Chhattisgarh is a new state but with an ancient civilization, which can be felt by visiting the historical remains in the state. The state is blessed by nature with magnificent water falls, mountains, forests and wildlife. The Green State of Chhattisgarh has 41.33% of its area under forests, and is one of the richest bio-diversity areas in the country. There are many tourist attractions worth seeing.
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This is a small waterfall in Koriya district about 65 km from Baikunthpur, near Bansipur village, in an area surrounded by rocks and forests. Even in summer, the area is cold, giving it the sobriquet of "the natural air conditioner of Koriya". From Baikunthpur, take a bus or taxi to Aklasari on the Sonhat road. From there it's about 12 km to the fall.
This beautiful natural waterfall in Koriya district on the Hasdo River is about seven km from Nagpur on the Manendragarh-Baikunthpur Road. About 80–90 feet high and 10–15 feet wide, it creates a beautiful misty ambience. There is a Shiva Temple here too. In 1936, Ramanuj Pratap Singh Judeo, the King of Koriya State, started a mela (fair) here on Mahashivratri, and the practice is followed till today. The nearest railway station is Manendragarh. From here one can take a bus or taxi to Nagpur, and hire a taxi to the fall. Alternately, from Baikunthpur, one can take a bus or taxi to Nagpur, and hire a taxi to the fall.
The gorgeous Chitrakot waterfall is on the river Indravati, situated at a distance of 38 km. in the west of Jagdalpur in Bastar district. Height of this waterfall is approximately 100 ft. The Chitrakot waterfalls can be called as the smaller form of the world famous Niagara waterfalls. The formation of rainbow colors of the waterfall attracts 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 waterfalls. A government rest house is available here.
This beautiful natural waterfall in Koriya district on the Hasdo River is about 40 km from Baikunthpur and 5 km from Tarra village. About 50–60 feet high and 10 feet wide, it is in an area full of forests and rocks. From Baikunthpur, take a bus or taxi to Katgodi, 15 km along on the Sonhat road. 20 km further down is Tarra village, and from there it's another 5 km to the fall.
Mainpat is a hill station and is known for its Tiger Point waterfall and woolen fabric. Mainpat is about 45 km by road from Ambikapur in Sarguja district. It takes about one and a half hours to reach due to poor road conditions in the last 30 km - more so in monsoon
'Ramdaha Waterfall is a natural waterfall in Koriya district on the river Banas, near Bhavarkhoh village, is about 160 km from Baikunthpur. About 100–120 feet high and 20–25 feet wide, it is surrounded by forests and rocks. The nearest railway station is Manendragarh. From here one can take a bus or taxi to Bhavarkhoh village via Kelhari and Chutki Village (Jankpur Road), and walk 2 km to the fall.
Tiratgarh waterfalls are situated in Bastar district 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 resort, 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. A Government rest house is also available.
Taat Pani in Sarguja district is a hot spring, at a distance of about 95 km from Surguja. This hot spring flows continuously through the year. It is reputed to have medicinal properties.
Gadiya Mountain in Kanker district has a natural form of a fort. This mountain has a tank that never dries. The tank is named Sonai-Rupai after the daughters of the Kandra king, Dharma Dev, who established his capital on the mountain. To the south of the tank is a cave, Churi Pagar, which provided safe refuge to the King, his family and 500 people in case of attack. Towards the southeast part of the mountain is a 50 meter long cave, Jogi Cave, where monks used to meditate. A small pond in this cave flows over the rocks like a waterfall. The Doodh river flows at the bottom of the mountain. Thousands of devotees celebrate Mahashivratri by climbing this mountain.
Both Kutumsar Caves and Kailash Gufa are located in Kanger Valley National Park in Bastar district and situated at distances of 38 km. and 40 km. from Jagdalpur respectively. These are biggest tourist attraction, and are close to Tiratgarh waterfalls. 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.
Ramgarh and Sita Bengra are situated in Surguja district. Lord Rama, central character of the epic Ramayana, and his wife Sita, are believed to have stayed in these caves during their 14 years of exile. The locals know many stories about the caves, handed down through generations.
"Singhanpur cave" in Raigarh district with pre-historic paintings is very famous.
Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife park in Chhattisgarh, India. The sanctuary houses a number of endangered animal species, including leopards, Bengal tigers, and wild bison. Two of the sanctuary's c.35 tigers, Bison, an endangered species, wild Boar, Chital, barking deer can be seen in fields close to Achanakmar. The Achanakmar wildlife sanctuary was established in 1975, under provisions of the 1972 Wildlife Protection Act. It comprises 557.55 km2 of forest and is linked by the hilly Kanha - Achanakmar Corridor to the tiger reserve in Kanha in Madhya Pradesh. The park is part of Bilaspur Forest Division in northwest Chhattisgarh, around 55 km north-west of Bilaspur. The sanctuary is close to Amarkantak, which is the origin of the Narmada River.
