Explore the best tourist places in Chhattisgarh with this complete guide. From historical marvels and waterfalls to tribal culture and wildlife sanctuaries, discover how to reach, budget details, ticket pricing, nearby development zones, symbolism, and untold stories behind each attraction.
Introduction
Chhattisgarh, nestled in the heart of India, is a unique blend of nature, spirituality, heritage, and tribal culture. Despite being underrated, it houses India’s widest waterfall, millennia-old temples, ancient Buddhist remains, sacred Shakti Peeths, mystical caves, and unspoiled forests.
Whether you’re seeking spirituality, adventure, or solitude—Chhattisgarh offers a soulful and authentic travel experience.
How to Reach Chhattisgarh From Delhi
| Mode | Route/Details | Time | Cost (Approx.) |
| Flight | Delhi to Raipur (Direct) | 1.5–2 hrs | ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 |
| Train | Delhi to Raipur (Rajdhani, Duronto, Sampark Kranti) | 18–20 hrs | ₹800 – ₹2,500 |
| Road | Via Agra–Jhansi–Jabalpur–Raipur | ~1,150 km / 18–20 hrs | ₹3,500–₹5,000 (fuel) |
Detailed Tourist Places of Chhattisgarh
1. Chitrakote Waterfall – The Niagara of India
- Location: Bastar District (~38 km from Jagdalpur)
- Symbolism: Power and natural divinity (associated with Lord Rama)
- Timings: 24×7
- Entry Fee: Free
- Who Developed It: Chhattisgarh Tourism Board (eco huts, platforms)
- Development Timeline: 2018–2023
- Best Time to Visit: July – October (monsoon)
- Nearby Areas: Tirathgarh Falls, Jagdalpur, Dandak Caves
Nearby Temples:
- Narayanpal Temple (9th-century Vishnu temple)
- Danteshwari Temple (covered below in detail)
Distance from Raipur: 330km, From Delhi: Train to Jagdalpur (~34 hrs), flight via Raipur
2. Danteshwari Temple – Shakti Peeth of Dantewada
- Location: Dantewada (~80 km from Jagdalpur)
- Built By: Chalukya kings, ~14th century
- Significance: One of the 52 Shakti Peeths; place where the tooth of Sati fell
- Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
- Ticket: Free
- Festivals: Bastar Dussehra (75-day-long tribal festival)
- Architecture: Stone carved, typical of Dakshin Kosala style
- Symbolism: Strength, feminine energy, tribal reverence
Nearby Places:
- Maa Bhairavi Temple
- Bathe Baadi (tribal ceremonial site)
How to Reach: Raipur → Jagdalpur → Dantewada (via road or train)
3. Bhoramdeo Temple – The Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh
- Location: Kawardha (~116 km from Raipur)
- Built By: King Ramachandra of the Nagvanshi dynasty (7th–11th century)
- Design: Nagara style with erotic sculptures
- Symbolism: Fertility, Shaivism, Tantric cult
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Surroundings: Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary
Nearby Temples:
- Madwa Mahal: Marriage hall of Shiva–Parvati, built in 1349 AD
- Chhoti Devlai: Another ancient Shiva temple
Interesting Fact: Light and Sound show inaugurated in 2024
4. Kanger Valley National Park
- Location: Bastar, near Jagdalpur
- Established: 1982
- Entry Fee: ₹30 (Indian), ₹150 (Foreigner)
- Safari Cost: ₹1,200–₹1,500 per jeep
- Main Attractions:
- Kotumsar Caves (limestone, ~2 km long)
- Tirathgarh Waterfalls
- Dandak Caves
- Flora/Fauna: Tigers, leopards, bats, medicinal herbs
Nearby Temples:
- Bharat Mata Temple inside the park
Access from Jagdalpur: 25 km
5. Rajim – Prayag of Chhattisgarh
- Location: ~45 km from Raipur
- Major Temples:
- Rajiv Lochan Vishnu Temple (8th century)
- Kuleshwar Mahadev Temple
- Chhoti Khajuraho (Ramachandra Temple)
- Festival: Rajim Kumbh Mela (Feb–March)
- Symbolism: River confluence of Mahanadi, Pairi, and Sondur (Triveni Sangam)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Nearby Development: Spiritual Corridor plan announced by CG Tourism in 2024
