Chhattisgarh’s top tourism places: Expplore the beauty of Raipur, Mainpat and more!

The Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular tourist attraction in Chhattisgarh. Established in 1976, it covers a vast area of 245 square kilometres and encompasses the Bar and Nawapura forest villages. The sanctuary is known for its rich vegetation that supports a diverse array of wildlife species. The landscape features mostly flat terrain interspersed with low and high hills. With its lush greenery and natural habitat, Barnawapara provides a sanctuary for various flora and fauna, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers visiting Chhattisgarh.

Raipur is the largest city and capital of Chhattisgarh state. It is a major industrial hub with over a hundred steel mills and six steel plants, as well as aluminium and coal industries. While primarily an industrial and business center, Raipur is also emerging as a tourism destination attracting visitors from across India and abroad.

The city is known for its temples, lakes, factories, educational institutions and the development of the newly planned city of Naya Raipur located 17km away. The Swami Vivekananda Airport connects Raipur to other parts of the country.

With a rich history, Raipur was earlier part of Madhya Pradesh until the formation of Chhattisgarh in 2000 when it became the new state’s capital owing to its central location. Surrounded by Durg and Bemetara districts, Raipur lies in the fertile plains known as the ‘rice bowl of India’.
From an industrial powerhouse to a growing tourist attraction, Raipur combines modernity with its historical roots in the heart of Chhattisgarh.

Jagdalpur is a beautiful and naturally blessed city located in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. After Raipur and Bhilai, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, though relatively unknown outside Chhattisgarh.

The city has a rich history of political activism and has developed a unique cultural identity over time. Jagdalpur is famous for its monuments, palaces, pristine lakes, waterfalls and forests that remain largely untouched by excessive tourism.

As an emerging tourist hotspot, Jagdalpur is being actively promoted by the state tourism department. Efforts are being made to provide all necessary facilities and infrastructure to cater to visitors and showcase the city’s natural bounties and cultural heritage.

With its natural beauty, historical significance and concerted tourism push, Jagdalpur offers tourists an offbeat experience of Chhattisgarh’s lesser-explored wonders.

The Charre Marre Waterfalls is a refreshing and offbeat tourist attraction in Chhattisgarh. This 16-meter high twisting waterfall offers a mesmerizing sight of crystal clear water cascading from a great height. Fed by the pristine Jogidhara River, the waterfall meanders through lush green hills and trees, creating a soothing natural soundtrack.

At the bottom, a reservoir is formed which is perfect for taking a dip in the cool, rejuvenating waters. Visitors can also dangle their feet in the small pond at the waterfall’s base and spend peaceful moments surrounded by the picturesque natural beauty of this place.

Set amidst verdant environs, the Charre Marre Waterfalls provide an idyllic escape into nature’s bounties, allowing tourists to experience the serene charm of rural Chhattisgarh away from crowds.

Sirpur is a small village in Chhattisgarh, located on the banks of the Mahanadi River. It is an archaeological wonder, rich in temple culture and architecture dating back to the 8th century. Despite being a quaint hidden gem, Sirpur has deep connections to Buddhism and is a treasure trove of archaeological findings.

The village is home to numerous temples that attract passionate historians to study the intricate carvings and artefacts on the walls, which have inspired architects globally. The Buddhist monasteries here are considered among the most significant in India.

Beyond its historical importance, Sirpur hosts a music and dance festival organized by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board to promote the Buddhist sites and celebrate the local culture. This peaceful village offers a rare mix of art, culture, performances, and the evolution of architecture over centuries.

Mainpat is an underrated and relatively unexplored hill station in Chhattisgarh. It boasts lush green pastures, deep valleys, breathtaking waterfalls, dense forests, and untouched streams. Unlike some other hill stations, Mainpat has not been overly commercialized and sees fewer tourists.

Nicknamed the “Shimla of Chhattisgarh” and “Mini Tibet,” Mainpat has a large Tibetan population and cultural influence. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Tibetan refugees were rehabilitated in Mainpat, making it their new home.

This confluence of cultures and diverse traditions adds to the charming appeal of this picturesque village. The slower pace and lack of excessive commercialization allow visitors to experience Mainpat’s natural beauty and unique cultural blend.