CHHATTISGARH

Important Information, CHHATTISGARH VISION, Historical Places, Archeiological Places, Religious Places,

Natural Places, National Parks & Sancturies, Industrial Areas, Position & Scope, Surface Identity, Rivers, Climate, Forest,

Agriculture & Occupation, Tradition, Festival & Function.

Bastar, Bilaspur, Dantewada, Dhamtari, Durg, Janjgir, Jashpurnagar, Kanker, Kawardha, Korba, Mahasamunda, Raigarh, Raipur, Rajnandgaon, Ratanpur, Sarguja,

Important Information of Chhattisgarh State

S.No. Description Unit Present Chhattisgarh

1. Area 000 Sq. km. 135.1 (30.47)

2. Population 000 (In Thousands) 17615 (26.62)

(A.) Schedule Cast 000 2149 (22.30)

(B.) Schedule Tribe 000 5717 (37.13)

(C.) OBC 000 87 (14)

3. Population Density /Sq. km. 130 (87.25)

4. City Population (In Laks) 306.48

5. No. of States Unit 16

6. No. of Block Development Unit 146

7. No. of Tahseel Unit 93

8. No. of Villages Unit 19720

9. No. of Living Place Unit 54816

10. No. of Electrified Village Unit 18070

11. Drinking Water in Living Place

(A.) 100% Unit 44750

(B.) 0 - 40% Unit 7315

(C.) Not Present Unit 2751

12. No. of Handpump Unit 102063

13. Literacy Rate Percentage 42.9 (97.06)

14. Forest 000 Hec. 6076 (41.42)

15. Agriculture Products 000 MT. 5409.1 (29.93)

16. Cultivated Area 000 Hec. 5881 (23.38)

17. Irregated Area 000 Hec. 1149 (16.6)

18. Length of Road km. 33182 (33.00)

100 Sqkm. 24.54

19. Educational Centre Unit 27104 (23.00)

20. I.T.D.P. Project Unit 29

CHHATTISGARH VISION

Introduction

Ancient name of Chhattisgarh is Southern Kosal. It is situated in the

heart place of India's & Madhyapradesh's south eastern portion. Its includs sixteen

districts.

Bilaspur, Raigarh, Sarguja, Raipur, Durg, Korea, Korba, Dantewada,

Mahasamunda,Kavardha,Champa,Janjgir, Jashpurnagar,Kanker, Dhamtari,

Rajnandgaon & Bastar. It is surrounded by mountain's series of Mekal, Sihava &

Ramgiri. Its holyland is irregated by Mahanadi, Shivnath, Indravati, Hasdo & Kharun

river.

From historical point of view, Chhattisgarh is so rich & from traditional

point of view it is always a place of central attraction. Geographical differences of

Chhattisgarh makes people's civilization more colourful. By this its natural brilliance is

innaugrated by its excellent, wonderful,curious, people life, aboriginal & modern life system.

Its history, archaeology, art, culture, religious places, natural sophistication, forest life &

industries etc. are flower of vision.

Historical Places

Many civilization were born in Chhattisgarh in which Mourya, Saatvahan,

Vakatak, Guptavansh, Nalvansh, Panduvansh, Somvanshi, Nagvanshi, Mandlik & Kalchuri

(Haihayvanshi) Rajvansh are mentionable.There deposits are situated in Ratanpur,

Lafagarh, Kosgaigarh, Kargikhurd (Kota), Madanpurgarh (Champa), Sakti, Raigarh,

Sarangarh, Ramgarh, Raipur, Reeva,Jashpurnagar, Champaran, Fingeshwargarh,

Dhamtari, Garh Phooljhar, Durg, Malagarhi, Dhamdha, Khairagarh, Garh Akalwara,

Ghatiyari, Bhoramdev, Jagdalpur, Kanker etc.

