Chhattisgarh - Why the secrecy?

While browsing through my Rough guide to India trying to plan a route from Hyderabad to Kolkata, I noticed that while Chhattisgarh is shown on the map at the front of the book, there is no chapter in the book about it???? Why? Is it military area? Is it just plain boring and not worth the visit? Do I have a faulty copy of the Rough Guide? Just what is the story?
Less than 8 weeks before we head off now. Should we consider visiting anywhere in Chhattisgarh if it exists at all??!?!?!?!?
GQ

Chattisgarh state was newly carved out of the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India. It is about a year or two old, so I doubt people have gotten around to writing about it.
Some books may still carry info about it under Madhya Pradesh.
Chattisgarh, afaik, is an under-developed state. No secret there!

My observation, being a newly carved out state, the Government has to work out a lot many things, such TOURISM DEPARTMENT, develop new sites etc. Under MP, it was not given much importance except a little bit to BASTER only.

As far as I know Chhattisgarh is hidden and untouched treasure..

Saw a travel program on some Indian channel, there amazing place where they have no hotels, no markets, no commercial activity..you have to take tents along..even though roads are there..

I seriously hope it remains that way..away from guide books and sites..

Try this site for info

http://www.chhattisgarhtourism.net/

The state government is interested in promoting eco-tourism and ethno-tourism.

As for 'Rough Guide'....
When I resigned my job in London in the late 80's to travel on the subcontinent I was given the India Rough guide by one of my workmates.
It had NO information about Bijapur -my main destination, since-as the railway was being upgraded- they didn't bother sending a researcher to the city!!!
Which tells you all you need to know about "rough guide" -if it takes any effort or initiative to get there (in this case a 2.5 hour bus journey from Sholapur) they don't expect their readers to be interested!

Your "Rough Guide" story is not so different from my "Frommer" story.

I met a woman in Puri who said she was updating the Frommer guide. I asked where she'd stayed in Kolkata and was amazed to hear that she had never been there.

When I asked why, she said that her Indian friends in New York had told her to stay away from Kolkata -- that she would not be safe or happy there.

The friends in New York, of course, were Gujeratis, and had probably never been Kolkata themselves.

And so are myths perpetuated around the world... <sigh>

Chhattisgarh can be most boring or the most amazing place to be the way you look at it. The state is affected by Naxalite and is not "developed" because of which very few people go there and hence it is very less documented. I went to Bastar (Jagdalpur) recently from Hyderabad but and we enjoyed the trip even after lot of inconvenience.

I agree with Incitatus, the website of Chhatisgarh is true to the real thing. I visited a couple of years ago, and had a great experience. Roads are very good, people freindly, and the various Tribes keeping their own cultures alive. Kanker palace is a gem, but, like a favourite restaurant, telling too many people about it may make my next visit a bit crowded!. North of Raipur is Palace Kawardha, which is in a Baiga Tribal area. Only 7 rooms, but stately in everything they do.
Drive right through the state to the south, and on to Visakapatnam, where you can fly off to the modern world.

Next October I'll be there for a couple of weeks mostly in Bastar district, staying in Jagdalpur. My main doubt is about the journey from Jagdalpur to Bhadrachalam because Naxalites and Salwar Judum are almost everywhere in this area. Probably I'll take the road to Vizag (by bus) and then right to Rajahmundry by train/bus.

Btw, have sent several emails to the Rainbow Hotel (hotelrainbow@indiatimes.com) in Jagdalpur and no answer at all. Do you know another address???


Jorge

There have not, as far as I know, been any attacks on tourists. I saw a couple of trashed villages, but there seems to be a truce for outsiders.
For the Rainbow Hotel, try sending an email to Chhatisgarh Tourism www.chhattisgarhtourism.net/. I found they are keen to help.
Wishing you safe travels.

Guys let me put the record of Chattisgarh straight in this thread. Chattisgarh really is a new state and fast growing roads are 60 - 70 % good which is more than other states of India. It has received the best e-governance award. People are friendly. Tourism is weak in comparision to the vast undiscovered treasures lying here. Kanha Kesli tiger reserve - Mukki gate, Bandavgarh tiger reserve, Bar Nawapara, Amarkantak, are regular places now. resorts are of high standard. Polution is largely prevalent in some parts of the state because of growing Steel & Power industries. Places in Raigarh - Shringarpur caves carry cave paintings, Kurra caves in raigarh will give Bora caves in Vizag a run for its money. But they are undiscovered.

Since my first reply I've been in Chhattisgarh three times. Great place to go especially Bastar district.

Jorge

dear sir,
every one have there own opinion,after division of madhya pradesh,it become seprate state known as chhattisgarh.
It has every thing which every visiter wants to see.
lush green forest ,vibrant tribes,food,culture,cave,river ,water fall....
every things are here
please do visit n if you need some help we are here.

http://www.holidayiq.com/Rainbow-Hot...l-410880.html:)

Its been 5 months since i have been to chhattisgarh and let me tell you the biggest plus of this state is -The people here.They are very friendly.
And yes it is a hidden jewel.I have visited a few places here and have written about it here in my blog-It also includes Singhanpur Caves near Raigarh mentioned by 'The One'
http://razzwashere.blogspot.in/searc...l/Chhattisgarh

The chitrakote falls near Jagdalpur is a must see for everyone and i am planning a trip next monsoon.