Champaran is a small sleepy town, located about 60 km from
Raipur, in
Raipur District of
Chhattisgarh. Formerly known as Champajhar or Champaranya, Champaran is famed as the birth place of Saint
Vallabhacharya - the founder of the Vallabh sect.
The focal point of the place is a temple built in honor of the saint Vallabhacharya. There is also a shrine of Champakeshwara Mahadeva. A major draw is a festival held to mark the birth anniversary of Saint Vallabhacharya. It generally falls in Baisakh (April-May).
Champaran can be reached from Raipur either via Arang (60 km) or via Nawapara (68 km). Bus services are available from both Raipur and Arang.
