Travel Tips & Safety
1. Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Season: October to March – pleasant weather for sightseeing, temple visits, and outdoor activities.
- Monsoon (July–September): Great for scenic beauty (especially Gangrel & Sihawa), but check road conditions.
- Avoid: Peak summer (April–June) due to high heat.
2. Getting Around
- Local Transport:
- Auto-rickshaws, shared tuk-tuks, and e-rickshaws are easily available.
- For Gangrel Dam, Sihawa Hills, or Rudri Temple, hire a local cab or bike.
- Tip: Start day trips early to return before dark, especially when visiting forested or rural zones.
3. Temple & Tribal Visit Etiquette
- Do's:
- Dress modestly, especially while visiting temples and tribal areas.
- Remove footwear before entering religious places.
- Respect rituals and avoid loud conversations or photography without permission.
4. Food & Water Safety
- Water: Stick to bottled or filtered water, especially in rural areas.
- Food:
- Enjoy local Chhattisgarhi food like Faraa, Bore Baasi, and Chana Samosa.
- Eat at popular dhabas or stalls — avoid uncooked street food unless confident of cleanliness.
5. Language Tips
- Spoken Languages: Hindi, Chhattisgarhi
- English: Spoken at hotels and by younger locals
- Tip: Knowing a few Hindi phrases helps while dealing with drivers, shopkeepers, or in rural areas.
6. Mobile & Internet Connectivity
- Best Networks: Jio, Airtel, BSNL
- Good Signal: In and around town areas
- Weak Signal: Sihawa Hills, deep forest routes, or remote tribal zones
- Tip: Carry a power bank and download offline maps for longer day trips.
7. Money & Payments
- Carry Cash: Essential in villages, local bazaars, and temple areas.
- ATMs Available: In central Dhamtari (Gole Bazaar, Bus Stand Road)
- UPI Payments: Accepted in most urban stores, limited in rural zones.
8. Emergency Contacts
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 108
- District Hospital, Dhamtari: For medical help
- Tourist Assistance: Ask at your hotel or local transport hubs
- Railway Inquiry: 139
9. Nature & Outdoor Safety
- When Visiting Gangrel, Sihawa, or Forested Areas:
- Travel in groups or with a guide.
- Avoid swimming in unknown water bodies.
- Wear sturdy shoes and carry insect repellent.
- Watch for slippery paths during monsoon.
10. General Tips
- Carry sunscreen, a hat, and water during outdoor excursions.
- Maintain basic courtesy while interacting with locals and tribal communities.
- Respect eco-zones — avoid littering near rivers, dams, or hill areas.