6. Sirpur – The Lost Buddhist & Hindu Heritage Site
- Location: ~85 km from Raipur (Mahasamund District)
- Excavated By: ASI (1970s–2000s)
- Symbolism: Buddhist-Hindu-Jain harmony
- Main Sites:
- Lakshman Temple (brick temple, 7th century)
- Surang Tila (temple on 16m high platform)
- Ananda Prabha Vihara & Monasteries
- Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indians), ₹200 (Foreigners)
- Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Fastest Route: Raipur → Sirpur via NH-53 (~1.5 hr drive)
Interesting Nearby Temples:
- Gandheshwar Mahadev Temple (Shiva–Yogini carvings)
- Buddhist-era votive stupas and sculptures
7. Dongargarh – Maa Bamleshwari Temple
- Location: Rajnandgaon District (~100 km from Raipur)
- Situated On: 1,600-foot-high hill
- Access: 1,700 steps or ropeway
- Ticket (Ropeway): ₹100 round trip
- Festivals: Navratri (massive pilgrim gathering)
- Legend: Wish-fulfilling Goddess Bamleshwari appeared in dreams of a king
Nearby Temples:
- Chhoti Bamleshwari (at base)
- Shivji Temple, Pragyagiri Jain Temple
8. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Mahasamund (~100 km from Raipur)
- Area: 245 sq km
- Timings: 6 AM – 11 AM, 3 PM – 6 PM
- Safari Fee: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000
- Wildlife: Leopard, Gaur, Barking Deer
Nearby Temples:
- Mahadev Temple (Barna village)
- Kodar Dam Temple (picnic + shrine spot)
9. Tirathgarh Waterfalls
- Location: Kanger Valley National Park
- Height: ~300 ft
- Best Time: Monsoon
- Ticket: ₹30 entry, extra for vehicle
- Special Feature: Multi-tiered, amidst dense forest
Nearby Temples:
- Shiva-Parvati shrine beside the waterfall
Access: Jagdalpur → Darbha → Tirathgarh (~30 km)
10. Maitri Bagh, Bhilai
- Built In: 1972 by Bhilai Steel Plant (India-USSR Friendship Garden)
- Includes: Zoo, musical fountain, lake, toy train
- Ticket: ₹30–₹50
- Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Religious Sites:
- Jain Temples in Durg
- Hanuman Temple, Durg Station area
Best Time to Visit Chhattisgarh
| Season | Months | Ideal For |
| Winter | Nov – Feb | Temples, wildlife, sightseeing |
| Monsoon | Jul – Sept | Waterfalls, forests |
| Summer | Mar – June | Avoid due to heat, except temple darshans |
Travel Budget Per Day (Per Person)
| Item | Cost Range |
| Accommodation | ₹500 – ₹2,000 |
| Food | ₹200 – ₹500 |
| Local Transport | ₹300 – ₹700 |
| Tickets & Entry | ₹100 – ₹500 |
| Total | ₹1,000 – ₹3,500 |
Upcoming Development Projects (2025–2030)
- Bastar Airstrip Commercialization
- Sirpur Spiritual Buddhist Circuit
- Heritage Walks in Raipur and Kawardha
- Bastar Tribal Village Homestays
- Digital Tourist Hubs & Multilingual Guides
Pro Tips for Travelers
- Use Raipur as Base: Centrally located with all modes of connectivity
- Tribal Handicrafts: Buy from Kondagaon, Jagdalpur
- Safety: Avoid deep Naxal areas, stick to known tourist corridors
- Stay Options: CG Tourism Hotels, forest rest houses, private hotels
Why Chhattisgarh Is a Hidden Gem
- Untouched Natural Beauty
- Authentic Tribal Culture
- Budget-Friendly Tourism
- Spiritual & Historical Depth
- Emerging Eco & Heritage Infrastructure
Final Thoughts: Is Chhattisgarh Worth Visiting in 2025?
Yes, absolutely worth it. Chhattisgarh is India’s best-kept secret for heritage, spirituality, and nature. With low costs, rich experiences, and expanding infrastructure, this is the perfect time to explore the state before it becomes mainstream.
Whether it’s waterfalls like Chitrakote, temples like Bhoramdeo, caves like Kotumsar, or Buddhist sites like Sirpur—Chhattisgarh delivers depth and authenticity.