Archeiological Places

Chhattisgarh have very important places from archiological point of

view.Important archeiological places of Chhattisgarh are Mal har, Talagaon, Pali,

Tumhan, Ganiyari, Dhanpur, Janjgir, Sargaon, Kabra hill, Singhanpur, Pujaripali,

Harratola, Devgarh, Maheshpur, Laxmangarh, Belsar, Kotadol, Ghaghra, Narayanpur,

Dhobani, Devkoot, Durg, Dev Baloda, Sorda, Dhamdha, Navagarh, Gurur, Bhoramdev,

Ghatiyari, Ambagarh Chowki, Narayanpal, Bastar,Bhairavgarh, Chhindgaon,

Kesharpal, ChhoteDonger, Garh Ghanora etc.

Religious Places

Chhattisgarh's most important religious places are Ratanpur,

Kharod, Lutra-Sharif, Shivrinarayan, Belgahna, Belpan, Dabhra, Amarkantaka, Raigarh,

Patthalgaon, Peethampur, Kunkuri, Ambikapur, Rajim, Aarang, Devgarh, Sirpur, Khallari,

Palari, Sihava, Jagadalpur, Deverbeeja, Balod, Dongargarh & Dantewada etc.

Natural Places

Chhattisgarh's natural structure are unique.Kendai water fall, Khuntaghat,

Bagicha,Bango, Amarkantaka, Darha, Ranidah, Guru ki Gufa, Mainpat, Tatapani,

Ruksganda water fall, Amritdhara water fall, Kothali water fall,Sihava, Gangrail Jalashaya,

Kharkhara Bandh,Keshkal, Panchvati, Bailadila, Chitrakot water fall, Teerathgarh water

fall, Kunwara Soundarya, Manoram Sthal, Devgiri Gufa, Kailash gufa, Hathani Darha, Rani

Darha are Chhattisgarh's natural beutiful places.

National Parks & Sancturies

In forest of Chhattisgarh lots of Deer, Chamois, Wild Buffalo, Lion, Leopord,

Bear, Pea-cock & Pea-hen & besides of extra wild animals, colourfull Sparrows,

Birds,Sparrow Hawk, Cuckoo, Word -Pecker, Robin, Pigeon, Fowl etc are found.

Chhattisgarh's national parks and sancturies areKanger Ghati National Park,

Indrawati National Park, Sanjay National Park, Achanakmar Sancturies, Badalkhol,

Gomarda, Samersot, Tamorpigala, Sitanadi, Barnavapara, Udayanti, Bhairavgarh and

Pamed Sancturies.

Industrial Areas

Many large industrial centres had been settle down in Chhattisgarh.

Chhattisgarh's most important industrial centres are

1. National Thermal Power Centre, Korba - Electricity.

2.Bhilai Steel Plant, Bhilai - Iron & Steel.

3. Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (Balko), Korba-Aluminium.

4. National Mineral Development Co. Bailadila - Iron Ore.

5. Jindal Strips Limited, Raigarh - Iron & Steel.

6. Jaiswal Neco Steel Plant, Siltara Raipur - Steel.

7. S. E. C. L. Mines, Korba - Coal.

8. Century Cement Factory, Baikunth Raipur - Cement.

9. C.C.I. Mandhar, Raipur - Cement.

10. A.C.C. Cement Factory, Jamul Bhilai - Cement.

11. Raymond Cement Factory, Bilaspur - Cement.

12. L & T Cement Factory, Hirmi - Cement.

13. Lafarge Cement Factory - Cement.

14. Grasim Cement Factory - Cement.

15. Ambuja Cement Factory ,BalodaBazar - Cement.

16. Monet Steel Ltd., Mandir Hasoud - Iron & Steel.

17. Dharamsi Morarji Chemical Co., Raipur - Fertilizers.

18. B. E. C. Fertilizers Bhilai - Fertilizers.

19. Bhilai Engineering Co. Bhilai - Machinery Parts.

20. Simplex Engineering Co. Bhilai - Machinery Parts.

Position & Scope

Chhattisgarh is southarn east part of M.P. Chhattisgarh area is expanded in

1,35,133 km. This area is expanded in Madhyapradesh's 30.52% & 4.14% of India.

