By Sujeet Kumar,

Raipur, Sep 10 (IANS) Chhattisgarh is all set to showcase its archaeological splendour, historical Buddhist sites and natural beauty in China and Japan for the next 10 days in a bid to emerge as a dream destination for Asian tourists.

Chhattisgarh Tourism Minister Brijmohan Agrawal will launch the government's 10-day tourism campaign beginning Saturday in Hong Kong with a meeting with travel agents and a speech at an international travel mart Tuesday.

"Chhattisgarh, situated in the heart of India, is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and attractive natural diversity. The government has spent millions in the past two years to create a world class infrastructure facility in and around 105 tourist destinations in the state," Agrawal told IANS in an interview.

"The trip to Hong Kong, Japan and China is basically to convince nature lovers to come and have a look at dream tourist spots in Chhattisgarh," Agrawal said.

Agrawal, who will lead a four-member high-level delegation of the tourism department, said he would tour Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing for five days to study the infrastructure at key tourist points in these places as well.

"The trip to Japan and China is aimed at seeking foreign investment in tourism infrastructure development and creating a good impression about Chhattisgarh's tourist destinations," the minister said.

He added: "The government has planned to provide commercial tax, sales tax and stamp duty concessions to private players who want to invest in eco-tourism and infrastructure development."

Chhattisgarh boasts of several ancient monuments, exquisitely carved temples, caves and picturesque hills and valleys.

Sirpur, which is 75 km from here, is a historical Buddhist site visited by Huen Tsang, a noted Chinese scholar, in the 7th century A.D.

Chhattisgarh's Bastar region is home to Kutumbsar, one of the oldest living caves of the world, and Chitrakoot, said to be the largest waterfall in Asia.

According to officials, the government has identified as many as 105 tourist locations in the state having cultural, religious and historical importance, apart from being gifted with natural beauty that could become popular Asian tourist destinations.