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Chhattisgarh – Welcome to a charismatic kingdom
Tribal hands building artisanal objects, Buddhist monks chanting amidst colourful prayer flags, forgotten caves juxtaposed with opulent palaces, Chhattisgarh will dazzle you with its charm. Home to exotic wild species, magical waterfalls and a flourishing steel industry,… read more
Chhattisgarh is one of India’s youngest states, with some of its oldest cultural and natural wonders. It is a destination on the rise, set right in the heart of the country, sharing borders with seven other states. Let your wanderlust free as you explore its industrially booming cities, dense teeming jungles, myriad exotic landscapes, historic allure and timeless tribal traditions. This is a getaway that promises to be authentic, intimate and memorable.
By planning your trip according to the best time to visit Chhattisgarh, you can enjoy all your favourite activities at your own pace, surrounded by only a few or if you’re lucky — just you! A true break from the usual overcrowded tourist spots. You will be heartily welcomed by locals eager to share their way of life, the beauty of the Chitrakote Waterfalls and tribal villages of Kanker or Kawardha, the countless celebrations like Goncha Festival, Damakheda Fair and Dantewada Fair and the pristine surrounds of Indravati and Kanger National Parks. Surely, you’ve already been transported in mind, so here’s a guide to help you decide the best time to be there in person.
Peak Season — The winter months from October to February is considered the best time to visit Chhattis-garh, with a dramatic drop in temperatures offering the highest number of activities and experiences in store.
Shoulder Season — July to September
Low Season — March to June
|
Travel Season |
Min / Max Temperature |
Season |
|
March - June |
21-42°C |
Extreme heat, dry |
|
July - September |
27–37°C |
Heavy to moderate rainfall |
|
October - February |
14-30°C |
Cool, pleasant |
Temperature - Summers see temperatures rise very high, even breaking the 40-degree mark at its peak. Early mornings or very late nights can see it go down to the low 20s.
Weather - Chhattisgarh experiences typical tropical weather and is completely land-locked, which only typifies the climate. While weather can differ from region to region and certain cooler micro-climates can be found, summers are characteristically hot with the sun bearing down throughout the day.
Significance - This is a state that loves a good celebration and there are plenty to witness during the sum-mer months. The most significant of those include the Bhormadeo Mahotsava in March, Dongargarh Ma-hotsav in April and Ramgarh Mahotsav in June.
Why you should visit - Summers make a good time to visit if you’re one who likes to explore places when they are at their least crowded. The heat deters most tourists, so all the regular activities like sightseeing or dining out automatically become more personal. It’s also a great season for wildlife spotting as the watering holes draw all the animals out in perfect view.
Things to know before the visit - Plan an itinerary that suits the season and come prepared for the weather conditions.
Tips - Protection from the sun and heat is most important to have a smooth summer vacation in Chhattis-garh. Light cotton clothes offer the most comfort, while hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are an absolute must before leaving your hotel room. Always have a bottle of water on hand to stay hydrated!
Temperature - The rain brings timely respite, arriving in full force by July and lasting till October. Even though the temperatures can get high with humidity, there’s always a shower or two around the corner to moderate the conditions.
Weather - Monsoon is important for Chhattisgarh in terms of its agricultural roots, with heavy to moderate rainfall as the norm — approximately 50 inches annually — perfect for the “Rice Bowl of India”. Rains can get quite heavy on some days while other days you won’t see more than a light drizzle. But this slight unpredictability only adds to the charm of the season.
Significance - The festivities continue into the rainy season, giving travellers a host of unique experiences to sample. This includes the Kudargarh Mahotsav in July, Teeja and Pola Festivals in August and Ratanpur Mahotsav in September. However, literally everything you do or see will have that special appeal.
Why you should visit - Monsoon returns a lushness to the greenery of the state and enlivens the rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Nature lovers and couples on a romantic adventure would enjoy the most. Treks become escapades, meals become moments and sightseeing becomes immersive.
Things to know before the visit - The rains can make it quite difficult to access certain forest and moun-tainous regions. This connectivity issue means accepting that you might have to skip a few destinations, but there’s still plenty to see and do.
