Chhindwara At A Glance

Located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh,  Chhindwara  city is a municipa area and the administrative headquarters of Chhindwara district. Bodri Stream, a tributary of the Kulbehra River flows by the city. It is situated on the picturesque site of Satpura plateau at an elevation of about 677 meters. Edged by wonderful ranges of nearby hills the natural beauty of the city grabs attention of the tourists from across the country.

Brief History of Chhindwara

The ancient history of the city is not very clear. Thus only assumptions are made on the support of inscriptions found on the neighboring area. There was a time when Chhindwara used to form a significant part of the Vidharba kingdom. Before the rise of Mauryas in the 4th century BC possibly the Nandas were the sole powerful rulers of this area. Later the area is ruled by most of the significant rulers  of Indian history which include the names of the dynasties like Nandas, Mauryas,Vakatakas, Kalichuris, Sungas, and the Gond rulers. Chhindawara also has a chivalric history and golden picture of sacrifice and martyrdom from the example of the Jagirdar of Harra Kota and Mahavir Singh. From 1920 to 1947, the city has

played an important role to enrich the national freedom movement organized against the British government during the then British India.

Origin of the Name – Chhindwara

The word “chhind” originated from the local tree name. The legendary explanation also explores a term named sinh which is the vernacular term to lion. The story has it that the place opened its indicative gateways for lions. The anglicized version of the word “wada” is place. Hence it was called “sinh dwara” (means through the entrance of lion). In due course of time it became “chhindwara”.the place harbors fascinating historical lore. The history of the place is actually sunken into a bleak oblivion. None the less, the ancient inscriptions have helped the historical enthusiasts to unravel the history of the place.Prior to the ingress of maurya of 4th century bc, nandas were the conquerors of the land of  chhindwara . Evidential prospects also signify that the place was ruled by other dynasties such as vakatakas, sungas, kalichuris and gond. The historical lore of the place carved niche for itself during 16th century. This is the very period which marked the egress of gond rulers in the vicinity of chhindwara. The village harya which is located 40 km away from gond forms the traces of earliest recorded headquarters of devgarh family.

Modern History of Chhindwara

In 1803, british army defeated raghuji ii and made him bound to conclude the treaty of deogaon. As a result of this he lost his power over almost one third territory. Later raja raghuji iii became the king and the conditions worsened as pindaries started disturbing the administrative system. Finally in 1853,  chhindwara  went under the british command in full-fledged manner. Like other states of the country, the annexation of the nagpur kingdom fueled the discontentment prevailing amongst the collapsed indian rulers which resulted in massive burst out in the form of historical revolt of 1857. Following the grudge amongst the indian, british government decided to adjoin the sagar-nerbudda territories with the nagpur province. As a result in november 1861, the central province was formed among which chhindwara was a significant district.Chhindwara also played significant role in the freedom struggle of the country. In 1917 a branch of the home rule league at chhindwara was established and the movement got the flow. To strengthen the movement a political conference was organized in 1920. The freedom fighters and common man of the city took part in the civil disobedience movement as well as in flag satyagraha. Gandhiji came to visit the district in november 1933.the history of  chhindwara  is written in golden words followed by sacrificing of their great ancestors during freedom movement.The sacrifice of jagirdar of harra kota or mahavir singh is remembered with deep respect till date.

