The largest city and the capital of Chhattisgarh, Raipur is a less visited place in India. Though, it is home to some stunning beaches and ancient temples. It is one of the largest industrial centers in India, with over 200 steel mills and 6 steel plants. Apart from this, the city also houses many aluminum and coal industries. That said, Raipur is a fast-emerging tourism sector, welcoming many tourists from nearby cities for a weekend getaway.
The rich history of Raipur states that until 2000, it was a part of Madhya Pradesh. But as soon as Chhattisgarh was formed, Raipur was made its capital due to its centralized location. The city is bustling with a multi-cultural and multi-religious society. The best part is its festivals that you can attend to get glimpses of culture and traditions.
Why should you visit Raipur?
If historical attractions pique your interest, visit Raipur. If you wish to get an insight into a diverse society, visit Raipur. In addition, the city has rich wildlife, which may interest many wildlife enthusiasts. Nandan Van Zoo & Safari and Gandhi Udyan Park are where you can experience rich biodiversity.
For the spiritually inclined, Raipur has several ancient temples like Mahamaya Temple, ISKCON Raipur, Rajiv Lochan Mandir, and Kevalya Dham Jain Temple. Hareli, Champaran Mela, Pola, and Teeja are some famous festivals celebrated during the rainy season you can visit to witness their culture and traditions. And no city in India is complete without its unique flavors, and Raipur is no different. So, try lip-smacking dishes and make your trip to Raipur memorable.
Places to Visit in Raipur
From ancient temples to places of religious interest, Raipur has many tourist attractions. You can see the exotic wildlife and seek blessings at the centuries-old temple at the same time.
Here are the best Raipur tourist attractions –
- Energy Park
- ISKCON Raipur
- Mahant Ghasi Memorial Museum
- Banjari Mata Temple
- Swami Vivekanand Sarovar
- MM Fun City
- Kevalya Dham Jain Temple
- Gandhi Udyan Park
- Purkhauti Muktangan
- Ghatarani Waterfalls
Things to Do in Raipur
To make your Raipur tour more exciting, here are some top things to do for fun –
- Enjoy the water rides at MM Fun City.
- Spend time amidst nature at waterfalls.
- Take a dip at Swami Vivekanand Sarovar.
- Seek blessings at ISKCON Raipur.
- Listen to the evening aarti at Banjari Mata Temple
- Spot the vibrant flora and fauna at Nandan Van Zoo & Safari
How to Reach Raipur
Raipur is well-linked to other cities, towns and villages in Chhattisgarh and the main cities in other Indian states. Raipur Airport is the domestic airport, called Swami Vivekananda Airport. It connects cities like Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Jaipur, Delhi, and Kolkata to Raipur via flights by Air India, Indigo, and more. Raipur Railway Station is also linked to cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, etc. via trains like Bilaspur Express, Pune Hatia Super Fast, Howrah Sup Express, etc. You can also take a Chhattisgarh State Road Transport Corporation (CSRTC) or private bus from nearby cities, including Barauda Village, Bilaspur, Durg, and Patewa. For details, read about how to reach Raipur here.
Best Time to Visit Raipur
Winter (October to March) is the best season to visit Raipur. The weather during this time remains pleasant, making your sightseeing enjoyable. The temperature also ranges from 18°C to 30°C. Summers are extremely hot with temperatures as high as 38°C, making it exhausting for tourists. Raipur receives heavy rainfall between June and September, and if you wish to see the beauty of nature, you can plan a trip to Raipur. Read about the best time to visit Raipur here.
Travel Tips for Raipur
- Avoid the summer season, as your sightseeing experience will be quite unpleasant.
- Carry warm clothes for winter as it gets chilly sometimes.
- Do not go swimming at the beach during monsoons as the rains are heavy.
- Respect the local culture.
- Wear appropriate clothes when visiting temples and other religious sites.
- Attend the festivals for cultural insight.
- Stay away from roaming at night in isolated places.
- Reserve your hotels and flights/bus/train tickets beforehand, especially during the peak season (winter in this case).
