7 Best Places to Visit Near Raipur
Raipur is the capital of Chhattisgarh and is located in central India. Chhattisgarh was once a part of Madhya Pradesh. It got separated from its parent state in 2000 and got its new identity. Lots of developments have taken place in the state after its formation and now people from all over the country visit Chhattisgarh for its cultural heritage and tourist attractions.
Raipur is the capital of the state and is well connected with all the major cities of the country by railways, airways, and roadways. Raipur is an important station on the Howrah Mumbai mail Line. Raipur is connected with all major cities of India by airways. Swami Vivekananda Airport Raipur is in Mana and is around 15 km from Raipur city.
Raipur overview
Population : 16.42 LacsLanguage : Hindi, Chhattisgarhi.
Area: 226 Sq. Km.
Best time to visit: October to March.
There are many sightseeing and picnic spots around Raipur. Here is the list of the top 7 best places to visit near Raipur which the tourists can visit for a single day.
1. KODAR DAM
Kodar dam is the highest dam in Mahasamund district and is around 65 km from Raipur. This dam is on the Mahanadi River. It is a good choice if you are looking for a family picnic spot in a natural environment. The place is easily accessible by road from Raipur city. Tourists can hire vehicles from Raipur on a To and Fro contract as there are no vehicles available from the Dam’s location. Also, you need to carry food articles with you as there are no hotels nearby.
You can witness the beautiful sunset and enjoy boating in the dam.
2. MADAM SILLI DAM
The Madam Silli Dam, also spelled Murrum Silli, is an embankment dam on the Sillari River, it is a tributary of the Mahanadi River. It is located in the Dhamtari District of Chhattisgarh. Built between 1914 and 1923, it is the first dam in Asia to have Siphon Spillways. Madamsilli is about 95 km from Raipur. It is one of the most prominent architectural marvels in Chhattisgarh. Madam silli is around 27 km from Dhamtari. It is well connected by roads from Raipur and Dhamtari.
3. ONAKONA TEMPLE.
Onakona temple is a less commonly visited place as it is not well known among the tourists. Onakona, located on the border of Dhamtari & Durg at the end of Balod district, started to be a subject of curiosity and discussion for some time, whether due to the temple or the lush greenery views. For some years, this place was unknown and far from accessible, but its beautiful views knocked in the hearts of some visitors, and with time the tourist's visits increased here. Now it is one of the best places to visit near Raipur especially when the temple construction started. It is situated at 90.4 Km from Raipur, 26.5 Km distance from Dhamtari, 51.7Km from Balod. It is located inside the village of Karrejhar. Two temples are being constructed on the banks of the dam located at Onakona, Temple's artwork is being built on the lines of Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Dham in Nashik.
4. SOMNATH TEMPLE
It is at a distance of 41 Km from Raipur on the Raipur – Bilaspur Highway. It is on the Shivnath Kharun Sangam. It is a serene location on the river bank where tourists can enjoy a picnic for a single day. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is open from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Darshan/Puja/Aarti/Archana tickets are available at the temple ticket counter. Boating facilities can also be availed in the river with local boatmen.
5. JUNGLE SAFARI
The Jungle Safari, located at sector-39, Naya Raipur. It is now considered one of the best places to visit near Raipur. Naya Raipur is about 35km from Raipur Railway Station and 15km from the Swami Vivekanand Airport, Raipur. Nandan Van Zoo and Safari is the largest man-made Jungle Safari in Asia. It has many forms of life to be explored in the caged bus. The entire 800 Acre area of the Nandanvan Jungle Safari is lush green, with beautiful landscapes. Several indigenous plant species also add up to the vegetation, creating a natural habitat for the animals. It has 130 Acre of water body named ‘Khandwa Reservoir’ which attracts many migratory bird species. Four safaris namely, herbivore, Bear, tiger & Lion Safari have been established. Another 32 species of animal will be exhibited in the upcoming zoo.
Timings: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from 1st Mar to 30th Sep and 09:30 am to 03:30 pm during 1stOct to 28th/29thFeb.
Online Ticket booking: +91 74406-06000
Jungle Safari Online Booking Link: https://serviceonline.gov.in/chhattisgarh/
6. HAZRA FALLS
Hazra Falls is 136 Km from Raipur via NH53. The nearest railway station is Dongargarh. There are a number of local and express trains from Raipur and Gondia to Dongargarh. From Dongargarh tourists can take private vehicles to the location which is around 29 Kms.
Hajra is a 46 meters high waterfall. The Hajra Waterfalls offer a spectacular view to the tourists. The falls are surrounded by dense forests and high mountains making it a beautiful destination for explorers and nature lovers. The mystical aura of the waterfalls attracts tourists with different interests.
7. BARNAWAPARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY.
Barnawapara is a famous wildlife sanctuary of Chhattisgarh. It is located 85 Km from Raipur and can be reached by private vehicle. This sanctuary is located in the Balodabazar district, which is spread over an area of 245 square kilometers. It was declared as Wildlife Sanctuary under the Wildlife Act in 1972. Four-horned deer, tigers, leopards, wild buffaloes, barking deer, hyena, porcupine, chinkara, and blackbuck, etc. are found. There is a lot to see for bird lovers.
Baranvapara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour promises to be an exciting and rewarding experience for all wildlife enthusiasts, bird lovers, and nature lovers.
Staying :
There are many private hotels and resorts around the sanctuary which offers lodging and boarding on different budgets. Also, tourists can avail the CG Forest guest Houses for a pocket-friendly stay.
Paryatak Gram offers different types of rooms as well as 8-bed dormitories and is run by the forest department of Chhattisgarh.
Contact: +91 74406-06000
Online Booking Link: http://www.cgforest.com/barnawapara/