Eco Camp Kodar (Mahasamund)
Mahasamund Located in central Chhattisgarh, Mahasamund district is spread over an area of 4790 square kilometers with about 19% forest area. Whose total population is more than 10.32 lakh. Its average height above sea level is 318 meters. Mahasamund district is famous for its cultural history. This region was once the capital of “Southern Kosala” ruled by the “Somavanshiya Emperors”, which was a center of education
Tourist places in and near Mahasamund include Vasarpur, the ancient capital of South Kosala and famous for its Laxman temple, Buddhist monasteries and many archaeological sites. Chhattisgarh state government has decided to develop this area as a world heritage site. Other nearby tourist places include Van Chetna Kendra Kodar (Eco Camp Kodar), Rawajam Kumbh, Rajeev Lochan Temple and Khallari Temple. Mahaprabhu Vallabhachayat's birthplace is in nearby Champaran.
Kodar Reservoir is established on a partial part of Lohardih village. Due to availability of good quantity of water in the said reservoir throughout the year and adjoining hilly forest area and Baranwapara Wildlife Sanctuary adjacent to the forest area, people around Kodar Reservoir are Good vegetation and presence of wild animals can be seen nearby.
In order to connect every citizen with nature by developing the said area as tourism to see, learn and feel the nature closely, the Forest and Climate Change Department has established it in the name of Van Chetna Kendra Kodar (Eco Camp Kodar). Tourist destination has been developed.
A wonderful harmony of religious tolerance is visible in the architecture of Sirpur, this is the reason that followers of Buddhist, Jain, Shaiva, Shakta and Vaishnav religions got shelter here and monuments and art works related to them were built.
The credit for first drawing attention towards Sirpur is given to the western scholar Beglar (1873-1874 AD). After that Sir Alexander Cunningham (1881-1882 AD) and A. Longhurst (1909-10 AD) is also counted among the primary scholars of Sirpur who drew the attention of scholars towards the art and antiquities of Sirpur.
Till independence, the antiquities of Sirpur remained neglected. Thereafter, MG Dixit (1953-1956 AD) tried to connect the missing links of the history of Sirpur through archaeological excavations. After about four decades, the excavation work was again conducted by Bodhisattva Nagarjuna Research Institute, Mansar (Nagpur) under the direction of Shri Jagatpati Jashi and Arun Kumar Sharma (1999-2004 AD). As a result, important underground remains became visible.
Meanwhile, after the establishment of Raipur Divisional Office of Archaeological Survey of India in 2003 by the Central Government, many efforts were started for the development of archeology in Sirpur. In this context, as a result of excavation in the Ram temple complex, an important residential complex has been discovered.
Among the monuments and antiquities located in Sirpur, there are some which already existed like Laxman Temple and some which came to light after excavation like Anandprabhu Kuti Vihar, Swastik Vihar etc. Important monuments located in Sirpur can be divided into two categories- monuments related to hindu religion
Facilities available at Eco Camp Kodar :-
This area comes under the control area of Joint Forest Management Committee, Kuhri. The Joint Forest Management Committee has formed a group of 15 local youth under the guidance of the Forest Department, who are running it. They have also been provided basic training in child safety, security, cooking and crisis response. A savings account has also been opened which is being utilised. They are working as daily wage laborers, but they are working hard with the spirit of patriotism.
What is the significance of the Gandeshwar Temple in Mahasamund?
What are the popular tourist attractions in Mahasamund?
Can I experience local cuisine in Mahasamund?
Are there adventure activities available in Mahasamund?
How can I engage with the local community in Mahasamund?