When you travel in the state of Maharashtra, one of the places that you should not miss out on visiting is Chandrapur. This city is often referred to as the City of Black Gold because of its huge number of coal reserves.
The city is attractively located along the Wardha River in Maharashtra State. Chandrapur is rich with attractions. Examples include pristine natural sites, historic forts, expansive national parks and numerous temples. It is an ideal destination for tourists seeking adventure activities.
Apart from its association with coal, this city is the home to the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. This tiger reserve holds the pride of being one of the largest and oldest tiger reserves in India. So, wildlife enthusiasts can get to see majestic wild animals in their natural habitat.
Chandrapur – An Introduction
Chandrapur is known for its historical depth. You can understand its historical significance from its ancient forts and temples. The combination of historical places, wildlife and natural beauty offers exciting and comprehensive experiences to travellers with different interests.
Chandrapur was previously called “Chanda”. The history of the city shows that it was then called Lokapur. Then, the name was changed to Indpur. Subsequently, the city got a new name Chandrapur.
During the British rule in this region, the district was called Chanda District. Then, around 1964, it got back its old name of Chandrapur. History of the region shows that the Buddhist and Hindu Kings have ruled this region for a long time. Different factors make this city one of the best places to visit during your trip to Maharashtra.
How to Reach Chandrapur?
Thankfully, you can choose one of the many modes available to reach Chandrapur. Here are the details about the modes of transportation. You can choose a convenient mode:
By Bus
Bus services are available from different parts of Maharashtra to help you reach Chandrapur. You can take Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation Buses from other parts of Maharashtra and nearby states to reach Chandrapur. Regular government and private buses run from cities like Pune, Hyderabad and Nagpur.
By Train
Chandrapur has its railway station. It is part of the central Railway Zone. It is connected well to cities like Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai through regular trains. Thankfully, this station is located just 2 km away from the city centre. So, you can hire an auto to reach the city from the railway station.
By Flight
Nagpur International Airport or Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is the nearest airport to Chandrapur. This airport is located around 150 km away from the city. from the airport, you have the option to hire a cab or you can also rely on public buses to reach the city.
By Car
If you are travelling from nearby cities like Hyderabad or Nagpur, you can travel by car to reach Chandrapur. It will be a scenic experience as the roads are maintained well.
Key Attractions & Things to Do
Tadoba Andhari National Park
This wildlife sanctuary is a key attraction in Chandrapur. This wildlife sanctuary is known for its diverse zones that offer sightings of tigers and other native fauna. In this sanctuary, birdwatching is a key attraction.
Mahakali temple
This temple, as the name implies is dedicated to goddess Mahakali. It is an ancient temple. It is one of the key attractions in Chandrapur that you should not miss out on visiting.
Bhadrawati Jain Temple
This Jain temple is one of the religious places to visit in Chandrapur. It is known for its clean ambience. The temple campus is well-maintained. You can meditate in silence.
Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station
If you would like to take your kids on an educational trip, you can take them to Chandrapur Thermal Power Station. It is located around 5-6 km away from Chandrapur City. You can learn about the Thermal Power Structure from this power station.
Chapala Wildlife Sanctuary
Are you a wildlife enthusiast? If so, you will love this wildlife sanctuary for sure.
MDR Mall & Multiplex
This mall is home to three Miraj Cinema Screens. It has a lot of opportunities to shop. It is one of the best places in Chandrapur to chill out with friends and family.
Bhamragarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Again, Chandrapur district offers this sanctuary to wildlife enthusiasts. This deep forest in Bhamragarh will satiate your thirst for wildlife spotting.
Ancient Caves
Are you a history buff? If so, you will love to know that Chandrapur is the home to some ancient caves. If you love exploring ancient caves, this place will impress you for sure. Even though the caves are old, they are in good condition.
Chandrapur Fort
This historical fort was built by the Gond Kings. You can get to know about the colourful past of the city from this fort.
Ballapur Fort
Located near Chandrapur, this fort again stands as proof of the historical importance of this region.