Surface Identity

Land area of Chhattisgarh is made up of Kudappa era's lime stone.

Rivers

57.48% collection of water is done by Mahanadi & other rivers Shivnath,

Hasdo, Mand, Eb, Pary, Jonk, Kelo, Udanti, Sukha etc. in Chhattisgarh. Its second largest

river is Godavari. Rihand is main river in northern side of Chhattisgarh.

Climate

Chhattisgarh climate is hot torried zone mansoon. This state is situated in Tropic

of Cancer due to this state is warm.

Forest

Hot torried zone leaf fall & hot torried zone half leaf fall climate forest are

found in Chhattisgarh. 40.49% forest are reserved and 49.41% are preserved in

Chhattisgarh. There main forest products are agony, teak, second, timber, tendu,

willow, reed, seja, dhonra, tinsa, khair, bamboo,harra-bahera, lac, catachu, gum etc.

Agriculture & Occupation

Chhattisgarh is agricultural chief land & due to large production of rice

Chhattisgarh is commenly known as "Rice Bowl of India" (Dhan Ka Katora).Wild products

and factories, Pulse & Oil industries, Saw industries, Furniture, Quid of tobbaco industry,

Silk & Kosa Cloth industries, Minerals base factories, Dairy industries, Cement industries,

Fish nourishing &Handicrafts industries are the chief occupation of this state's people.Other

chief crop of Chhattisgarh are Gram, Wheat, Maize, Kodo-Kutki & Tuar etc.

Tradition, Festival & Function

Many different cast of people's have their specific God & Goddess like

Gond's cast worshiiper is Budhadev & Dulhadev. Gond also worships Lion. In

Chhattisgarh's Durpatmata, Kudargadi, Mahamaya, Doswali Dev, Bharanag (God of

hill), Sheetala Mata and other are world spread.

In Korea state, credit of God & Goddess were in Chang -Bhakhar.

Tribal people of Bastar & Kanker worships 'Village God' (Gramdevta). In Bastar

Angadev, Mandinmata, Budhimata, Bhimsen, Pardesin,Telanginmata, Bhangaram,

Korna-Kotik, Danteshwari, Karathidev, Bhagwan Jagannath & Goncha festival has

extensive credit.Promonant of Navakhani, Ganga Dushhara, Sarhul, Chherka,

Dushhara Diwali, Karma, Kartika Ekadashi festival are special in Chhattisgarh.

*Bilaspur

Bilaspur is situated in the river bank of Arpa in Chhattisgarh. Bilaspur is

visitable in cause of beutiful, silent and Industrial looks. So many places situated here

has makes it more beutiful.

1. Kanan Pendari. (Wild Animal Preservation Home Park).

2. Vivekanand Park.

3. Shri Dindayal Upadhyay Smriti Forest (Vyapar Vihar).

4. Sai Mangalam (Vyapara Vihar)

5. Shri Ayappa Swami Mandir (Tifra)

6. Kali Mandir (Tifra)

7. Marimai Mandir (Jhopadapara)

Ratanpur

Ratanpur is about 25 km. from Bilaspur in Katghara road. It is colonised by

king Ratandev-I, due to this it is called as Ratanpur. Ratanpur's important tourism

places are -

1. Mahamaya Mandir :- Mahamaya's Mandir is situated in west of Ratanpur which is

very famous & Ancient.

2. Rampanchayat Temple (Ramtekri) :-Rampanchayat Mandir is situated in Ramtekri

hill where Lord Shiv & Parvati's Stechue is

present.

3. Bees Dubaria Sati Mandir :- Bees Dubaria Sati Mandir is situated in besides

Ved Talab. Bees Dubria Sati Mandir is also

known as 'Samadhi Mandir'.

