Enchanted by Chhattisgarh's mesmerizing tourism splendor, former Director General of Tourism, Government of India

Chhattisgarh, one of India's richest, original and tourism-potential-filled destinations, should be on every traveller's list, says former Director General of Tourism, Ms. Meenakshi Sharma. During a 14‑day tour covering heritage, nature, tribal culture, spiritual sites and adventure spots, Ms. Sharma explored major attractions across the state. She began in Raipur at the Purkhouti Muktangan and Tribal Museum, then visited the famous Bhoramdev Temple, Mudwa Palace and Cherki Palace in Kabirdham, followed by a trip to Amarkantak at the state border to see the source of the Narmada River, evening Aarti, Kalchuri temple group, Dudhdhara and Kapildhara waterfalls, Rajmargadh, Kabir Chabutra and Jain temple and the Mahamaya Shaktipeeth in Ratnapur on the return. In Bastar she toured Chitrakote waterfall, Tatamari valley, Kondagaon craft village, Narayanpall temple, Medri Ghumar and Tamda Ghumar waterfalls and enjoyed boating at Chitrakote. She also visited Danteshwari Shaktipeeth in Dantewara, the historic town of Barsur, Jagdalpur Archaeological Museum, Bastar palace and local craft centres, noting the unique Dhokra metal work, bamboo and wood crafts. In Kanger Valley National Park she saw Teerthgarh waterfall, Kutumsar caves, Dhundmaras, bamboo rafting and the Kechla area, calling it a paradise for nature and adventure lovers. She also crossed into Odisha visiting Jeypore, Kolab dam, Jagannath temple, Koraput coffee plantations, Deomali hills, Duduma waterfall, Bonda tribal market and Kotpad weaver village, gaining insight into shared cultural heritage of Bastar and Koraput. Ms. Sharma emphasized that tourism is not just about sightseeing but connecting with culture, traditions and people, offering a peaceful, spiritual and authentic tribal experience away from crowds. She highlighted the vast potential for tourism development in Chhattisgarh and urged effective promotion of its lesser‑known sites at national and international levels, praising the improving infrastructure, community involvement and visitor facilities. She invited domestic and foreign tourists to visit Chhattisgarh, promising that anyone who comes will carry memories of its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, ancient monuments, tribal life, warm hospitality and unforgettable experiences, and she is confident that with its unique identity, resources and sustainable tourism efforts, Chhattisgarh will become one of India's most attractive tourism destinations in the years to come.