Raipur: The Heartbeat of Chhattisgarh

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [alvida]
• Yesहां
  [haan]
• Noनहीं
  [nahin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए
  [maaf keejiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [theek hoon. aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू देखना चाहूँ
  [krupaya menu dekhna chahoon]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [main maans nahi khata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [krupaya main bhugtan karna chahoon]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ
  [main kho gaya hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहूँ
  [main ... khareedna chahoon]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा हूँ
  [main bas dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [yah kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [yah bahut mahanga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अब कितने बजे हैं?
  [ab kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे के बाद सवा दस
  [das baje ke baad sava das]
• Morningसुबह
  [subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [kal]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [kal]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दो
  [do]
• 3तीन
  [teen]
• 4चार
  [chaar]
• 5पांच
  [paanch]
• 6छह
  [chhe]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?एक/यहाँ ... कहाँ है?
  [ek/yahan ... kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [kya aap mujhe dikhha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [ek ticket (.... ke liye)]

Raipur's history extends back to the 9th century, when it was part of the Dakshina Kosala kingdom. The region finds mention in ancient texts and inscriptions, indicating its significance as a cultural and administrative center.

Raipur was founded in the 14th century by King Ramachandra of the Kalachuri dynasty. The city was established as the capital of the Chhattisgarh region, marking the beginning of its importance in regional politics and culture.

In the 18th century, Raipur came under the control of the Marathas. The city experienced significant cultural and economic changes during this period, including the construction of several temples and markets that still stand today.

Raipur became part of British India in the early 19th century. It was incorporated into the Central Provinces and Berar. The British established administrative structures, schools, and railways, which facilitated the city's modernization.

After India gained independence in 1947, Raipur continued to grow as an administrative and educational hub. The establishment of various educational institutions and industrial units contributed to its rapid development.

In 2000, Raipur was designated the capital of the newly formed state of Chhattisgarh. This event marked a significant turning point, leading to accelerated urban development and infrastructural advancements.

Raipur boasts a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its numerous festivals, traditional arts, and crafts. The city is known for its vibrant folk dances, music, and the annual Rajim Kumbh Mela, a major cultural and religious festival.

Raipur is home to several historical landmarks, including the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum, Purani Basti, and the Dudhadhari Temple. These sites offer a glimpse into the city's architectural and historical legacy.

Raipur is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur offers regular flights to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. The Raipur Junction railway station is a major hub in the Indian Railways network, with trains connecting to cities across the country. National highways NH30 and NH53 pass through Raipur, making it accessible by road. Buses operated by Chhattisgarh State Road Transport Corporation (CSRTC) and private operators also provide connectivity to nearby cities and towns.

In Raipur, you can get around using various modes of transport. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are widely available for short distances. For longer distances, taxis and app-based ride services like Ola and Uber are convenient options. The city also has a public bus service operated by Raipur City Bus Limited, covering major routes within the city. For a more local experience, you can hire a bicycle or scooter from rental services.

The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Raipur. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, street vendors, and auto-rickshaws. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals.

Raipur is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas after dark and be cautious of your belongings in crowded places. Areas such as Pandri Market and the railway station can get congested, so be vigilant against pickpocketing. It is always wise to use reliable transportation services and avoid accepting rides from strangers.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance and 101 for fire services. For medical emergencies, dial 108 for an ambulance. Raipur has several hospitals and clinics, including AIIMS Raipur and Ramkrishna Care Hospital, which provide emergency medical services. It is advisable to carry a copy of your travel insurance and local emergency contact numbers with you at all times.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with 'Namaste' by joining your palms together. A handshake is also acceptable in more formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Raipur like a local, visit the vibrant local markets such as Pandri Market and Gol Bazaar, where you can buy traditional Chhattisgarhi handicrafts and textiles. Engage with the locals, who are known for their warm hospitality. Don't miss out on trying local dishes like 'Chana Samosa' and 'Faraa'. For a unique experience, take a walk around the Marine Drive of Raipur, a popular spot among locals for evening strolls and street food.