4. Muse Khan's Dargah :- Muse Khan's Dargah is situated in Juna city of Ratanpur,

where muslims celebrate Urse now.

Kendai Waterfall :- Village Kendai is situated about 132 km. from Bilaspur. In Kendai

village, a hill river fall from distance of about 200 feet and makes a

beutiful waterfall,which is known as Kendai waterfall.

Bango :- Bango is about 100 km. from Bilaspur. There is a beutiful dam made on

supported river of Mahanadi called Hasdev, which is known as Minimata

Jalashaya & Hasdev-Bango project. Bango Electricity Plan is a world selected

water electricity plan.

*Korba

Industrial city Korba is situated about 100 km. from Bilaspur.

1. Korba Super Thermal Power Station :- Electric power house of Korba in

Chhattisgarh, established by N.T.P.C.

occupies an important place in electricity

producing map of India.

2. Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (Balco) :- Bharat Aluminium Company Limited,

Korba has a big & huge plant of public sector.

3. Amarkantaka :- Amarkanataka is situated about 45 km. from Pendra road. Its

distance from Bilaspur is about 123 km. Largest 11 (Eleven) cones

pond is constructed in the place from where Narmada originate

water flow from Narmada Kund through Western Gomukha and

reaches to Kotitirth.

4. Taalagaon :- Taalagaon is situated in the bank of Maniyari river, which is about 27

km. far away AmeriKanpa village from Bilaspur. In Taalagaon river

bank of Maniyari river, Devrani-Jethani Mandir, Rudra Shiva's

wonderful stecheu is attraction centre of tourist.

*Janjgir

Janjgir is district head quarter which is situated about 67 km. from roadway & 45 km. from railway in southarn east of Bilaspur.

1. Vishnu Mandir :- From western-direction of city and about 1/2 km. distance from

bus-stand, near by road side in the bank of Bhima pond, a grand

temple is situated which is called Vishnu temple.

2. Peethampur :- Peethampur is about 13 km. from Janjgir.Many important places are

here as temple of Kaleshwar Mahadev, Fair, Marriage procession of

Shivji, Camp of Naga Mendicant in Peethampur.

Champa :- Champa is present about 53 km. from railway & 78 km. from roadway from

Bilaspur. Champa is a historical, traditional & ancient place.

1. Samleshwari Devi's Mandir :- Samleshwari Devi's temple which is erected in Champa

Nagar is a chief centre of trust of faithfuls.

2. Rajmahal & Ramabandha Talab :- There is most attractive Ramabandha Talab & Royal

Palace of Champa state.

3. Madwarani Mandir :- Madwarani Mandir is erected on Mandawa hill, between

Barpali road, which is about 17 km. from Champa.

*Raigarh

East state of Madhyapradesh, which is about 134 km. from Bilaspur.

1. Jindal Strips Ltd. (Sponge Iron Industry) :- Jindal Strips Ltd. is situated on Raigarh -

Kharsia Raod. It is about 14 km. from

Raigarh. Raigarh is also famous for its

Jute Industry & Kosa Cloth Industry.

2. Kharsia :- Kharsia is about 34 km. from Raigarh. Kharsia is famous for Ramjharna,

Singhanpur, Basnajhar, Banks of Borai river, Equarium, Mand Dam.

3. Sarangarh :- Sarangarh is situated about 46 km. south - west from the Raigarh

district. The main tourist places of Sarangarh are Giribilas Palace,

Gomarda Sancturies, Kinkari Dam, Kedar Dam, Ghutka Dam,

Pujaripali etc.

4. Dharamjaigarh :- Dharamjaigarh is situated about 77 km. north - west from Raigarh

district. Dharamjaigarh is famous for its Silk Thread Centre, it is

also famous for Amli Tikra & Sisringa Ghat.

