Chhattisgarh Tourism Board.docx

Chhattisgarh Tourism Board ABOUT US Recognizing the importance of Tourism as an instrument for socio- economic development, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board was established on 18th January 2002. As nodal agency the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board is responsible for infrastructural and institutional development, investment in facilities & hotels, wayside amenities and above all aggressive marketing & promotion for the comprehensive development. CTB is also focusing on manpower training and employment generation to create a manpower pool for travel trade and hospitality industry of this state.

The Board intends to promote tourism in a sustainable manner. CTB is also trying to incorporate carrying capacity analysis to the resource utilization. The state is covered with nearly 45% of the forests and 32% of tribal population, therefore, it offers immense opportunities for Eco-Ethno, Adventure and Cultural tourism.

CTB has some amazing properties set in the picturesque locations which run on alternate energy source being solar energy. CTB boasts of 36 properties, out of which 28 hotels, motels and wayside amenities are operated on management contract and 8 models are run by CTB itself.

Chhattisgarh has positioned itself as the destination ‘full of surprises’ with some of the amazing destinations which could certainly lead to the growth of tourism in the future. It has created a niche for itself on the tourist map of India.

The state has various old historic points, exquisite wild life, wonderfully cut sanctuaries, regal residences, waterfalls, cavern, rock depictions and slope levels. The greater part of these locales is untouched and unexplored and offers unique and unforgettable experience to vacationers, along with mouth watering cuisine.

Chhattisgarh has positioned itself as the destination ‘full of surprises’ with some of the amazing destinations which could certainly lead to the growth of tourism in the future. It has created a niche for itself on the tourist map of India. Chhattisgarh Tourism is also trying to incorporate carrying capacity analysis to the resource utilization. The state is covered with nearly 45% of the forests and 32% of tribal population, therefore, it offers immense opportunities for Eco Ethno, Adventure and Cultural tourism.

As nodal agency the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board is responsible for infrastructural and institutional development, investment in facilities & hotels, wayside amenities and above all aggressive marketing & promotion for the comprehensive development. CTB is also focussing on manpower training and employment generation to create a manpower pool for travel trade and hospitality industry of this state.

The Board intends to promote tourism in a sustainable manner. CTB is also trying to incorporate carrying capacity analysis to the resource utilization. The state is covered with nearly 45% of the forests and 32% of tribal population, therefore, it offers immense opportunities for Eco-Ethno, Adventure and Cultural tourism. CTB has some amazing properties set in the picturesque locations which run on alternate energy source being solar energy. CTB boasts of 36 properties, out of which 28 hotels, motels and wayside amenities are operated on management contract and 8 motels are run by CTB itself. Chhattisgarh has positioned itself as the destination ‘full of surprises’ with some of the amazing destinations which could certainly lead to the growth of tourism in the future. It has created a niche for itself on the tourist map of India.

CHITRAKOTE The Chitrakote Falls (alternative spellings Chitrakote; Chitrakot; Hindi: चचचचचचचच चचचचचचचच) is a natural waterfall located to the west of Jagdalpur, in Bastar district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh on the Indravati River. It is located at a distance of 38 kilometres (24 mi) to the west of Jagdalpur. The height of the falls is about 29 metres (95 ft).[1][2] It is the widest fall in India. Because of its width and wide spread during the monsoon season, it is often called the Niagara Falls of India.

Topography

Chitrakot waterfalls. The Chitrakoot Falls is located on the Indravati River. The river originates in the kalahandi region of Odisha, in the Vindhya Range of hills, flows westward and then forms a fall at Chitrakoote, enters Telangana and finally flows into the Godavari River,

