GENERAL INFORMATION

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.

TOURISM IN CHHATTISGARH

The rock-paintings of Singhanpur and Kabra mountains, ancients caves, hill stations, untouched natural beauty, temples and palaces make Chhattisgarh a paradise for the tourist from all over the world. Chhattisgarh offers the tourist a destination with a difference. 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. Nearly half (44%) of the state is forested and offers a unique panorama of flora and fauna. The national parks of Kanger Valley and Indravati, the Sanctuaries of Udanti, Sitanadi, Barnawapara, Achanakmar, Gomardah, Tamorpingla  offer the rare opportunity to see the wild buffalo, gaur, tiger, leopard, singing maina and wide variety of antelopes in sylvan surroundings. A variety of tradition in each of three geographical and cultural regions of Baghelkhand plateau, the plains of Mahandi basin, and the Dandkarnaya plateau of Bastar Have added colour to the states rich cultural tapestry, making it a many splendor land.

CULTURE

Although the newly formed state came into existence on 1st November 2000, its cultural heritage is as ancient as Stone age. In ancient times Chhattisgarh was known as Dakshin Koshal. Geographical evidence of the place is found in the Ramayana and the Mahabharat. Lord Rama entered Dandkarnaya from North-East of Koshal and spent some of his exile (forest-living) period here. In Mahabharat's Rajsoo Yagya episode the description of Dakshin Koshal has been found. In historical records in Samudragupta Prayag eulogy, description of Kosal has been found. After the sixth century evidence of political insurgence of Dakshin Koshal has been found. Chhattisgarh is known to be a tribal-dominated state, and it has a significantly large tribal population - 30% as compared to 6% for the rest of India. In spite of this, the region has been historically dominated by traditional Hindu culture based on a hierarchical social and religious order. the dance and folk songs of Chhattisgarh is also quite famous. The tribal Kanwars, Kamar, Baiga. Halba, Korea, Pando, Birhai, Biniwar make the atmosphere cheerful by their dance and song, on the occasion of marriage and other festivals. The rice-bowl Chhattisgarh land has unique eroticism and Sweetness.

 CLIMATE

Summer: From April to June very hot days, temperature around 40 to 45*Celsius. Uncomfortable to visit.

Monsoon: From July to mid October wonderful time to visit, the natural beauty like flora & fauna and waterfalls are at their best.

Winter: Mid October to January last, somewhat chill but the best time to visit Chhattisgarh.

State Capital: Raipur

Area Covered: 135,133 sq km.

Principal Language: Hindi

Best Time to Visit: October to March