Chhattisgarh, India's tenth-largest state, is rich in culture, legacy, and natural splendor. It is a land "Full of Surprises" that attracts visitors who wish to see the natural beauty. It boasts a ten thousand-year-old civilization and is located in the center of India. Chhattisgarh provides a really Indian experience. Here you'll find the world's largest waterfalls, tunnels, lush green woods, ancient monuments, rare wild animals, gracefully curved temples, Buddhist sites, and high plateaus. More than 80% of the biological diversity observed in Chhattisgarh is unique to the state. The state has a lot of potential, with a forest cover of 44% and a tribal population of 32%. Nature lovers interested in learning about unique tribal handicrafts and crafts. Nature lovers come to Chhattisgarh to learn about unique tribal arts, crafts, and rituals. For generations, its indigenous tribes have played a crucial role in preserving and managing the natural ecology using environmentally beneficial means. Visitors to Chhattisgarh can enjoy art and architecture, heritage, handicrafts, gastronomy, fairs, and festivals.The state is home to Chitrakote, India's largest waterfall. This waterfall in Bastar District spans to over 980 feet wide when the Indravati River is at its full flow during the monsoon!!!

HISTORY OF CHHATTISGARH

In the fourth century CE, the Chhattisgarh region was given the name Southern (or South) Kosala. The Ratanpur-based Haihaya dynasty was once credited with the name Chhattisgarh, which means "thirty-six forts." The British administered the present-day state of Chhattisgarh by dividing it into 14 feudatory princely kingdoms known as the Eastern States Agency. The division's headquarters were in Raipur. In August 2000, the Indian legislature enacted the Madhya Pradesh Reorganization Bill, which created Chhattisgarh. The foundation of Chhattisgarh was notable for its lack of protest and bloodshed, which afflicted the formation of two other new states at the same time, Uttaranchal (now Uttarakhand) and Jharkhand.

CULTURE OF CHHATTISGARH

Traditional art and crafts, tribal dances, folk melodies, regional festivals and fairs, and hilarious cultural fests are all part of Chhattisgarh's cultural life. Chhattisgarh is primarily populated by tribal people who have simply and religiously kept their beautiful tribal culture. Oriya culture has affected the eastern sections of the state of Chhattisgarh. The people of the state are traditional, believing in a simple way of life based on their traditional beliefs and practises. It's visible in their eating habits, festivals and fairs, clothes, jewellery, folk dance, and music, among other things. Various cultural festivals, such as Chakradhar Samaroh, Sirpur National Dance and Music Festival, and Bastar Lokotsav, are held in Chhattisgarh to promote the state's diverse cultural life.

THINGS TO DO WHEN IN CHHATTISGARH

• MM Fun City - This water cum Fun amusement park in Raipur is the most popular entertainment destination, with a sprawling stretch of land spanning hundreds of acres. It's a fantastically entertaining world to spend time with family and friends in. Fun City features a variety of water slides, a rain dance, a kid's zone, a café, a wave pool, and a family pool. The numerous types and kinds of water rides offered here will make your experience enjoyable.
• Adventure Jeep Safari - If you are a nature lover, a trip to Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is the best thing you can do in Chhattisgarh. A vehicle safari may be taken to explore the Sanctuary, which is both fascinating and safe due to the abundance of wildlife. The Asiatic wild buffalo, an endangered species, makes its home in the Sanctuary. There are about 120 bird species and around 20 mammal species to be found here.
• Bungee Jumping - Jagdalpur is a fantastic spot for nature enthusiasts because it is located in the wilderness. Natural plants and fauna are abundant. As a result, it's an excellent spot for bungee jumping. Bungee jumping is not recommended for faint of heart. Bungee Jumping in Jagdalpur is one of the best in India, and is considered one of the insane, daring sports in Chhattisgarh.
• Trekking - If you visit Chhattisgarh, make sure you undertake hiking and mountaineering. Trekking is made even more lovely by the gorgeous state, which is rich in natural fauna and flowers. You get to see the best of all adventure activities when you go on a well-organized trek to Chhattisgarh. Trekking is a fantastic way to appreciate nature in Chhattisgarh. Mountaineering, rock climbing, and hilly cycling are all options.
• Kayaking - The state of Chhattisgarh is a whitewater wonderland that has yet to be discovered. While rafting and kayaking draw visitors to Rishikesh, Chhattisgarh is equally beautiful but underappreciated. In the state of Chhattisgarh, kayaking is one of the most thrilling adventure activities. Hire a kayaking boat and get ready to go if you want to be more daring. Backpackers, adventurers, travellers, and nature enthusiasts alike will enjoy whitewater kayaking and canoeing. 
• Boating - Boating, rafting, and kayaking are all popular activities near the base of Chitrakoot Falls. Boating is a better alternative than other water sports for those who are visiting this beautiful state with their family. Boating in this area, whether by paddle boat or motorboat, is a fantastic experience.​

