Bhilai

Bhilai is the second-largest city in Chhattisgarh, India with a population of 5,53,837 (2001 census}. The city is located 22 km west of the capital Raipur on the Howrah-Mumbai rail line, and National Highway 6.
For more information go to www.Bhilai.co.in


It is famous for the Bhilai steel plant, one of the largest in the world. Nearby mines, connected to the steel plant by specially built rail lines, supply it with iron ore, dolomite, and manganese. Some of the steel products manufactured by Bhilai Steel plant are: railway sleepers, rails, construction materials, and other steel products. Other factories in Bhilai produce chemicals, acids, and gases.The major population is of localities of the state "Chhattisgarhi". The local dialect is Chhattisgarhi which is very similar to Hindi.

All major festivals are celebrated in a scale similar to their region of origin. Like the Durga Puja celebrations of Bhilai are in tune with that in Bengal. Same can be said about Maharashtra's Ganesh Chaturthi, Andhra's Ugadi, Tamil Nadu's Pongal, Muslim's Id, Jagganath Puri's Rath Yatra. The population of sikh's in the region is remarkable and the sikh festivals like the Guru Nanak Dev ji's Guruparab, Guru Gobind Singh's Guruparab, Baisakhi (The Birth of Khalsa), Shaheedi Gurparab of Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Teg Bahadur is celebrated with a great passion by all the people irrespective of their religion. Bhilai also boasts of high levels of linguistic and religious unity which has been the hallmark of its culture since its inception.

The main reason obviously lies in the fact that before the establishment of Bhilai Steel Plant (with collaboration from Russian Counterparts), it was almost nothing but an agricultural area with small villages like AmdiGaon (now AmdiNagar-HUDCO) and many others. But the setting up BSP made a cale all over India to make a rush and henceforth bring the multi-ethnicity with them.

The Maitri Bagh-Zoo and a park established by the Bhilai Steel Plant. Right next to Maitri bagh are two huge man-made water lakes. One is used to supply water to the township. The other is used for the Steel Plant's applications. Right across Maitri Bagh is Bhilai Water Works, a facility used to provide clean water to the Bhilai Township.

Civic Center - Started as a shopping center consisting of two rows of shops & stores arranged in L shape, initially it had TATA (textiles) on one end and BATA(shoes) on other hand. This was the only hub for lots of social activities, entertainment and shopping for long time before Bhilai expanded beyond its boundaries when shopping complex like Gangotri & Akash Ganga started in Supela in late 80's . Lots of changes happened after that in Civic Center and nearby area. The L shape Civic Center had children's garden with Toy-Train which used to be open on every 14th November on Children's Day. The Toy-Train is no more there and garden is decorated to teach traffic-sign and signals to children. There was also a dome Supermarket which is now used for art-exhibitions. In East of the Civic-Center, there is open place with stage which is known as 'Open-Air-Theatre' and used for various cultural activities including musical nights. Right next to Civic Center is Kala Mandir theater used for various purposes. Initially it was a movie theater known as Chitra Mandir. For long time this was the only air-conditioned movie theater in the area for entertainment of Bhilaians. But in nineties with television & cable TV popularity, demand and use of this theater reduced and management decided to close the movie theater. The theater then converted to multipurpose community center and named as Kala Mandir. South of Kala Mandir is a huge field used for Ramleela and Dashehara festivals. In this field there used to be a high rock stage which was constructed to Welcome Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in 1962. New Civic Center started its operation in 80's which is a major IT hub in Bhilai. This is new commercial complex and also have movie theater - Geet Talkies.

Deobalod - It is situated about 3 km from Bhilai and is famous for an ancient Shiv Mandir.

Tandula - It is 60 km away from the district of Durg. It is famous for Dam on the river Tandula. It is an exciting picnic spot. One can stay here in the rest house of the irrigation department of the government of India.

Dhamdha - It is situated on the Durg-Bemetara road 35 km from the district of Durg. It is famous for Prachin Kila (Old Palace) & Mandir. Lodge and hotel facility are there for the staying of tourist.

Dongargarh - It is situated about 100 km west of Bhilai and is the site for the most famous temple in the region. The Bambleshwari temple is visible from the railway line and is on the top of mountain. Devotees routinely climb the mountain which can take up to an 1 hr chanting mantra and singing praises of Maa Bambleshwari. The view from the top of the hill makes all the hard work worthwhile. There are gift stores and a restaurant on the top of the hill just below the stairs that lead to the final climb to the temple. There is also a cable car for devotees who would rather not climb. Jai Bambleshwari!

Balod - It is situated at 58 km.from the district of Durg. It is famous for Prachin Kila (Oldest Palace), Mandir (Temples) & Sati Chabutra.

Siyadevi - It is around 20 km. (80 K.m from Durg city) from balod (Must See Place). This place is famous for Sita Maiya's temple, situated in the heart of greenery of natural jungle. You can find a natural and very beautiful waterfall between (July- Feb).

Nagpura - It is situated at 280km. from the district of Durg. It is famous for Jain Temples & Pasharwanath Tirth.

Kharkhara - It is 95 km. away from the district of Durg by road. It is famous for Dam on the river Kharkhara. The total length of the dam is 1128 m.

Hajra Falls - It is 100 km from Bhilai, crossing Dongargarh near Darekasa Railway station in Howrah Mumbai rail route. Situated amongst dense forests, hills and tunnels, this spectacular 150 feet (46 m) high falls is a visual delight for tourists. Place to stay : The Forest bungalow.

Barnawapara - An animal sanctuary famous for Wild Buffalo, Leopard, Common Langur, Cheetal deer etc..