ShashwatWith the latest news of the authorities trying to convert Chhattisgarh’s “Naxal” land into a Land of Development – while preserving it’s History and Traditional Culture for tourists to experience, the state is now slowly opening up it’s arms for us to come, to learn and to explore more about it.
The state is like a treasure box full of historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries and incredible sceneries. But due to the Naxal-issue, not many people could go ahead and experience all of it.
But, now since everything’s changing for the better, we get to walk through all these hidden, unexplored gems in the state. So, if you plan on to visit the most unexplored state in India, you have come to the right place. Today we discuss about the most incredible and best places to visit in Chhattisgarh that you mustn’t miss.
Table of Contents
07 Best Places to Visit in Chhattisgarh
Chitrakote Falls
Chitrakoot Falls is an incredible waterfall and some even consider it to be among the most fascinating Indian waterfalls to ever exist. Maybe that’s how it began to be referred as an Indian version to the world’s most incredible waterfall – The Niagara Falls.
Located over the Indravati River, the falls is situated amongst dense forests – which make it a wonderland of nature lovers, bird watchers and family picnic enthusiasts as well.
A marvel for Chhattisgarh tourism. the Chitrakote Falls is a fantastic place and a very popular natural wonder in the state. One can take pictures, swim in the cool waters of the Indravati river and just relax with the roar of the beautiful falls.
Bastar
Talking about Chhattisgarh and not mentioning it’s tribal culture just straight out doesn’t make sense. The district of Bastar is home to numerous tribes including the Gond, Muria and Maria tribes.
Along with the cultures and traditions of these tribes, one can come here and explore their handicrafts. Bastar is famous for the bell metal handicrafts, terracotta pottery and bamboo crafts as well.
Other than being a destination filled with Tribal/Cultural/Historical tourism, Bastar is also home to some of the most incredible ancient temples like the Danteshwari Temple (one of the 52 Shakti Peeths of India).
Raipur
Third in the list of best places to visit in Chhattisgarh is none other than the state’s very own capital – Raipur.
The city is filled with all that Chhattisgarh represents – cultural treasures, historical landmarks and a different feeling altogether.
The Mahamaya temple and the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple are two of the most popular religious sites people love to visit while here.
Other than the temples, the place also boasts incredible street food in the form of Bhajia, Samosa and Jalebis (the most popular North Indian breakfast dishes).
Not as much into eating as you are into shopping? No problem! Raipur’s Mahalaxmi Cloth Market and Pandri Bazaar are among the most fascinating and lively markets to shop for textiles and handicrafts.
Bilaspur
Another interesting places to visit in Chhattisgarh is “the Rice Bowl of India” or Bilaspur.
Getting the unique title due to it’s rice cultivation, Bilaspur is another one of those cities that magically combine nature with history. The city is famous for it’s temples, it’s rice and it’s wildlife as well.
The Kanan Pendari Zoo and Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary are the most popular places to visit in Chhattisgarh, specially for kids along with wildlife photographers, nature lovers, bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
You can catch glimpses of tigers, leopards and elephants if you are lucky enough.
As far as food is concerned, Bilaspur has a lot to offer. Starting from doobraj rice, rice roll, chilla, fara to angakar roti, varieties of bhajia (green vegies) to thetri-khurmi and tamatar fatka – you shall try it all once you spend your days in Bilaspur.
Jagdalpur
The Chitrakote/Chitrakoot falls fall under this city along with one other incredible natural wonder called the Tirathgarh Falls!
Another thing that makes Jagdalpur famous is the Bastar Dussehra Festival celebrated every year in the month of October. During Dussehra, the locals from different villages get together to celebrate their protector Goddess Dhanteshwari Mai with symbolic rituals and awe-inspiring reverence.
The festival of Bastar Dussehra is celebrated for 75 days and holds the record of being world’s longest festival! It attracts travellers from all across the world to visit and see through the culture and traditions of the locals in Chhattisgarh.
If you are a history buff, you shall not miss a visit to the city’s Anthropological Museum and the Bastar Palace to find out more about the tribal lives of the region throughout centuries.
Sirpur
Sirpur is one of the coolest place in Chhattisgarh for historical and archaeological junkies and excavators.
Being a home to several ancient temples like this one temple that is considered to be one among the most fascinating brick design temples in India, the Laxman Temple.
The Ancient town of Sirpur has been mentioned in various historical texts of the world, including the travelogue of a famous Chinese traveller named Xuanzang.
It is also an important center of Buddhism with sites like Swastik Vihar and Anand Pradhu Kudi Vihar present here for the devotees and Buddha followers.
There is also a fascinating Sirpur National Dance & Music Festival that happens here in the city annually. It attracts artists from different corners of India to come, meet up and perform.
Kanger Valley National Park
Being a state of nature, history and tribal culture means that Chhattisgarh is also home to one of the most incredible wildlife reserves in India – the Kanger Valley National Park.
The park hosts a wide variety of species from tigers, leopards, wild dogs to sloth bears and flying squirrels. Other than that the region is very popular among tourists for it’s dense forests, hidden caves and magnificent waterfalls.
The infamous Kailash cave can be found here in the Kanger Valley National Park along with other similar natural limestone caves – that makes it a unique spot for explorers as well.
Conclusion
That concludes our blog about the best places to visit in Chhattisgarh, a state rich with history, nature and the tribal culture.
It is still a very unexplored state for many tourists and has a lot to offer. On your next trip planning, if you want to visit a hidden gem of a destination, make sure to add this little place into your list.
Know more incredible places to visit in Chhattisgarh? Comment down below so people would know.
If you liked this article, share it with your buddies and family members. Subscribe for more!
That’s All Folks!