5. Kunkuri:- Kunkuri is situated about 167 km. from Raigarh district. Its main attraction

is it's Masihi Glamour's environment and Asia's biggest Catholic Church.

*Jashpurnagar

Jashpurnagar is situated about 211 km. north-east from the district of Raigarh up on

Loro Valley. Balaji temple, Devi temple, Shiv temple, Residence of Raja's, Rani Sati

Garden, Shanti Bhawan & Church are also some most beautiful places of Jashpurnagar.

1. Loroghat :- Loroghat is just 15 km. from Jashpurnagar. It is famous for flowers and

its also known as the Valley of flower (Phoolon Ki Ghati).

2. Ranidah Waterfall :- Ranidah waterfall is situated about 19 km. from Jaspurnagar.

Panchbhaiya, Anandvan, Dudhdhara, Fish Point, Rajat Shila,

Girma Valley are the main tourist places of Ranidah Waterfall.

3. Sougarha :- Sougarha is situated about 18 km. from the district of Jashpurnagar. The

main tourist place of Sougarha is Awadhuth Ram ka Ashram & Temple.

* Sarguja

The centre point of Sarguja district is Ambikapur. Ambikapur is also a main tourist

place of Sarguja district, which is also the district headquarter.

1. Chirmiri :- Chirmiri is situated in Manendragarh of Sarguja district. It is famous for

S.E.C.L (South-Eastern Coal Fields) Ltd. It is famous for its coal deposits

and industries. The second largest Crane of Asia is Chirmiri.

2. Semarsot Sanctury :- The Cover area of sanctury is 430.36 sq. km. Semarsot

Sanctury consists of Pawai Waterfall, Lion, Nilgai, Cheetal,

Beer and other animals.

3. Mainpur :- Mainpur is famous for Sarbhanja waterfall. It has a vast deposits of

Bauxite. It is also famous for its carpets, pamerian dogs and detective dogs

used in Police squad.

4. Tatapani :- In the western part of state highway, 8 to 10 hot water originated points

are avilable known as Tatapani. The temprature of the water is near

about 84 degree celcius.

*Dhamtari

Dhamtari is situated at 76 km. south of Raipur. Series of Sihava & Gatarsilly is present in Dhamtari.

1. Gangrel Dam :- It is situated 13 km. from Dhamtari. The length of this dam is 1246 m.

and is completely made of soil. This is a beautiful picnic spot.

2. Sitanadi Sanctury :- Sitanadi Sanctury is situated at 90 kms. from Dhamtari. The area

of this sanctury is 553.36 sq.km. Sitanadi sanctury consists of

Panther, leopaard, deer, chamois and other wild animals.

2. Sitanadi Sanctury :- Sitanadi Sanctury is situated at 90 kms. from Dhamtari. The area

of this sanctury is 553.36 sq.km. Sitanadi sanctury consists of

Panther, leopaard, deer, chamois and other wild animals.

3.Bilai Mata:- It is the famous Goddess of this area known as the "Protector " of this

area.

4.Sihava :- Situating at 65 km. from Dhamtari, Sihava is treated as one of the Pilgrimage

of Chhattisgarh surrounded by forests and a serties of mountains. The main

attractions are Karneshwar temple, Ganesh ghat, Hathi khoh, Danteshwari

cave ( sarovar cave), Amrit kund and Mahamai temple.

*Mahasamunda

Mahasamunda is situated at Raipur - Vishakhapatnam railway line of South - Eastern railway.

1. Bar Navapara Sanctury :- The total area of this sanctury is 244.66 sq.km . The

animals generally found in this sanctury are deer, panther,

leopard and others.

*Raipur

Being the capital of the Chhattisgarth state, Raipur is the biggest city of

the state. It is a main business and industrial centre of the state. The main attraction of

Raipur are Mahamaya Mandir, Anciant pond, Bhandarpuri, Suspenseful Shiv Mandir,

Mahant Ghasidas Musiam etc.

