Are you looking for a unique and offbeat destination to explore in India? Do you want to experience the rich and diverse heritage of Chhattisgarh? If yes, then you should definitely visit Malhar, a historic town that will mesmerize you with its ancient charm and beauty.
Malhar is a small town in the Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, about 40 km from the city of Bilaspur. It is one of the oldest towns in India, dating back to the 5th century AD. It was once a flourishing centre of art, culture, and religion, as evident from the numerous temples and monuments that dot the town. Malhar is also known for its archaeological significance, as it has been the site of many excavations and discoveries.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Malhar tourism, including how to reach, what to see, where to stay, and when to visit. We will also share some interesting facts and stories about this fascinating town that will make you want to pack your bags and head to Malhar soon.
How to Reach Malhar
Malhar is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Raipur, which is about 150 km from Malhar. You can take a flight from any major city in India to Raipur and then hire a taxi or take a bus to Malhar. The nearest railway station is Bilaspur, which is about 40 km from Malhar. You can take a train from any major city in India to Bilaspur and then hire a taxi or take a bus to Malhar. Alternatively, you can also drive to Malhar by taking the NH 130 from Raipur or Bilaspur.
The best way to travel within Malhar is by hiring a taxi or renting a bike. You can also walk around the town and enjoy the scenic views and the local culture.
What to See in Malhar
Malhar is a treasure trove of temples and culture. You can spend hours admiring the exquisite sculptures and architecture of the ancient temples that showcase the glory of the past. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Malhar:
Deuri Temple
Deuri Temple is one of the most famous and impressive temples in Malhar. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and dates back to the 10th century AD. The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture and has a shikhara (spire) that rises to a height of 15 meters. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures of various gods and goddesses, animals, birds, and floral motifs. The main attraction of the temple is the idol of Lord Vishnu, which is made of black stone and has four arms holding a conch, a discus, a mace, and a lotus.
The legend behind the temple is that it was built by King Ratnadeva II of Kalachuri dynasty, who was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. He wanted to build a temple that would rival the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri. He hired an architect named Deva Sharma, who agreed to build the temple on one condition: that he would be allowed to marry the king’s daughter. The king agreed, but later regretted his decision and tried to stop the construction of the temple. However, Deva Sharma managed to complete the temple with the help of Lord Vishnu himself, who appeared in his dream and guided him.
Deur Temple
Deur Temple is another remarkable temple complex in Malhar that dates back to the 5th century AD. It consists of a group of nine temples dedicated to various deities such as Shiva, Ganesha, Parvati, Kartikeya, Surya, Durga, Vishnu, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The temples are built in different styles of architecture such as Nagara, Dravidian, and Vesara. The temples are decorated with beautiful sculptures and paintings that depict scenes from Hindu mythology and legends.
The most striking feature of the Deur Temple complex is the presence of erotic sculptures on some of the walls and pillars. These sculptures are similar to those found in Khajuraho and Konark temples and represent the concept of Shringara (love) in Hinduism. They also reflect the artistic freedom and expression of the ancient sculptors who created them.
Maa Dindeshwari Temple
Maa Dindeshwari Temple is one of the most revered temples in Malhar. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is worshipped as the patron deity of Malhar. The temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old and has a simple yet elegant structure. The temple has a sanctum sanctorum that houses the idol of Goddess Durga, which is made of brass and has eight arms holding various weapons. The temple also has a hall that has a large bell that is rung by the devotees to seek the blessings of the goddess.
The temple is the centre of attraction during the Navratri festival, which is celebrated in September/October. During this festival, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers and thousands of devotees flock to the temple to offer prayers and perform rituals. The temple also hosts a grand fair that attracts people from nearby villages and towns. The fair offers various stalls that sell food, clothes, handicrafts, and other items. The fair also features cultural programs such as dance, music, drama, and folk art.
Archaeological Museum
Archaeological Museum is a must-visit place for anyone who is interested in the history and culture of Malhar. The museum displays the artifacts and relics that have been unearthed from Malhar and its surrounding areas. The museum has four galleries that showcase the items belonging to different periods such as prehistoric, ancient, medieval, and modern. Some of the notable items in the museum are coins, pottery, statues, inscriptions, weapons, tools, jewellery, and paintings. The museum also has a library that has a collection of books and journals on archaeology and history.
The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Mondays and public holidays. The entry fee is Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for children.
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Where to Stay in Malhar
Malhar offers a range of hotels and resorts that cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best options for staying in Malhar:
Hotel Rajdhani
Hotel Rajdhani is a budget hotel that offers basic amenities and services at an affordable price. The hotel has AC rooms that are equipped with TV, Wi-Fi, laundry, and room service. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious Indian cuisine. The hotel is located near the bus stand and is easily accessible from the railway station and the airport.
The price range for a room in Hotel Rajdhani is Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per night.
Hotel Shree Krishna
Hotel Shree Krishna is a mid-range hotel that offers modern facilities and features at a reasonable price. The hotel has spacious rooms that have balcony, AC, TV, Wi-Fi, mini fridge, and coffee maker. The hotel also has a gym, spa, conference hall, and banquet hall. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves multi-cuisine dishes. The hotel is located near the Deuri Temple and is close to the main attractions of Malhar.
The price range for a room in Hotel Shree Krishna is Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2500 per night.
Resort Green Valley
Resort Green Valley is a luxury resort that offers premium amenities and experiences at a high price. The resort has cottages that have AC, TV, Wi-Fi, mini bar, jacuzzi, and fireplace. The resort also has a swimming pool, garden, barbeque, bonfire, and game room. The resort also has a restaurant that serves continental cuisine. The resort is located near the Deur Temple and is surrounded by lush greenery.
The price range for a cottage in Resort Green Valley is Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10000 per night.
Also Read: Some Unique Temples in India
When to Visit Malhar
Malhar can be visited throughout the year as it has a pleasant climate and offers something for everyone. However, the best time to visit Malhar depends on your preference and interest. Here are some suggestions for choosing the best time to visit Malhar:
Winter (November to February)
Winter is the ideal time to visit Malhar as the weather is pleasant and cool. The average temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C. This is the best time to explore the temples and monuments of Malhar as well as enjoy the scenic views and nature walks. This is also the best time to witness the Makar Sankranti festival (January), which marks the harvest season and is celebrated with kite flying and bonfires.
Summer (March to June)
Summer is the least preferred time to visit Malhar as the weather is hot and humid. The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 45°C. This is not a good time to visit the temples and monuments of Malhar as they can get crowded and uncomfortable. However, this is a good time to visit the nearby attractions such as Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary or Raipur city. This is also a good time to witness the Holi festival (March), which marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with colours and water.
Monsoon (July to October)
Monsoon is a good time to visit Malhar if you enjoy rain and greenery. The average temperature ranges from 20°C to 35°C. This is a good time to visit the waterfalls and lakes of Malhar as well as enjoy the fresh air and the fresh air and the rainbows. This is also a good time to witness the Navratri festival (September/October), which marks the worship of Goddess Durga and is celebrated with dance and music.
Conclusion
Malhar is a hidden gem of temples and culture that deserves to be explored by every traveller. It is a place where you can experience the ancient glory and the modern vibrancy of Chhattisgarh. It is a place where you can witness the diversity and harmony of Hinduism. It is a place where you can enjoy the nature and the adventure of Chhattisgarh.
If you are looking for a unique and offbeat destination to visit in India, then you should definitely plan your trip to Malhar soon. You will not regret it.