- Chhattisgarh is one of the richest, most original and tourist destinations in India, this state should be on every tourist’s travel list – Mrs. Meenakshi Sharma
- A comprehensive tour of heritage, nature, tribal culture, spiritual heritage and exciting tourist places was done in the 14 day tourist tour
Mrs. Meenakshi Sharma, former Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, visited Chhattisgarh extensively as a tourist for the first time and praised the state’s tourism potential, natural beauty, tribal culture, historical heritage, and warm hospitality. During her 14-day visit, she visited the state’s major tourist destinations and stated that Chhattisgarh is a destination that offers a wonderful blend of nature, culture, history, spirituality, and adventure. This state should be on every tourist’s travel bucket list.
She stated that despite having worked in India’s tourism sector for a long time, this was her first time visiting Chhattisgarh as a tourist, and the trip was a truly enjoyable and unforgettable one. She expressed that Chhattisgarh positively surprised her. Its natural wealth, dense forests, majestic waterfalls, ancient temples, tribal culture, handicrafts, and the cordial nature of the local people place it among the most unique tourist states in the country.
Mrs. Sharma began her visit at the Purkhauti Muktangan and Tribal Museum in Raipur, where she witnessed the state’s rich tribal culture, folk traditions, and cultural heritage up close. She then visited the famous Bhoramdev Temple, Madwa Mahal, Cherki Mahal, and the surrounding forest area in Kabirdham district. She stated that the Bhoramdev complex, situated in a natural setting, is a unique example of Indian architecture and cultural heritage.
In the next leg of her journey, she reached Amarkantak, bordering Chhattisgarh, and visited the origin of the Mother Narmada River, the evening aarti, the Kalchuri temple complex, the Dudhdhara and Kapildhara waterfalls, Rajmergarh, the Kabir Chabutara, and the Jain temple. She described the region as a unique confluence of spiritual, natural, and cultural tourism. On her return, she visited the Maa Mahamaya Shaktipeeth in Ratanpur, and experienced the state’s rich religious traditions.
During her stay in Bastar, Mrs. Sharma visited the world-famous Chitrakoot Falls, Tatamari Valley, Kondagaon Shilp Gram, Narayanpal Temple, Mendri Ghumar and Tamra Ghumar Falls, and also enjoyed boating in Chitrakoot. She stated that Bastar’s natural beauty and tribal art have the potential to create a unique identity on the world tourism map.
He also visited the Maa Danteshwari Shaktipeeth in Dantewada, the ancient temple town of Barsoor, the Jagdalpur Archaeological Museum, the Bastar Palace, and local handicraft centers. Describing Bastar’s Dhokra art, bell metal crafts, bamboo and wooden artifacts as vibrant symbols of local culture, he said that the handicrafts here have the potential to create a special identity on the world stage.
In the Kanger Valley National Park, she visited the Tirathgarh Falls, Kutumsar Caves, Dhudmaras, bamboo rafting, and the Kechala area. She stated that this region is a paradise for nature and adventure tourism lovers. During her visit, she also visited Jaipur, Kolab Dam, Jagannath Temple, Koraput Coffee Plantation, Deomali Hills, Dudma Falls, Bonda Tribal Market, and Kotpad Weavers Village in Odisha, bordering Chhattisgarh. This provided an opportunity to closely understand the shared cultural heritage of the Bastar and Koraput regions.
Sharing her experiences, Mrs. Meenakshi Sharma said that tourism is not just a means of visiting a place, but also an opportunity to connect with its culture, traditions, and people. In this regard, Chhattisgarh is a very rich state. Tourists visiting here experience the tranquility, spiritual peace, and authenticity of tribal life in the lap of nature, away from the hustle and bustle.
She stated that Chhattisgarh holds immense potential for tourism development. If its unique and relatively lesser-known tourist destinations are effectively promoted nationally and internationally, the state can achieve a leading position among the country’s leading tourist destinations. She also praised the state’s developing tourism infrastructure, the involvement of the local community, and the facilities available to tourists.
Urging tourists from both India and abroad to visit Chhattisgarh, Mrs. Meenakshi Sharma stated that anyone who visits Chhattisgarh once will forever take with them memories of its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, ancient heritage, tribal life, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences. She expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh, with its unique identity, unique tourism resources, and ongoing efforts toward sustainable tourism development, will establish itself as one of India’s most attractive tourist destinations in the coming years.
