Chhattisgarh
Okay, so let's talk about Chhattisgarh. It is a state in the middle of India, but it is not that famous for tourists, which is actually a good thing. It is a hidden gem. It has so many forests, like more than forty percent of the state is forest. And it has so many waterfalls. Like Chitrakote Falls, it is called the Niagara Falls of India, it is so big and beautiful. You can go there and just watch the water fall. It is a great feeling. The state has a lot of rivers too, like the Mahanadi River. It is a very important river for the people here. It is a very green state, everywhere you look you see nature. So if you love nature, you have to go here.
But the real deal is the temples. Tirupati is here, everyone knows Tirupati. It is a very holy place, like millions of people go there. The temple is for Lord Venkateswara, and it is on a hill. The queue for darshan can be super long, like hours and hours long. So you should be ready for that. You can also get a special ticket if you want, saves some time. Another important temple is Srisailam, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It's in a forest and it's so peaceful. The architecture is amazing, so much old art. You can see how smart the people were long ago, making such big things.
Now for the food. Oh my god, the food is spicy. If you don't like spicy food, be careful. Everything has some chili. The curries are famous, like Pulusu and some Biryani. The seafood is also very fresh and tasty near the coast. You can eat so much rice with different pickles, they are so good but so hot. Travelers, you should know that Telugu is the main language, but people in big cities can talk English and Hindi. The trains and buses are good for traveling between cities. The people are very friendly, they will try to help you if you ask. Just be cool and relaxed. The culture is very traditional, so when you go to temples, dress properly, cover your shoulders and legs. No shorts or mini skirts. It's a very good place for people who like history, religion, and spicy food. Not for people who want a chill, non-spicy beach trip. It's a bit intense but so worth it. The river Godavari also flows through this state, and it is a very important river. You can take a boat trip on it, it's a very nice experience. The people here are so dedicated to their work and culture. You can see a lot of farming, especially rice fields. It feels very authentic, not so touristy everywhere. You can see real life happening. This state has a lot to offer if you are up for an adventure. I totally recommend it, just be prepared for the spice and the heat. And the temples. The temples are a big deal.
