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

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

Bargaining in India

Don't worry too much about the first quoted prices. Some guidebooks suggest paying a third of the opening price, but it's a flexible guideline depending on the shop, the goods and the shopkeeper's impression of you. Bargaining is very much a matter of personal style, but should always be lighthearted,

Contacts for disabled travelers in India

Contacts for disabled travelers Britain and Ireland Can Be Done 7-11 Kensington High St, London W8 5NP ® 020/8907 2400. Specialist tour operators for the disabled. Carefree Holidays 64 Florence Rd, Northampton NN1 4NA © 01604/634301. Specialist tour operators for the disabled. Holiday Care Service 2nd Floor, Imperial Buildings, Victoria

Photographing in India

Keep in mind to ask before directing your camera to all that could be considered "strategic", including airports and anything military, but even with the bridges, the stations and the principal roads. The film of camera, sold with the average Western prices, is largely available in India (but check the

Radhnagar Beach

Radhanagar Beaches in Havelock are pristine, unspoilt beaches and will appeal to every beach enthusiast and nature lover who want to enjoy his beach holiday at a pristine loc. A 5 hour-long journey by boat from Phoenix Bay Jetty, Port Blair brings you to Havelock Island — "The island campers

Cuisine of Rajasthan

Land of Princes, as Rajasthan is called, shows off, many a fine gastronomic both within the palaces and outside. The royal kitchens of Rajasthan, the preparation of food was a very complex matter and was raised to the levels of an art form. Thus the ‘Khansamas’ (the royal cooks) worked

Getting Around & Visiting Rajasthan

Getting around the state is rarely problematic, though there's no avoiding some tedious long hauls. The state-run bus company, RSTDC, has regular services between cities, but since it hiked its prices by fifty percent in 1997, private operators have become a more popular option, offering cheaper fares and greater comfort.

Train services from Delhi

Train Serices from Delhi There are 4 major Railways stations in Delhi. New Delhi Railway Station Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station Old Delhi Railway Station Sarai Rohilla Railway Station New Delhi Station is situated at the eastern end of Paharganj, less than lkm north of Connaught Place. All the trains leave for the major destinations

International Airlines Offices in New Delhi

Internation Airlines with thier office addresses: Aeroflot, Tolstoy House, 15-17 Tolstoy Marg; Air Canada, 1st floor, ALPs Building, 56 Janpath 0014; Air France, 7 Atma Ram Mansion, Scindia House, Connaught Place; Air India, Jeevan Bharati Building, opposite Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place; Air Lanka, Room 1, Hotel Janpath, Janpath Air Ukraine, C-37,

Land & Topography of Rajasthan

The State has an area of 343,000 sq km. The capital city is Jaipur. The Aravalli Range runs across the state from southwest Guru Peak (Mount Abu), which is 1,722 m in height to Khetri in the northeast. This divides the state into 60% in the North West of the