Chandrapur is a city located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, flanked by the Wainganga and Wardha river basins. Sited on the banks of the River Irai, Chandrapur has earned the sobriquet the 'City of Black Gold' due to the presence of numerous coal mines in this region. Chandrapur is also an important tourist destination owing to its closeness to Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary as well as its numerous ancient temples.
According to mythology, Chandrapur was founded by King Chandrahasa, a ruler from the legendary Dwapar Yuga (one of the four Vedic eras), who named it Indupur. Later the name was changed to Chandrapur, meaning the City of the Moon.
Khandkya Shah, a Gond King of the medieval ages further developed the city of Chandrapur. In times of the Bristish reign, the name of the region was changed to Chanda, which was again changed to Chandrapur in the 1960s. Nevertheless, even today, the locals sometimes call the city by its old name Chanda, especially in the local language.
The numerous rivers that traverse the city have contributed heavily to the growth of Chandrapur and its economy. More than ten dams have been built in and around Chandrapur in the past few decades to meet its growing irrigation and power needs. As a result of that, Chandrapur has witnessed rapid industrialization and commercial development during the latest years.
The temples and forts are the main tourist attractions of Chandrapur. The town is also an important transit point for the tourist headed for wildlife safaris in the neighboring wildlife Park.
Chandrapur is a famous tourist destination popular for the Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary and Jain Temple. Chandrapur is located at distance of 30 km from the Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary. Other important attractions of Chandrapur are spots like Fossil Park at Dongargaon Kheri, Bhadravati Temple, Ganesh Temple and Durga Mata Shakti Peeth among others.
Adivasi, Gusadi, Gondal, Tamasha and Keertam are some of the popular folk dance forms prevalent in Chandrapur.
Other popular tourist destinations situated near Chandrapur include Somnath, Bhamragarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Ramala Talav, to name a few. Chandrapur is also home to various places of tourist interest like the Mahakali Temple, Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station, Erai Dam and Gond Raja Fort among others.
Chnadrapur houses many other sightseeing locations like Anandvan Ashram and Ancient Caves, which are thronged by tourist from all over the country. The Tadoba National Park and Andhari Tiger Project are some eco projects that lie in the vicinity of Chandrapur.
Chandrapur is well-connected and easily accessible by road and rail from other important cities of Maharashtra. The best time for a visit to Chandrapur is from the month of August to January, when the weather will be mild and pleasing.
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