Chhattisgarh - The Tribal Land of India

A new state, Chhattisgarh is carved out of the state of Madhya Pradesh in the year 2000. Situated in the heart of India, Chhattisgarh is bestowed with a rich cultural heritage and amazing natural diversity. Chhattisgarh is a tribal state, about 35 big and small tribes inhabit here, the Gond tribes with the percentage of 55 form the largest portion of tribal population.

Chhattisgarh is dotted with ancient monuments, magnificent palaces, beautifully carved temples, caves, rock paintings, important Buddhist sites, rich and varied wildlife, picturesque waterfalls and charming hills. Most of the sites in Chhattisgarh are unspoilt and unexplored and they offer a never before experience to tourists. For those who are tired of the crowds of cities, Bastar offers a welcome respite with its unique cultural and ecological identity. Raipur is the capital city which is home to several large and middle scale industries and a number of tourist attractions as well. On the whole Chhattisgarh is an ideal place to experience the unique trible culture and nature at its best.

Temples in Chhattisgarh - Chhattisgarh is an ancient place and it has been described in epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Historic records say that the Chhattisgarh region was mostly ruled by the Hindu dynasties who built several temples across the state. Some of the famous temples of Chhattisgarh are Laxman Temple (Sirpur), Gandheswar Temple (Sirpur), Danteshwari Temple (Dantewada), Shivani Temple (Kanker), Chandi Temples (Dongargarh), Mahamaya Temple (Surguj), Kudargarh (Surguj), Shankar Temple (Surguj), Vishnu Mandir (Janjgir Champa), Ghatadai (Paharia) and Ganga Maiya Temple (Durg).

Palaces in Chhattisgarh - In past, several districts of Chhattisgarh were erstwhile princely states. The past rulers of Chhattisgarh built many magnificent palaces across the state. Many of the palaces are still standing in Chhattisgarh providing a glimpse of the bygone era. Kawardha Palace (Kawardha), Kanker Palace and Bastar Palace are must visit palaces in Chhattisgarh.

Wildlife in Chhattisgarh - Around 44% area of Chhattisgarh is under forest cover which make the state one of the richest bio-diversity areas in the country. Forests in Chhattisgarh are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species including some rare wildlife. Chhattisgarh has three national parks and 11 wildlife sanctuaries, providing shelter to a variety of wildlife. Indravati National Park is the most famous wildlife park of Chhattisgarh. Other important wildlife protected areas are Kanger Ghati National Park, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary. Endangered Wild Buffalos and the Hill Myna are major attractions for nature lovers in the widlife protected areas of the state. You can spot other wild animals like Tigers, Leopards, chinkara, Indian Gazelle, Barking Deer, Chital (Spotted Deer), Chausingha (Four-horned Antelope), Nilgai and much more in the wildlife sanctuaries of Chhattisgarh.

People & Culture Chhattisgarh - Chhattisgarh is mainly a tribal state, having the second highest percentage of tribal population in India after Madhya Pradesh. Tribals of Chhattisgarh are known for their distinct history and rich traditions of music, dance, dresses and food. Despite the differences, the tribes spend similare life, that is they have been living in tune with mother nature for centuries. Music and dance are essential components of the tribes of the state, among them Panthi Dance and Raut Nacha are most popular. Chhattisgarh is also renowned for its rich art and crafts including wood crafts, bamboo crafts, bell metals, wrought iron and cotton fabrics. People of Chhattisgarh are known for their distinct eating habits. Wheat, jowar and maize are the staple food of Chhattisgarh. Bastar’s Lal chinti chutney is one of the famous local delicacies of the state. Besides, people are also fond of sweets like Jalebi, namkeens, samosas and pakodas.

Fairs & Festivals in Chhattisgarh - Chhattisgarh is famous for multihued culture. You can get a fine glimpse of culture of Chhattisgarh in fairs and festivals especially the tribal culture. People of Chhattisgarh celebrate a number of fairs and festivals all through the year. Some of the popular fairs and festivals of Chhattisgarh are Bhagoriya Festival, Bhoramdeo Mahotsav, Chakradhar Festival, Goncha Festival, Hariyali Kora Navakhani, Kajari Festival, Madai Festival, Narayanpur Mela, Sheorinarayan Fair, Bastar Lokotsav, Champaran Mela, Fagun Wadai, Koriya Mela, The Earth Festival, Pola Festival and Teeja Festival.