Chandrapur - Known for Wildlife Park and Ancient Temples

Chandrapur district of Maharastra is located between the Wainganga and Wardha river basins. Situated on the banks of the Irai river, Chandrapur is also known as the ‘City of Black Gold’ because of its numerous coal mines. It draws a fair number of tourists from all over the country due to its proximity to the wildlife park and because of its many ancient temples.

The history of the city extends to the mythological age of Dwapar Yuga during which a King called Raja Chandrahasa named it Indupur and later the name of the town was changed to Chandrapur or the City of The Moon.  The name of a Gond King, Khandkya Shah is attributed to the development of the city in the later medieval ages. During the Bristish rule, the name of the town was changed to Chanda and it was continued to be known as such until its name was changed to Chandrapur in the 1960s. However, the name Chanda is still used to refer to the city in local parlance.  

After the last descendant of the royal family died without an heir in the mid-nineteenth century, the kingdom was considered to have lapsed to the British Crown. Since then, the extent and boundaries of the district have undergone several changes. Today the town has witnessed marked growth.

Chandrapur has a population of roughly 3 million people. The old city is a walled section. The town is well connected by road and rail. Because it is on the way from Chennai to Delhi, there is a lot of movement of trains through Chandrapur.

The tourist season is from August to January, after which the climate remains hot and dry. There is very little humidity in the city. The monsoon begins from June and annual rainfall is about 1400 mm. The temples and other historic constructions like forts etc. are the main tourist attractions. The town is also an important camping ground for tourists interested in participating wildlife excursions in the adjacent Tiger Park.

The half dozen rivers flowing through the town have been the mainstay of its economy. More than ten dams have been constructed in and around Chandrapur in the last few decades to meet its irrigation and power needs. Dances such as the Adivasi, Gusadi, Gondal, Tamasha and Keertam are all popular forms of folk arts in Chandrapur. The town has seen rapid industrialisation and commercial development in recent times.