The nearest airport is at Raipur, which is at a distance of 176 km. The nearest railway station is at Belgahna. Achanakmar is easily approchable from "Pendra Road" (25 km) and "Bilaspur” (40 km) Railway station also. Bus, rental car and all types of vehicle are available to visit and enjoy this beautiful place. Restaurent, coffeehouse and many other facilities are available at Achanakmar.
Located in northern part of Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the finest and important wildlife sanctuaries in the region. Established in 1976 under Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the sanctuary is relatively a small one covering an area of only 245 km2. the topography of the region comprises flat and hilly terrain with altitudes ranging between 265-400 mts. The Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its lush green vegetations and unique wildlife. The major wildlife of the Barnawapara Sanctuary include Tigers, Sloth Bear, Flying Squirrels, Jackals, Four-horned Antelopes, Leopards, Chinkara, Black Buck, Jungle Cat, Barking Deer, Porcupine, Monkey, Bison, Striped Hyena, Wild Dogs, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur, Muntjac, Wild Boar, Cobra, Python to name a few.
The nearest airport from the sanctuary is Raipur (85 km). Mahasamund Railway Station (60 km) is the nearest railhead from the Barnawapara Sanctuary. The place is easily approachable through the PWD forest road, which connects Barnawapara with Raipur via Patewa and with Pithora on NH 6.
Gomarda reserve forest is situated in Sarangarh Tehsil of Raigarh district. It is spread over 278 km2. It is a natural home for many rare wild animals like tigers, beers etc. It is about 60 km by road from Raigarh.
Indravati National Park is located at a distance of 296 km from Jagdalpur in Bastar district. It was constituted as a tiger reserve in 1982-83. It is situated on the banks of river Indravati and comprises vegetation of Tropical Mixed Deciduous Forest interspersed with grasslands. These forests have mainly teak and sal as the main species. Other important tree species are Saja, Achar, Amaltas, Amla, Arjun, Tendu, Tinsa etc. Profuse growth of bamboo fills the under storey while copious climbers crown the tree fellings. The park is spread over a total area of approximately 2799.08 km2. The Park is famous for its unique and diverse wildlife, which includes Tiger, Panther, Spotted deer, Sambhar, Chinkara, Black buck, Barking dear Swamp deer, Gaur, Hog Deer, Blue bull, Chousingha, Wild Buffalo, Sloth bean, Wild bear, Wolf, Jackal, Hayna, etc.
Indravati National Park is easily approachable from Jagdalpur, the district head quarter of Bastar. The village Kutrue, the main entry point of the park, is situated at the distance of 22.4 km north of Jagdalpur- Bhopalpattanam road. The Kutrue link road is at the distance of 145.6 km from Jagdalpur. Raipur (486 km) is the nearest airport and Jagdalpur (168 km) is the nearest railhead from the Indravati National Park.
Kanger Valley National Park is located at a distance of 27 km from Jagdalpur in Bastar district 0f Chhattisgarh. The valley runs from West to East almost bisecting the park into two halves. The park extends to an area of 200 km2. Entire park constitutes core area and there is no buffer zone. Major Wildlife of the Kanger Valley National Park are the Tiger, Leopard, Chital, Barking deer, Sloth bear, Wild beer, Indian Fox, Mouse deer, etc.
Kanger Valley is well approachable from Jagdalpur, district head quarter of Bastar. It is at a distance of about 27 km from Jagdalpur on the Jagdalpur - Konta road. One can also approach the park via Jagdalpur - Sargipal - Jatam - Nianar - Bodal road. Raipur (330 km) is the nearest airport and Jagdalpur (27 km) is the nearest railhead and bus stand from the Kanger Valley National Park.
Located on the banks of the Indrawati river, about 75 km (a one and a half to two hour drive) to the south west of Jagdalpur, Barsoor in Dantewada district was once an epicentre of Hindu civilization. It is believed that there were once 147 temples and an equal number of ponds here. The ruins of these temples, dating back to the 10 th and 11 th centuries (i.e. over 1,000 years old) can be seen even today. Some beautiful images of Lord Vishnu can also be seen. One Shiva temple, with 12 carved stone pillars, has nude figures on the outside. Another Shiva temple has 32 carved stone pillars, a black granite Nandi (Shiva's carrier) bull, and two sanctum sanctorum, with a common court. The ruins of this temple have been recently restored. A 50 foot high temple, known locally as Mama-bhanja-ka-mandir (temple of the maternal uncle and nephew), is in good condition, but lacks an idol. It is not clear to which deity the temple was consecrated, or even if it was ever consecrated. The biggest attraction though, is the Ganesha Temple. While the temple itself is in ruins, two sandstone images of Ganesh, both in the aspect of Maha-Ganapati, are amazingly intact. The larger of these, and the more impressive, is about 8 feet high and over 17 feet wide.
