Chhattisgarh is a comparatively underrated place for exploring tourist sites. However, the land is surrounded by rich cultural heritage, history, wildlife and serenity. Yet to explore, Chhattisgarh is a hub of various handicraft trade and other eco-friendly businesses. So, if you are looking to unveil all the best places to visit in Chhattisgarh, then you are on the right page.

Tourism in Chhattisgarh offers a wide array of an abundance of waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and other holy places. Here is the list of the famous places in Chhattisgarh where you may want to plan your next trip:

1. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary

Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary is located in the northern part of the Mahasamund district and is spread over an area of approximately 250 sq. km. Hundreds of tourists around the world visit this sanctuary to experience the lush green forest, which is home to a number of exemplary animal species

• Best Time to Visit: Between November and June (after monsoon) 
• Operational Hours: 7 AM to 6 PM (Weekdays & Weekends)
• Entry Fees: ₹ 30 per person; ₹ 200 per foreigner (additional charges will be applicable for safari and vehicle entry) 
• Things to Do: Hiking, experiencing a view of animals such as tigers, leopards, bison, antelopes, porcupines, etc. 
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

2. Shri Rajiv Lochan Mandir

Shri Rajiv Lochan mandir consists of beautiful carvings of deities like Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama, Goddess Durga and Lord Narasimha. Being one of the notable tourist places in Chhattisgarh, Shri Rajiv Lochan mandir portrays the splendid architecture of Mahakosala.

• Best Time to Visit: 16th February to 1st March (during Rajim Lochan Mahotsav)
• Operational Hours: 6 AM to 7:30 PM (Weekends & Weekdays)
• Entry Fees: Free of cost
• Things to Do: Sight of the God and Goddess, exploring the historical carvings, etc
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

3. Danteshwari Temple

Danteshwari temple speaks about the history of the Chalukya period and is located in Jagdalpur. The deity worshipped in this temple is the ancestral goddess of Warangal. The speciality of this temple is that it is one of the 52 Shakti peethas in India.

The name of this place is derived from the famous legendary incident in Satya Yuga. It is believed that the tooth or “Daanth” of Sati fell at this place for which the deity is called Goddess Danteshwari.

• Best Time to Visit: During Navratri (October)
• Operational Hours: All throughout the day
• Entry Fees: Free of cost 
• Things to Do: Paying homage to the Goddess Danteshwari during Dussehra, exploring the architectural and sculptural structures, etc. 
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

4. Chitrakot Waterfalls

Chitrakot waterfalls are formed by the water of river Indravati flowing through the mountain range in Vindhya Mountain. Sometimes, this horse-shaped waterfall is identified as India's Niagara Falls and experiences the highest tourists during the rainy season.

The mesmerising view of this waterfall makes it one of the best places to visit in Chhattisgarh. This place is located around 50 km away from Jagdalpur and is the most visited place in the state.

• Best Time to Visit: Between July and March 
• Operational Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM (Weekends & Weekdays)
• Entry Fees: Free of cost 
• Things to Do: Exploring nature, photography, etc. 
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

5. Rajeev Smriti Van

Rajeev Smriti Van, one of the famous tourist places in Chhattisgarh, is built in memory of Former Prime Minister Lt. Rajeev Gandhi. This place is surrounded by the marvellous view and sun-drenched flora and fauna. The speciality of this place is that everything is operated on Solar Energy and showcases astonishing ways of conserving nature.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Operational Hours: 8 AM to 6:30 PM (Weekends & Weekdays)
• Entry Fees: Free of cost
• Things to Do: Exploring the marvellous view, visiting nearby attractions like Balaji Temple, Champaran, etc.
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

6. Mahakoshal Art gallery

Mahakoshal art gallery is a heritage place in Chhattisgarh that flaunts all the artworks of the local artisan. Located at the heart of Raipur, this art gallery is built in an octagon shape that attracts tourists from different countries. 

• Best Time to Visit: November to February (mostly winter)
• Operational Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM (Monday to Saturday); Closed (Sunday) 
• Entry Fees: ₹ 30 per person (note that additional charges will be required in case of carrying any camera. Also, prices may vary for other reasons) 
• Things to Do: Photography of the artwork and exploring the museum, etc.
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

7. Bhoramdeo Temple

Bhoramdeo temple is situated in the Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh and is built exactly in the form of the Khajuraho temple and Konarak Sun temple. The ancient temple has been standing tall since the 11th century and is popularly known as the Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh. 

• Best Time to Visit: October to February (winter)
• Operational Hours: 9 AM to 6:30 PM (Weekdays & Weekends) 
• Entry Fees: Free of cost
• Things to Do: Exploring the ancient sculptures, worshipping the deities, photography, etc. 
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

8. Tirathgarh Falls

Tirathgarh waterfalls are one of the significant entertainment spots which are located at the Kanger Valley National Park. Apart from experiencing the gushing noise of this beautiful waterfall, this eco-tourism spot is ideal for spending quality time from the busy daily routine.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Operational Hours: 6 AM to 5 PM (Weekends & Weekdays)
• Entry Fees: Free of cost 
• Things to Do: Nature exploration and photography
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

9. Kanger Valley National Park

Kanger valley national park is a biosphere reserve located in the Bastar region in Chhattisgarh. Being one of the famous places in Chhattisgarh, this sanctuary is the home of several marvellous species.

