Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said on Sunday Chhattisgarh has immense tourism potential from Bastar to Surguja.
“State has many picturesque natural sites and is blessed with a magnificent history of mythological importance, unique culture and places of historical heritage,’’ Baghel remarked while addressing the gathering after launching the new website of Chhattisgarh Tourism Board-www.tourism.cg.gov.in at his official residence here.
He also flagged off the tourist bus, starting the bus service from his residence to Sirpur, the capital of Panduvanshi dynasty in ancient times. Sirpur is a village in Mahasamund district consisting of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples and monasteries dated from the 5th to 12th century.
Chief Minister said state has ‘Ram Van Gaman Marg’, Mata Kaushalya Temple, Buddhist Stupa in Sirpur, Chitrakot in Bastar, Tirathgarh Falls, Ganeshji’s Statue in Barsur, the oldest theatre in Ramgarh. He said now onwards tourism department will work with culture and village industries departments to promote tourism in state.
Home and Tourism minister Tamdradhwaj Sahu said the motels built earlier in state sans facilities for tourists as lacked adequate attention. “The state government is now committed to promote tourism by expanding facilities for tourists’’ Sahu opined.
He said with new website, tourists will now be able to get online reservation facilities in resorts and motels operated by the tourism board. The tourism board is operating the resort at Mainpat, Kabir Chabutara of Amarkantak, Amdob near Sarvadder, Sarodadadar, Mohra, Chitrakoot, Tirathgarh and Balod. Resorts of Gangrel, Machtoli, Sirpur and Champaranya are operated by private sector. According to the information, the bus will depart daily from Hotel Johar Chhattisgarh Raipur to visit Sirpur. The basic plan charges are Rs 600, which include lunch, guide and other charges. Evening tea will also be served.