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

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

History of Princely State Rajasthan

The history of India dates back almost five thousand years, and Rajasthan plays a crucial and unique role, especially with regard to the development of Indian culture. Its impressive story reaches through a heroic past. Its extravagant splashes of bright hues against the desert landscape and the purity of its

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

Brass and copperware in India

Buying gemstones can be something of a minefield; scams abound, and you would be most unwise to even consider buying gems for resale or as an investment without a basic knowledge of the trade. . Jaipur is a major centre for gems (and con tricks), while Hyderabad specializes in sorting

Information for Women travellers

India is not a country that provides huge obstacles to women travellers petty Indian streets are almost without exception male-dominated - something that may take a bit of getting used to, particularly when you find yourself subjected to incessant staring, whistling and name calling. This can usually be stopped by ignoring

Bus Service for Getting Around Delhi

Private deluxe buses are faster and more comfortable than state buses, usually depart from near the Ramakrishna Mission at the end of Main Bazaar, Paharganj, but some pick up passengers at hotels. Delhi is at the centre of an extensive bus network covering much of north India's neighbouring states. The

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,

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

Airline Services from Delhi

Airline Services Flights can be taken from Delhi Domestic Airport The various airlines that operate in India are: Indian Airlines (Govt. Operated) Jet Airways (Privately Runned) Air Sahara (Privately Runned) Air Deccan (Privately Runned) Spice Jet (Privately Runned) Kingfisher (Privately Runned) Delhi to: Agra (INDIAN AIRLINES 4 weekly; 35min); Ahmedabad (INDIAN AIRLINES, JET AIRWAYS 3-5 daily; 1 hr 25min);

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