Travel (Commonwealth Union) _ With its gorgeous rustic environment, condensed with forests and waterfalls, Chhattisgarh is famous for the total of 36 forts that span across the region. Its rich culture, displayed through its forts, museums, towns, and ancient temples, draws excited families sightseeing on their holidays and hordes of intrigued archaeologists, historians, and architects from around the world. If you’re looking to plan a relaxing yet stimulating holiday in India with budget-friendly travel options, here are 9 things to do in Chhattisgarh to enjoy its experience to the maximum.
- Exploring the Tribal Culture.
Chhattisgarh houses multiple tribes with origins that trace back hundreds of years and account for an entire 10% of the total tribal population in India, including Bon Horn Maria, Dhurvaa, Gonds, and Abhuj Maria. With a rich culture and entertainment, Chhattisgarh is an ideal location to experience the heritage of the local tribes and their way of life.
- Cave -visiting
For those who are interested in geology and adventure, this state of India is filled with numerous caves that are thousands (or maybe even a million) years old. Local communities sometimes use these sacred caves as shrines. Holding some of the world’s oldest sculptures, the Singhanpur caves are some of the most popular spots for archaeologists. You could also visit the Kailash Caves, which contain stunning stalactite and stalagmite structures, or the Kutumsar Caves that are famous for being inhabited by genetically blind fish.
- The Temple Trail
The ancient temples located in the region make it an extremely popular site for pilgrimages. During Diwali and Dussehra, the twin temple of Maa Bamleshwari typically attracts the majority of devotees. The Khajuraho temple, built during the 11th century AD, is also a widely visited spot and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The historical and religious significance embedded in these places makes it an unforgettable experience for those who wish to see the world.
- Walk through the forests
Apart from the structures that boast of the region’s rich cultural history, Chhattisgarh also boasts impressive wildlife, with several sanctuaries that lie submerged in the dense forests that make up the third-largest forest cover in the country. The state holds several tiger reserves and national parks, including the UNESCO-recognised Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve.
- Visit the Tiger Reserves
Speaking of the sanctuaries and the tiger reserves, these initiatives are largely sustained by the rich forests that surround them, promoting biodiversity. The Guru Ghasidas National Park and the Kanger Valley National Park hold over 300 species of birds, leopards, bison, deer, monkeys, and, of course, tigers. However, if you want to capture a glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tigers, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve and the Indravati Tiger Reserve are the places to go.
- Witness History Through the Museums
Away from the forest growth, located in Raipur, is the Mahant Gasidas Sangrahalay that proudly displays historical artifacts that date back to the Stone Age and displays an array of sculptures, anthropology, and armory. The state also holds the Purkhauti Muktangan Museum, a popular open-air museum in Chhattisgarh that also offers fascinating insights about India’s tribal culture, lifestyles, and art.
- Waterfalls
Whether you’re an adult or a kid, waterfalls are giant aquatic structures that leave anyone who sees them in awe. Also known as the ‘Niagara Falls of India’, the Chitrakut Fall is a beloved tourist spot that looms at a height of 100 feet, attracting thousands of people each year. However, there are also numerous others speckled across the state, including Amrit Dhara, Kendai, Tiger Point, and Tirathgarh Falls, among several more.
- Go Shopping
Everyone knows there’s no going back unless you bring home goodies for friends and family. In a place of such rich culture, there is no doubt that you can take your loved ones a piece of Chhattisgarh. With a collection of gorgeous handicrafts and artifacts, the shops in the state offer a vast array of items, including traditional wood carvings, jewelry, textiles, bamboo works, and paintings. The state is also the birthplace of Kosa (Tussar) silk.
- Eat Local
Lastly, holidays are primarily about indulging in delicious food. And there’s nothing like having a meal in the ‘rice bowl of India’ itself. With the local cuisine full of nutritious foods such as bohar bhaji and kheksi, you don’t need to fear about loosening your diet.
