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Vivekananda Ashram
Vivekananda ashram, situated in Raipur, is one of the branches
of the mission started by Swami Vivekananda in 1897. Working on the ideologies
based on renunciation and self -service, the ashram strives for self-emancipation
and welfare of the world.
Mathpurena
Mathpurena is situated at one end of Raipur. A four handed
sculpture of Lord Brahma belonging to the 8th century and believed to be of
the Som dynasty has been found here.
Shaheed Smarak Complex
Designed by famous architect Prasanna Kothari, Shaheed Smarak
is a multifaceted complex dedicated to the memory of freedom fighters.
The complex houses a huge auditorium, library, museum and art gallery.
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Rajiv Smriti Van
Rajiv Smriti Van, situated 12 km from Raipur city, is a unique
ex-situ conservation site. Spreading over an area of 14 acres, it was built
in memory of Late Rajeev Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. It was
developed to improve public awareness towards the conservation of nature and
to explain such things as dynamics of tree, nature and environment.
Nandan Van Nature Centre
Spanning over 10 - hectares of land, Nandan Van is a
nature centre located at a distance of 16 km from Raipur city. The main objective
of establishing such a nature park was to provide shelter to stray wild animals.
It also acts as a biological park and maintains some common forestry plants.
There is a also a small zoo here. The centre has been instrumental in creating
awareness of nature among rbanites.
Bhilai
Famous for the Iron and Steel Plant, Bhilai is the only steel
city of Chattisgarh state. It is located 22 km west of Raipur city on the Howrah-Mumbai
railline and NH 6. The famous Iron and Steel Plant makes it a place fit for
technical tourism in this industrial township. Entry passes are provided by
the PRO Department for tourist to see the steel plant. It is a calm and peaceful
city with a cosmopolitan population.
Arang
It is the city of temples situated on the Raipur -Sambalpur
highway about 32kms from Raipur. The most famous temple here is the 11th century
Bhandewal Jain temple. Some of the other temples are Baaghdewal, Mahamaya, Danteshwari
and Jain temples.
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Rajim
Rajim, the meeting point of three rivers Mahanadi, Pairi and
Sondhul is treated as a place of pilgrimage. Situated about 48 kms around 30
minutes ride from Raipur, it was once an important urban centre. Rajim is famous
for its fine group of temples of which the most famous is Rajivlochan temple
dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The twelve pillars of the temple have figures of Hindu
gods and goddesses like Durga with eight arms, the Ganga and Yamuna, Rama, Varaha
(boar), Narasimha (Man-cum-Lion) etc sculptured on them. Around the main temple
of Rajivlochana are other temples dedicated to different incarnations of Lord
Vishnu such as Vamana (dwarf), Narasimha (Man-cum-lion), Badrinath and Jgannath.
There are ruins of numerous temples around this place of which Kuleshwara Mahadeva
Temple is the most remarkable. The other temples are Someshwar Mahadeva mandir,
temple of Rajimatelin, Ramachandra temple, temple of Kaal-Bhairav, Jagannath
temple and Brahmacharya ashram. There is a black stone statue of the Buddha
meditating under the Bodhi tree and also inscriptions belonging to Somavanshis,
Nalas and Kalchuris have been found here.
Champaran 
Champaran situated around 56km from Raipur, is a small but famous village with
lot of religious significance. Earlier known as Champajhar, it is the birthplace
of Saint Vallabhacharya, reformer and founder of the Vallabha sect. A beautiful
temple built in honour of this great saint enhances the religious sanctity of
this place. Every year on the 11th day of Baisakh (April-May), thousands of
devotees assemble here to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Saint and
to pay homage to the holy soul. Another tourist attraction in Champaran, is
the temple of Champakeshwara Mahadeva. Two well furnished Dharmasalas are available
for stay at Champaran. The place is easily accessible by road from Raipur both
via Arang and via Rajim. Regular buses are available from Raipur and Arang,
25kms from Champaran.
Sirpur
The ancient town of Sirpur situated on the banks of the river
Mahanadi, was once the capital of the Sarbhapuriya and Somvanshi kings of erstwhile
Dakshin Kosala. Earlier known as 'Shripur' which means the city of wealth, it
is an hour's ride from Raipur. Here, a lot of excavations have been undertaken
by the Archaeological Survey of India and chief among them have been the unearthing
of Laxman Temple and Buddhist monasteries. It is believed that the Chinese traveler
Hieun Tsang has given an account of Sirpur in his travellogues. Sirpur
lies 77 kms east of Raipur.
Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihar is one of the famous Buddha vihar
situated in Sirpur. It was constructed by Bhikshu Anand Prabhu, a follower of
Buddha, during the period of Mahashivgupt Balarjun. The Vihara has 14 rooms
and inside the vihara one can find a six feet tall statue of Buddha touching
the earth. The main entrance of the vihara is guarded by Dwarpals carved in
stone pillars on either side. Swastik Vihar is a Buddhist structure situated
near the Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihar which was used for meditation and study purpose.
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