Formed on 1st of November 2000, is the state of Chhattisgarh, located in the center west of India. This state is truly diverse with the northern and southern parts having a hilly terrain and the central plains being fertile; hence a lot of different creatures and birds strive in the area. The state is surrounded by several water bodies, wildlife sanctuaries and mountains, making it a beautiful place for a vacation. But at the same time, the cities in Chhattisgarh are highly urbanized and are the number one manufacturers of steel in the country. This state is so diverse that there are numerous things to do in Chhattisgarh; something for everyone. You can enjoy heighted waterfalls or breathe fresh air close to the mountains, you can go on a religious trip or simply watch animals and birds from a distance in the several national parks in the region. Let’s have a look at some of the interesting things to do in this region.

Located in the northern district of Bastar in Chhattisgarh is a city called Jagdalpur; it is the administrative headquarters of the district and used to be the capital of Bastar in the bygone era. Jagdalpur is quite industrialized and you will mostly see rice mills and furniture industries in the area. The most famous thing in the city is the Nagamar Steel Plant and it is located at a distance of 16 km from the city center. But the temples in the region steal the show; the famous deity Goddess Dhanteshwari’s idol is established in the Danteshwari Temple. Other than that there is the Mavli Temple dedicated to Shakti Goddess and Venkateshwara Temple which is also known as the Balaji Temple in the vicinity. Complete your pious journey in Chhattisgarh to your liking.

Lying in the southern part if Chhattisgarh is Indravati National Park in Bijapur District; it gets its name from the Indravati River that flows right by it. The last population of rare buffaloes is currently living in this region and is protected by the government inside the sanctuary. If you want to explore the region well and are fond of the animal and plant kingdom, don’t forget to go on a jungle safari through the national park. A trained guide will come along with you, drive the jeep, show you different animals in their natural habitats and give you more information on them. You can see plants and flowers like chital, nilgai, teak, mahua etc and fauna like leopards, tigers, sloth bears striped hyenas and many more that will surprise you while you are on the safari.

Located right next to Shivnath the silent temple in Bilaspur District is Madku Dweep, a beautiful small island in the state. The island is in the shape of a frog and this is how the place got its name. Madku Dweep stretches upto 24 hectares of land and you can explore the lush greenery and amazing surroundings by foot itself. This place is of huge importance in the context of archeology and several prehistoric ruins like stone tools, dilapidated structures, epigraphs and coins that have been found earlier on this island. If you go further ahead you will find an array of old temples like the Shiv-Parvati temple, Ganesha temple and other temples dedicated to other Gods. Many devotees come here all year round to complete their pilgrimage.

Looking for a lightly cooler place while visiting Chhattisgarh in the summers? Head over to Chirimiri, a hill station in Koriya District of Chhattisgarh. After you are done seeing the cities, Chimri will give you a serene experience; the soothing green expanse of trees, tall mountains and clear rivers is what makes up the scenic beauty of the place. Visit Lord Jagganath Temple in Chirimiri to offer your prayers to the presiding deity of the temple or grab your picnic basket and go to Amritdhara Waterfalls for an exciting experience. Visit other tetemples and rivers in the vicinity to get a proper feel of the hill station.

Located in Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh is Kawardha, the administrative headquarters of the district. The city of Kawardha has a rich history associated with it and it has seen phases of rule from different kingdoms. Kawardha used to be a princely state after which it became the base for Sant Guru Kabir, after who the district is named. The place is full of greenery and has breathtaking views of hills all around. Kawardha is most famous for the Bhoramdeo Temple that was built after many trials and tribulations in the Maikal Mountains; people usually visit this place to have a look at this legendary temple.

Dongargarh is a little town known for its picturesque views and the famous temple of Bambleshwari. The town has mesmerizing views of small ponds, hilly areas, lush meadows and beautiful rustic homes that the tribes in that area live in. The name Dongargarh is derived from dongarh meaning mountains and garh meaning fort; therefore making it the city of mountain forts. The main reason for people visiting this beautiful place is the Bambleshwari Devi Temple; it is located on a hilltop at a height of 1600 feet. This temple is the main attraction, but there is a smaller version of the same at the foothills of the mountains for people who are unable to climb.

Situated in Gariaband District of Chhattisgarh is the town of Rajim, about 45 km away. This town is located at the meeting point of three holy Rivers and boasts of several renowned Hindu temples in that area that dates back to the 8th century. Most of the temples in this region are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiv with devotees coming in flocks during peak season. This is the holiest place in the state and it is often an important halt during a pilgrimage. The city is established at the confluence of holy rivers, making it a place where people worship and take a dip in the river to wash off their sins. Every year in Rajim there is a gathering called the ‘Fifth Kumbh Mela’ which a lot of devotees especially attend.

Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Mungeli District of Chhattisgarh and is a safe zone for animals in that region. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2009 and is a popular attraction for many who visit Mungeli. The flora of this forest is categorized as tropical forests with deciduous trees and has some of the best views of flora and fauna in the region; it is the home of more than 600 species of medicinal plants along with the beautiful Maniyari River flowing right through it. Go on a long trek into the national park along with a tour guide to see some of the endangered species of animals and birds in the sanctuary.

Champaranya is a town in Chhattisgarh and is also known as the place where the founder of Pushti Marg, Shri Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji was born. To commemorate his vision and contribution to the region, a temple was built and a lot of people go there to see this temple. There is also his Baithakji here, the seat where he did Bhagwad parayan and gave out sermons on Shri Krishna, taught how to love him and how to attain him by a kind of devotion that is not at all different from love.

Another attraction in Champaranya is Champakeshwara Mahadeva Temple that is definitely worth visiting; the pilgrim site to this temple is known as Vaishnava Peeth. The best time to visit these temples is during the Shraavan months, that is during the monsoons; although there are a lot of people at that time, it is the best time to visit these temples in Champaranya.

Regarded as the power hub of Chhattisgarh, Korba is an industrial area which is located in Korba District. It is a change from all the religious places that are full of temples and the mountainous zones that have hilly terrain. Korba is more of a city that has more amenities than the serene places. It has many industries like steel, electricity, coal and also sells agriculture equipments. If you are interested in seeing how electricity is produced in one of the biggest power plants in the state, then you must visit Korba Thermal Power Station. You can check out other places like Hasdeo Thermal Power Station and Lanco Amarkantak Power Station to know more about the production of electricity in the state.