Anandwan
This is a community rehabilitation Centre established by Baba Amte. For its serene atmosphere and inspiring work, this place is one of the best places to visit in Chandrapur.
Eraiyur Mines
As mentioned earlier, Chandrapur is popular for its coal mines. Make sure to visit these mines that form an important part of the economy of the city.
Best Time & Season to Visit
The peak season in Chandrapur is between November and February. During this season, you can expect pleasant weather. The temperature will dip at night. During this season, you will love outdoor activities and shopping and you can explore the architectural marvel of the city.
The moderate season is between July and October. During this season, there will be heavy rainfall throughout the day with cool breezes. You can expect lush greenery with clean atmosphere if you choose to visit in this season.
The off-season is between March and June. The weather will be hot with high levels of humidity during this season. You can explore monuments and temples during this season. Of course, you can enjoy local food.
Duration to See
The number of days you can stay in Chandrapur depends largely on the attractions that you wish to explore.
- Two Days: If you have only two days, you can visit Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Also, in two days, you can explore the forts and temples in the city.
- 3-4 Days: If you have three to four days, you can combine wildlife safaris with visits to Ballarpur Fort, Anandwan and other nearby attractions apart from those mentioned above.
Best Restaurants & Cafes Around
- Swad Restaurant
- Veg Junction
- Rasraj
- City Café
- The Joint Shawarma Café
- Hishrey’s Delicacy
- 1957 Sachi’s Kitchen
- Tanishq Café
- Uttam Dhaba
- Sultan Ifham Biryani Centre
Where to Stay? Best Resorts
- Svasara Jungle Lodge at Tadoba
- Tadoba Tiger King Resort
- Royal Tiger Resort, Tadoba
- Chava Kolara Resort
- Tristar Hotels
- MTDC Holiday Resort Tadoba
- WelcomHeritage Tadoba Vanya Villas Resort & Spa
- Mana’s Jungle Resort
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
Chandrapur does not have any entry fee in general. However, for some attractions like the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, you will have to pay an entry fee, which might vary from Rs.100 to Rs.300 per person based on the zone. Also, forts in Chandrapur might charge a nominal entry fee.
Check out my post on Pawna Lake Camping: A Tranquil Escape into Nature.
FAQ
1. What is the general Climate of Chandrapur?
Chandrapur has a dry and hot climate. The humidity is generally low. The coldest month in the city is December. During this season, the average lowest temperature will be around 7.6 degrees Celsius. The hottest month is May, during which the average maximum temperature will be 45 degrees Celsius.
2. What is the Local language in Chandrapur?
Most people in Chandrapur speak Marathi. The Gonds in this region speak the native Gondi Language. Also, some people speak Hindi. So, if you can speak or understand Hindi, you can manage. Thankfully, we have apps that translate languages these days.
3. What is Chandrapur Popular For?
Chandrapur is popular for its rich cultural heritage. Its cold proximity to many national parks makes it one of the best destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. It is also known for ancient temples and forts.
4. What is the Best Time to Visit Chandrapur for Wildlife Tours?
You can visit the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve between October and June. This is the best season for sighting animals. When you visit during the summer months of April to June, you will have more chances of wildlife spotting. The reason is that animals come in search of water.
5. Is It Essential To Book Safari Trips in advance at Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve?
If you are planning to visit the reserve during peak season, you can book in advance. Otherwise, advance booking might not be needed.
Conclusion
Chandrapur is a unique destination that brings together wildlife, spirituality and history. The diverse attractions of the city make it an ideal getwaway for adventure seekers, solo travellers and families. So, get ready to plan your trip and uncover the many treasures of this wonderful city.
Check out my other posts on Maharashtra
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The Ultimate Guide About Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai’s Hidden Jewel
10-Day Maharashtra Itinerary – Exploring Cultural and Natural Odyssey
100 Places to Visit Near Mumbai to Consider For Your Next Trip
Navigating Mumbai International Airport: A Gateway to India’s Vibrant Spirit
Best 14 Things To Do in Mahabaleshwar – The Top Experiences You Should Not Miss Out On