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Chhattisgarh has a pleasant climate for most of the year, and the optimum time to come is determined by the activities planned. Summer is the finest period for wildlife and environment tourism, despite the high temperatures. Because of the great probability of seeing animals, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries see the most tourists during this season. Winter, on the other hand, is better for travelling to towns and mountainous places.

PLACES TO VISIT IN CHHATTISGARH 

• Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary - The wildlife sanctuary, which is located in the northern section of Mahasamund district, was formed in 1976 and covers an area of 245 square kilometers. The sanctuary is a tremendous hit, ranking eighth among Raipur's most popular attractions. The sanctuary, which is located in a flat and terrain area, is home to a variety of animals including tigers, leopards, porcupines, pythons, antelopes, bison, and other species. 
• Shri Rajiv Lochan Mandir - Lord Vishnu is represented by the RajivaLochana Mandir, which means "lovely one-eyes." Mahakosala's architecture is prominently displayed in the temple. Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama, Lord Narasimha, and Goddess Durga are among the Gods and Goddesses depicted on the temple's twelve pillars.
• Danteshwari Temple - Danteshwari was called after the Warangal ancestor god of the Chalukya rulers, who was established near the confluence of the Dankini and Shankini rivers. The feature of this temple is that it is one of the 52 Shakthi peethas in the country, dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari.
• Chitrakot Waterfalls - The Chitrakot waterfalls are formed by the waters of the River Indrvati, which come from the Vindhu Mountain range. This is often referred to as India's Niagara Falls, and it is the country's top attraction and largest waterfalls. It is especially beautiful during the rainy season. This magnificent horse-shaped waterfall is densely forested, providing onlookers with a spectacular vista. The surroundings of the waterfalls are extremely breathtaking and enthralling.
• Purkhauti Muktangan - The Cultural Department of the Chhattisgarh Government created Purkhauti Muktangan, which spans 18 hectares. It displays all natural resources, as well as existing industries and infrastructure. The structure is a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction because it was chosen for the VISION 2020 project. This is a great site to learn about the surrounding tribes' cultures and provides a wealth of information to children.

HOW TO REACH CHHATTISGARH

• By Road - Chhattisgarh has a well-developed road system. Good all-weather roads connect all district headquarters, tehsils, and development blocks. The 11 national highways that travel through Chhattisgarh total 2,184 kilometers of road, linking the state to all of India's main cities.
• By Rail -  The rail network in Chhattisgarh is centered on Bilaspur, the Indian Railways' South East Central Railway's zone headquarters. Raipur is the other major railway junction, followed by Durg Junction, which serves as a departure point for many long-distance trains. These three intersections are well-connected to India's major cities.
• By Flight -  Raipur hosts the country's primary commercial airport, which serves regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bhopal, and Indore. Jaipur, Nagpur, Bhubaneshwar, Ahmedabad, Gwalior, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, and Bangalore are all connected via this route.