Tehsil of
Raipur District and adjoins Orissa State in Eastern side. It covers an area of
247.59 Sq. Kms. The Sanctuary is principally created to protect the wild
buffaloes. The other species are also abundant in the area
. CULTURAL HERITAGE IN CHHATTISGARH
Culture, Heritage
Chhattisgarh
has identified and is developing ethnic villages and private sector is
encouraged for proper maintenance and professional site management of important
heritage sites/monuments. Bhoramdeo, Rajim, Sirpur, Tala, Malhar and
Sheorinarayan are prime sites for heritage tourism. Festivals like Dusshera at
Bastar, Madai at Dantewada and Narainpur, Bhoramdeo, Raut Nacha, Chakradhar
Samaroh and Rajim are being marketed for global exposure.