Raipur- The rice bowl of India
The capital city of Chhattisgarh, Raipur has become an industrial town of prominence in Central India. Raipur had been a part of the Mauryan Empire in the 9th century. Currently, Raipur is a hotbed of Indian education. Eminent institutes like IIT, IIM, NIT and AIIMS have campuses in the city. Thus, the city attracts a large student crowd from all over the country.
It takes the name Rice Bowl of India due to over 20,000 varieties of rice, which have been grown in the region as a result of indigenous farming.
Things to do in Raipur
Raipur has a historical charm boasting a rich cultural heritage. Raipur is home to a number of ancient tribal societies and you can also shop for tribal products when visiting the place. Raipur has a large number of places for religious worship and it can be a peaceful experience to visit these places.
Tourist attractions in Raipur
Rajiv Lochan Temple in Rajim, Mahamaya Temple, ISKCON Temple, and Hatkeshwar Mahadev Mandir are some of the most visited temples in Raipur. The waterfalls in the dense forests in Hajra is a scenic beauty. Barnawapara Sanctuary and Udanti Sanctuary are beautiful and a must-visit for lovers of nature. The Buddha Taalab is also a peaceful tourist site along with the Naya Raipur Central Park.
Places to shop in Raipur
Raipur has an exquisite collection of items from native Chhattisgarh. Raipur offers a great collection of Dora statues, bell metal sculptures, woodcrafts and terracotta pots. You can buy these at Woodkart Handicrafts. Togita Kosa handloom and Barlota enterprises have great collections of native Dhruva sarees, which you must get your hands on if you are interested in textile shopping.
Best time to visit Raipur
October to March are pleasant months in Raipur and comprise the best time to plan a visit to the city.
Modes of transport
The public transport network of Raipur is very efficient. The Raipur City Bus Limited (RCBL) has a good network of buses plying throughout the city. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are also a good way of travelling around the city.
Weather in Raipur
Raipur experiences moderate temperature conditions throughout the year. Highest temperatures during these months have been recorded at around 48°C. The monsoons last from June till about October. The annual mean temperature in Raipur has been recorded to be around 26.8°C.
Airport in Raipur
The Raipur airport is called the Swami Vivekananda Airport (IATA: RPR). With the capacity to handle 350 incoming and 350 outgoing passengers, Raipur airport is a single integrated terminal building. There are 15 check-in counters at the airport.