1. Rajim :- Rajim is also trated as a pilgrimage because of Meeting point of three rivers -

mahanadi, Pairi & Sondhul. It's main spots are rajivlochan mandir,

Kuleshwar Mahadev mandir, Someshwar Mahadev mandir, temple of

Rajimatelin, Ramchandra temple, temple of Kaal-Bhairav, Jagannath temple

and Brahmmacharya ashram.

2.Champaran :- Champaran is situated at 56 km. from Raipur. The main attractions of

Champaran are Ancient temple of Champkeshwar Mahadev and

Birth-place of Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya.

3. Sirpur :- Sirpur is situated at 77 km. from Raipur. The main attractions of Sirpur are

Bauddha Vihar, Swastik vihar, Laxman mandir, Gandheshwar mahadev &

Museum etc.

4. Khallari :- Khallari gram is situated at 80 km. from Raipur. The main pilgrimage and

visiting points are Temple of Khallari Mata, devalaya, Bhim panv, Bhim ki

nav aur chulha, Lakheshwari gudi etc.

5. Dudhadhari Math :- The famous Dudhadhari Math is in the 'Purani Basti' area of

Raipur. It was erected in the 17th century by the King Jaitsingh.

At that time, the main saint or Math-pramukh used to take only

milk ( doodh ), hence temple becomes famous by the name

Dudhadhari.

*Durg

Durg is situated at 37 km. from Raipur. The total area of this city is 1991

Akad. The main attraction of Durg are Bhilai Steel Plant Township, Matribag of Bhilai,

Aaga pond of Patan, Shiv Mandir of Devbaloda, Sorad, Kila & Pond of Dhamdha, Sita

Devi's Mandir of Deverbeeja, Sarda, Khedapati Mandir of Navagarh, Balod,

Mahabhairav Mandir of Gurur, Garh Akalwara, Malagarhi, Tandula Dam, Dushura of

Kankalin etc.

1. Bhilai :- Bhilai is situated at 10 km. from Durg. The important visiting place of Bhilai

are Bhilai Steel Plant, Township, Matribag etc.

2. Tandula Dam :- Tandula dam is situated at about 64 km. from Durg. This dam is

made on Tandula river.

*Rajnandgaon

The most important religious, historical, educational & archiological

tourist place is in Rajnandgaon.

1. Dongargarh :- Dongargarh is situated at 36 kms. from Rajnandgaon. Temple of Mata

Bamleshwari is present in Dongargarh. Shri Bajrang Mandir, temple

of Maa Ranchandi (TonhiBamhlai), Tapsi Mandir, Samadhi of Sidhha

Baba, Mahavir Mandir, Sheetala Mandir, Shiv Mandir, Shri

Danteshwari Mandir, Budhadev Mandir and other temple of

Dongargarh are most popular.

2. Khairagarh :- Khairagarh is situated at about 48 kms. from Rajnandgaon. Rukkhad

Swami Mandir, Shri Maa Danteshwari Mandir, Shri Mahakali Mandir,

Mahavir Mandir, Maa Bhadrakali Mandir, Indira Arts & Music

University and other visiting place are present in Khairagarh.

3. Kharkhara :- A Dam is constructed on Kharkhara river of Rajnandgaon known as

Kharkhara dam, which is 1129 sq. km. in length.

4. Ambagarh Chowki :- Ambagarh chowki is situated at about 52 kms. from

Rajnandgaon. It is a token of historical, archeological and

religious assumptions. The idol of Mahishasur Mardini is very

famous, which is 6 km. from Ambagarh chowki.

*Kawardha

Kawardha is well known for indian culture, archeological importance and excellence of art. Its famous spots are :-

1. Bhoramdev :- It is situated at 17.6 kms. from Kawardha and is a meeting point of arts

of Khajuraho and Konark. Bhoramdev temple is also known as

'Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh'.

