Raipur, the capital of Chattisgarh was originally founded by King Ram Chandra of Kalchuri dynasty in the last quarter of the 14th century AD. It remained as the capital of the Haihaya kings for a long time. Raipur is amongst the biggest cities in the region and it is fast turning into a major industrial center for both small scale as well as large scale industries.

The region has Bilaspur to its north, Durg on he west, Bastar to its south, Raigarh on the east and lies in the south east part of the Mahanadi River valley. This reason is in fact very rich in mineral resources and includes two major physical divisions- Chattisgarh plans and the hilly areas. Paddy is their main crop.

As for Raipur attractions, let us have a look at a few sites.

Champaran

This place which was earlier known as Champajhar is the birth place of Saint Vallabhacharya, who founded the Vallabh Sect. that is why this place has some religious significance. This place also has a temple constructed in his honor. Then there is also the temple of Champakeshwara Mahadeva. To stay in, you would get two large well furnished dharamsalas. In between January and February, an annual fair is held here. Followers of Saint Vallabhacharya celebrate his birth anniversary every year.

Laxman Temple and Gandheswar Temple, Sirpur

It takes just an hour from Raipur to reach Sirpur. It is situated on the banks of river Mahanadi. In the ancient times it was known as Shripur and was the capital of South Kosala. Built in the 7th century, Laxman Temple is one of the finest brick temples in India. It is characterized by carvings that are exquisite and construction that is very precise. At the top of the entrance, you would find Sheshnaag acting as umbrella to Lord Shiva. The temple has incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Krishna Leela ornamental carvings. The sides of the temple have numerous erotic carvings. This is a Panchrath type of temple and engraved on its pillars are the religious segments of a temple such as Vatayan, Chitya Gawakhsa, Aja, Bharwahagana, Kirtimukh and Karna Amalak.

The inside of the temple has the Mandap (shelter), Antraal (passage) and Garbha Griha (the main house). In the temple premises, a museum housing a collection of rare statues and relics has been established by ASI (Archeological Survey of India). These relics have great significance to the Vaishnava, Shaiva, Jain and Buddhist faiths.

Then there is the Gandheswar Temple which is situated on the banks of the Mahanadi River. This temple dedicated to lord Shiva was built using the architectural remains of the ancient vihars and temples. At the top of the entrance you would find a number of pictures of Shiva-Leela. Inside the temple, you would find a statue of Buddha touching the earth and a number of statues of Shiva, Varah, Natraj, Garud, Mahisasur Mardini and Narayan.

Rajim

It is situated about half an hour from Raipur and is located on the banks of river Mahanadi. It used to be an important urban center. You can find a number of temples here including the famous Rajivalochana Temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.