• Best Time to Visit: December to February (winter)
• Operational Hours: 8 AM to 4 PM (Weekends & Weekdays)
• Entry Fees: ₹ 50 per person; ₹ 150 for carrying four-wheelers
• Things to Do: Exploring wildlife and nature, photography, etc. 
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

10. Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum

Mahant Ghasidas memorial museum is located in Raipur and was built at the time of Raja Mahant Ghasidas in 1875. For individuals who love to explore and take notes on historical findings, Mahant Ghasidas memorial museum is the best place to visit in Chhattisgarh for this purpose. 

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Operational Hours: 9:30 AM to 6 PM (Weekends & Weekdays) 
• Entry Fees: ₹ 5 per person
• Things to Do: Exploring the museum and photography, etc
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

11. Kailash and Kotumsar Caves

Kailash and Kotumsar cave in Chhattisgarh is the second longest cave globally. This cave was discovered in 1993 and served as the main attraction due to its stunningly looking walls amidst dense forests. Despite being unique and attractive, this cave cannot be explored due to the scarcity of oxygen in its deepest contours. 

• Best Time to Visit: October to February (winter morning)
• Operational Hours: 8 AM to 4 PM (Weekends & Weekdays)
• Entry Fees: ₹ 25 per person (Additional cost is applicable for photography and videography) 
• Things to Do: Exploring the cave and photography or videography
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

12. Sirpur Heritage Site

For explorers looking for a quick escape from the busy schedule, the Sirpur heritage site is a suitable place for its rich cultural heritage of the Hindu religion. This remarkable place, including Sirpur village, is located on the banks of river Mahanadi and highlights some of the best brick temples.

• Best Time to Visit: January to March
• Operational Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM (Weekdays & Weekends)
• Entry Fees: ₹ 25 per person
• Things to Do: Photography and Videography 
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

13. Rajim

Rajim, the Prayag of Chhattisgarh, is among the ideal tourist places in Chhattisgarh to experience the rich culture of Chhattisgarh. At Rajim, you can experience the magnificent union of three rivers – Mahanadi, Pairi and Sonder. 

• Best Time to Visit: January to February (Maghi Purnima to Mahashivratri)
• Operational Hours - All throughout the day 
• Entry Fee - Free of cost
• Things to Do: Exploring the place, worshipping, photography/videography. 
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

14. Gadiya Mountain

Gadiya Mountain in Kanker is the highest mountain and was once considered the capital by King Dharma Dev of the Kandra dynasty. This mountain has many stories that the locals strongly believe, making it an attractive place to visit in Chhattisgarh. 

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Operational Hours: Open all-day (Weekends & Weekdays)
• Entry Fees: Free of cost
• Things to Do: Exploring the cave, photography, videography, etc. 
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

15. Chhare Marre Waterfall

Chhare Marre Waterfall is located near Raipur and is suitable for a refreshing outing to escape from the busy schedule. Also, being one of the best tourist places in Chhattisgarh, Chhare Marre waterfall offers a sense of tranquillity in its picturesque view. 

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Operational Hours: Open all-day (Weekends & Weekdays)
• Entry Fees: Free of cost
• Things to Do: Exploring the cave, photography, videography, etc. 
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

16. Chirmiri

Chirmiri is among the best places to visit in Chhattisgarh and is located in the Koriya district. The locals often address this marvellous hill station as the “Heaven of Chhattisgarh”. One of the most significant attributes of this place amidst the lush greeneries is the presence of ancient coal mines. 

• Best Time to Visit: October to February (winter hours)
• Operational Hours: Open all-day (Weekends & Weekdays)
• Entry Fees: Free of cost
• Things to Do: Nature exploration, photography and videography
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

17. Indravati National Park

Indravati National Park is the only tiger reserve located in the green land of Chhattisgarh. This is among the most famous tourist places in Chhattisgarh and holds significant importance in restoring rare and endangered species like Nilgai, Black Buck, Sambar, Gaur, etc.

• Best Time to Visit: July to October (monsoon)
• Operational Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM (Weekends & Weekdays)
• Entry Fees: ₹ 50 per person (adults); ₹ 20 per child; ₹ 100 for foreigners. (Additional charges are applicable for a camera)
• Things to Do: Nature and wildlife exploration, photography, etc 
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

18. Madku Dweep

Madku Dweep is located in the Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh near river Shivnath. This island is famous for its astonishing beauty and serene, picturesque view. Being one of the best places to visit in Chhattisgarh, this island holds historical importance in findings of prehistoric stone tools, coins and epigraphs.

• Best Time to Visit: December to February (winter)
• Operational Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM (Weekdays and Weekends)
• Entry Fees: Free of cost 
• Things to Do: Nature and historical area exploration, photography, etc 
• How to Reach: By road, train and air

19. Mainpat

Mainpat in Chhattisgarh is famous for its untouched serenity and pastoral Greenland. Moreover, the amalgamation of breathtaking waterfalls and tropical rainforest vibe makes this place worthy of spending a vacation. 

• Best Time to Visit: November to March (winter)
• Operational Hours: Open all-day (Weekends & Weekdays)
• Entry Fees: Free of cost 
• Things to Do: Nature exploration, picnic, photography, etc
• How to Reach: By road, train and air