A guide to Sirpur

Though it is still an offbeat destination, there are several tourist places in Chhattisgarh. The well-developed capital Raipur has some of the most advanced infrastructure, as well as the most hospitable and polite people you can meet anywhere in the country. Chhattisgarh stands apart in its practices, social rituals and its diverse tribal culture and lifestyle. Sirpur, only 84 km from Raipur, is a hidden town from the past. This fascinating town has a deep archaeological significance as well as a connection to Buddhism. Residing quietly by the Mahanadi River, Sirpur has archaeological ruins from the fifth to the eighth centuries. There is evidence of the Chinese traveller, Hiuen Tsang exploring this town, and more recently in 2013, it was graciously visited by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.