Bhilai or Bhilai Nagar with a population of 553,837 (2001 census: Males 52%, Females 48% and average literacy rate of 73%) is located 25 km west of the capital Raipur on the main Howrah–Mumbai railway. National Highway 6 passes through the city. Bhilai is famous for Bhilai Steel Plant of Steel Authority of India Ltd. The principal economy of the town is centered on the Steel Plant. Due to spurt in infrastructural developments, a small town has taken a shape of a large busy city.

Transport: Durg is the main rail station which connects the city to the rest of the country. It has five other small railway stations where most of the long-distance express trains do not halt. The airport in Raipur is the nearest air link at a distance of 45 km.

Culture: Although the city has a cosmopolitan touch due presence of people from various linguistic zones, the local language is Chhattisgarhi which is very similar to Hindi. All major festivals are celebrated in the manner of their region of origin. However, the city exhibits high levels of linguistic and religious unity which has been the hallmark of its culture since its inception.

Places of Interest: A park established by the Bhilai Steel Plant, Maitri Bagh-Zoo and two lakes attracts the visitors, Deobalod, famous for an ancient Shiv Mandir, is situated about 3 km from Bhilai.
Tandula, 60 km away from the district of Durg, is famous for the dam on the river Tandula. One can stay here in the rest house of the Irrigation Department of the Government.
Dhamdha is situated on the Durg-Bemetara road 35 km from the district of Durg. It is famous for old palace and a temple Mandir.
Balod is situated at 58 km from the district of Durg and it is famous for Prachin Kila (Oldest Palace), Mandir (Temples) & Sati Chabutra.
Dongargarh 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 a hill. The aerial perspective is 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. The cable car is also available for devotees.

Siyadevi is around 20 km (80 KM from Durg city) from Balod. 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 and Feb.

Nagpura situated at 2 km from the district of Durg is famous for Jain Temples & Parshwanath Tirth.
Kharkhara, 95 km. away, is famous for the dam (length of the dam is 1128 M) on the river Kharkhara.
Hajra Falls 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. Tourist can stay at the Forest bungalow.
Barnawapara Wildlife Santuary is famous for Wild Buffalo, Leopard, Common Langur, Cheetal deer etc.

Last Updated on Sunday, 06 March 2011 00:25