The state of Chattisgarh is culturally and historically rich as compared to the rest of Madhya Pradesh. The original name of Chattisgarh is derived from the ancient dynasty South Kaushal. There were 18 Forts or Garhs on each side i.e., north and south of river Shivnath. In the wake of the 36 forts in Southern Kosal, it was named as Chattisgarh. Chattisgarh has been famous for its abundant and verdant surroundings. The well known district of Bastar, a treasure trove of forests and minerals along with the 'Chitrakut Falls' also know as 'Indian Niagra Falls' are also in Chattisgarh. The state is blessed by many waterfalls, caves and rivers.

Raipur and Bilaspur are the most convenient bases for visiting all major places of tourist interest in the area.

Rajim, Champaranya, Sirpur, Ratanpur, Amarkantak, Bhilai, Dongargarh, Arang, Mainpat, Sheorianarayan, Malhar, Tala, Bhoramdeo, Bheemkhoj (Khallari), water falls at Chotrakoot, Teerathgarh, Mandra, Chitradhara, Tamda, Dhoomar; caves at kotamsar, kailash, Aranyak, Sakal Narayan, Tular, Rani, Makar, Kanak & Dongare, Dantewada, Keshkal Valley, Charama Valley, Kanger National Park; Indravati National Park etc.

However, in spite of its abundant natural resources and manpower pool, Chhattisgarh remains a poverty stricken and socially backward region. A cursory look at some parameters will reveal this fact. Take literacy rate, as high as 81.3 per cent of the population above 19 years of the district of Bastar is illiterate. The rest of the state is slightly better in this respect. 49% of the households do not have drinking water. 68% of the households do not have an electricity connection (though it produces more power than it consumes; Chhattisgarh contributes 35.66% of total power generated in Madhya Pradesh). Infant mortality is high: 84 deaths per thousand live births against the national average of 71%. 41% of the women worked as labourers in the grueling activities (the national average is just 22.3).About half of its female population gets married between the ages of 15 and 19.

Now with a new government in place for Chhattisgarh, there are valid reasons to hope that the general condition of the state will improve, if not dramatically.

India Travel Destination Guide

Mail services in India

Mail services in India are quite reliable. Apart from Government opertaed General Post Offices (GPO's) known as "Daak Ghar" in India, there are many courior option available in India. FedEx, UPS, XPS, DHL and other major players operate from many cities. Many other local courior services operate from all other

Car Nicobar Island

Car Nicobar, in the northern part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is one of the only 12 inhabited islands in the Andamans archipelago. The two groups of islands, Andaman and Nicobar, are separated by a deep ten degree channel. The islands are pristine with palm-fringed beaches and deep blue

Embassies & consulates in New Delhi

Embassies & consulates in New Delhi Afghanistan 5/50 F, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Algeria B-3/61, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi-29 Angola C-17, Malcha Marg, New Delhi-21 Argentine B-8/9, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-57 Armenia B, 8/2, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-57 Austria EP-13,Chandragupta Marg,Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Belgium 50-N, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Belize B-8/14, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-57 Benin 43-A, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi-20 Bhutan Chandergupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Brazil 8, Aurangzeb Road,

Harminder Bay Beach

This picturesque beach of Harminder Bay is situated 100-km from Port Blair at Hut Bay Island in Andaman and Nicobar. You can travel to this beach by ship from Port Blair. These beautiful beaches are situated at Hut Bay Island at a distance of 100-km from the city of

Metalware and jewellery in India

The south is one major area for metalware in India (dancing Shivas, : known as Nataraj, are a favourite here -check out the quality in the palace art gallery ! at Thanjavur), the Himalayas another, Dokra, j a speciality of West Bengal and Orissa, uses this very same lost-wax technique

Paintings and antiques in India

Most Tibetan thangkas (Buddhist religious paintings mounted on brocaded silk) are mass produced (usually in Nepal) and mod¬ern, whatever the seller says, but even the cheapest boast the dense Buddhist symbol¬ism inherent in the form. You'll find them in the north, where there are Tibetan commu¬nities, and a little investigation

Ramnagar Beach

This beach is situated on Diglipur Island in the Andamans. Ramnagar Beach is a beautiful stretch of palm-fringed sand. Embark on the daily boat cruise from Mayabunder or twice-weekly from Port Blair to enjoy a holiday at Ramnagar Beach. These unspoilt beaches and will appeal to every beach enthusiast and

Indian embassies outside

Indian embassies Australia High Commission; 3-5 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600® 02/6273 3999, © 62731308,® hicanb@ozemail.com.au. Consulates; Level 27,25 Bligh St, Level 27, Sydney, NSW 2000® 02/9223 9500,® 9223 9246,® indianc@enternet.com.au; 15 Munro St, Coburg, Melbourne, Vic 3058® 03/9384 0141, ® 9384 1609. Honorary Consulates; Level 1, Terrace Hotel, 195

Textiles and clothing in India

Silk is usually a good buy in India, provided you make sure it is the real thing (the old test was to see whether it was possible to pull the whole garment straight through a wedding ring; however, some synthetics apparently go through too, so burn a thread and sniff

Telephones calls from and in India

Telephones in India Calling from hotels is usually more expensive. Both national and international calls are dialled direct. To call abroad, dial the international access code (00), the code for the country you want - 1 for the USA. Privately run phone services with international direct dialling facilities are very