Janjgir

What emerged from being an old town is today a fast-developing district headquarters. Janjgir in the Janjgir-Champa District of Chhattisgarh is a historically rich and culturally vibrant tourist destination located in the heart of the state. Like many other places of this East India state, Janjgir is home to a number of tribes. As a result, one can expect to exploit interesting tribal lifestyle and culture by acting on the best tourist information about the place. Janjgir is also a popular Hindu religious site with many historical and architecturally aesthetic temples to its credit.

The history of Janjgir dates back to the times of Kulchury Dynasty when the powerful King Jajwalya ruled the region. Interestingly, the city is popularly called the City of Maharaja Jajwalya Dev in the honour of the king. The city and its neighbourhood has been the home to tribes like Gond, Madia, Halba, Kol and Urnab which prettify the place with their engrossing dances, folk songs, folk plays and festivals. Apart from exploring the tourist places of Janjgir, once can take interest in discovering the beautiful cultural heritage. Avoid visiting the place during summer months that are extremely hot and also during monsoons that bring heavy rainfall.

October to February

Janjgir has come up with decent restaurants that serve multiple cuisines, including Indian and international. One must try the regional sweets that can completely amuse the taste buds. These include jalebi and petha. Two other popular dishes include bafauri and rakhia badi (prepared as a curry using rakhia fruit).

Owing to its rich tribal culture, the region offers a variety of handicrafts to the shopping-loving visitors. Items crafted using wood and bamboo are immensely beautiful and worth buying. Cotton fabrics and products made of bell metals and wrought iron are other popular categories.

Well-maintained road connect the city of Janjgir with a number of places in the region. Located on the National Highway 200, the city is accessible by state run buses as well as rented cabs and taxis. Naila Janjgir Railway Station being only 3 km. from the city centre ensures excellent rail connectivity as well. Those travelling by air can get down at Raipur Airport which is about 155 km. away and continue the journey further by road. Taxis or cabs can be hired for sightseeing in Janjgir.

You can also visit other popular spots like Hanuman temple (also called Nahriya Baba Dham), Manka Dai Mandir, Madanpurgarh Temple, Tripur Sundar Devi and Chandrahasini Devi Temple. Explore the tribal culture that encompasses folk dances like Raut Nacha, Soowa and Panthi. Enjoy the folk songs (for every occasion) and admire the colourful clothes and unique ethnic jewellery of the tribal women. Being at Janjgir during festivals like Navakhani, Sarhul Chherka, Diwali, Kartika and Jajwalya Dev Lok Mahotsav can be a wonderful experience.

Korba (about 50 km.): Popular for its forest wealth and tribal culture, the place has attractions like Madwarani Mandir, Kudurmal Village, Sarvamangala Temple and Govind Kunj Waterfall. Bilaspur (about 60 km.): The city is home to plenty of attractions including Kaanan Pendari Zoo, Vivekananda Udhyan, Mallhar, Ratanpur Mahamaya Temple, Shri Aiyyappa Mandir and Bubble Island Amusement Park. Sirpur (about 110 km.): With its riches of monumental wealth, the city welcomes tourists to the attractions like Lakshmana Temple, Turturiya Buddha Vihar, Gandheswar Temple and Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary. Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary (about 115 km.): Home to diverse wild lives like Bengal tiger, leopard, wild bison, four-horned antelope, jackals and wild boar. Amarkantak (about 176 km.): A popular pilgrimage destination, it is known for Narmada Kund, Kalachuri Temples, Kapil Waterfall, Goddess Garden, Shri Jwaleshwar Mahadev Temple and Shree Sarvoday Digamber Jain Mandir.

Chaiturgarh Fort, Khutaghat Dam, Mahasamund, Kabirdham and Raipur are among many other nearby attractions of Janjgir.