3 Days in Korba for an Offbeat Adventure

Korba might not be on every traveler's radar, but that's what makes it special. This industrial city tucked away in Chhattisgarh has some surprisingly wild spots if you know where to look. I've spent years exploring its hidden trails, waterfalls, and tribal villages – and this itinerary packs in the best bits without the crowds.

Chhattisgarh, chhattisgarh
3 Days
Adventure
Custom Trip

Trip Highlights

Standing under the roaring cascade of Kendai Waterfall after a short jungle trek
Watching sunset over the Hasdeo River with local fishermen casting their nets
Trying authentic tribal cuisine in a village homestay near Pali

Best Time to Visit

OctoberFebruary

Share Your Adventure

Spread the word about this amazing trip!

Day 1

Day 1 in Korba

Kick off your Korba trip with its most iconic spots, from serene temples to bustling markets, and savor the local flavors that define this industrial city.

Activities

Visit the Chaiturgarh Temple

Start your day with a peaceful visit to Chaiturgarh Temple, perched on a hilltop with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a serene spot with a mix of spirituality and natural beauty. The climb up is gentle, and the early morning light makes it even more magical.

Chaiturgarh Hill, Korba6:00 AM - 9:00 AM (best in the early morning to avoid heat)Free (donations welcome)
Tips:
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the climb
  • Carry water as there aren’t many shops nearby
Explore the Hasdeo Bango Dam

Head to the Hasdeo Bango Dam, one of Korba’s engineering marvels. The dam offers picturesque views of the reservoir and surrounding forests. It’s a great spot for photography or just soaking in the calmness of the water. The nearby park is perfect for a short stroll.

Hasdeo Bango Dam, Korba10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (cooler morning hours)Free
Tips:
  • Visit the viewing point for the best dam views
  • Weekends can get crowded, so weekdays are better for a quieter experience
Lunch at a Local Dhaba

No trip to Korba is complete without trying the local Chhattisgarhi thali. Head to a popular roadside dhaba for an authentic meal featuring dishes like fara, muthia, and dal bafla. The flavors are rustic and hearty, perfect after a morning of sightseeing.

Near Korba Main Market12:30 PM - 1:30 PM₹150-₹300 per person
Tips:
  • Ask for the day’s special—it’s usually the freshest
  • Try the local buttermilk (chaas) to beat the heat

Must Try Foods

Dal Bafla
Fara
Muthia
Chana Samosa (street snack)

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Korba Railway Station (within city limits, 10-15 mins by auto)
Nearest Bus Stop
Korba Bus Stand (frequent buses to major attractions)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Autos and shared cabs are easily available; Ola/Uber may have limited service

No destinations found for this itinerary

Day 2

Day 2 in Korba

Dive deeper into Korba's natural beauty and cultural charm with a mix of scenic spots and local flavors.

Activities

Morning at Pali Waterfall

Start your day with a refreshing visit to Pali Waterfall, tucked away in the lush forests near Korba. The short trek to the falls is as rewarding as the destination, with the sound of cascading water and chirping birds setting the mood. Perfect for a quick dip or just soaking in the serene atmosphere.

Pali Waterfall, about 25 km from Korba city center7:00 AM - 10:00 AM (best in the early morning to avoid crowds)Free (no entry fee)
Tips:
  • Wear sturdy shoes for the trek
  • Carry water and snacks—no shops nearby
Explore the Korba Museum

Head back to the city to visit the Korba Museum, a small but fascinating spot showcasing the region's tribal culture, mining history, and local artifacts. The exhibits on Gond tribal life and the area's coal industry are particularly interesting. It's a great way to understand Korba's roots beyond its industrial facade.

Korba Museum, near Civic Center11:00 AM - 12:30 PM (open until 5:00 PM, but mornings are quieter)Nominal entry fee (around ₹20 per person)
Tips:
  • Ask the caretaker for stories—they often share untold details
  • Photography might require permission
Lunch at a Tribal Thali Spot

For lunch, try a traditional tribal thali at a local eatery. Dishes like pej (millet porridge), bamboo shoot curry, and chana dal with rice offer a taste of Chhattisgarh's rustic flavors. The no-frills setting adds to the authenticity—don’t expect fancy plating, just hearty food.

Local eateries near Gol Bazaar1:00 PM - 2:00 PM₹150-₹250 per person
Tips:
  • Ask for 'red ant chutney' if you're feeling adventurous
  • Cash is preferred—many small spots don’t accept cards

Must Try Foods

Pej (millet porridge)
Bamboo shoot curry
Red ant chutney

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Korba Railway Station (within city limits, 10-15 mins by auto)
Nearest Bus Stop
Korba Bus Stand (frequent buses to Pali and nearby areas)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Cabs and auto-rickshaws easily available; pre-book for Pali Waterfall

Day 3

Day 3 in Korba

A relaxed day diving into Korba's lesser-known spots, local markets, and unique cultural experiences.

Activities

Morning at Kendai Waterfall

A hidden gem tucked away in the lush forests near Korba, Kendai Waterfall is quieter than Pali but equally stunning. The short trek through the woods adds to the adventure, and the pool at the base is perfect for a refreshing dip. It's a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature without the crowds.

Kendai Waterfall, about 25 km from Korba city7:00 AM - 10:00 AM (best in the early morning for cooler weather)Free (small parking fee if driving)
Tips:
  • Wear sturdy shoes for the short trek
  • Carry water and snacks as there are no shops nearby
Explore Korba's Local Markets

Head to the bustling Sadar Bazaar or the weekly haat (market) if it's on. These markets are packed with local crafts, tribal jewelry, and fresh produce. It's a great place to pick up souvenirs like handwoven Chhattisgarhi fabrics or traditional bamboo crafts. The energy here is infectious, and bargaining is part of the fun.

Sadar Bazaar, Korba city center10:30 AM - 12:30 PM (markets are liveliest in the late morning)Varies (budget around ₹200-500 for small purchases)
Tips:
  • Try the local street snacks like bhajiyas or poha from vendors
  • Ask before taking photos of stalls or people
Evening by the Hasdeo River

Wrap up your trip with a peaceful evening by the Hasdeo River. Locals often gather here to relax, and it's a lovely spot to watch the sunset. You can sit by the ghats or take a short stroll along the banks. If you're lucky, you might even spot some local fishermen bringing in their catch.

Hasdeo River ghats, near Korba city5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (best for sunset views)Free
Tips:
  • Carry a light jacket if visiting in winter
  • Respect local customs if people are performing rituals by the river

Must Try Foods

Fara (steamed rice dumplings)
Chousela (sweet rice pancakes)
Bafauri (steamed lentil cakes)

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Korba Railway Station (within the city, 10-15 mins to most locations)
Nearest Bus Stop
Korba Bus Stand (frequent buses to nearby areas)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Auto-rickshaws and shared cabs are easily available; Ola/Uber may have limited service

Travel Tips

Wear sturdy shoes – many 'roads' to waterfalls are just rocky paths
Carry small change for village visits – most places don't accept digital payments
Start early to beat the heat, especially for waterfall visits
Learn a few Chhattisgarhi phrases – locals appreciate the effort

Related Trips

Explore related trips for this destination

Other Popular Destinations

Explore itineraries for other amazing destinations

Itineraries by Destination