Chhattisgarh was created out of the largest Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It lies to the southeast of Madhya Pradesh. Chhattisgarh is endowed with a rich cultural and historical legacy. The state of Chhattisgarh is well known for its profuse verdant surroundings. There were 18 forts on either side of the river Shivnath. The site was named Chhattisgarh following the 36 forts in the Southern Kosal. Southern Kosal is the ancient name of the state of Chhattisgarh. Raipur is the capital city of Chhattisgarh. There are sixteen districts in the state of Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh is no less famous from the archaeological point of view too. Malhar, Talagaon, Pali, Dhanpur, Sargaon, Devgarh, Belsar, Devkoot, Durg and Bastar are some of the important archaeological sites of the state. There are a good number of sanctuaries and national parks as well. Kanger Ghati National Park, Indrawati National Park and Sanjay National Park are the much visited national parks of Chhattisgarh. Among the famous sanctuaries are Achanakmar Sanctuaries, Badalkhol, Gomarda, Samersot, Sitanadi, Udayanti, Tamorpigala sanctuaries.

Major Cities and Towns

» Raipur - Raipur is the capital city of the state of Madhya Pradesh. It the commercial and the financial hub of the state. Raipur is also the biggest city of the state. The city has a number of attractions like Mahamaya Mandir, Ancient Pond, Bhandarpuri, Shiv Mandir, Mahant Ghasidas Museum etc.

» Dudhadhari Math - The Dudhadhari Math was built by king Jaitsingh in the 17th century. In those days the main saint of the Math used to accept offerings of milk only, hence the name Dudhadhari. The Math lies in the " Purani Basti" area of Raipur.

» Sirpur - Sirpur is located at a distance of 77 km from Raipur. Buddha Vihar, Swastik Vihar, Laxman Temple and the Museum are the main attractions of Sirpur.

» Champaran - Situated at a distance of 56 km from Raipur, Champaran has attractions like the Champkeshwar Mahadev Temple and the birth place of Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya.

» Rajim - Rajim is located at the confluence of rivers Mahanadi, Pairi and Sondhul. Rajivlochan Temple, Kuleshwar Mahadev Temple, Someshwar Mahadev Temple, Rajimatelin Temple, Ramchandra Temple, Jagannath Temple and Brahmcharya Ashram are the main attractions of the place.

» Bilaspur - Bilaspur is located on the banks of river Arpa. There are a number of tourist attractions here including Kanan Pendari, Vivekanand Park, Sai Mangalam, Shree Ayappa Swami Mandir, Kali Mandir and Marimai Mandir.

» Durg - The city of Durg is located at a distance of 37 km from Raipur. Durg is fortunate to have so many attractions like Bhilai Steel Plant, Township, Matribag of Bhilai, Devi's Mandir of Deverbeeja, Sorad, Balod and Tandula Dam.
» Bhilai - 10 km from Durg is located the industrial city of Bhilai. Chief visiting places of the city include Bhilai Steel Plant, Township, Matribag etc.

» Tandula Dam - The Tandula Dam is located at a distance of 64 km from Durg. The dam is built on the Tandula river and is a place worth visiting.

» Bastar - Bastar lies at a distance of 299 km from Raipur. The city of Bastar stands on the banks of the river Indrawati. Jagadalpur, from touristic point of view, is the central point of the city.

» Human Science Museum - Human Science Museum was erected in the year 1972. The museum exhibits items related to culture, traditions and entertainment. The museum is located in the Vijaya Bhavan.

» District Archaeological Museum - The District Archaeological Museum was erected by the Archaeology and Museum Department in the year 1988. It was set up with a view to collecting the archaeological assets.

» Raigarh - The district of Raigarh is located at a distance of 134 km from Bilaspur. The district lies to the east of the state of Madhya Paradesh.

» Jindal Strips Ltd. - The Jindal Strips Ltd lies on the Raigarh-Kharsia Road. This Sponge Iron Industry is about 14 km from Raigarh.

» Kharsia - Loacetd at a distance of 34 km from Raigarh is the famous place called Kharsia. Ramjharna, Singhanpur, Basnajhar, Banks of Borai river, the Aquarium and Mand Dam are the popular attractions of the place.

» Sarangarh - Sarangarh is located at a distance of 46 km southwest of the district of Raigarh. The main tourist attractions of Sarangarh are Kinkari Dam, Kedar Dam, Gomarda Sanctuaries and Giribilas Palace.

» Wildlife - There verdant state of Chhattisgarh takes great pride in its 3 National Parks and 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries. The most popular and the much visited among all the national parks is the Indravati National Park. Other popular national parks of the state include Kanger Valley National Park and Sanjay National Park. Wild Buffalo and Hill Myna are the major attractions of the wildlife sanctuaries of the state. Other inmates include tigers, leopards, Chinkara, spotted deer, sloth bear, wild boar, Sambars, barking deer, four-horned antelope, jackal, striped hyena etc. Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary and Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary are the popular sanctuaries of Chhattisgarh.