November 1, 2000, a new state in central India came into existence and with that came into light a plethora of world-class tourist sights which were for the most part unheeded or rather overlooked.

With about 44 per cent of its area under forest cover and a centuries-old fabled history — Chhattisgarh has all what it takes to become a global tourism hotspot!
Well connected to all the major cities by air and railway, the most convenient city to embark on during your journey is of course the state capital, Raipur.
Just 83 kms. East of Raipur on the banks of the perennial River Mahanadi, Sirpur is a must go place for history buffs. Known as Shripur in the ancient times it used to be the capital of South Kosala province. The fame which this place had in those times was such that even the great Chinese traveller Hsuan-Tsang paid a visit to the city in 7th century AD and praised its prosperity.
Now, Sirpur is known for its Laxman Temple — the oldest brick Temple of India and some of the largest Buddhist Viharas. There is a museum too, which houses all the historic sculptures found during excavations at the various sites near by.
One can also plan a trip to Barnawapara Sanctuary (15 kms from Sirpur) and try their luck to spot some wildlife and get a wonderful safari experience with sublime green ambiance.
The capital of the erstwhile princely state Bastar, Jagdalpur, some five hours drive on NH 43 from Raipur, definitely is the place to lodge if you want to unfurl some of the best what Mother Nature has bestowed upon Chhattisgarh.
About 50 km west of Jagdalpur, river Indravati during its course blesses Chhattisgarh with the broadest waterfall of India, Chitrakote Falls.
I was fortunate enough to visit this waterfall at the peak of monsoon when its breadth is maximum; and seriously, the very sight of it is majestic.
It is one of those rare waterfalls where one can witness the formation of a rainbow on a sunny day. This 95 feet high single drop spectacle is aptly dubbed as the ‘Niagara Falls of India’.
Thirty eight km south-west of Jagdalpur, on River Mugabahar, amidst the dense jungle of Kanger Ghati National Park, the Teerathgarh Falls are one of the most picturesque natural scenic spots of Chhattisgarh. Unlike the Chitrakote Falls, this waterfall has clear waters and it thus gives a milky white appearance while flowing from a height of about 300 ft.
Best seen in the monsoon, one can even get a bird’s eye view of the waterfall from a watch tower in the National Park.
A nearby attraction, in fact just on the other side of the road which connects to Teerathgarh, is the enigmatic Kutumsar Caves. Discovered in the late 1950s these caves are believed to be the longest natural caves of India.
These limestone caves are the only place in India where one can literally touch the stalactites and stalagmites, which we once read in our Geography text books! In this exhilarating setting with 80 per cent less oxygen from the ground level, one can also be fortunate enough to perceive an evolutionary miracle — blind freshwater fish.
Surviving in pitch dark for ages, these fish have evolved in such a way that they no longer need eyes and hence they are born blind!
The caves are closed during the monsoon and the waterfall is best seen in the monsoon, so, be selective in your choice. Anyway, October seems to be a safe bet to enjoy both the spots together. With so much to explore and even more to absorb. Indeed, Chhattisgarh is full of surprises!

The writer is a travel enthusiast