Geography of Chhindwara

Like other North Indian states Chhindwara also has a subtropical climate.Chhindwara city covers an area of around 11,815 km 2  . The upper part of the city is located at a height of 3,820 ft (1,160 m) above sea level whereas the lowest part is found at a height of 1,550 ft (470 m). The average height of the region is 2215 feet (675 m). Five major rivers flow through the district namely Pench, Kanhan, Jam,Kulbehra, Doodh and Shakkar. The estimated forest Area is 4212.556 Sq. Being situated on the Satpura range, the area is surrounded by impenetrable forest with diverse flora and fauna. Bamboo, Teak, Tendu Patta, Harra, Saalbeej, are the major forest wealth of the region.‘Chhind’ means date palm and ‘Wada’ means place, thus it is believed that Chhindwara means a place occupied by date palm trees. Located in Madhya
Pradesh, Chhindwara is an age old city with rich historical heritage. Being one of the major towns in Satpura range, it is situated on a plateau, enclosed by the fertile
green fields, forest rich in sagaun trees and magnificent rivers. The total area of the town is 11,815km2 (4,562sq miles) and it is situated at a height of 675m (2,215ft) above the sea level.Chhindwara is edged by the plains of Nagpur district of Maharashtra on the South,Hoshangabad District and Narsinghpur District is situated on the North. Seoni District is located on the East and Betul District is set on the West.

Tourist destinations in Chhindwara

A destination does not attract attention until and unless it has enough worthy to visit places. Here are some of the specifics of the popular destinations in Chhindwada.
 Devgarh Fort
 Patalkoat
 Tamia hills
 Tribal Museum
 Shashti Mata Mandir
 Hinglag Mata Mandir
 Anhoni Village
 Jama Masjid
 Sahaja Yoga
 Neelkanthi
 Lilahi Water Fall
 Amarwara in Chhindwar

Chhindwara Tourism

Being a historical city in the state of madhya pradesh the modern day chhindwara city is one of the famous destinations to visit. Either from historical or religious
perspective it is one of the most visited regions in madhta oraedsh. Presence of many distinctive monuments adds to the popularity of the city. Being the largest
city in satpura range it houses magnificent artistic temples, museums and other important destinations for perfect retreatment.

Best time to visit Chhindwara

October-november months are the perfect time to visit chhndwara. The temperature during this time of year is moderate. While during day the temperature ranges from 32-29 degree celsius, the night temperature mostly fluctuates from 20-14 degree celsius and one can enjoy the soothing weather of the autumn season.Devoid of scorching sun light, and freezing cold, the weather is perfect to spend a
relaxing weekend over here.

Famous Tourist Destination In and Around Chhindwara

PATALKOAT IN CHHINDWARA

Known amongst the traveling-loving individuals for its scenic beauty and geographical setting patlakot attract tourists because of its unique beauty, tribal culture of the locales and the immense and rare herbal wealth. The beautiful land scape at a depth of 1200–1500 feet in a velley can charm you for its fantastic natural ambiance. ‘Doodh’ river flows in the picturesque valley and makes the land fertile.

A major portion of the population belongs to ‘bharia’ and ‘gond’ tribes and it is a treasure of forest and herbal wealth. The astonishing depth at which the temple is
located justifies the naming logic as ‘patalkot’. From the top of the valley the place looks like a horse shoe in shape. People believe that prince ‘meghnath’ in order to
after worshiping lord shiva had gone to patal-lok through this place only.

CHOTA MAHADEV CAVE AT TAMIA IN CHHINDWARA

Located at a distance of 32 miles from chhindwara – pachmari road, the undisturbed natural ambiance of this retreatment spot grab attention for the steep hills, big winding ghats and dense forests which have altogether worked vibrantly to make tamia a beauty spot and a desired tourist place. Atop the hilly region, a public work division rest house is picturesquely set which enhances the beauty of the region. The area is names for a beautiful cave which is at distance of about 1.5 km from this bungalow. The cave houses the holy ‘shivling’ (the deity of lord shiva)of ‘chota mahadev’ exists. Theres a waterfall just beside the cave which adds to the beauty of the area.

TRIBAL MUSEUM IN CHHINDWARA

It is a repository of antique and exclusive collection of items related to the tribal
living in the district. Items related to clothes, houses, ornaments, agriculture tools,
dance, music, arms, celebrations, art, the deities worshipped by them, herbal
collection, religious activities, and so on. Since 1975, this unique museum is
known as state museum and has an extensive collection of rich tribal heritage and
culture. Later in 1997, the name of the museum is changed to “shri badal bhoi
state tribal museum”.

