Chhattisgarh is the land of rich tribal cultural heritage and natural diversity and a Tropical area. You could call Chhattisgarh the Green state because 41.33% of its area is under forests. That’s why this state has great bio-diversity in the country. Situated in the heart of India, nowadays Chhattisgarh is growing its tourism industry by sharing its hidden/unknown places with the world. Places like sanctuary, waterfalls, temples, zoos, museums etc.
Let”s talk about some places someone must visit with family on the holiday trip.
1- Danteshwari Temple
It is one of the 52 shakti peethas dedicated to Godess Danteswari constructed in the 14th century in the Dantewada district. Most sacred place in the region of red corroder. Best time to visit the temple is Dusshera. at this time celebration goes on for 75 days with tribal traditions. Goddess craved in black stone.
Distance – Raipur – Dantewada by train 22hr, by car 5hr 20 min, Saraipur and Visakhapatnam are the nearest major airports
Best Time to Visit – Dusshera festival
Timings – 6.00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m ( May vary in festivals )
Entry Fee – Free.
Visit Duration – 1 to 2 hours.
2 – Kutumsar and Kailash Caves
Both are recently discovered caves which is located in Jagdalpur Lord Shiva. Tourists are allowed only for 300 mtr inside the cave. The Caves are formed by Limestone, having 5 chambers inside near the river Kanger. Caves are not suitable for children and elderly persons because of stiff stones. Kutumsar cave is situated in Kanger valley National Park.
Distance – 40kms from Jagdalpur.Easily reachable by road via NH 30 and stay arrangements are also available. Jagdalpur is connected through Vishakapatnam and Raipur by railways.
Best time to Visit – Any day you can visit except Rainy season for safety purpose
Timings – 06:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Entry Fees – 25 INR per person, 25 INR to get the camera inside, 200 INR to get the camcorder inside
3 – Kanger valley National Park
In 1982, it was declared as a national park also known as Kanger Ghati National Park. It is one of the dense forest areas of India. This place is the home of Bastar Hill Myna, the state bird of Chhattisgarh. National Park is known for its bio diversity, waterfall, limestone caves etc. It derives its name from the Kanger River, also 34 km from a biosphere reserve called Kanger Ghati. The national park has spread approx. 200 sq km of habitats of flora and fauna. the nearby place is Tirathgarh waterfall.
Distance – NH 221 is connecting Jagdalpur to Vijayawada, Raipur 330 km nearest airport and 27 km Jagdalpur airport
Best time to Visit – November – April
Timings – 7 am – 4 pm
Entry fees –
| Indian | Rs.30 |
| Foreigner | Rs.150 |
| Car/ Jeep | Rs.50 |
| Two wheeler | Rs.5 |
| Mini Bus | Rs.100 |
| Photography | Rs.25 |
| Videography | Rs.200 |
| Guide Charges for 8 persons | Rs.50 |
Jeep Safari Cost: Rs.1500. 7 members + 1 driver + 1 guide.
Stay – Forest Rest rooms, hotels, lodges are available
4 – Tirathgarg waterfall
One of the best waterfalls in Chhattisgarh. Situated inside the Kanger National Park, situated on the River Munga Bahar, it falls 300ft/91mtr below the hill, 35 km from Jagdalpur. The amazing fall shocks everyone, as tourists are so lost after watching the scenery. It is a place where you can have both fun and adventure . It offers an eyecatching view for its viewer. Best picnic place in the district. It is also known as Milky Falls.
Distance – 35 kms from jagdalpur town
Best time to Visit – The Monsoons (July-Aug)
Timings – 7 am – 4 pm
Trek timing – 4-5 hr, Guides Available
Entry fees – Free
There are no fooding facility is available. You can carry your food with you for the trip.
5 – Indravati Tiger Reserve
It is a national treasure, declared as a National Park in 1981. Only the tiger reserve in Bijapur District, Chhattisgarh. Approx 2799 sq km area of biodiversity. Reserve habitat for flora and fauna. It derives its name from the Indravati River.
Distance – 22 km from Jagdalpur – Bhopalpattnam road, Nearest Rail Dantewada Junction Railway Station (90 km), Jagdalpur is 168km, 486 km from Raipur.
