Chhattisgarh
Discover Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh (Hindi: छत्तीसगढ़ Chattīsgaṛh), the land of thirty-six forts, is a state in Eastern India. Chhattisgarh located in the heart of India, is a state shaped by dense forests, ancient traditions, and a cultural identity that feels distinct from the more frequently visited parts of the country. Created in 2000 after being carved out of Madhya Pradesh, it remains one of India’s most tribal‑rich regions, with Indigenous communities making up a significant portion of the population. Their customs, festivals, music, and crafts form the cultural backbone of the state, giving visitors a rare chance to experience traditions that have been preserved for centuries.
What to Experience in Chhattisgarh
Taste of Chhattisgarh...
The special delicacies like jalebis, rakhia badi and petha are the main appeals of Chhattisgarhi cuisine. The people of the state have an inclination towards tangy recipes and sweet delectables. Maize, wheat and jowar (sorghum) are the staples of Chhattisgarh. The state is quite fertile with an abundance of crops such as rice and oilseeds. The food of Chhattisgarh is categorised as tribal or non-tribal. The tribes of Chhattisgarh primarily add the various types of fruits that are commonly found in the forest areas. Rakhia badi and petha are the two distinctive food items that are prepared by the tribal population of Chhattisgarh during major festivals. Jalebi is a lip-smacking sweet which is prepared in almost every household in the state, and the people of Chhattisgarh like to have something sweet at the end of their meals. Lentils such as chana dal (chickpeas) with which a special recipe called bafauri is made in the state, are also used as a staple by the locals. Chhattisgarh offers a mix of traditional tribal beverages and familiar Indian favourites, making it an interesting place to explore local drinking culture. In rural and tribal regions, you’ll often come across mahua, a mildly alcoholic drink made from fermented mahua flowers. It has a distinct earthy sweetness and is deeply tied to local customs and celebrations.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe hilly terrain and forests of the virgin Kanger Valley National Park, in the epicentre of the tribal Bastar district, house a number of ancient caves. The Caves are closed during the monsoons and for some time thereafter. They normally open around the time of Bastar Lokotsav. Guides take tourists in and out safely. However, it is advised that children below 8 years, those above 60 years, and those suffering from claustrophobia avoid the Caves. Wear walking shoes with a sturdy grip as the floor is often uneven and occasionally slippery. A nominal entrance fee is charged. This covers the cost of the guide who takes you in and out of the Caves and also provides a torch. Chhattisgarh has India's finest waterfalls, comparable to the best in the world. Some of them are: A number of Chhattisgarh's 16 districts were formerly princely states, leaving a legacy of picturesque palaces....
Regions
Explore AreasChhattisgarh located in the heart of India, is a state shaped by dense forests, ancient traditions, and a cultural identity that feels distinct from the more frequently visited parts of the country. C…...
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The hilly terrain and forests of the virgin Kanger Valley National Park, in the epicentre of the tribal Bastar district, house a number of ancient caves. The Caves are closed during the monsoons and for some time thereafter. They normally open around the time of Bastar Lokotsav. Guides take tourists in and out safely. However, it is advised that children below 8 years, those above 60 years, and those suffering from claustrophobia avoid the Caves. Wear walking shoes with a sturdy grip as the floor is often uneven and occasionally slippery. A nominal entrance fee is charged. This covers the cost of the guide who takes you in and out of the Caves and also provides a torch. Chhattisgarh has India's finest waterfalls, comparable to the best in the world. Some of them are: A number of Chhattisgarh's 16 districts were formerly princely states, leaving a legacy of picturesque palaces.
Language & Talk
Hindi is the most widely spoken language across Chhattisgarh, and most people in cities and larger towns will understand standard Hindi without difficulty. However, the local language, Chhattisgarhi, is the heart of everyday communication for many residents. It has its own rhythm, vocabulary, and warmth, and hearing it spoken in markets, villages, and rural areas adds a distinct cultural flavour to the region. Travellers who pick up a few simple Chhattisgarhi phrases are often met with smiles and appreciation. In tribal regions—especially in Bastar, Dantewada, and Jashpur—you’ll encounter several Indigenous languages such as Gondi, Halbi, and Korwa.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Chhattisgarh is generally a welcoming and peaceful place for travellers, but like anywhere, it helps to stay aware of your surroundings. Urban areas such as Raipur, Bilaspur, and Durg are usually safe, though you should take normal precautions—keep valuables secure, avoid isolated areas late at night, and use registered taxis or app‑based transport when possible. Roads can be busy and unpredictable, especially after dark, so plan intercity travel during daylight hours whenever you can. In rural and forested regions, especially in parts of Bastar, Dantewada, and Sukma, some areas have a history of insurgent activity. Most tourist‑friendly zones, national parks, and major towns are well‑patrolled and safe, but it’s wise to check current local advice before venturing into remote areas. Stick to known routes, travel with a guide if exploring tribal villages or deep forest areas, and avoid wandering off marked trails in national parks.
Glimpses of Chhattisgarh
a bird's eye view of a small village surrounded by trees
Waterfall
a landscape with trees and buildings
grayscale photo of waterfalls under cloudy sky
a view of a mountain with a sky background
Calvin Klein obsession and obsession night eau de parfume spray
Plant Dahlias
The Thar was designed to be a rugged, reliable, and affordable off-road vehicle that could handle the rough terrain found in many parts of India
a group of green bottles sitting next to each other
a black and white bird standing on a dirt road
a bird's eye view of a small village surrounded by trees
Waterfall
a landscape with trees and buildings