Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh ,India is well- known for its green and cleanest city status as well as for its heritage. The city offers numerous tourist and pilgrim destination,falls, zoo, museums and the urban city life with numerous institutions of education &technology.
Ancient history of Raipur
Raipur, the heritage capital of Chhattisgarh was once known as Dakshina Kosala and was under the reign of Maurya Empire. A Gupta inscription dated to the 6th century CE discovered from Arang delineates the story of Gupta hegemony over the region.
According to historical texts in the 7th century CE, the region came under the reign of a Buddhist kingdom in Bhandak in modern-day Maharashtra. A sect of this royal family seems to be migrated to Sirpur [Mahasamund district] and conquered the entirety of Dakshina Kosala.
The glory of this ancient city reached its zenith during the rule of Tivaradeva. His son inscribed almost all temples in Sirpur.
According to archeological data,by the early 9th century the Kalachuris had hegemony over the region. The Kalachuris of Ratnapura ruled Ratnapur until the 13th century. By the 14th century, the Kalachuris of Raipur branch came into prominence.
Chief tourist destinations in Raipur
- The Ghatarani waterfalls & Jatmai temple
It is located just 85 km from Raipur and the waterfall is one of the largest falls in Chhattisgarh. The waterfall has a mythological linking with the nearby Jatmai Ghatarani Temple, a holy temple dedicated to the goddess Ghatarani who symbolizes fertility and well-being. The shrine dates back to 18th century and is linked to Kalkanjari Devi.
The waterfall and this temple are the favourite spots for pilgrim tourists visiting Chhattisgarh. It is located at the Abhanpur Tehsil of Raipur and a favorite destination for adventure enthusiasts and trekking lovers. Post monsoon season [ November- February] is the most favourable season for travelling to Raipur and enjoy the beauty of these majestic waterfalls.
- The Nandan van zoo
It incorporates a vast 800-acre wildlife, zoological park, and rescue center established in 1979. It features four main safaris—herbivore, bear, tiger, and lion—along with a dedicated zoo area within buses.
- The cultural hub of purkhouti muktangan.
It portrays the tribal art and culture of Chhattisgarh with sculptures and artefacts.
- The mahant ghasidas memorial museum
the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum was established in 1875 and it offers deep insights into the region’s heritage. This museum offers anthropological & natural history artifacts, pottery & sculptures.
- The Vivekananda sarovar
It is also known as Budha Talab, which is a lake in Raipur. It is located in Budhapara area near the Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium and it is spread in 30 hectares. The lake is named after the great Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda who visited Raipur in 1897 and it is believed that he took a bath in this lake.
- The Nava raipur
Nava Raipur [Atal Nagar-Nava Raipur] is a planned city and fully Greenfield city in Indian state of Chhattisgarh. This green city is located between National Highway 53 and National Highway 30, about 17 km south-east of the capital city Raipur. Swami Vivekananda Airport separates Raipur and Nava Raipur.
This beautiful city has various industries of gold ornaments, software and IT parks along with Botanical Garden, art gallery and symbols of heritage of the city. It is also a hub of educational institutions.
Cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh possess a rich cultural heritage of folk music and dance. Pandwani dance is a well-known art form of Chhattisgarh. The state celebrates various cultural festivals including Chakradhar Samaroh, Sirpur Mahotsav, Rajim Kumbh, and Bastar Lokotsav.
Furthermore, the state of Chhattisgarh fosters many traditional art and crafts and artisans doing them. The state is renowned for its traditional ornamental designs including kardhan, phully, painjna, bidhu, tora, and maldar.
The indigenous food of Chhattisgarh include Muthia (steamed rice dumplings), Farra, Chilla, Aamat, and Bara.
How to reach Raipur?
Swami Vivekananda International Airport, (Formerly called the Mana Airport), is the main airport serving the state of Chhattisgarh. The airport is situated 15 km south of Raipur and 10 km from Naya Raipur. The airport provides direct flights to various Indian cities daily.
Raipur Junction Rai way station is well-connected with the Mumbai-Howrah main line.
The city is well-connected via NH 53 to major nearby states.
Written by dr sanjana p [ copyrighted]