Raigarh, proudly known as the Cultural Capital of Chhattisgarh, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. While the city continues to witness rapid development in various sectors, it has successfully preserved its rich legacy in classical dance, music, and traditional art forms. Raigarh is especially renowned for its Kathak dance gharana and its deep-rooted connection to Indian classical music.
In addition to its cultural richness, Raigarh plays a key role in India’s industrial growth. The region is well-known for its coal reserves, power generation plants, and growing contribution to the steel and iron industry. Despite having a relatively smaller population, Raigarh is emerging as a major industrial and energy hub in eastern India.
What makes Raigarh even more vibrant is its dedication to celebrating art and heritage. The city hosts several cultural events, the most popular being the Chakradhar Samaroh, a classical music and dance festival held in honor of King Chakradhar Singh, a patron of the arts. These festivals draw artists and tourists from across the country.
Raigarh is also a great place for travelers, offering temples, museums, serene lakes, and heritage attractions. With its unique blend of culture, industry, and natural beauty, Raigarh stands out as a top destination to explore in Chhattisgarh.
Why Visit Raigarh?
Raigarh is an ancient princely state known for its vibrant arts, temples, and industrial importance. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical forts, attending cultural festivals, or experiencing local tribal traditions, Raigarh has something for every traveler.
History Of Raigarh
Its history dates back to the pre-independence era. Earlier, it was known as the Princely state of Raigarh. Talking about Raigarh's history in detail, during independence, it was also one of the first few states to join the independent nation of India. However, due to various inner conflicts, the soul of this city has somewhat faded away.
In the beginning, it was Raja Madan Singh who had established this state. There was also a time when Raigarh was a part of Sambalpur State and Madan Singh was the Samant of the King of Sambalpur state. Eventually, Madan Singh established a separate city of Raigarh. He was a king who hailed from a small village located in Chanda District and was succeeded by Takhat Singh, Beth Singh, Dilip Singh, Jujhar Singh, Devnath Singh, Ghanshyam Singh, Bhupdev Singh, and Chakradhar Singh. The last king of Raigarh was Raja Chakradhar Singh.
Major Attractions in Raigarh for Tours and Tourism
Attraction |
Description |
Timings |
Entry Fee |
Ram Jharna |
A scenic natural stream with mythological significance linked to Lord Ram. |
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Free |
Chakradhar Palace |
Historical palace of Raja Chakradhar Singh, known for music and dance heritage. |
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
?10 (Approx.) |
Chakradhar Samaroh Venue |
Cultural ground where the annual classical music & dance festival is held. |
Event-based |
Varies (Free to ?100) |
Maa Chandrapat Devi Temple |
Popular hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Chandrapat, offering panoramic views. |
6:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Free |
Kelo River & Kelo Dam |
A peaceful riverside and dam area ideal for picnics and nature walks. |
Open all day |
Free |
Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary |
Dense forest sanctuary with rich biodiversity, great for wildlife lovers. |
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
?20 (Indians) |
Shiv Temple, Ramnagar |
A serene Shiva temple with spiritual ambiance near Raigarh town. |
6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Free |
Hanuman Vatika |
Spiritual park with large Hanuman statue, lush greenery, and quiet surroundings. |
6:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Free |
Moti Mahal |
A heritage structure with beautiful architecture, reflecting royal history. |
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
?10 (Approx.) |
Singhanpur Caves (Nearby) |
Prehistoric caves with ancient rock paintings; located about 60 km from Raigarh. |
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Free |
Top Activities for Tours and Tourism in Raigarh
Do you wish to make Raigarh vacation a perfect 10/10? Then, must try the below-mentioned things to do in Raigarh:
1. Religious Tourism
- Visit Jagannath Temple, Maa Mahamaya Temple, and Hanuman Mandir.
- Experience the Rath Yatra festival and other religious events.
2. Wildlife and Adventure Tourism
- Explore Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary for jungle safaris and birdwatching.
- Enjoy trekking and nature walks in the forested areas.
3. Cultural and Heritage Tourism
- Witness Kathak and Odissi dance performances, as Raigarh is known for its classical dance culture.
- Explore Raigarh Fort and ancient sites.
4. Nature and Leisure Tourism
- Relax by Kelo River, Rabo Dam, and Ram Jharna.
- Enjoy boating, fishing, and photography.
5. Shopping & Local Markets
- Buy tribal handicrafts, metalwork, and handloom fabrics.