Tips - Monsoon getaways need a bit of extra packing and planning. So, keep enough room in your bags for proper rain gear including a wind-cheater, umbrella and boots. Carry some plastic coverings for your electronic items. Unhygienic restaurants and stalls must be avoided during this season. Don’t forget the mosquito and bug repellents!
Temperature - The coming of winter sees temperatures drop to a very pleasant range, with days usually in the early 20s and the nights as low as 12-15 degrees.
Weather - The heat and humidity subside, making way for a cool, light winter that’s simply ideal for out-door activities. Days are pleasant and evenings can get quite windy. Weather patterns can differ across the varied topography of the state, with the forests or higher altitude regions naturally colder than urban centres.
Significance - This is the period when the state comes most alive with festivities like the Gond Festival of Madai or Dussehra in Bastar. It is also when many outdoor sites become accessible, including the Kailash and Kutumsar limestone caves. The whole state becomes accessible so you can see as much as possible.
Why you should visit - Take a spiritual tour of temples and holy sites, let out your adventurous side traversing the many caves, waterfalls, hills, rivers and plateaus, see the vibrant tribal culture first-hand, indulge in unique food experiences — this season offers the best of Chhattisgarh and allows travellers of any kind to find the experience of their choice.
Things to know before the visit - Be winter ready! Some parts of the state aren’t always tourist-friendly so do plan your itinerary accordingly and respect the local ways.
Tips - Chhattisgarh winters can be described as light woollen weather, so you don’t need to pack the warmest clothes you have but do pack enough long sleeves and basic layers. During the day, a shawl or scarf could suffice. Moisturiser, sunscreen and lip balm are other essentials.
You’re now equipped with all the information regarding the best time to visit Chhattisgarh! So, let the planning begin with some amazing Thomas Cook Chhattisgarh Holiday packages that cover everything the state has to offer with a host of itineraries to suit your travel needs. Families, couples, groups or solo jour-neys, there’s something for everyone to make this dream holiday come true.
No matter which part of the country you’re coming from, there’s a train that will get you to Chhattisgarh. Such is the connectivity offered by its two main junctions — Raipur and Bilaspur. These two stations fall along the routes of multiple passenger trains, such as the Rajdhani Express, Chhattisgarh Express, Gandhidham-Puri Express, Bilaspur-Chennai Express, Gitanjali Express, Vishakhapatnam-Mumbai LLT Express. They run on different days of the week, so do check and plan your departure accordingly.
The train ride to Chhattisgarh might sound long but it’s well worth the time to see the country in a whole new way. Changing landscapes, colourful towns, smiling faces, lush countryside — they are pictures that will stay with you forever.
Chhattisgarh’s only functional passenger airport is situated in its capital city, Raipur. The Swami Vivekananda Airport is about 15 km away from the main city and has regular flights coming in from major cities across India. These include — Delhi, Nagpur, Mumbai, Vishakhapatnam, Chennai, Bengaluru, Indore, Kolkata, Ranchi and Jaipur amongst others. They are serviced by top domestic airlines such as IndiGo, GoAir, Air India and Vistara.
Upon landing, transit to on-ground transportation is convenient as the airport is merely 14 km away from Raipur Junction Railway and Pandri Bus Terminal. Public and private taxis can be found right outside the terminal, that can take you to either of the stations or be hired for longer distances if needed.
Soon, Bilaspur Airport and Jagdalpur Airport will be made open for commercial services, offering more options for travellers.
With Chhattisgarh’s location in the middle of the country, it has a great network of roadways with neighbouring states as well as internally. It shares borders with Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh — so no matter what direction you come from, there’s a road leading into the state.
In total, there are 11 national highways cutting through, including NH6 connecting Mumbai and Kolkata, NH16 going from Hyderabad to Bhopalpatnam, NH78 from Madhya Pradesh to Jharkhand, NH43 from Raipur to Vishakhapatnam. Those choosing road travel can pick between chauffeur driven vehicles, private taxis, self-driven cars, public or private buses.
Inter-state bus services are popular for their affordability and connectivity, with routes offered from all neighbouring states. With private bus services, you could find the same routes as well as longer distances, which for a small price-hike provide much more comfort.
Also check out about the best time to visit Chhattisgarh.
