Chhattisgarh may not be the most travelled state but it has many scenic attractions which are yet to be revealed to the rest of the world. From the centuries old buildings of architectural importance to the lush green forests suitable for trekking, one can say that Chhattisgarh has everything.
Here are the top places to visit in Chhattisgarh
1. Mainpat
Mainpat is a hill station with deep valleys, waterfalls and dense forests. It is also known as the Shimla of Chhattisgarh. Mainpat is a must-visit place for all nature lovers to explore the unexplored.
2. Chitrakote Waterfalls
This waterfall is located almost 50 kilometres from Jagdalpur city of Bastar district. Chitrakote waterfalls is also known as mini Niagra falls. It falls from a height of 100 feet, thus, creating a magical sound spectacular view. The best time to visit Chitrakote waterfalls is the monsoon.
3. Sirpur
It is located at a distance of 84 kilometres from Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh. It is home to various sites of archaeological importance. Sirpur is also mentioned in the ancient epigraphic records of the 5th to 8th centuries. Another major attraction of Sirpur is the Laxman temple, as it is the first temple made from bricks.
4. Rajim
It is also known as the Prayag of Chhattisgarh, as it is the meeting point of three rivers- Mahanadi, Pairi and Sondour. They are collectively known as Triveni Sangam. The famous Rajiv Lochan temple is also situated in Rajim. The temple is widely famous as it stands on twelve columns, each of which is beautifully carved with the faces of various Hindu Gods.
5. Kanger Valley National Park
It was established in 1982, located 27 kilometres from Jagdalpur. This National Park is recognized as the Asian Biosphere Reserve. It has a wide range of fauna such as chital, chinkara, barking deer, hyena, wild boar and buck. In addition, the park is home to Bastar hill myna, the state bird of Chhattisgarh. Besides fauna, the park also harbours a rich variety of plants like algae, fungi and other visually pleasing plants that enhance its beauty.
6. Tirathgarh Falls
Tirathgarh falls is the most visited picnic spot in Chhattisgarh. The main feature of the site is that the waterfalls from a height of 300 feet, and later splits into many falls which renders a mesmerizing view.
7. Kotumsar Cave
Kotumsar cave is located beside Tirathgarh falls, 40 kilometres from Jagdalpur. It is the world’s second longest natural cave and spans up to 100 meters. It was discovered in 1993, and it is known to be 2 kilometres deep. The cave cannot be accessed beyond a certain depth due to the lack of oxygen inside it. One could say that it looks gigantic and horrifying at the same time.
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8. Balrampur Hot Springs
It is commonly known as Tatapani. The water under the ground is extremely hot to the point that one can consider cooking their meals there. The common residents of Balrampur believe that the hot water from the ground has the properties to cure various skin diseases.
9. Bambleshwari Devi Temple
This temple is situated at the top of a 1600 feet long hill. Another temple called Chhoti Bamleshwari Temple is situated at ground level, which is 500 meters from Badi Bamleshwari Temple. The temple attracts thousands of devotees during Navratri.
10. Bhuteshwar Shivling
This shivling is located in Maroda village, Gariaband district. Bhuteshwar shivling is enormous in size, 18 feet tall and 20 feet wide. It is believed to have emerged from the ground, and the most fascinating aspect of the shivling is that it grows by 6-8 inches every year. It is a great place of pilgrimage during the month of Shravana.
11. Kawardha Palace
This 20th-century palace is situated in Kabirdham district, covering a land of 11 acres. The palace was built by Maharaja Dharamraj Singh in the 1930s. Now the palace has been converted into a heritage hotel. Its Italian marbles and excellent architecture present it as a tourist spot.
12. Ghatarani Waterfalls
Ghatarani waterfalls is a good picnic spot located 90 kilometers from Raipur. Near the falls, a temple of Goddess Durga is constructed, which attracts tourists and pilgrims. The best time to visit Ghatarani falls is between September and December.
13. Nandanvan Jungle Safari
The jungle safari is located in Naya Raipur. The entire jungle safari is spread over an area of 800 acres, covered by greenery. Nandanvan Jungle Safari offers tiger safari, bear safari, herbivore safari and lion safari. It also has a large water body known as the Khandwa reservoir, attracting many migratory birds. Jungle safari is undoubtedly one of the most amazing tourist spots in Chhattisgarh.
14. Rakasganda Waterfall
It is a tourist spot located on Rihand river in Sarguja district. The water falls from a height into a narrow pool which is connected to a tunnel. At the opening of the tunnel, the water appears colourful. This unique colour of the water and the amazing view attract numerous tourists.
15. Gadh Kalewa
Gadh Kalewa is a restaurant in Raipur that serves authentic dishes of Chhattisgarh. People sit in an open space and engage in relishing delicious food. The restaurant seems to project a rural sense of existence and feeling, which adds to the authenticity of the place. Some famous dishes of Gadh Kalewa include cheela, farra and their different kinds of spicy chutneys.
Besides the above-mentioned places, there are also other destinations to be explored in Chhattisgarh. However, these places will prove to be an excellent source of sheer joy, beauty, and pleasure for starters.
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