Raipur: Gateway to Chhattisgarh

Raipur is the capital city of Chhattisgarh – an east-central state. It is geographically situated at the heart of Chhattisgarh. Located at 244 to 409 meters above sea level. Expanded in an area of 226 sq. km.

Brief History

• In 14^th century, Brahma Deo Rai of Ratanpur Dynasty founded this city.
• Raipur was made headquarter of Chhattisgarh princely states division. A municipality was made in 1867.
• This district was divided into 3 parts in 1998 namely Raipur, Mahasamund and Dhamtari Districts.
• The caiptail city of Chhattisgarh was earlier a part of Madhya Pradesh. On November 1, 2000 Chhattisgarh is carved out of Madhya Pradesh. Then Raipur become a member city of Chhattisgarh in the year 2000.
• In the year 2011, Raipur was again divided into 3 parts, forming 2 new districts namely Gariaband and Balodabazar-Bhatapara.

State/District/Capital

Chhattisgarh is a state located in the east-central part of India. Raipur is the capital city or district of state Chhattisgarh. It is situated almost in the middle of Chhattisgarh.

How to reach Raipur?

By Road

Being the capital city of state Chhattisgarh, Raipur is connected with Sambalpur District of Odisha, Nagpur of Maharashtra & almost all other major and minor cities via road. One can take any private or state-run bus service to reach Raipur from any neighbouring cities or states.

By Rail

Raipur Junction is the railway connectivity of the city. It is well connected with major cities of the country like Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Nagpur, Bhubaneshwar, Banglore, etc. From the station, one can take a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to travel around every corner of the city.

By Air

Raipur has its own airport named Swami Vivekananda Airport or Mana Airport. This airport serves as the primary airport of Chhattisgarh. Located 15 km south, near Naya Raipur. Air India, Jet Airways, Indigo Airlines, Spicejet, etc connect the capital city of Chhattisgarh with other major cities of the country. Taxi and Auto Rickshaw are easily available outside airport to take you to the city.

When to visit Raipur?

Winters are the best season to visit. Starting from October to March next year. Summers are extremely hot in Raipur and are usually avoided by tourists. Winters bring a calm, pleasant and beautiful sightseeing atmosphere to tourists. Because temperature remains comfortable between 14° C and 28° C during winters.

Official Language

Chhattisgarhi is the official and local language of Raipur along with Hindi. You can find people of local tribes talking in Bhunjia, Gondi, Halbi, etc to converse with each other. These are the languages found in local folks’ tongues including English as well.

Weather

Raipur experiences a maximum average temperature of 44.3° C and a minimum average of 12.5° C. It almost has a tropical wet and dry climate throughout the year. Raipur faces extreme hot weather around April to June, sometimes going up to 48° C. While mild to extreme cold weather around November to January, sometimes falling below to 5° C. The city receives 1300 millimetres of rainfall during the monsoon season from June to August.

Fairs and Festivals in Raipur

There are many popular festivals celebrated by the people of Raipur. These include Gouri-Goura, Surti, Hareli, Pola and Teeja. Hareli is the mark of Greenary, celebrated in the month of Sawan. It is also the beginning of festivals in this region. Various rituals are performed by locals at this festival. Like farmers worship their cows and farm equipment. Place leaves and branches of the Bhelwa tree in their field. Pray for good crops to God. Hang Neem branches on the entrance of their homes to prevent their families from diseases.

Hareli is followed by Pola and Teeja. People worship bullocks in Pola. They organise and participate in bull race events. Children play with Nandia-Bail idols made of clay. Teeja is a festival of married women. They pray for the welfare of their husbands. The feel of social harmony can be seen in every part of Chhattisgarh.

Transportation or Stay to prefer

Transportation and places to stay are not a big deal anymore. In this online world stays and transport is easily booked online. You can find Ola cabs running in the city. While hotels and rooms are available at an affordable price. By comparing hotels online, one can easily get a good stay without any headache.

Places to visit in Raipur

There are many natural and man-made places that one can visit in the capital city of Chhattisgarh to make their journey an unforgettable one. Some places are like:

Mahanadi and Kharun

Two famous and pious rivers of this city. Mahanadi is the most important river of Chhattisgarh, originating from Shrungi Mountains in Sihawa Tehsil of Dhamtari district. Kharun, another important river originates from the hills of Petchuwa of Durg District and flows in Raipur.

Water Parks

MM Fun City and Wonderland Park can keep you soaked in water for a long time. Fun and enjoyment are the guaranteed items you can take away from here. Timing 10 am to 6 pm. Ticket cost around Rs. 350 to 400.

Visit Temples

Raipur is famous for its rich heritage and architecture. Known for stone carvings, magnificent designs and more. Raipur has a number of historic sites and temples that are proof of the rich culture this place has.

Ghatarani Waterfall

85 kms away from Raipur, this place is a pure reflection of natural beauty. A small trek between the woods would take you to the largest waterfall of state Chhattisgarh. Filled with lush greenery, this place blooms in the monsoon season and become the best place to go picnic with your family.

Swami Vivekanand Statue

37 feet tall, bronze statue, added in Limca Book of Records for being the tallest statue of Vivekananda. This is situated in Vivekananda Sarovar. Statue gives a beautiful sight in the evening. It gives a glimpse of the art and culture that Raipur has. Timing 6 am to 9 am in the morning and 3 pm to 8 pm in the evening. Entry is free of cost.

Mahakaushal Art Gallery

A white stone gallery situated right in the heart of Raipur, built in the shape of an octagon. This place is a gallery, meant for art lovers, showcasing the talent of local artists and giving a platform to promote their talent. It has a vast collection of artworks which gives a great time to explore and experience the art and culture of this city.

Cuisines to taste in Raipur

Raipur is called the Rice Bowl of Central India. So travelling to this capital city of Chhattisgarh and not tasting their local foods is a bad idea. Their local foods can be broadly divided into 2 parts, Tribals and Non-Tribals. When you visit Raipur must have their best food melting in your mouth. You can have:

• Dubki Kadi
• Bafauri
• Khurma
• Tilgur
• Farra
• Bara
• Sabudana ki Khichadi
• Bhajia
• Chila
• Aamat
• Muthia

Things to do in Raipur

One can do plenty of things in Raipur. Here are some to make your journey exciting and adventurous:

Jeep Safari

If you love wildlife and want to see it from your naked eyes, Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Nandanvan Jungle & Safari in Raipur would make your journey remarkable. Timing 8 am to 4 pm.

Trekking

Adventure freaks love trekking. Routes that gives a thrilling experience in Raipur can be trekking to Kila Dongri or Gadiya Mountain (the tallest mountain of Kanker region), and from Raipur to Gupteshwar.

Shopping

Stop to shop around before going back to your home. Raipur is famous for its metal, wooden and stone artefacts and handlooms. 

Souvenirs to buy from Raipur

Along with memories and love, some souvenirs is a must to take away from this city. It will cherish and let you relive your unforgettable moments. Souvenirs to take from Raipur can be:

• Handloom
• Wooden and Bamboo art and crafts
• Bell Metal
• Terracotta products
• Stone sculptures
• Cotton fabrics
• Wrought iron items

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