Afro Asian Business Chronicle

It is truely incredible. As the state Minister of Tourism Brijmohan Agrawal puts it, “the state of Chhattisgarh promises a lot of surprises to everyone who visits it. It boasts some of the richest bio-diversity habitats spread all across the state, pre-historic ancient caves, roaring Chitrakoot and Tirathgarh waterfalls, anthropologically unparalleled tribal arts and culture, majestic greenery of virgin forested terrains, the immense Bastar attraction plus an array of historical monuments and archaeological sites. In Chhattisgarh, we have given major traditional fairs the shape of festival, which is celebrated in a big way’, says the Minister. 

The state has huge scope and potential for tourism. Most places of tourism attraction in Chhattisgarh date back to pre-historic times, having evolved over a period of time with histories dating decades and centuries behind them. The state tourism department has created a heritage precinct 'Purkhauti Muktangan’ in 150 acreas in Raipur; initiated and popularised Rajim festival that has emerged as fifth Kumbh in the country; developed basic infrastructure along the highways wherein 21 motels have also been built; been proactive in setting - up integrated tourist circuits and developing information system network. 

The so-far latent four hill stations of Chhattisgarh and its major Buddhist centre at Sirpur have all become significant tourist attractions due to the state efforts. The state will soon have intra-state air services offering better connectivity to domestic and international travellers. 

The state government is committed to providing and strengthening basic amenities catering to various levels of tourists. “It is our endeavour that Tourists visiting Chhattisgarh should get best of connectivity and comforts, recreation, leisure and other facilitations." Presently our focus is on domestic tourists, even as we maintain welcoming open ‘links’ for all hues of globe trotters, the Minister informs.

It is a misconception that the entire state remains engulfed in Maoist-related activities and violence. 'Let me assure that there is not a single tourist destination in the state that falls in an area influenced by the naxals. Besides, not a single tourist has been hurt or harmed by the extremists in the state. The tourist can and do move freely and get their feel of multiple dimensions that tourism in Chhattisgarh offers," Agrawal assures. 

Given its magnificent and unparalleled beauty of natural wealth and being endowed with 22 varied forest sub-types; Chhattisgarh is ideally suited for eco-tourism. There are 11 sanctuaries and 3 national parks. The hill stations are also havens of beauty. 

Come back in the beauty and grandeur of Chhattisgarh. 

Chhattisgarh State largely consists of plateaus streaked with high range of Satpuras in the North, the river Mahanadi and its tributaries in the Central Plains and the Bastar Plateau in the South. The Past (Hills) give rises to the main river systems- Mahanadi, Hasdo, Sheonath and Indravati. 

Intersected by these meandering rivers and dotted with hills and plateaus, the state has varied natural settings of great beauty. To the north of river Shivnath there were 18 garhs belonging to the Kalchuris and to the South there were another 18 garhs belonging to the Kalchuris of Raipur. 

Hence, the total of these 36 Garhs (Forts) formed the basis of naming this region as Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh lies between 17 -46' to 24 - 5' North and 80 - 15' to 84 - 20' East. It covers an area of 1,35,133 Sq. kms.bordering six other states - Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand in the North, Orissa in the East, Andhra Pradesh in the South, Maharashtra in the South West and Madhya Pradesh in the North West.