Kanker - A Hidden Gem in Chhattisgarh
Kanker district is in the state of Chhattisgarh. It lies between two major cities, Raipur and Jagdalpur. Raipur is the capital of Chhattisgarh. Jagdalpur is a well-known city. Kanker is about 140 kilometers from Raipur. It is around 160 kilometers from Jagdalpur. Kanker is rich in history. It has old temples and forts. The area is full of green forests. Rivers and waterfalls add to its beauty. The Doodh river flows through Kanker. Many tribes live here. They have unique cultures and traditions. They celebrate many festivals.
These festivals are colorful and lively. The district is also known for its crafts. Handicrafts made by local people are famous. Bamboo and woodwork are popular. The climate in Kanker is pleasant. It is neither too hot nor too cold. The best time to visit is from October to March. Kanker is connected by road. Buses and taxis are available from Raipur and Jagdalpur. The nearest railway station is in Raipur. The nearest airport is also in Raipur. Kanker is slowly growing.
New facilities and services are coming up. It is a place worth visiting. Kanker offers a mix of nature, culture, and history. It is perfect for those who love to explore. The peaceful surroundings make it a great getaway. Kanker is a hidden gem in Chhattisgarh. It is waiting to be discovered. Kanker district lies between the two biggest cities, Raipur (capital of Chhattisgarh) and Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh.
History Of Kanker
Kanker is situated in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh state of India. Previously, it was a part of Madhya Pradesh state (before the formation of Chhattisgarh State). In 1999, Kanker was declared as an independent district. During ancient times, the place was home to several saints and spiritual gurus such as Kank, Lomesh, Shringi, and Angira. According to the ancient scriptures, the place was greatly influenced by Buddhism. Once, it was also ruled by the Satavahana Dynasty that left an undeniable impact. The great Chinese traveler, scholar, and Buddhist monk, Xuanzang has shared several references related to Kanker.
Places To Visit In Kanker
Kanker is one of the most popular tourist places in Chhattisgarh. Here's the list of places you can explore in Kanker.
1. Kanker Palace
The most popular destination of this town is Kanker Palace. The rich heritage of the place defines the ancient realm of the territory. Built in the 19th century, the palace was redesigned later. It is surely a stunning palace. Plan a visit to this place and enjoy staying here as it is open for guests planning to stay here and enjoy the royal charm of the palace. It is among the top-rated resorts in the area.
2. Charre-Marre Waterfall
Positioned at a distance of 17km from Kanker, Charre-Marre Waterfall offers a scenic view to its visitors and keeps them fascinated. Undoubtedly, an ideal destination to restore energies and enjoy a soothing effect.
3. Gadiya Mountain
It is here where you will find the mysterious cave where a famous Kandra king used to hide with his family. Alongside, you will also find a tank that is always full of water. It is the best place to start your trip in this town and explore the heritage that is also the pride of this place.
4. Maa Shivani Temple
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Maa Kali and Maa Durga. It gently embraces calmness and divinity that seems to attract devotees and visitors alike. You’d find huge crowds, especially at the time of Navratri, when a large number of devotees visit this temple to get the blessings of divine deity.
5. Gangrel Dam
It is the most upstream dam situated on the Mahanadi River. The Gangrel Dam is also the largest dam in the state of Chhattisgarh. There are several resorts located in the vicinity. The views of the dam are picturesque and keep visitors enthralled by the sheer power of water cascading from great heights.
6. Parsu Tola
It is just a few kilometers away from Kanker. The place is famous for various water activities like surfing, boating, etc. A one-day trip or picnic can also be enjoyed here.
7. Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary
Although tourists don't know much about this place, the Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit. One can explore a variety of flora and fauna at this sanctuary. The famous Udanti River passes through the reserve adding to its natural beauty. If you are lucky and visit the reserve at the right time, you can spot wild animals like Leopards, Tigers, Flying Squirrels, four-horned antelopes, Black Buck, Chinkara, Barking Deer, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Bison, Monkey, and more.
8. Keshkal Valley – The Gateway to Bastar
The Keshkal Ghat is a stunning hilly stretch with 12 hairpin bends, offering mesmerizing views of the dense forests and valleys below. It marks the transition from Kanker to Bastar and is a great spot for adventure seekers.