after traversing 240 miles (390 km) in the state, at

Bhadrakali. The free drop of the falls is a sheer height of about 30 metres (98 ft). Because of its horseshoe shape, it is compared with the Niagara Falls and is given in the sobriquet ‘the Small Niagara Falls’. During the rainy season, from July and October, rainbows are created with sun rays reflecting on mist from the waterfall. On the left bank of the Chitrakoot Falls, a small Hindu shrine dedicated to the god Shiva and several naturally created grottos named "Parvati caves" (named after Shiva's wife Parvati) are located. The weather in the area is generally pleasant except in the summer season when it is hot due to the absence of vegetation in the area. The river flows sluggishly on the upstream side of the falls due to its meandering nature as it drains through the plains of Jagdalpur. This reach of the river valley has very little forest cover. Below the falls the river traverses the Bodhghat forested area and the river regime undergoes a drastic change in its flow conditions. Aeration process and the forest in the downstream area filter the silt in the river. Chitrakoot Falls is one of the two of the waterfalls located near the Kanger Valley National Park, the other is Teerathgarh Falls. Geology Chitrakot Waterfall.

The geological formation of the Indravati River valley as it rises and flows downstream consists of quartzitic sandstone and changes to the Archaean granite and gneisses near the Chitrakote Falls.[13] It is one of the six waterfalls in India which are classified as "geomorphosites" (geoheritage s ites with geomorphological interest); this classification is based on research studies of geological features of heritage value existing in different parts of the country. These have been studied and discussed in seminars by geologists, and studies have received the support of international institutions such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), and the International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG).

Chitrakote Falls in January 2017 Features

Chitrakot Falls with full muddy flow Muddy flow Another view Chitrakot Falls during low flow season The Chitrakote Falls, which spreads over three braids during the low flow season, is a single sheet of flow over a free fall of about 30 metres (98 ft) forming a horseshoe shaped gorge. However, during the monsoon season, when the Indravati River is in floods, the falls cover the entire stretch of the horseshoe from the left to the right bank covering a width of about 300 metres (980 ft). Though it is about one third less in width compared to that of the Niagara Falls, its visual splendour is described as equally impressive. Water flow conditions over the falls vary with the seasons. During the flood season or the monsoon season, the flow is filled with silt. It is India's widest waterfall. Local boat facilities operating below and under the falls in a misty atmosphere provide views of the falls under an early morning sun in reflected sun light and in a blue hue. On the banks of the pond below the falls, many small Shiva Lingas (aniconic symbols of the god Shiva) are found in several niches, as are iron trishuls (the trident weapon of Shiva), mostly in a rusted state. On the left bank, there is a rock ledge and climbing down this cliff leads to a naturally formed niche which houses stone slabs carved with deities. In addition, there is a small hut made of straw where Shiva images and rusted images of his son, the god Ganesha are seen. Local people are involved in fishing in the area. The beauty of falls is seen throughout the year, particularly during sunset.[3] As the fast flowing water of the river flows over the sharp near vertical rock exposure at the widest reach of the river, it generates misty clouds and then

hits into a pond formed in a semicircular shape at the bottom of the falls. Adventure sports enthusiasts use boats in the stormy part of this pond. Pilgrims bathe in the calmer part of the lake.[18] In the low flow season, paddle boats are used in pools formed in the upstream part of the falls. In the pool below the falls, swimming is permitted and paddle boats are permitted. Local boatmen can paddle their boats under the spray below the falls. Apart from many large hydro electric power plants on the Indravati river, a small power plant of 7.5 MW capacity has been planned to utilize the head at the Chitrakote falls, though no irrigation is envisaged. Some terrorist activity by Maoists (anti-revisionist) was reported in the area. In 2008, when the then President of India, Pratibha Patil, visited Chitrakote Falls, there was a violent attack on a police vehicle which was blown up. Panoramic view of downstream pond below the Chitrakoote Falls Conservation The Ministry of Tourism and Development of the Government of India had assessed the potential of this site in 2003 as of a natural "ambience" suitable for development of eco-tourism. Based on this assessment, plans were drawn up to develop facilities such as local restaurants, nature camping sites, a playground for children and platforms to view the falls, and also to improve the road condition, fix signs along the road from Jagdalpur to the falls, and beautify the site. Environmental conditions in the vicinity of the falls are in a preserved state but need attention as eco-tourism develops.[10] As of 2010, some infrastructure facilities had improved. There is a government run hotel at the top of the fall. A series of steps from the garden of the hotel leads to the

falls. "Chitrakote Log huts" with basic and modern cabins have also been built at the location. Some of the cabins provide good views of the falls.

