G.B. International ::- Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh
The name Chhattisgarh is not ancient and has come into popular usage in the last few centuries. In ancient times the region was called Dakshin Kosala. All inscription, literary works and the accounts of foreign travelers, call this region Kosala of Dakshin Kosala. According to Hari Thakur, the contest between Jabalpur and Chhattisgarh for the name Mahakosala is settled beyond doubt in favour of Chhattisgarh in the light of available evidence. Even during the reign of the Mughals, it was called Ratanpur territory and not Chhattisgarh.
Chhattisgarh, situated in the heart of India, is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and attractive natural diversity. The State is full of ancient monuments, rare wildlife, exquisitely carved temples, Buddhist sites, palaces, water falls, caves, rock paintings and hill plateaus. Most of these sites are untouched and unexplored and offer a unique and alternate experience to tourists compared to traditional destinations which have become overcrowded. Chhattisgarh offers the tourist a Destination with a Difference.
Excursions
BastarBastar was once one of the largest districts in India, bigger even than the state of Kerala and countries like Israel and Belgium. Its early history is obscure - it is believed to have been established in the 11th century by the Nagavanshi dynasty who had their capital at Barsu.
There are plenty of theories about the origin of the name "Bastar". The most rational is that it is derived from the Sanskrit word vistrat, wide territory, which is how the Deccan chieftains perceived the area North of the Godavari river to be. Another explanation is that the name evolved from "Basta-karna", sal trees, which Bastar is full of. The 3 rd conjecture is that Bastar is from "Bastah", goat, the area being a popular territory, even today, for shepherds migrating from North India. A 4 th hypothesis says Bastar is from "Basta", bag, associated with the gypsies who were the earliest traders to come to the region to barter salt for local forest products and iron ore. And the 5 th thinks Bastar owes its origins to "Bastakam", a variety of salt, the commodity most imported into Bastar in the early days of its contact with the outside world.
Jagdalpur
Jagdalpur, the district headquarters, is a small town, easily explorable on foot. It is green and beautiful. Believe it or not, you can walk right off the street and into the 70 year old Bastar palace, situated at one end of the main street. The erstwhile Royal Family still resides in one part, while another is being used as a medical college. Currently, there are no residential facilities here, but lunch can be arranged. There is a weekly haat (market) here on Sundays.
Many wonderful waterfalls are nearby. The Ganga Munda and Dalpat Sagar lakes are on the river Indravati, which passes through Jagdalpur. Sprawling over 350 hectares, Dalpat Sagar is the largest artificial lake in Chhattisgarh. It was created over 400 years ago by Raja Dalpat Deo Kakatiya to harvest rain water. Today, it is a major source of fish. If you can wake up early enough, join in the ritual worship of the deity before watching the group fishing, where one group spreads the nets and the other group drives the fish into the nets by howling and beating water. Or, if you prefer, go boating (motor / pedal boats) on the lake, especially at sunset.
Bilaspur
Bilaspur is known for its kosa silk and the quality of its rice. It is the second largest city in Chhattisgarh, and home to its High Court .
The city is approximately 400 years old. The name is derived from bilasa , the name for fisherwomen.
Raipur
It is the biggest city in the region, fast developing into an important industrial center for large and middle scale industries. The region is in the south east part of the Mahanadi River valley, with Bilaspur to its north, Bastar to its south, Durg on the west and Raigarh on the east. It is rich in mineral resources and has 2 major physical divisions: the Chhattisgarh plains and the hilly areas. The main crop is paddy. Raj Kumar College, one of Central India's prime schools, is in Raipur.
How to Reach
By AirThe state has a domestic airport, which is linked, to almost all major airports in the country. Indian Airlines operates regular flights to and from Raipur.
By Rail
Two major railway stations in Chhattisgarh - Raipur and Bilaspur - connect the major railway stations in India. Since Raipur comes almost in the middle point between Mumbai and Howrah, two most important railway stations in west and east India respectively, it is served by important trains regularly.
By Road
The road-network in Chhattisgarh is excellent. The National Highways (NH) 6, 16 and 43 connect all the major cities and towns of Chhattisgarh to other parts of the country.