Chhindwara is a safe and welcoming city for travelers, but like any destination, being prepared with the right information ensures a smooth experience. Below is a comprehensive guide to safety, practical travel tips, and essential contact information.
Important Emergency Contacts
Keep these numbers saved in your phone or written in a diary. The area code for Chhindwara landlines is 07162.
| Service | Contact Number |
| National Emergency Number | 112 (All-in-one) |
| Police Helpline | 100 |
| Police Control Room (Local) | 07162-242304 / 07162-243430 |
| Ambulance (Emergency) | 108 |
| Women’s Helpline | 1091 / 1090 |
| Child Helpline | 1098 |
| District Govt. Hospital | 07162-245481 / 07162-244512 |
| Fire Station | 101 |
| CM Helpline | 181 |
Travel Safety Tips
- Night Travel: Chhindwara is generally safe, but most small-town activities wind down by 10:00 PM. Avoid walking in isolated areas like the outskirts of Parasia Road or near the railway tracks late at night.
- Transport Safety: If you are arriving late at the Chhindwara Railway Station, it is safer to use pre-paid auto-rickshaws or arrange a pickup through your hotel rather than walking with heavy luggage.
- Solo Female Travelers: While locals are helpful, it is advisable to dress modestly in rural areas and avoid long conversations with strangers in secluded spots. Share your live location with a friend if taking a long taxi ride to places like Patalkot or Tamia.
- Secure Your Belongings: At crowded places like the Sunday Market (Shanichra Bazar), keep your wallet and phone in front pockets or a cross-body bag to prevent pickpocketing.
Practical Travel Tips for Visitors
Getting Around
- Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws are the primary mode of transport. They usually operate on a “seat sharing” basis for fixed routes, but you can hire a “full auto” for private travel. Always negotiate the fare before starting the journey.
- App-Based Cabs: Ola/Uber services are very limited. Local taxi rentals (like those near the Bus Stand) are more reliable for full-day sightseeing.
Weather & Timing
- Best Time to Visit: October to March offers the best weather (pleasant and cool).
- Monsoon Caution: If visiting waterfalls like Kukdi Khapa or Lilahi during July–September, be extremely cautious of slippery rocks and sudden rises in water levels. Avoid swimming in unknown spots.
Food & Health
- Water: Always stick to bottled mineral water.
- Cuisine: Don’t miss the local “Bhutta” (corn) specialties. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, prefer busy restaurants like those on VIP Road or Parasia Road where food turnover is high.
- Medication: Carry basic medicines for motion sickness, as the roads to Tamia and Patalkot have many sharp curves (ghats).
Cash & Connectivity
- Cash is King: While UPI (Google Pay/PhonePe) is widely accepted in the city, carry physical cash if you are heading to the tribal areas of Patalkot or Tamia, as network connectivity can be spotty.
- Mobile Network: Jio and Airtel have the best coverage in the district.
Important Locations for Visitors
- Main Post Office: Near the Civil Lines area (07162-247892).
- Police Station (Kotwali): Located in the heart of the city near the main market.
- Railway Station: Centrally located, well-connected to Nagpur and Jabalpur.
