Fast Facts
Location : Chhattisgarh
Popular As : Capital of Chhattisgarh
Attractions : Burha Talab, Dudhadari Temple, Mahant Ghasi
Das Memorial Museum, Shaheed Smarak Complex, Banjari Mata Mandir etc.
Best Time To Visit : October to March
Introducing Raipur
Raipur,
the administrative capital of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh is one of the
most important industrial and trading centres of Central part of India.
Situated on the banks of Mahanadi river, Raipur shared boundaries with
Bilaspur in the north and the famous Bastar tribal region in the south.
Founded in the 9th century, Raipur had remained an important regional center
under different kingdoms. Raipur is a historic place and it was once part of
Southern Kosal and considered to be under Mauryan Kingdom. The city also
remained the capital of the Haihaya kings, who controlled the traditional
forts of Chhattisgarh for a long duration. Due to its historical and
archaeological significance Raipur attracts large number of tourists from
far and wide. Raipur is also considered the gateway to unique and charming
Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. Moreover, visit the city of Raipur this
vacation and explore this enchanting part of Chhattisgarh on your own and
experience the unique culture of the region as well.
How to Reach Raipur
By Air : Raipur has its own airport which is also the
only commercial airport in the state. Indian Airlines connect the Raipur
airport to Delhi via Nagpur and to Mumbai. The airport is 12 kms from city
centre, taxis are available from the airport to different parts of the city.
By Train : Raipur
railway station is well-connected to the rest of the country with a number
of express and super fast trains. The railway station is located just 3 kms
away from Jaistambh Chowk, the main centre of Raipur. From the railway
station tourist taxis and auto-rickshaws are available for transfer to
different parts of the city.
By Road : A very good network of roads connect Raipur
with rest of the state and other neigbouring states. Bhopal is 656 kms from
Raipur via Nagpur which is 300 kms west of Raipur. Buses are available from
Raipur to nearby towns of Chhattisgarh and cities of other states also. For
local transport taxis and auto-rickshaws are available in Chhattisgarh.
Places Where You Can Stay
As Raipur is a large trading centre of Central India, so it is dotted with
a number of good economical hotels. Equipped with all the contemporary
amenities the hotels of Raipur provide a comfortable stay to guests. Most
popular hotels of Raipur include Babylon International, Hotel Mayura, Hotel
Celebrations, Hotel Madhuban, Hotel Batra Palace etc.
Tourist Attractions in Raipur
Burha Talab : Burha Talab literally meaning 'aged lake'
is a huge lake and the largest of several lakes in the city. Beauty of the
lake is enhanced many folds by an island, situated in the middle of the lake
with green and gardens.
Dudhadari Temple : Close to the Burha Talab is the 500
year old Dudhadari Temple. Dedicated to the Lord Rama, this beautiful temple
has elaborate carvings and offers a refreshing tranquil environs to
visitors.
Mahant Ghasi Das Memorial Museum : Mahant Ghasi Das
Memorial Museum was established in 1875 by Raja Mahant Ghasidas of
Rajnandgaon. The museum has two floors with five galleries and a library
with a fine collection of records of the major happenings of town's history.
A well-managed museum, Mahant Ghasi Das Memorial Museum has a good
collection of inscriptions, images, coins, sculptures etc. You will also see
some interesting objects related to nature like mammals, snakes, and birds.
Shaheed Smarak Complex : One of the city's major
attraction, Shaheed Smarak Complex is a brilliantly conceptualized
architectural masterpiece of Prasanna Kothari. A memorial of freedom
fighter, Shaheed Smarak Complex has a big auditorium, library, museum and an
art gallery.
Banjari Mata Mandir :
Banjari Mata Mandir is one of the most popular temple of Raipur. It is
believed that the temple was established by Shree Harish Joshi. According to
folklore Shree Harish Joshi found a stone looking like an idol of Banjari
Mata. After discovering the idol he started to worship and hence got the
attention of the local people. Since then that particular spot has been
converted into a temple.
Other Attractions of Raipur
Educational Institutes : Hidayatullah National Law
University has been established here which is sixth in a series on the lines
of the National Law School at Bangalore. Raipur has one Medical College -
Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College, one National Institute of
Technology (NIT) and three engineering colleges.
Tourist Attractions Around Raipur
Champaran : Champaran is small town located at a distance
of 60 kms from Raipur. The town has religious significance as the birthplace
of the Saint Vallabha Acharya, the reformer and founder of the Vallabh sect.
A temple had been constructed here to honour Guru Swamy Vallabha Acharya.
Close to the temple there is the temple of Champakeshwara Mahadeva. Every
year in the Hindu month of 'Magh' (January - February), an annual fair is
held here. Birth anniversary of Swamy Vallabha Acharya is celebrated on
eleventh full moon day of 'Baisakh' (April - May) when large number of
followers assemble to pay homage.
Shripur : Shripur also known as Sirpur is 78 kms away
from Raipur on National Highway No 6 on way to Sambalpur. A historic place
Shripur is home to two temples namely - the Lakshamana Temple and
Gandheshwara Temple. Lakshamana Temple was built by Vasata, the widow queen
of Harsh Gupta of the Somvansh. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is
originally a brick temple having a stone door frame and a figure of
reclining Vishnu on the Sheshnag. Gandheshwara Temple is an interesting
temple because of encompassing the Epigraphic records and Genealogy of the
Kings of the Somvansh.
Turturiya : Turturiya, originally a forest village lies
at a distance of 78 kms from Raipur. Situated on the bank of a spring called
Sursuri Ganga, Turturiya is home to several Buddhist remains of 8th century
A.D and also the Brahmanical remains of later period. Here you will see many
exquisitely sculptured pillars, remains of Stupa made of fine bricks, traces
of bathing ghats, figures of four armed Vishnu, Ganesha etc.
Shopping in Raipur
Shopping in Raipur is a delightful experience, and any trip to the city is
incomplete without shopping. Though Raipur doesn't have only one shopping
mall, 'City Mall 36' but the markets of the city offer almost everything.
You may buy traditional items in the shops of Raipur, to keep them as
souvenir. If you wish to buy branded items then visit the mall where you
will find shops of a number of national and international brands.
