Raipur is the capital city of the state of Chhattisgarh. Being the capital city, it hosts the administrative headquarters of the district. Raipur was initially a part of Madhya Pradesh before Chhattisgarh was formed. Since its inception, the city has taken big strides in industrial growth. It has become a major trade and economic hub in the central part of India. Not many are aware that Raipur is the only Indian city that has all the major educational institutions in the country – AIIMS, IIT, NIT and IIM. This also makes Raipur a prominent educational hub. The famous Indian Sage Swami Vivekananda is said to be born here. The city has numerous scenic attractions that draw a large number of tourists every year.
Things to do in Raipur
Raipur is home to many tribal communities. You can take a trip to one of these and learn about their traditions and culture. These communities are known for their handicrafts, so don’t forget to check them out. Visit one of the many temples in Raipur to get a feel of the city’s ancient heritage.
Tourist attractions in Raipur
The most popular tourist attractions in Raipur include Rajivalochana temple in Rajim, Hatkeshwar Mahadev Mandir, ISKCON temple, Mahamaya Temple, Udanti Sanctuary, Barnapawara Sanctuary and Buddha Taalab. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful waterfalls in the forests in Hajra.
Places to shop in Raipur
A variety of Dora statues, wood craft items, bell metal sculptures and terracotta pots are available at this fascinating store called Woodkart Handicrafts. Raipur has an exquisite collection of items from native Chhattisgarh. Togita Kosa handloom and Barlota enterprises have great collections of native Dhruva sarees that you can check out if sarees are your thing.
Best time to visit Raipur
The ideal time to explore Raipur’s offerings is during the winter
months that start from October.
Modes of transport
Raipur has excellent road and rail connectivity. Raipur City Bus Limited manages the local bus transport system. Because the buses tend to be overcrowded, your best bet is an auto-rickshaw. They are cheap and easily available. You can also hire app-based cabs.
Weather in Raipur
The summer season in Raipur is extremely hot and sultry. The month of May is the hottest with the temperature hovering around 44°C. Apart from summers, Raipur experiences moderate climate during other months.
Airport in Raipur
Raipur Airport (IATA: RPR) is just 15 km away from Raipur city. IndiGo operates several connecting and direct flights from Raipur to major cities in India. For more information on flight timings, visit IndiGo’s website.