Malhar in Bilaspur district was a former capital. This is about 14 km from Bilaspur. It has remains from 1,000 BC onwards. 10th and 11th century temples can be seen here. The Pataleswar Kedar Temple is one of them - the Gomukhi shivling is the main attraction here. The Didneswari Temple, belonging to the Kalchuri regime, is also worth visiting. The Deor Temple has artistic idols. There is a museum, managed by the Central Government, which has a good collection of old sculpture.
Ratanpur, once the capital of Chhattisgarh, is situated about 25 km from Bilaspur on the Katghora Road. The ruins of an old fort exist here. This has an attractive stone sculpture over the frame of the Ganesh gate. The entrance has Shiva's Tandav Dance and statues of Lord Bramha and Lord Vishnu. Inside, there are the Sitchourai and Jagarnath temples. Before the palace of Ratanpur is a temple of Baba Bairavnath, with a nine foot tall idol. At the palace of Ramtekri there is a temple of Ram Panchayat. At the foot of a hill is the Bhuddeshwar Shiv Temple made by Bhimbhaji Bhosle. At the top of the hill is the Laxmi Temple, also called Ekbira Temple. There is also the Ratneswar Mahadev Temple.
Sited on the banks of the river Mahanadi, Sirpur, known as 'Shripur' in ancient times, was the capital of South Kosala. It is historically significant from the angles of art, science, religion and spirituality. Sirpur is known for Laxman Temple and its Buddhist Vihars ( Anand Prabhu Kudi Vihar and Swastik Vihar). Sirpur is in Mahasamund district.
Anand Prabhu Kudi Vihar
This 14 room Buddhist vihar, constructed by Bhikshu Anand Prabhu, a follower of Buddha, during the period of Mahashivgupt Balarjun, is the most famous of Sirpur's Buddhist vihars . The main entrance is adorned by a dwarpaal (door keeper) carved in stone pillars on either side. A six feet tall statue of Buddha touching the earth is installed inside the vihar.
Swastik Vihar
This Buddhist vihar, recently excavated, is believed to have been used by Buddhist monks for meditation and study.
Temple carvings and archaic ruins date the history of this place to the era before Christ (BC). According to the holy books Lord Rama had visited Surguja during his fourteen years of exile and a number of places here are named after him, his brother Laxmana and wife Sita, including Ramgarh, Sita-Bhengra cave and Laxmangarh. Most of the local population is made up of the Pando and Korwa tribes, who regard themselves as descendants of the Pandavas and Kauravas (the warring clans of the epic Mahabharata) respectively. The average altitude of the area is 600 meters.
This 200 quintal rock is cylindrical in shape. When struck, you get a metallic echo, popularly believed to be divine.
Bambleshwari Temple is at Dongargarh in Rajnandgaon district, Chhattisgarh, India. It is on a hilltop of 1600 feet. This temple is referred as Badi Bambleshwari. Another temple at ground level, the Chotti Bambleshwari is situatedabout 1/2 km from the main temple complex. These temples are revered by lakhs of people of Chhattisgarh and flock around the shrine during the Navratris of Kavar (during Dashera) and Chaitra (during Ram Navami).
Amidst the picturesque surroundings of Maikal mountains and dense forests, the perfect blend of religious and erotic sculptures, the Bhoramdeo temple, is carved on the rocky stones in the Nagar style. The Bhoramdeo temple scenically situated amidst mountain ranges is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shiva Linga in the temple is beautifully carved and the artistic appeal beckons the visitors. This temple was built in the period of 7th to 11th century A.D. The temples were built by King Ramchandra of the Nag Dynasty and have a special attraction for lovers of history and archaeology. The Bhoramdeo temple has a resemblance with the Khajuraho temple, and that is why it is also called the Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh. In the backdrop of natural beauty, this temple is also unique for its architecture. Cunnigham had termed it as one of the most beautifully decorated temple seen by him.
Bhoramdeo temple is situated near Kawardha (18 km from Kawardha ) in Kabirdham district. Raipur is the nearest Airport. Raipur is the nearest Railway station on the Mumbai-Howrah main line. Regular Buses ply from Raipur (116 km.), Rajnandgaon(133 km.) and Jabalpur(220 km.) to Kawardha. Taxis are available from Kawardha (18 km) to the temple site.
Champaran (formerly known as Champajhar) in Raipur district has religious significance, as the birthplace of Saint Vallabhacharya, the reformer and the founder of the Vallabh Sect. It has a temple constructed in his honour. Near this is a temple of Champakeshwara Mahadeva. An annual fair is held here every year, in the month of Magh (January - February). It is also customary for followers of Saint Vallabhacharya to celebrate his birth anniversary here every year on the eleventh bright day of Baisakh (April–May). Two large well furnished dharmasalas* are available to stay in.