- Explore local markets for traditional Chhattisgarhi products.
Best Time to Visit Raigarh for Tours and Tourism
- October to March – Best for sightseeing, wildlife tours, and festivals.
- April to June – Hot summer months, best for temple visits in the morning.
- July to September – Lush greenery due to monsoons, ideal for nature lovers.
Accommodation in Raigarh
Luxury Hotels – Offer modern amenities and comfortable stays.
Budget Hotels & Lodges – Affordable options for tourists and pilgrims.
Resorts & Guesthouses – Available near nature spots for a relaxing experience.
Travel Tips for Raigarh Tourism
- Plan your visit during festivals like Rath Yatra for a cultural experience.
- Carry binoculars for wildlife spotting in Gomarda Sanctuary.
- Book accommodations in advance if visiting during peak seasons.
- Explore local cuisine, including Chhattisgarhi snacks and sweets.
- Visit early morning for the best experience at temples and natural sites.
How To Reach Raigarh
Raigarh's highlighting factor is its coal reserves. Due to its scenic urban vistas, it can be a great travel getaway. It is well-connected with different parts of the country by all three modes of transportation.
- Nearest Major City. Bilaspur
- Nearest Airbase. Swami Vivekanand International Airport
- Nearest Railhead. Raigarh Railway Station
- Distance from Bilaspur. 132 Km
By Air
The city of Raigarh doesn’t have very good connectivity via a flight. However, it does have its own airport of the same name but it is not very well connected. Thus, it would be best for anyone to look for some other means of travel options like a bus or a train. But still, if you want to travel here by air then your best option would be Swami Vivekananda International Airport. It is located at a distance of 243 km via NH49 or NH53. Formerly known as the Raipur Airport, it is the primary airport that serves Chhattisgarh state and is considered the 28th busiest airport in India in terms of passenger traffic. This airport has only a single runway and is also equipped with CAT-1 Instrument Landing System. After you deboard at the airport, you will need to take some mode of public transportation like a cab or a bus.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Raigarh
By Train
The overall connectivity via train is good. Raigarh has its railhead of the same name. This railway station serves Raigarh and nearby cities like Ambikapur, Surguja, Dharamjaigarh, and Sarangarh. After you deboard at the railway station, you can always take a cab or some other means of public transportation to reach your destination. Here is how you can reach here by train.
NOTE: You must visit the tourist places nearest Raigrah railway station.
- Nearest railway station. Rajgarh Railway Station
- Distance from Rajgarh Railway Station. 0.72 Km
By Road
The city of Raigarh has fairly good connectivity with other nearby Indian cities. You can also consider traveling from interstate buses. Here is the route you can take to reach here. You can also consider traveling here by interstate or private bus.
- Distance from Delhi. 1,276 km via NH19 or NH44
- Distance from Agra. 1,060 km via NH19 or Agra-Lucknow Expressway
- Distance from Indore. 981 km via NH47 or NH53
- Distance from Bhubaneswar. 392 km via NH49 or NH57
- Distance from Jamshedpur. 428 km via NH49 or NH43
- Distance from Puri. 456 km via NH55 or NH49
- Distance from Raipur. 250 km via NH49 or NH53
- Distance from Delhi. 1254 Km
So, are you ready to explore this panoramic and culturally rich city? Then, why wait any longer? Book now with adotrip.com and let your adventure begin!
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Frequently Asked Questions Related to Raigarh
Q1: Why is Raigarh famous?
A1: Raigarh is famous for its rich cultural heritage, especially its contribution to Kathak dance, classical music, and Dhokra art. It is also known as the Cultural Capital of Chhattisgarh and has a strong industrial presence in steel and power production.
Q2: What is the religion of Raigarh?
A2: The majority religion in Raigarh is Hinduism, followed by communities practicing Islam, Christianity, and Jainism. The city reflects religious harmony and hosts various festivals throughout the year.
Q3: Which state is Raigarh the capital of?
A3: Raigarh is not a state capital. It is a city and district in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. The capital of Chhattisgarh is Raipur.
Q4: What language is spoken in Raigarh?
A4: The primary language spoken in Raigarh is Chhattisgarhi, while Hindi is widely used for communication and education. Some people also speak Odia and English.
Q5: What is the Cultural capital of Chhattisgarh?
A5: Raigarh is popularly known as the Cultural Capital of Chhattisgarh due to its legacy in classical dance, music, and traditional arts like Kathak and folk performances.