GANGREL DAM Gangrel Dam: Another name of the Gangrel Dam is Ravishankar Dam. In the Dhamtari District, this location is quite a famous spot for the visitors. The dam has been constructed along the breadth of the river named Mahanadi. The distance of the dam is 15 Kms. A Hydel power projects named the Gangrel Hydel Power Project of 10 MV capacity has been developed here. The power for the neighboring area is produced. As much as 15,000 cusec of water is contained by the Gangrel Dam. This dam is considered to be the largest and the lengthiest dam.

CHANDRAHASINI DEVI TEMPLE Chhattisgarh state is situated in the heart of Incredible India, known for rich cultural heritage and attractive natural diversity. The state of Chhattisgarh is full of ancient monuments, carved temples, rock paintings and natural heritage site such as Chitrakot Waterfall,Balrampur Hot Spring and Bhuteshwar Shivling. Chhattisgarh also has one of the oldest jute mills in India,known as major rice producing state and the first geothermal power plant in India at Balrampur Taat Pani. Travel Photography From The Tribal Land of Chhattisgarh

Mahamaya Temple Ratanpur Mahamaya Temple of Ratanpur is temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati on National Highway 200 in Bilaspur district. Ratanpur town is popular as a religious center and the guardian of temple is considered to be Kalbhairva.

Bambleshwari Temple The Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple is one of the most famous high hilltop temples of India,situated on a 1,600 feet in Dongargarh. Bambleshwari Temple hill also has another tourists attraction as rope-way travel system, the only rope-way that has been set up in Chhattisgarh state.

Danteshwari Temple Maa Danteshwari Temple is temple dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari,situated at a distance of 84 km from the city of Jagdalpur in Dantewada. The ancient temple was built by the kings of Bastar and is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas spread across India,she is the Kuldevi of Bastar state.

Kailash Kutumsar Caves The Kailash Gufa and Kotumsar caves are located near a village of Kotumsar and one of the major attraction points for the people of Chhattisgarh. The caves was very much deep into Kanger Valley National Park around 35 km far from the city Jagdalpur.

Bhoramdeo Temple

Bhoramdeo Temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva in Bhoramdeo is the main temple is the Bhoramdeo complex with the stone architectural features with erotic sculptures of Khajuraho temple and Konarak Sun Temple. The Bhoramdeao temple is an outstanding structure and a group of four brick-temples, known as Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh.

Sirpur Heritage Site Sirpur is ancient and historical heritage site in Mahasamund district on the banks of the river Mahanadi. The town of Sirpur is known for Laxman Temple considered as one of the finest brick temples of India,Gandheshwar Temple,Ram temple and Baleshwar Mahadev temple.

Balrampur Hot Spring The hot spring also known as Taat Pani flows throughout the year in Balrampur district. National Thermal Power Corporation Limited is developing a geothermal power plant at Taat Pani, which is the first geothermal power plant in India.

Teerathgarh Falls

The Teerathgarh Falls is a block type waterfall on the Kanger River at Kanger Ghati in Bastar district. Teerathgarh waterfall most popular waterfall in Chhattisgarh along with near by places Kutumsar Caves and Kailash Gufa in Kanger Ghati National Park.

Bhuteshwar Shivaling

Bhuteswar mahadev temple shivling is world’s biggest natural shivling, located in Chhattisgarh and said to increasing every year by 6 to 8 inches. The Bhuteshwar Shivling is one such site in India with biggest natural rock shivling, Shivling at Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh being other.

Bastar Royal Palace The Bastar palace is known for the royal family of bastar and the history of kings, now the Royal Bastar Farm is a heritage farm house. Bastar Palace situated in Jagdalpur of Chattisgarh has the special ranking among the tourist places located in Chattisgarh.