For all the road-trip enthusiasts, Raipur is oneof the wonderful places to visit in Central India. It is a perfect mixture of tribal culture and modern development, tourist spots, natural beauty, and places of worship. It is strategically situated at the center of the country and is the capital of Chhattisgarh with its own set of advantages.
If you are a solo rider, in a family, or travelling the country by a car or a bike, this guide is meant for you. It includes everything starting from major cities to Raipur along with road updates, travel tips, must see on the way, and so much more.
Why Drive to Raipur?
- The leisure of halting and visiting important cultural or heritage places on the way
- The region’s other states are well connected through highways
- Suitable for trips to places like Sirpur, Barnawapara and Jagdalpur which are close by
- Especially in groups, offers greater cost efficiency when compared to flight tickets
Major Highways Leading to Raipur
Raipur is connected by multiple national highways:
- NH 53 (East-West corridor): Connects Raipur with Mumbai, Nagpur, and Odissa
- NH 30 (North-South corridor): Connects Raipur with Bilaspur, Jabalpur and Jagdalpur
- NH 130: Links Raipur with Bilaspur and Ambikapur
- State Highways (SHs): Connect Raipur to rural areas in Chhattisgarh and bordering districts
Top Road Routes to Reach Raipur
Nagpur to Raipur
- Distance: ~285 Kms
- Driving time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours
- Route: Nagpur → Bhandara → Rajnandgaon → Durg → Raipur via NH 53
Why this route?
- Meets well-travelled highways
- Dhabas and fuel stations available all along
- Suitable travel period from afternoon to early morning
Convenient places to break:
- Rajnandgaon for short breaks/snacks
- Dongargarh (optional): visit to temple of Mata Bamleshwari
Hyderabad to Raipur
- Distance: ~580-600 km
- Driving time: 11-12 hours
- Route: Hyderabad → Adilabad → Nagpur → Durg → Raipur (via NH 44, NH 53)
Purpose of Following this Route:
- Simple navigation via NH 44
- Good road till Nagpur
- Rest facilities every 100 km
Cautions:
- No driving through forested regions after dark
- Weather during monsoon needs attention
3. Visakhapatnam to Raipur
- Distance: Approx 540 kilometers
- Driving time: 10 to 11 hours
- Route: Vizag → Vizianagaram → Koraput → Jeypore → Jagdalpur → Raipur
Key Features:
- Southeastern Ghats along with the tribal region, coffee fields
- Winding mountain roads
Road Classification:
- Mixed – towards Vizianagaram, four-lane highway
- Between Koraput and Jagdalpur: ghat roads with patches through jagged terrains
Targeted Audience:
Tourists, adventurers, and those interested in the Bastar tourism circuit.
4. Bilaspur to Raipur
- Distance: Approx 115 kilometers
- Driving time: 2–2.5 hours
- Route: Bilaspur → Simga → Raipur via NH 130
Key Features:
- One of the quickest routes to Raipur
- Best for business travelers, students, or those looking for a short weekend trip.
5. Jabalpur to Raipur
- Distance: Approx 320 kilometers
- Driving time: 6–7 hours
- Route: Jabalpur → Mandla → Kawardha → Raipur via SH 22, NH 30
Key Features:
- Beautiful drive through Satpura forest region
- Cultural towns such as Mandla and Kawardha
Scenic Detours and Places to Consider Visiting Along the Way
Based on your path, here are a few brief detours that may be useful:
1. Sirpur (80 km from Raipur)
- Buddhist and Hindu ancient temples: the ruins of age-old religions antiquities
- Historical beauty, calm village: thoroughly tranquil
2. Jatmai & Ghatarani Waterfalls (85 km from Raipur)
- Seasonal waterfalls and dense canopy of the forests along the trails
- Best visited during monsoon and post-monsoon
3. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary (100 km)
- The breathtaking green forests, good for half-a-day retreats
- Ideal for nature and wildlife photographers
4. Dongargarh (140 km from Raipur)
- The temple is at the top of the hill offering a full view of the prettier parts of the pilgrimage world.
- The trek is short and provides wonderful panoramic views for people of all age groups.
Road Trip Tips for a Comfortable and Safe Journey
1. Things Not To Do Before Departing
- Check if your vehicle requires servicing
- Wipers, brakes, coolant, and tyres should all be in working condition
- Driving in remote areas? Best to ensure full fuel tank before departing
2. What to Bring
- Driving license
- Registration Certificate (RC)
- PUC certificates
- Insurance papers for the vehicle
- Aadhar card or some other government ID
3. Emergency Supplies:
- Peugeot jacks and spare tyres
- Vehicle cables
- Flashlight and emergency lights
- First-aid kit for emergencies
- Downloadable offline maps in case the service is lost
- Shaded umbrella, drinking water, sanitizer, snacks
Safety While Driving
- For safety reasons, it is best to avoid forest regions after dark
- Stay on the main roads, and do not take shortcuts unless you are familiar with the area.
- Be On the Premier Outlook For livestock, monkeys, and motorcycles on country roads.
- Take a rest after every two to three hours of work to avoid mental tiredness.
- If traveling with kids , make sure you have adequate medicine and water supply.
Stops for Fuel, Food, and Breaks
There are frequent fuel stations along all routes to Raipur, located every 50-60 km.
Focus:
- BPCL and Indian oil have stations with clean restrooms.
- NHAI Wayside Amenities with fast food courts and shops.
Try Chana Samosa, Poha, and the regional thali at local dhabas and eateries. Pro Tip: Some remote sections of the forests beyond Jagdalpur and toward Koraput have limited services. Bring along additional water and fuel.
Lodging Options Along the Route
If you are splitting the trip into two parts or reaching late:
| Location | Type | Options Available |
|---|---|---|
| Rajnandgaon | Budget Hotels | Sagar Lodge, Hotel Sunrise |
| Durg | Mid-Range | Hotel Grand Dhillon, The Avalon |
| Nagpur | All Categories | Radisson Blu, Hotel Hardeo |
| Kawardha | Eco/Resort | Bhoramdeo Jungle Retreat (premium stay) |
| Jagdalpur | Mid-Range | Naman Bastar, Akanksha Hotel |
Best Season To Travel From Raipur
| Season | Road Experience | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Oct–Feb) | Best time – cool and dry | Carry light woolens at night |
| Summer (Mar–June) | Hot days – roads remain open | Travel early morning or late evening |
| Monsoon (July–Sept) | Beautiful greenery, scenery with slippery roads | Avoid late evening hill drives |
Driving to Raipur offers a unique experience. You can explore ghat roads, tribal areas, historic temples, and even verdant elysian fields dotted with amicable roadside chai stalls. Everything that makes Central India beautiful can be experienced every single kilometer.
Raipur is a haven for road trip enthusiasts. With well-connected highways, constant petrol pumps, and dhabas to refill your chai, all you need to do is plot your route, pack your essentials, and surrender yourself to the rhythm of the road.