10. Tribal Culture & Art
Kanker is home to the Gond and Maria tribes, known for their unique dance forms, traditional music, and vibrant handicrafts. Visitors can:
- Watch traditional tribal dances like the Gaur dance
- Buy handcrafted bamboo and terracotta artifacts
- Experience authentic tribal food
Things to Do in Kanker
- Explore waterfalls – Visit Malajkudum, Charre-Marre, and Doodh River
- Visit historical sites – Explore Kanker Palace and Gadiya Mountain
- Enjoy adventure & trekking – Hike through Keshkal Valley & forest trails
- Experience tribal culture – Watch tribal performances & shop for handicrafts
- Take a scenic road trip – Drive through Keshkal’s hairpin bends
Best Time to Visit Kanker
Kanker is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year, but certain seasons enhance its beauty and make the experience more enjoyable.
Winter (October to March)
The winter season is the best time to visit Kanker. The weather is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 25°C. This makes it perfect for sightseeing and exploring the natural beauty of the district. The lush green forests, waterfalls, and rivers are at their best during this time. Festivals and local fairs are also more frequent in the winter, offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture and traditions of the region.
Monsoon (July to September)
Monsoon brings heavy rainfall to Kanker. The forests and landscapes turn even greener, and the waterfalls are at their most magnificent. However, the heavy rains can make travel difficult, as some roads might be less accessible. If you love rain and don’t mind the occasional disruption, the monsoon season can be a unique time to experience the natural beauty of Kanker.
Summer (April to June)
Summers in Kanker can be quite hot, with temperatures soaring up to 40°C. While the mornings and evenings are relatively cooler, the daytime heat can be intense. This season is not ideal for outdoor activities, but it is a good time to explore the local markets and enjoy indoor attractions.
If you plan to visit during the summer, early morning and late afternoon activities are recommended.
How To Reach Kanker
To reach Kanker in Chhattisgarh, you can choose any mode of transport. It is well-connected with all three modes of transport- air, rail, and road. Check out the following details on how you can reach here by the following means of public transport.
- Nearest Metro City. Kolkata
- Distance from Kolkata. 1052 Km
- Nearest City. Bilaspur
- Distance from Bilaspur. 295.6 Km
- Nearest Airbase. Swami Vivekanand Airport, Raipur
- Nearest Railway Station. Raipur Railway Station
By Air
Deboard at the Swami Vivekanand Airport located about 120-130 km away in Raipur. The airport is well-connected to several Indian cities with good flight connectivity with many prominent airlines like Jet Airways, Indigo, Jet Lite, etc providing regular direct and connecting flight services. After deboarding at the airport, you can take a cab or some other means of transportation to reach here.
- Distance from the Nearest Airport.120 Km
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Kanker
By Train
Kanker in Bastar does not have its own railway station. Thus, considering your geographical location, you can deboard at either Raipur Railway Station, Balod Railway Station, Dalli-Rajhara Railway Station, or Gunderdehi Railway Station. All these railheads are located within 100-120 km distance from Kanker. From the stations, you can easily book a taxi to reach your destination.
- Distance from the Raipur Railway Station.176.7 Km
- Distance from the Balod Railway Station.75.5 Km
By Road
The road connectivity of Kanker is well-structured and easily accessible. From the neighboring cities, you can easily get onboard interstate/private buses, take a taxi, or self-drive here.
- Distance From Bilaspur. 260 km via NH30 or NH130
- Distance From Raigarh. 359 km via NH53
- Distance From Korba. 358 km via NH30
- Distance from Delhi. 1314 Km
- Distance from Mumbai. 1118 Km
- Distance from Kolkata. 1052 Km
- Distance from Bengaluru. 1255 Km
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Kanker
Ques 1. When was Kanker Found?
Ans 1. Kanker was found in the early second century. The ruler of the Satavahana dynasty, Raja Satkarni established this town. In 1809, it was occupied by Nagpur Marathas after usurping Raja Satkarni.
Ques 2. Where is Kanker located?
Ans 2. Kanker is located in the Kanker district. It was earlier a part of Bastar district but now has its own district.
Ques 3. What is Kanker famous for?
Ans 3. Kanker is known for its royal heritage, waterfalls, tribal culture, dense forests, and adventure tourism. It is home to the Kanker Palace, Gadiya Mountain, Malajkudum Waterfall, and vibrant tribal communities.
Ques 4. Are there adventure activities in Kanker?
Ans 4. Yes! Kanker offers trekking, waterfall exploration, forest hikes, and riverbank camping. Adventure lovers can explore Gadiya Mountain, Keshkal Valley, and the dense jungles of Kanker.
Ques 5. How many days are enough to explore Kanker?
Ans 5. A 2 to 3-day trip is ideal to explore Kanker’s waterfalls, forts, tribal culture, and scenic beauty.
