How to Reach Kawardha: Flights, Trains, Buses & Driving Routes
Complete transit guide on reaching Kawardha. Nearest airport in Raipur (140 km), rail stations at Dongargarh (85 km), Bilaspur & Raipur, highway routes via NH 30, and local taxi fares.
Kawardha sits in western Chhattisgarh along National Highway 30 (NH 30), right at the base of the Maikal Hills. If you're heading here for a pilgrimage to Bhoramdeo Temple, passing through to Kanha National Park via Chilfi Ghati, or just stopping by for business, this guide breaks down exactly how to get here by flight, train, bus, or car.
At a Glance: Key Transit Facts
| Mode of Travel | Hub / Gateway | Distance to Kawardha | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Commercial Airport | Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur (RPR) | 140 km | 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Closest Railway Station | Dongargarh Railway Station (DGG) | ~85 km | 1 hr 45 min |
| Major Railway Junctions | Bilaspur Jn (BSP) / Raipur Jn (R) | 120 km / 125 km | 2 hrs 15 min |
| Primary Highway Route | National Highway 30 (NH 30) | Direct access | Paved 4-lane & 2-lane |
| Nearest Mountain Pass / MP Border | Chilfi Ghati | 52 km | 1 hour |
1. By Air: Nearest Airports
Kawardha does not have a commercial airport. The nearest operational domestic airport is in the state capital:
Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur (RPR) — 140 km
- Direct Flights: Daily non-stop flights connect Raipur to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, and Goa.
- Onward Journey to Kawardha:
- Prepaid / Private Taxis: Cabs are available right outside the terminal. The drive to Kawardha along NH 30 takes 2.5 to 3 hours via Simga and Bemetara bypasses.
- Bus Connection: Take an auto/cab to Sri Balaji Bus Terminal (ISBT) or Pandri Bus Stand in Raipur (~15 km). Express buses depart for Kawardha every 30 to 45 minutes from 05:00 AM to 08:30 PM.
2. By Train: Nearest Railway Stations
Kawardha town does not have an active passenger railhead. (The Dongargarh–Katghora via Kawardha railway project is currently in progress). Travelers arriving by train should book tickets to one of these four gateway stations:
Railway Stations Comparison
| Station Name | Code | Distance to Kawardha | Road Travel Time | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dongargarh | DGG | ~85 km | 1 hr 45 min | Closest railhead: Direct trains from Nagpur, Gondia, Mumbai & Pune |
| Durg Junction | DURG | ~115 km | 2 hrs 15 min | Trains from Central India, Maharashtra, Gujarat & Southern Expresses |
| Bilaspur Junction | BSP | ~120 km | 2 hrs 15 min | New Delhi (Rajdhani), Kolkata, Odisha, UP & Bihar (SECR HQ) |
| Raipur Junction | R | ~125 km | 2 hrs 30 min | Pan-India Superfast, Vande Bharat Express & Airport combos |
3. By Road: Driving Routes
Kawardha enjoys excellent road connectivity via national and state highways:
Route 1: Raipur to Kawardha (125 km via NH 30)
- Route: Raipur → Dharsiwa → Simga (Bypass) → Bemetara (Bypass) → Kawardha.
- Road Condition: Smooth 4-lane and wide 2-lane national highway.
- Drive Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes.
Route 2: Bilaspur to Kawardha (120 km via SH 10 & NH 130A)
- Route: Bilaspur → Takhatpur → Mungeli → Pandariya → Kawardha.
- Drive Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes.
Route 3: Jabalpur & Kanha (MP) to Kawardha (215 km via NH 30)
- Route: Jabalpur → Mandla → Baihar → Chilfi Ghati → Bodla → Kawardha.
- Drive Time: ~4.5 hours through the scenic sal forests of the Maikal Range.
4. Local Transit & Getting Around: Is Rapido / Ola Available?
Local Ground Reality: App-based aggregators such as Rapido, Ola, and Uber DO NOT operate in Kawardha.
Local Transport Options:
- E-Rickshaws (City Routes)*: Hundreds of battery e-rickshaws ply between Rajmahal Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Gandhi Maidan, and Old Bus Stand. Fare is ₹10 to ₹20 per passenger on shared routes.
- Auto-Rickshaws for Private Hire*: Available at Old Bus Stand and New Bus Stand (₹50 to ₹100 for drop within town limits).
- Day Trips to Bhoramdeo Temple (18 km): Hire a private auto from Old Bus Stand for ₹400 – ₹600* (round trip with waiting time) or take a shared local tempo from Gandhi Chowk (₹30 per seat).
- Outstation Tourist Taxis: Private cabs (Dzire, Ertiga, Innova) can be hired near Old Bus Stand for day trips to Sarodha Dam, Chilfi Ghati, and Kanha National Park*.