Most visitors come to Chandrapur in eastern Maharashtra for one reason: a tiger safari in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. But safaris run only in the morning and evening, and the city between them has a long history. Chandrapur, also known by its older name Chanda, was a capital of the Gond kings, and their fort walls, gates, temples and royal tombs still stand in the old city.
This guide covers the places worth your time between safaris, or on a free day: in the city, a short drive away, and on the road from Nagpur. Distances are approximate road distances from Chandrapur city.
At a glance
- In the city: Mahakali temple, Anchaleshwar temple and the Gond kings' samadhi, the old fort walls and gates.
- Short drives: Junona lake (about 15 km), Erai dam (about 15 km), Ballarpur fort (about 16 km).
- Day trips: Bhadravati (about 32 km), Manikgarh fort (about 35 km), Ghodazari lake (about 106 km).
- On the way from Nagpur: Anandwan at Warora, Baba Amte's community for people affected by leprosy.
1. A little history: the Gond kings of Chanda
For several centuries, this region was ruled by Gond kings, a dynasty of the Gond Adivasi (indigenous) people of central India. King Khandkya Ballal Sah moved his capital from Ballarpur and founded the walled city of Chanda at the meeting point of the Erai and Zarpat rivers. The kingdom later passed to the Bhonsles of Nagpur in 1751, and then to British rule in 1853. Much of what you will see in the old city, including the fort, Mahakali temple and the royal tombs, dates from the Gond period.
2. In Chandrapur city
Mahakali Temple
The city's best-known temple, dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, was built around the 16th century by the Gond king Dhundya Ram Sah. A second idol of the goddess lies below ground level and is reached through a narrow tunnel. Tuesday is the most important day of worship, and the temple is busiest in April, when the annual yatra (fair) draws huge crowds. The district administration notes that devotees may queue for four to five hours then. Visit on a weekday morning outside April if you want a quiet darshan.
Anchaleshwar Temple and the Gond kings' samadhi
Next to the fort's eastern Anchaleshwar Gate, on the bank of the Zarpat river, stands the Anchaleshwar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex also holds the samadhis (tombs) of the Gond kings, a peaceful and often overlooked heritage site.
Chandrapur Fort: walls and gates
The Gond kings surrounded their capital with massive stone walls running for about 7.5 miles (around 12 km). They have four main gates: Jatpura (north), Anchaleshwar (east), Pathanpura (south) and Binba (west), plus smaller gates called khidkis. Large stretches of wall and the gates survive inside today's city, with traffic still passing through the old gateways. A slow drive or auto-rickshaw ride along the walls is the best way to appreciate their scale.
Suresh Chopane Rock Museum
Chandrapur district is rich in geology, and this museum displays rock samples and Stone Age tools collected from the area. It is a good stop for families and anyone interested in science.
3. Short drives from the city
Junona Lake (about 15 km)
A popular picnic spot with boating, parks and places to eat. The forest around Junona is part of Tadoba's buffer zone, and the legendary tiger Waghdoh spent his last years in the Junona area. If you plan a buffer safari here, see our guide to where to stay near Tadoba.
Erai Dam (about 15 km)
The reservoir on the Erai river supplies water to Chandrapur city and the Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station, one of the largest coal power stations in the state, which you pass on the way to Tadoba. The Tadoba reserve offers boating on the Erai backwaters as one of its official activities, a calm way to spend a few hours between safaris.
Ballarpur Fort (about 16 km)
Before Chandrapur, Ballarpur (also spelled Ballalpur) was the Gond capital. Its fort, built by Khandkya Ballal Sah on the bank of the Wardha river, still has two gates and a small river-side gate. Combine it with the city's forts for a half-day of Gond history.
4. Day trips
Bhadravati (about 32 km)
Bhadravati is known for its old Jain temple, whose exact date of construction is unknown and whose finely carved idols were recovered from the ground during digging. The nearby Vijasan hills have several temples in quiet surroundings. Bhadravati lies on the railway line and the road towards Nagpur, so it is easy to visit on the way in or out.
Manikgarh Fort (about 35 km)
One of the oldest forts in the district, Manikgarh is believed to have been built by Naga kings around the 9th century, high on a hill about 507 metres above sea level. Today it is largely in ruins, with an old Vishnu temple nearby. Choose it if you enjoy quiet, off-the-beaten-track places, and take water and good shoes.
Ghodazari Lake (about 106 km)
In Nagbhir taluka, just off the Nagpur–Chandrapur highway (about 97 km from Nagpur), Ghodazari is a large lake set in forest. It is a peaceful stop if you are driving between Nagpur and the eastern side of the reserve.
Anandwan, Warora
Anandwan ("forest of joy") was founded in 1951 by the social worker Baba Amte as a community where people affected by leprosy could live and work with dignity. It has since grown to support people with disabilities as well, with farms and small industries run by the residents. Warora lies on the road between Nagpur and Chandrapur, so Anandwan makes an inspiring stop on the drive. Please visit respectfully: it is a home and a workplace, not a tourist attraction.
5. Around Tadoba
Besides safaris, the Tadoba reserve runs other activities near its gates, listed on its official website. They include the Agarzari Adventure Park (rappelling, zip-lining and zorbing), a Butterfly World with nectar plants, and boating and kayaking on the Erai backwaters. See our Tadoba safari guide for booking, and famous tigers of Tadoba for the stories behind the names you will hear from guides.
6. How to reach Chandrapur
- Train: Chandrapur railway station is on the main New Delhi–Chennai line, so many long-distance trains stop here. A second station, Chanda Fort, is on the Ballarshah–Gondia line.
- Air: the nearest airport with regular flights is Nagpur (Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport), about 150 km away by road.
- Road: state transport (MSRTC) buses connect Chandrapur with Nagpur, Pune, Hyderabad and other cities. From Nagpur, the drive takes about three hours.
7. When to go
October to February is the most comfortable time for sightseeing. Chandrapur is one of the hottest places in India in summer: May afternoons average about 43 °C. If you come in summer for the tiger sightings, plan temple and fort visits for early morning or evening. Our best time to visit Tadoba guide has month-by-month weather.
Remember that Mahakali temple is extremely crowded during its April yatra, and busy every Tuesday.
8. A two-day plan
Day 1: Gond heritage and a lake
- Morning: Mahakali temple, then Anchaleshwar temple and the Gond kings' samadhi.
- Late morning: drive past the fort walls and the Jatpura, Pathanpura and Binba gates, then visit the rock museum.
- Afternoon: Ballarpur fort.
- Evening: sunset at Junona lake.
Day 2: Safari and the reservoir
- Early morning: a Tadoba safari from the Moharli side.
- Midday: rest, or the Agarzari Adventure Park and Butterfly World.
- Afternoon: boating on the Erai backwaters, or an evening safari.
If you are driving to or from Nagpur, add Bhadravati and Anandwan on the way.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Chandrapur?
Two days lets you do one or two safaris and see the main sights in and around the city. Add a third day for Manikgarh, Ghodazari or a relaxed visit to Anandwan.
Is Chandrapur worth visiting without a safari?
For history lovers, yes. The Gond-era fort walls, gates, temples and royal tombs are rarely crowded, and the lakes and Erai backwaters are pleasant in winter.
What is the best way to get around?
Auto-rickshaws are easy to find for places within the city. For Ballarpur, Junona, Erai, Bhadravati and the Tadoba gates, hire a car with a driver for the day.
Places and facts are based on the Chandrapur district administration's official list of places of interest, the official Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve website and published histories of the Gond kingdom (checked 12 October 2026). Distances are approximate. Temple timings and activities can change, so confirm locally before visiting.