CHIRMIRI: The Refreshing Hill Station

The town is 579 meters above sea level. It is situated on the bank of the river, Hasdeo. The river is one of the main branches of the Mahanadi river. Roads and rail well connect it. The weather is very pleasant and refreshing, and it is surrounded by deep forests which is home to several imported flora and fauna. It is referred to as the JANNAT OR HEAVEN of Chattisgarh due to its greenery, tall mountains, and brooks. It is just the perfect place to visit to enjoy nature's beauty and find solace. Though the weather is good all year round but still the best time to visit the site is around monsoon. From October to April, there is more greenery, and it is a lovely sight to watch as the flow of the water is rapid. Also, the rain washes away the black dirt that rests on the leaves, roads, etc. due to the mining of coal. The summers are warm and woolen clothes may be needed in winters as the weather gets cold. During monsoons, there is half an hour of rain almost every day.

Chirmiri is the powerhouse of coal. It is said that firstly the Tata Iron and Steel Company inspected Chirmiri for coal but later on did not carry out any mining. Then from 1937 many coal mining industries in Chirmiri began emerging here. In the year 1980, the production of coal increased to 3,162,500 tons than in the year 1933, when the production was 264,000 tons. This was a magnificent growth. The Chirimiri Colliery Company Private Limited owned several factories that are, United Collieries Limited, Indra Singh and Sons Private Limited, K.N. Dhady, and Dababhoy's New Chirimiri Ponri Hill Company Private Limited. In the year of 1973, they came under the Indian Government.

Here one of the most famous tourist destinations is Lord Jagannath temple, and it is the replica of the Puri Jagannath temple as the workers were the same. Then placed at the top of the hill the Kalibadi temple gives a broad view of the region and it is located just 1 km away from the Central Railway Station. Located in Bartunga, there is Baigapara temple for Goddess Kali. Situated in Godaripara, there is Gufa Mandir, and visitors visit it daily. Maha Maya, which is one of the 52 shakti peethas of the country, is located in Ratanpur. It is still not clear it was built by whom, but then some believe it came into existence during the 12th or 13th century, but then some believe Kalachuri King Ratnadev constructed it. The story goes that Kalachuri King Ratnadev ruled over Haihaiyavansi.

A Shiva and a Hanuman temple existed in the vicinity. He was set on building a temple to celebrate female deities: Saraswathi and Lakshmi. And then the Maha Maya came into existence. But till now there are no such proofs. Later in the neighborhood, there is the oldest temple of Chirmiri built by Santosh Giri devoted to Kantideval. One of the famous festivals is the Shivaratri and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the locals during March. Then there are Amrit Dhara waterfalls situated in Manendragarh, and it is a perfect picnic spot. Nearby it there is a famous Shiva temple and their annual fair is held every year. Maharaj Ramanuj Pratap Singh Judeo started it in the year 1936.

Jawar, Maize, and Rice are the staple food of the area. The crops grown are probably the closest to the original stuff, as pesticides are rarely or never used here, especially in the interiors parts of the district. Locals have handmade innovative use of ingredients found in the wild. One can stop by a pathway in Chirmiri to taste some of the most delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The specialties include tandoori tikkas and dal fry. Then there is aamat, muthia, the chilla, bhajia, faraa, tilgurh, etc.

Jawar, Maize, and Rice are the staple food of the area. The crops grown are probably the closest to the original stuff, as pesticides are rarely or never used here, especially in the interiors parts of the district. Locals have handmade innovative use of ingredients found in the wild. One can stop by a pathway in Chirmiri to taste some of the most delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The specialties include tandoori tikkas and dal fry. Then there is aamat, muthia, the chilla, bhajia, faraa, tilgurh, etc.

Lord Jagannath Temple: The workers from Puri have tried to make a replica of the original Jagannath Temple located at Puri. It was a gift by the Odia Community of the are to Chirimiri.

Baigapara: This an ancient temple dedicated to the form of Shakti, Sati Mata.

Maha Maya Temple: The temple is one of the fifty-two Shakti Peethas, In the 12th to 13th century it was built by King Ratnadeva of Kalachuri representing the Nagara art architecture. It is devoted to Devi Saraswati and Devi Lakshmi.

Amrit Dhara Falls: The view is angelic. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on Sidh Baba mount.

So Chirimiri is a perfect getaway for all the types of people with an amazing nature's beauty with an added factor of good weather, better food, and one of the best neighborhoods. One can just pack his bags and have a memorable trip to this stunning hill station full of mountains, rivers, greenery, and it is soothing and full of positivity. On the banks of the Hasdeo River, there is a beautiful picnic spot, and the added factor is that it is well maintained for the tourists by the local authorities so, it is an excellent place to visit. There are also many options like trekking, camping, swimming, photography, etc. It will take you around three days to roam around the city. The best time to visit the place is from October to April. The bag packers can have a budget of 2.5-3 thousand to have a suitable stay. The midrange travelers can have around 3.5-4 thousand to have decent accommodation. For luxury travelers, it will be around 5-6 thousand. They can have a transportation service for the entire stay for their convenience.