Shri badal bhoi was a ground-breaking tribal leader of the district. During british
rule, he played a crucial role in the freedom movement of india. Once while
showing demonstration at collectors’ bungalow in 1923. Police arrested him and
finally in 1940 he was sentenced to death given poison to him. To show respect to
his sacrifice, the tribal museum name has been changed to “shri badal bhoi state
tribal museum”.

TAMIA HILLS IN CHHINDWARA

At a little distance from the central city of chhindwara, this nature’s gift is situated.
The sharp hills, thick forests, and big winding ghats are blended to make tamia a
beauty spot and a tourist place.

ANHONI IN CHHINDWARA

Located at a distance of around 2 miles from the village jhirpa on chhindwara-
piparia road anhoni is a popular village in chhindwara very close to mahuljhir police
station. The main attraction of this village area is a natural hot hill stream which is
said to carry curative properties. People are of the opinion that the water of this
stream can cure various skin diseases and it is indeed nature’s incredible creation.

DEVGARH FORT IN CHHINDWARA

Devgarh fort in chhindwada is a prominent historical fort located on a hill which is
equipped with a deep valley clothed with dense reserve forest. Till 18th century
devgarh was known to be the capital of the ‘gond’ empire and it was the hub of all
glory and golden memories. Today, only distorted remaining are found in scattered
manner and the decapitated remains talk loudly about the glittering past. People
have a belief that there was a covert underground passage which used to connect
devgarh to nagpur. Among the glorious remains of the fort there is a place of cattle
drum called nagarkhana, wrecked fort walls and remaining of the darbar hall. At
the top of the fort, there is an inquisitive reservoir called ‘mortitanka’. The reflection
of mughal architecture can be identified on the fort style.

NEELKANTHI IN CHHINDWARA

More like wrecked historical temples, neelkanthi is located by the side of siphna
stream which flows at some distance of neelkanthi, a village which is 14 miles
south-east of chhindwara town. An unique masterpiece of excellent work of art has
an impressive door crafted with brahmanic style. The entry gate to the main temple
is said to date back between 7th and 10th century.

LILAHI WATER FALL IN CHHINDWARA

You will be amazed by the beauty of lilahi waterfall which is located in the
downstream of the river ‘kanhan’. The beautiful waterfall is pleasing enough to
offer soothing feel to the visitors’ strenuous nerves . Visit the place in between july
to january to catch the natural beauty of the region and the soaring waterfall.the
exquisite sight of the water fall surrounded by mountain cliffs can be a best
sightseeing option for the nature loving fellas.

AMARWARA IN CHHINDWARA

Located in the impressive forest of satpura and around 40 km away from
chhindwara district headquarters this area attracts attention for its serene location.
Mostly populated by scheduled tribe people, this area is the oldest tahsil of
chhindwara district. The vicinity is known for its forest and natural resources like
chironji / charoli assort of dry fruit. Apart from the above mentioned tourist spots
there are many other including tendukheda, raini, pindrai, natwara, patan, bil-
pathar, shahpura

How to reach Chhindwara ?

Chhindwara does not have its own airport, so nagpur airport is the nearest airport
to the city. It is 130km away from the main city of chhindawara. However, for
landing small airplanes of 5 to 10 passengers, a small air strip is also available at
chhindwara. Being a part of the satpura narrow gauge lines, chhindwara railway
station is located on bilaspur-nagpur section of hawrah-nagpur-mumbai line. The
city is well connected with nearby major destinations like jabalpur, nagpur, and
bhopal with frequent buses and taxi services all across the day. It is connected by
national highway 69.

Where to stay in Chhindwara ?