2. Mandawa Palace :- Situating at 1 km. from Bhoramdev, Mandawa Palace is also

known as Dulhadev. Mandawa Palace is also important from

manditation and historical point of view.

3. Chherka Mahal :-Chherka Mahal is situated at 20 km. in south directions from

Kawardha. A famous Shivling is there in Chherka Mahal.

*Kanker

Kanker is well known for its ancient temple of Rajaswkal. Jagannath temple, Balaji

temple. Laxminarayan temple, temple of Kankalin Mata, temple of Maa Sheetala and

Jogi Gufa are famous spots of Kanker.

1. Maa Sinhavasini Temple :- The temple of Maa Sinhavasini (Joint form of Durga &

Kali) is an ancient temple of Kanker.

2. Gadiya Pahad :- The highest mountain of Kanker is Gadiya Pahad, also known as

Kila Dongri. There is a pond near Gadiya Pahad known as

SonaiRupai.

*Dantewada

Dantewada is situated at 55 km. from Jagadalpur and 12 km. from Geedam. The road

route from Jagdalpur to Dantewada is full of natural beauty.

1. Temple of Danteshwari :- The famous Danteshwari temple is situated here, which is a

token of faith and religious believes. This temple is situated

on the meeting point of Shankhini & Dunkini rivers and

was constructed by Rani Bhagyeshwari Devi.

2. Bailadila :- Bailadila is situated at 40 km. from Dantewada. Bailadila is well known

for world famous iron ore mines. The iron ore extracted from these mines

are exported to the Japan. Kirandul (Bailadila) - Waltair railway line is

the highest railway line of Asia.

*Bastar

District headquarter Jagadalpur of Bastar is situated at about 299 km. from Raipur.

This city is situating at the bank of Indrawati river. Jagdalpur is centre point of tourism

place of Bastar.

1. Human Science Museum :- This Museum is in Vijaya Bhavan situated in between

Collectorate & Commissioner office and was erected in

1972. Tourist can see useful commodities and other

things related to culture, traditions & entertainment

directly and with the help of graphs and photographs.

2. District Archeological Museum :- This Museum was established by Archeology and

Museum Department in the year 1988 by the state

government for the purpose of collection of Archeological

assets.

3. Shilpagram (Kondagaon) :- It is situated at project head quarter Kondagaon, 76 km.

from district head quareter Jagdalpur. Shilpagram is

result of efforts of international famous Shilpi (Wood

crafter) Jaydev Baghel.

4. Dancing Cactus :- To make the Bastar's art world famous, an art centre is established

named Dancing Cactus. A training centre is also opened here with

the financial help of Oxfom Institute of London.

5. Panchavati :- This spot is famous as "Panchavati of Chhattisgarh". Situating at 2 km.

from Keshkaal on National Highway no.43, this spot was developed by

Forest dept.

6. National Parks :- Two of the three national parks of Chhattisgarh are in Bastar

district which are Indrawati National Park and Kanger Ghati

National Park.

(i). Indrawati National Park :- Situating at 200 km. from Jagdalpur, this park has the

area of 1258 sq. km. Surrounded by dense forests, this

park has Lion, panthor, leopord, deer and wild buffalo.

(ii). Kanger Ghati National Park :-This Park is situating at 26 km. from Jagdalpur in

south east direction. Having 200 sq. km. area, this

park has dense forests of agony, teak and bamboo &

peaks, valleys, caves and waterfalls.

Lion, leopord, penthor, deer, chamois, beer, wolf,

poisonous snakes, coloured butterfly, sparrows etc.

are the specialities of this park. Bhaisa Darha

Crocodiles Sanctury is also established at the meeting

point of Kanger Kholab of Kanger Ghati.

7. Biosphere (Jeevodhyan) :-Asia's first biosphere is situated in Kanger Ghati National

Park. The total length of the area of this biosphere is 28 km.

The attraction of this biosphere is very large trees and

ancient trees of valley.