Chandrahasini Devi Temple is situated at Chandrapur, in Janjgir-Champa district, on the banks of the river Mahanadi. This is popular as both a pilgrimage place as well as a tourist spot. A big fair is organized here every year on the eve of Navaratri. Chandrapur is situated at a distance of 22 kilometers from the tehsil head quarter Dabhara. This place can be approached from Raigarh railway station also. Chandrapur is 30 km from Raigarh by road.
Damudhara (Rishab Tirth) in Janjgir-Champa district has natural waterfalls, caves, the Ram-Janaki Temple, Radha-Krishan Temple and Rishavdev Temple.
This ancient temple situated in Dantewada district is at the confluence of the Dankini and Shankini rivers, about one and a half hours from Jagdalpur. It was built by the Chalukya kings of Bastar in honour of their family Goddess, Devi Danteshwari, who is venerated by both Hindus and tribals in the entire Bastar region (Danteshwari is believed to be the new name of Manikeshwari, the family Goddess of the Naga Dynasty who preceded the Chalukyas). The temple is divided into four parts - Garbh Griha, Maha Mandap, Mukhya Mandap and Sabha Mandap. The first two are constructed using stone. The temple itself has been constructed at various times, but the sanctum sanctorum is believed to be more than 800 years old. A Garud Pillar has been erected in front of the temple entrance. The Danteshwari Temple really comes to life during the Bustar Dashera festival season. Men have to wear a lungi to enter the temple.
It is an ancient temple built by the kings of Bastar for inhabiting their 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 Bazar at Jagdalpur in Bastar district. It is worth seeing and pleasant to watch the temple during the famous Bustar Dushera festival season, decorated in color lights and lamps, where the main traditional functions of the festivals are being carried out.
Talagram, about 25 km from Bilaspur in Bilaspur district, is known for its "Deorani-Jethani" temple. This has a huge 7 foot high statue, that's 4 feet wide and weighs 8 tons.
Laxman Temple situated at Sirpur in Mahasamund district has one of the finest brick temples in India, this is characterized by exquisite carvings and precise construction. Shesh naag serves as an umbrella to Load Shiva on the top of the entrance, while incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Krishna leela ornamental symbols, and erotic carvings adorn the sides. The religious segments of a temple - Vatayan, Chitya Gawaksha, Bharwahakgana, Aja, Kirtimukh and Karna Amalak - are engraved in the pillars of this Panchrath type temple. The inside has the Mandap (shelter), Antraal (passage) and Garbha Grih (the main house). The Archaeological Survey of India has established a museum in the temple premises, which houses a collection of rare statues and other relics significant to the Shaiva, Vaishnava, Buddhist and Jain faiths.
An 11th century temple, dedicated to the Goddess Mahamaya, was built during the reign of Kalchuri by the king Ratnadev. There are ponds near the temple. In front of this, a temple of Kantideval of Maratha period exists. This has been renovated by the architecture department. Mahamaya temple is situated at Ratanpur in Bilaspur district.
Rajim in Raipur district is 30 minutes from Raipur by road, on the banks of the Mahanadi river, this was once an important urban centre. It has a fine group of temples, of which the main one (Rajivalochana Temple) is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
This 11th century Vaishnava temple was built by the kings of the Hayhay dynasty on the banks of the river Mahanadi, at Shivarinarayan Nagar in Janjgir-Champa district. It is believed that Shabri Ashram, mentioned in the epic Ramayana, was located here. During Magh Purnima a fair is organized here.
Uwasaggaharam Parshwa Teerth is a Jain shrine in Nagpura in Durg district, established in 1995. It is located on the banks of the river Sheonath. The campus houses temples, guest houses, a garden and Naturopathy and Yoga Centre. The entrance to the resplendent marble temple of Shri Parshwanath is through a 30 feet gate that has the idol of Parshwanath, supported by four pillars (representing the four essentials of spiritual atonement, i.e., wisdom, introspection, good conduct, penance), being worshipped by two elephants. Sacred water, amiya, oozes from the idol here. Hundreds of pilgrims visit this shrine on full-moon.
Vishnu temple was built by the kings of the Hayhay dynasty in the 12th century, but did not complete it. The temple was built in 2 phases. The temple is an incomplete temple which can be seen near Bhima Talab at Janjgir in Jangir-Champa district. From western direction of Janjgir city and about 1/2 km. distance from bus stand, near by road side in the bank of Bhima pond, the grand Vishnu temple is situated.
It is another historical place that is seen in Jagdalpur in Bastar district. It was the head quarters of Bastar Kingdom. 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 kept as a monument by the government.
This Museum is located in the office of the Anthropological Survey of India situated at Dharampura in Bastar district. It provides a perfect window-view of the life-styles of various tribes in Bastar to a tourist hard-pressed for time.