The history of Chhattisgarh dates back to very early times when it was known as South Kosala. The Aryan migrants to the South passed through it. It is a tribal -dominated territory situated between Orissa and Jharkhand in the East and Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra in the west. The population of the state is 17.6 million of which one third is tribal. The capital is of the state is Raipur. The state spans an area of 1,35,000 sq km and is divided in 16 districts. It has 5.88 million hectares of cultivable land and 6.07 million hectares of forest cover. The state has a mega steel plant at Bhilai and a few large cement factories. The major economic activities of the people of the state are agriculture, mining and forestry.
Capital : Raipur
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.
Chattisgarh came into being on November 1, 2000 when it was carved out of India's largest state Madhya Pradesh. 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.