8. Kanger Dhara & Kunwara Soundarya :-After Tirathgarh, Kanger river's water falls

at 8-10 places and forms beutiful waterfalls. One of these

beutiful waterfalls is Kanger Dhara, which is very famous

amongst tourists.

On a bank of Kanger river in biosphere area, there is a

natural 'Stone Elephant' and so many rocks which are

thousands of years old. Stone Elephant and these rocks are

collectively called 'Kunwara - Soundarya'.

9. Bhaisa Darha :- It is the only Crocodiles Sanctury of Chhattisgarh. It is a tourist place

situated in Kanger Ghati National Park, 42 km. from Jagdalpur at a

height of 2500 feet. At present, there are 18 Crocodiles.

10. Kutumbsar :- Kutumbsar is the India's first and World's seventh underground cave.

These natural caves are more famous than Worlds famous artificial

Ajanta - Elora caves. It can also be compared to World's longest

underground cave 'Corls Bar of Cave' of America, which is 50 km.

long. These caves are 4500 feet in length and are minimum 60-215 feet

in depth from the surface. The normal tempreture is 75 degree celcius.

11. Sanctury :- Bastar division is a beautiful gift of nature. It has not only national park

but has two sancturies also Bhairamgarh Sanctury & Pamed Sanctury.

(i). Bhairamgarh Sanctury :- The area near Jaigur, Hingum & Mathwada on the bank of

Indrawati was developed as Bhairamgarh Sanctury in

1983. It has an area of 149 sq. km. The main animals found

here are Leopord, Panthor, Wild Buffalo and Chamois. In

the last counting more than 25 wild buffalos are found

here.

(ii). Pamed Sanctury :- Second main sanctury of Bastar is Pamed Sanctury at Bastar -

Andhrapradesh border developed in 1983. It has an area 262 sq.

km. This sanctury is mainly famous for wild buffalos but leopord,

panthor, cheetal and other animals are also found here.

12. Waterfalls :- Bastar district has so many beautiful water falls as Chitrakote,

Tirathgarh, Kanger Dhara, Mendari Ghumar, Chitra Dhara,

Gupteshwar Jharna etc.

(i). Chitrakote :- Chitrakote is situated at 40 km. from Jagadalpur, which is known as

'Chitrakoot' of Bastar. When the water of Indrawati falls from a height

of 90 feet, it creats a beautiful waterfall in the shape of half moon.

(ii). Tirathgarh :- Tirathgarh is situated at 38 km. from Jagdalpur in Kanger Ghati

National Park. It is a pilgrimage of nature lovers where Kanger river

makes a waterfall of 300 feet height. One can enjoy swing water of

Kanger river at the bottom of waterfall. Due to this waterfall and other

natural beauties, Tirathgarh is also known as 'Paradise of Tourists'.

Hathidarha :- Hathidarha is deepest of all the valleys available in this area, situated at 45

km. from Jagdalpur & 3 km. from Chitrakot. This valley is about 150-200

feet deep in the shape of 'U'. Hathidarha's main attraction is Matnar

Waterfall where water falls from the hight of 100 feet.

Rani Darha :- 'Ranidarha' of village Taalnar at the bank of Shabri river situating at

30 km. from Konta Block is also a famous valley. According to villagers,

in the ancient time, a queen name Rani Padmawati has attempted suicide

here to save herself from enemies, hence name Rani Darha.

Abhujhamar :- The area surrounded by a series of minimum 2000 feet high and

maximum 4000 feet high mountains in the south-western part of Bastar is

called Abhujhamar. The area is about 1500 sq. meel consisting of

Dantewada district and Beejapur & Narayanpur blocks. Some forests of

this area are so dense that sunlight is also unable to reach the surface.

The population density of this area is 10 person per km. Archeaologists

have found so many fossils of stone age year. The tribal peoples of this

area are called 'Madiya', which are far away from today's modern

civilization.