Raipur is the capital city of the state of Chhattisgarh, India. The city is the administrative headquarters of Raipur District. It was formerly a part of Madhya Pradesh before the state of Chhattisgarh was formed on 1 November 2000. At the time of the 2011 census, the population within the Municipal Corporation area of Raipur was 1,010,087.
Raipur district is important in historical and archeological point of view. This district was once part of southern Kosal and considered to be under Mourya Kingdom. Raipur city had been the capital of the Haihaya Dynasty Kalchuri kings, controlling the traditional forts of the Chhattisgarh for a long time. The town of Raipur has been in existence since the 9th century; the old site and ruins of the fort can be seen in the southern part of the city. Satawahana kings ruled this part till the 2nd–3rd century.
In the 4th century AD the king Samudragupta had conquered this region and established his domination till fifth–sixth century when this part had come under the rule of Sarabhpuri kings. For some period in the fifth–sixth century, Nala kings dominated this area. Later on Somavanshi kings had taken the control over this region and ruled with Sirpur (“City of Wealth”) as their capital. Mahashivgupt Balarjun was the mightiest emperor of this dynasty.
HOW TO REACH
By Air:-
It has its own Domestic Airport named as Swami Vivekananda Airport, roughly 23 minutes drive from the city. It is well connected with major cities like Bangalore, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai etc. via Air India, Indigo, Jet Airways and Jet Lite
By Bus:-
Raipur is 13 Kms from Barauda, 40 Kms from Durg, 76 Kms from Patewa, 79 Kms from Bhatapara, 113 Kms from Bilaspur, 284 Kms from Jagdalpur, 301 Kms from Dhanpunji and is linked through Chhattisgarh State Road Transport Corporation (CSRTC) and some private travel services
By Train:-
It has its own Railway Station named as Raipur Railway Station which is connected to the major cities of Chhattisgarh. It is well connected with the cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Chennai, Bangalore, Kota, Ahmedabad and Jaipur via Bilaspur Express, Bilaspur Rajdhani, Howrah Sup Express, Pune Hatia Super fast and Pa Bilaspur Express.
WHAT TO SEE
Champaran:-
Champaran has religious significance for being the birthplace of the Saint Vallabhacharya, the reformer and founder of the Vallabh Sect. Located at a distance of about 60 km from Raipur, the village has a temple that was constructed in honour of Saint Vallabhacharya.
Arang:-
Arang is situated near the Eastern limits of Raipur City. This Nagar Panchayat in Raipur District, it is most often referred to as the city of temples. In addition to Baaghdewal, Mahamaya, Danteshwari and Jain Temples, the town is also home to the 11th century Bhandewal Jain Temple.
Dhamdha:-
Dhamdha has been declared as the Nagar Panchayat of the district of Durg of Chhattisgarh state. Old palatial building structure known as the Prachin Kila and the Mandir are prominent highlights of the town.
Rajim:-
Rajim is situated on the right bank of the Mahanadi River. Most prominent attraction of the town is the Rajivalochana Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Tall single figures sculptured on the face adorn the twelve pillars of the temple. These sculptures include Durga with eight arms, the Ganga and Yamuna and exquisitely carved incarnation of Vishnu, Rama, Varaha (boar) and Narasimha (Man-cum-Lion) and others.
Bhilai Steel Plant:-
Bhilai Steel Plant is a major producer of steel plates and structural components. India’s only producer of steel rails, it was set up with the help of the USSR. Apart from being the sole supplier of the country’s longest rail tracks of 260 m, it is also the sole producer of rails and heavy steel plates and of structural.
Balaji Temple:-
Balaji Temple contains shrines dedicated to Balaji, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rama.
Banjari Mata Mandir:-
Banjari Mata Mandir is believed to have been established by Shree Harish Joshi. Legend behind the construction of the temple states that Shree Harish Joshi found a stone looking like an idol of Banjari Mata. Following his discovery, he began to worship the idol. Soon, the idol combined huge renown, leading to the construction of the temple
Tandula:-
Tandula is a dam that is located at the confluence of Tandula and Sukha Nala Rivers. Completed in 1921, the dam stores water from catchments area of 827.2 sq km.
FOOD:-
Eating out in Raipur is restricted to South Indian fare with India’s version of Chinese food thrown in for good measure. City’s promotion to state capital has resulted in the opening of a number of restaurants in Raipur, as more people travel to the capital on business. Recent additions feature Tex-Mex, American style fast food, pizzas, and shakes on their menus.
Entertainment is limited to a few cinema halls, cultural festivals (in season) and the odd performance by theatre groups down from Bhopal or Delhi.
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