Top 5 Tourist Places to Explore in Chhattisgarh in 2025

Chhattisgarh might not often make it to the front pages of travel magazines, but maybe it should. Packed with raw landscapes, ancient temples, secluded waterfalls and tribal culture, it’s the kind of place that sticks with you. If you’re itching for something different—less crowds, more discovery—this central Indian state might just surprise you.

What Makes Chhattisgarh a Hidden Gem?

You won’t find luxury resorts or touristy cafes on every corner. What you will find is beauty that feels untouched. With its dense forests, dramatic caves and diverse wildlife, Chhattisgarh delivers more than most expect. It’s authentic. It’s intense. And it’s quietly waiting.

Let’s look at five places that deserve a spot on your itinerary.

1. Jagdalpur – Gateway to Bastar

Bastar region is often called the cultural heart of Chhattisgarh, and Jagdalpur sits right at its core. The town itself is modest, but it’s the area around it that pulls in explorers.

Don’t Miss:

• Chitrakote Waterfalls – Widely dubbed the “Niagara of India,” this falls is especially fierce during monsoons. Watching it plunge into the Indravati River is just… dramatic.
• Tirathgarh Waterfalls – Nested in the Kanger Valley National Park, it offers more than just water cascading—think lush greenery and layered ancient rocks.
• Cultural gatherings – Bastar Dussehra, which spans over 75 days, is not your average festive celebration. It’s raw, ritualistic and deeply tribal.

“Bastar is raw and untouched. It’s not made for tourists. It’s made for those truly willing to see,” says a local guesthouse manager we met near Jagdalpur.

2. Chitrakote Falls – Thunder, Mist and Rock

Some waterfalls are pretty. Chitrakote is powerful. Located about 38 km from Jagdalpur, its horseshoe shape and 100-foot drop draw inevitable comparisons with Niagara, except it’s framed by forests, not cities.

Best time to visit? Between July and October. That’s when the rains have built up the Indravati River and the fall becomes something fierce. Water roars so loud you feel it in your chest. And if you’re lucky, a misty rainbow joins in.

How to Reach:

• By road: Jagdalpur to Chitrakote is a smooth enough 1-hour drive
• Local guides are available, but ask around carefully – not all are trained or licensed

It doesn’t come with full-fledged tourist infrastructure, but maybe that’s part of the charm.

3. Kanger Valley National Park – A Hidden Wilderness

This isn’t your manicured tiger reserve with paved paths and timetables. Kanger Valley is untamed— and it shows. From dense sal forests to stretches of tribal villages, it’s one of India’s few untouched biospheres.

Why People Go (If They Hear About It):

• Kotumsar Caves – Dark, deep and just a bit eerie. These limestone caves are loaded with awe (and probably a few bats).
• Tirathgarh Waterfall – Yes, we’ve mentioned it again. It’s that good.
• Wildlife – The park is home to leopards, sloth bears, and various reptiles – although you’re unlikely to spot them without a lot of patience.

The park opens from November to June, closing during monsoon. There’s a light fee to enter, and decent access by road. Forget mobile signal—carry everything you might need. This is deep forest territory.

4. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary

Closer to Raipur, this sanctuary spans about 250 square kilometers and is teeming with wildness. It’s not as popular as Bandhavgarh or Kanha, which honestly makes it more appealing for some.

Highlights at Barnawapara:

• Bison, leopards, barking deer and loads of birds
• Jeep safaris—book through forest department outposts
• Quiet forest lodges that often run without mobile signal or 24×7 electricity

It’s roughly 100 km from Raipur, so reachable in under 3 hours. If you’re a photographer or birder, this might be the peaceful wild you’re after.

5. Sirpur – Temples and Civilisations Buried in Silence

For history buffs, Sirpur is a must-see. This archaeological site was once a lively center of learning, religion and trade—some 1,500 years ago.

Today? It’s mostly ruins. But meaningful ones. Scattered brick structures, old Buddhist monasteries, Jain viharas and the hauntingly silent Laxman Temple all whisper stories from the past.

Why It Matters:

• It shows Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism overlapping in surprising ways
• The Laxman Temple is one of the country’s oldest
• Excavations keep uncovering new sculptures and foundations

Located about 80 km from Raipur, it’s a dependable day trip. There’s a little museum too, but don’t expect big crowds or developed site guides.

Can Chhattisgarh Support More Tourists?

This is where things get tricky. The state has raw material for tourism—natural wonders, ancient ruins, tribal culture—but lacks polished experience. Few luxury stays, limited group tour appeal, not always great road signage. But if you like discovery with a hint of challenge, this is the destination.

The state government maintains some lodges, and private eco-resorts are slowly coming up, especially around wildlife areas and waterfalls.

Government’s Role Going Forward

There are long-term plans. Chhattisgarh Tourism Board has occasionally promoted Sirpur in trade fairs and funded tribal dances at cultural expos. But big changes will probably require private investment and better coordination with conservation goals.

Until then, maybe that under-the-radar feeling is part of what makes these places so special.

FAQs About Visiting Chhattisgarh

Is Chhattisgarh safe for tourists?

Most tourist areas like Jagdalpur, Raipur, and Sirpur are safe. Some remote regions may have restricted access due to security concerns—check with local authorities before heading deep off the grid.

When is the best time to visit?

October to March is ideal. Waterfalls flow best during or just after monsoon (July to October), but wildlife parks remain closed during that period.

Are there good hotels in these areas?

Options are basic but decent near major attractions. Government lodges, local resorts, and even a few homestays exist if you book early.

Do I need a guide?

Not mandatory, but strongly recommended—especially in forest areas like Kanger Valley or places like Sirpur where signs are minimal.

Is Chhattisgarh family-friendly?

If your family enjoys nature, history, or less-trodden places, yes. But don’t expect luxury or city-style conveniences.