TO MAKE YOUR STAY IN CHHINDWARA COMFORTABLE AND AND
CONVENIENT, THE CITY HAS NUMBER OF BUDGET HOTELS WITH
AMUSING AMBIANCE AND WORLD CLASS FACILITIES. BELOW GIVEN IS
LIST OF POPULAR HOTEL WHERE YOU CAN STAY WHILE TRAVELING TO
BEAUTIFUL CITY LIKE CHHINDWARA.
HOTEL PRINCE
ADDRESS-20 MANSAROVAR COMPLEX, NEAR BUS STAND, CHHINDWARA
HO, CHHINDWARA – 480001
PHONE- +(91)-8349102305, 9424300966
HOTEL DEV INTERNATIONAL
ADDRESS- NR, AMMA HOSPITAL, KHAJRI ROAD, CHHINDWARA
PHONE- +(91)-7162-222235, +(91)-9977221822
HOTEL SATKAR
ADDRESS- 17/8 A, NEAR BUS STAND, PARASIA ROAD, CHHINDWARA

PHONE- +(91)-7162-222464, 244464
HOTEL ROYAL PALACE
ADDRESS- NEAR BIG CINEMA, ALKA TALKIES ROAD, CHHINDWARA
PHONE-+(91)-7162-244702
HOTEL SURYA
ADDRESS- NEAR PANKAJ TALKIES, PARASIA ROAD, CHHINDWARA
PHONE- +(91)-7162-247490, +(91)-9424991527
JHIRA BAGH PALACE
ADDRESS- MANDU ROAD, DHAR, DHAR
PHONE- +(91)-7162-232850, +(91)-9826033801

Population in Chhindwara

A major portion of the city is inhabited by different tribal communities. Pardhan,
Gond, Bharia, Korku are the dominant communities among them and they speak
mostly Hindi, Gondi, Urdu, Korku, Musai, etc. As per the government record of
2011 census Chhindwara has a population of 2,090,306. The population density of
Chhindwara is 177 dwellers per sq km (460 /sq mi). In last decade i.e. from 2001-
11 the population growth rate was 13.03%. The sex ratio of Chhindwara is 966
females for every 1000 males which is comparatively much hopeful than other
north Indian states. The literacy rate of the district is 72.21%.
Languages Spoken in Chhindwara
Chhindwara is the home to multilingual population. People here speak in different
languages, including: Bagheli, the language which has high similarity with with
Hindi . Another Bharia is spoken by members of the Bharia tribe. In the region like
Pandhurna and Sausar Marathi is also spoken.

Festivals of Chhindwara

The fun loving populace of Chhindwara celebrate every occasion with fervor and
geity. City wears festive look during Diwali and Dusshera. Apart from these two
other major festivities are Bhujalia, Pola, Meghnath, Harijyoti, Akhadi, etc. The
‘Gotmar Mela’ of Pandhurna is a unique and globally known fair. On
“Choudagadh”, every year the pulsating ‘Mahadev Mela’ is celebrated on the holy
Shivrathri day.

Nothing like you have ever heard before, Gotmar Mela is a unique Indian fair takes
place in the headquarters of ‘Pandhurna’ from Sixty five kilometers from
Chhindwara. Every year on the second day to ‘Bhadrapad’ New Moon day, the fair
is organized by the river side Jam. A very tall tree is set amidst the river and a flag
is set atop. People from both sides of the river assemble on the river bank and try
to stop other opposite party to open the flag out from the tree. People opening from
one bank of the river bring victory to the entire village.

Transportation in Chhindwara

Chhindwara is connected to its bordering districts both by rail and road. Nagpur
Airport is the nearest airport as it is located 130 km away from the main city. For
landing small airplanes of 5 to 10 passengers a small air strip is also available at
Chhindwara. Frequent buses and taxi services keep connected nearby big cities
like Bhopal, Nagpur, and Jabalpur.
Chhindwara at a glance
Country : India
State : Madhya Pradesh
Region : Malwa
District : Chhindwara
Location: 22.07°N 78.93°E
Climate : Humid subtropical climate
Website : www.chhindwara.nic.in