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

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

Hospitals in Delhi

Following is the list of major Hospitals in Delhi with their Phone Numbers AIIMS 91 - 11 - 2686 4851 Bansal Hospital & Res. Ctr. (P) Ltd. 91 - 11 - 2326 1072 Bara Hindu Rao Hospital 91 - 11 - 2291 9706 91 - 11 - 2291 9562 Batra Hospital & Medical Res.

How to meet people in India

In India, generally in rural areas, foreigners are represented as the "rich sahib" (a rich and respectable person), whose culture dominates the world. English not being their first lan¬guage, they may not be familiar with the conventional ways of doing this, and thus their opening line may seem abrupt

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

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

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

Karmatang Beach

Situated at Mayabunder, northern part of Middle Andaman, Karmatang Beach is the location of a turtle nesting ground. One can view nesting of turtles during Dec - Feb season. One can go to Kalighat (for Diglipur) by boat from here. The beach is a perfect holiday destination for lovers

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

Great Nicobar

Great Nicobar Great Nicobar is the largest of the Nicobar Islands of India, north of Sumatra. Indoor Point, its southernmost tip, is also the southernmost point of India. The island covers 1045 km but is sparsely inhabited, largely being covered by rainforest and known for its diverse wildlife. The majority of the

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