Raipur:   Raipur  is the capital city of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.Raipur is situated at a distance of one and half hours from Billai City. Raipur has both old city and newly developing city part. The earliest archaeological evidence  indicate the existence of Raipur since the 9th century. However there are enough literary evidences which define the History of Raipur since the time of Mauryan Empire. 

We had planned two days trip to Raipur and Billi in the month of July second week. Raipur has a tropical wet and dry climate, temperatures remain moderate throughout the year, except from March to June, which can be extremely hot. It is said that,  temperature during summer i.e April–May sometimes rises above 48 °C (118 °F). When we landed at the Swami Vivekandna airport temperature was around 34°C, dry and hot. Swami Vivekananda Airport  Airport is primary airport to reach either Raipur or Billai. Airport it is located nearly 30-40 mins drive from Raipur City. There are no State transport Bus  services  in the airport.Visitors need to plan for car rental services which are available in the Airport.  Our Host had arranged for a pick up and we reached the Guest house. Raipur, being a capital city, felt as less populated  as compare to other capital cities we visited in India.

During our stay in Raipur, we visited IIT, old Raipur city, part of new Raipur city and  Billai. While the state is known for tribal culture, we could not visit any of the tribal communities.

Bhilai, officially called Bhilai Nagar, is a city in the district of Durg, Chhattisgarh earlier was part of Madya Pradesh.

As per History, Bhilai was earlier  a part of the Haihaivanshi Kingdom until 1740mand then  conquered by the Marathas.  From 1853 to 1947 British ruled this place afterwards it became part of independent India. Many tribes dwell in the nearby forests even now and It is believed that the name “Bhilai” might have originated from one of the local Bhil tribe community. Owing to its proximity to the Tropic of Cancer, Bhilai has a tropical climate.

when we visited Billai  temperature was around 36 degrees. Sun was very bright. We drove to nearby two water falls.  Jatmai temple has clean environment, located in the mid of  forest. However,  on the way, very less eating and rest room facilities found for tourists. Roads are very bumpy and  needs maintenance as well.

What we understood from the local people that they have no water  and no electricity crisis in the state. we could see many small small water ponds and water bodies on the way which revealed soil composition and  water table may be adequately sufficient  for the rice crops. We tasted one of their  known brand rice which is known  ‘High Aroma’

We could hardly find any good hotels on the way  to take a break. As a visitor, it took us for a surprise shock. Finally, we located one hotel and managed both lunch and nature calls.