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Nestled among the towering heights of Chhattisgarh’s Maikal Hills, Chaiturgarh Fort is an emblem of India’s mesmerising historical past. Standing tall at 3060 feet, this fort popularly known as Lafagarh is noted for its mediaeval architecture and significance as a cultural landmark. Besides being a historical monument, the fort offers a serene escape into nature surrounded by dense forests and ancient temples; therefore, travellers visiting Chhattisgarh are advised not to miss it. We will provide a deep insight into Chaiturgarh Fort in Chhattisgarh for your next journey to this beautiful state.
Chaiturgarh Fort Location
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Chaiturgarh Fort is located in the Maikal Hills, within the Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, India. This impressive fort stands at a height of roughly 3060 feet above sea level with spectacular views of the entire landscape around it. Built during the era of the Kalachuri dynasty, the fort’s location is strategic and has rough terrain making it a stronghold. It is around 19 kilometres from Pali town and about 140 kilometres from Bilaspur city. It can be reached through winding roads that offer travellers picturesque scenery dotted by thick forests and hills.
How To Reach Chaiturgarh Fort
Photo: Mettle30 / Wikimedia Commons
Visitors can reach Chaiturgarh Fort, Chhattisgarh easily with proper planning and preparing a road plan.
By Air: In Raipur, Swami Vivekananda airport is the closest to the fort, about 200 km away. You can get to Bilaspur from Raipur either by taxi or bus which takes roughly 3-4 hours.
By Rail: One can opt for a train to Bilaspur Junction, about 140 kilometres away. A taxi or bus may be hired from Bilaspur to Pali.
By Road: The fort is well connected by roads making it possible to reach it by taxi or car from Bilaspur (140 km) or Rajpur (200 km) and reach Pali, which is the closest town to the fort (19 km). After reaching Pali, you need to continue on foot across rough landscapes.
Places To Visit Near Chaiturgarh Fort
1. Kawardha Palace
Photo: Viren vr / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kawardha Palace, situated approximately 110 km from the fort, is a remarkable representation of Indo-European architecture. Situated within verdant grounds, this heritage palace, constructed by Maharaja Dharamraj Singh in the 1930s, offers a glimpse into Chhattisgarh’s royal past. Today, some parts of this palace have been converted into heritage hotels. People who love history or want to spend some time surrounded by peace should visit Kawardha Palace.
Major Attractions: The Palace architecture, heritage stay, lush gardens, cultural immersion
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fee: N/A
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Station: Kawardha Railway Station (2 km)
2. Malhar
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
The ancient Malhar town is located about 90 kilometres away from the fort. It has several ancient shrines like Pataleshwar Temple and Danteshwari Temple which can be traced back to 10 century AD. The town is also famous for having well-preserved ruins along with inscriptions. It serves as an insight into the architectural and cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh.
Major Attractions: Pataleshwar Temple, Dindeshwari Temple, Malhar Ruins
Best Time To Visit: October and March
Entry Fee: N/A
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 day
Nearest Station: Kawardha Railway Station (20 km)
3. Khutaghat Dam
Photo: Sixflashphoto / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Khutaghat dam, located approximately eighty kilometres from the fort, is a picturesque reservoir in the Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh. The dam is built across the Kelo River and is surrounded by green forests and rolling hills, creating a calm and quiet environment. It has become a popular place for picnics, relaxation and photography. Light trekking can be practised around the dam area to enjoy the beauty of the region’s nature.
Major Attractions: Scenic beauty, picnic spot, photography, light trekking
Best Time To Visit: October and March
Entry Fee: N/A
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Railway Station: Bilaspur Junction (40 km)
4. Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Paul Morley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, located 100 km away from the fort, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its biodiversity and dense forests. The sanctuary is home to various wildlife including tigers, leopards, bison and over 200 species of birds, and stretches more than 550 square kilometres. Suggested activities include jeep safaris, guided tours and birdwatching, with the best time to visit between November and June.
Major Attractions: Jeep Safaris, Birdwatching, Manda and Khudra Waterfalls, Kanha-Achanakmar Corridor
Best Time To Visit: October and March
Entry Fee: N/A
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Railway Station: Bilaspur Junction (550 km)
Where To Stay
Photo: Derek Jensen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chaiturgarh Fort offers limited accommodation options around it and therefore most travellers prefer towns such as Pali or Bilaspur. Pali has some basic guesthouses and budget accommodations. If you want more comfortable but varied options for lodging, Bilaspur would be the best option where you will find a range of hotels including low-cost ones. Staying at Bilaspur permits easy access to restaurants, transportation and other amenities.
Where To Eat
Photo: Tadahiro Higuchi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The dining options available around the fort are few. There are a few small hotels and roadside eateries in the nearby town of Pali, where you can relish local foods that are often made with staples such as rice, lentils and vegetables. Although these outlets do not offer many choices, they are known for their authentic taste of local foods. However, if you prefer more choices or want more hearty meals, Bilaspur located approximately 140 kilometres away is a great choice. In Bilaspur, different restaurants and cafes serve a variety of meals ranging from traditional Chhattisgarhi cuisine to well-known Indian dishes.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Hyundai Motor Group / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
In colder months, from October to March, you should plan your trip to Chaiturgarh Fort. This period has a mild climate between 15°C to 25°C which is good for trekking and exploring the fort. From June to September there are heavy rains in this region that result in bad trekking conditions and slippery grounds. In addition to that, summer months from April to June are characterised by high temperatures making it difficult to carry out outdoor activities comfortably. Henceforth, tourists will have a comfortable time during the winter and early spring seasons.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Workshop& / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Here are some factors to consider while visiting this historic fort to make the most of your trip:
Average Cost Of The Trip
The typical cost of a visit to the fort is determined by multiple variables including transport, lodging, and feeding. On a budget tour, an individual should budget approximately ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 for simple lodgings in Pali or Bilaspur along with local meals. Medium-range travellers might spend between ₹6,000 and ₹10,000 per person.
Tips For Travellers
- Always carry water especially if it’s hot outside; it will help keep your body hydrated and prevent dehydration.
- Check for the Chaiturgarh Fort timings before visiting to avoid any hassle.
- Opt for local taxis or auto-rickshaws. One can also rent bicycles to move conveniently.
- Sunscreen, glasses and hats are essential for protection against sun rays.
- Ensure you have enough cash, as not all places accept credit cards.
- Pay attention to your belongings and always leave your valuables in designated locker rooms.
- Carry a good-quality camera to capture Chaiturgarh Fort pictures.
Add Chaiturgarh Fort to your itinerary today and learn about the rich history and beautiful architecture of the place. If you are a history aficionado, nature enthusiast or just looking for a calm holiday then this historic fort and its nearby attractions have something for everyone. Plan your trip with TripXL for a memorable experience.
Cover Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