Best time to Visit – 15 Dec – 15 June
Timings – 8 am – 6 pm
Entry Fees – Indian Rs 50/- per head, Child ( Indian )Rs 20/- per head, Foreign Nationals Rs 100/- per head, Foreign Child Rs 35/- per head, Still Camera Rs 50/-, Video Camera Rs 100/-.
6 – Ghatarani Waterfall
If you are a nature lover, then you will definitely love this place. This waterfall is surrounded by dense forest and a good picnic spot for family. The calmness and fresh air will make you mesmerized. Sightseeing and photography are an enjoyable activity there, but you have to be very careful as this place is very slippery. There is a temple dedicated to Ghatarani Goddess.
Distance – Nearest Airport is Mana airport, Raipur (130 km), Raipur railway Station 36 km, Easily accesiable by road 116 km
Best time to Visit – Post monsoon
Timings -7. 00 am to 7.00 pm
Entry Fees – Free
Treking facility is available.
7 – ACHANAKMAR SANCTUARY
The sanctuary spread into both state Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. In 2009 declared as a Tiger Resrve under a project. This tropical area covers a lands of flora and fauna, this gives a bio sphere reserve status. The river Maniyari flows throug this sanctuary.
Distance – 46 KM (1 hour) drive from the Bilaspur city, 160 KM (3.5 hours) drive from Raipur city, 50 KM from Bilaspur Railway Station, 50 KM from Bilaspur Airport
Best time to Visit – November – June.
Timings -8:00 am till 6:00 pm
Entry Fees – India – Rs. 50/ Person
· Indian Children – Rs. 20/ Child
· Foreign Nationals – Rs. 100 / Person
· Foreign Children – Rs. 35/ Child
· Still Camera – Rs. 50/ Camera
· Videography- Rs. 100/ Video Camera
Stay – Well-maintained rest houses are available inside the sanctuary, tourists are also enjoy local foods.
8 – BARNAWAPARA SANCTUARY
It derives its name from Bar and Nawapara forest village. It is one of the tourist destinations. Its land mass consists of low and high hills with flora and fauna. The rich vegetations serve a wide range of wildlife in this region. Tributaries of the River Mahanadi , Balmedhi, Jonk are the sources of water. The administration promotes Eco-tourism to create awareness.
Distance – 2hr drive from Raipur
Best time to Visit – November to February
Timings – 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Entry Fees – 200 rupees / person, Safari 25 rupees/person, veichle 60 rupees.
9 – Swami Vivekanand Sarovar
This place is not only a famous tourist place but also near by peoples also came here with their family to find calmness. This spot feels great with its view to the calming lake. This sarovar also called Burha talab. This place is a good tourist place as well as a joggers heaven. Located in the heart of Raipur.
Distance – 4 KM from Raipur
Best time to Visit – At Evening before sun set
Entry Fees – free
10 – MM FUN CITY
MM fun city is the largest water park of Chhattisgarh, located in the Baktara village on godhi road. It consisits of family pool, wave pool, slides, rain dance, kids zone and many more. A perfect place for a family.
Distance – 20 KM from Raipur
Best time to Visit – 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM on all days.
Entry Fees – 400 rupees/person and 500 rupees for stag entry
stay and foodings are available.
11 – Nandanvan Zoo and Safari
Naya raipur a upcoming world class city welcomes you to Asia’s biggest zoo, Nandanvan zoo is situated here. Its purpose is to protect and conserve animals. The zoo provides tourist jungle safari and boating with a 360 view of wildlife around there. It is a natural habitat for animals. It consisits of a 130 acre of Khandwa water reserviour. The safari area is fenced to protect tourist from wild animals during safari.
Distance – 18 km from Swami Vivekananda International Airport Raipur, 31km From Raipur, 12 km Raipur by road.
Timings – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Closed on Mondays
Time Required – 5-6 hours
Entry Fee – INR 100 for adults and INR 50 for children
You have been surprised by everything passing by in Chhattisgarh trip. It’s natural habitat, waterfalls, tribal culture leaves you amazed. You can collect magnificent moments during your trip. Chhattisgarh a land of splendid natural wonders. Chhattisgarh is a totally safe spot to travel.
