Are you looking for a place to explore the rich history and culture of Chhattisgarh? Do you want to experience the natural beauty and adventure of this state? If yes, then you should visit Dhamtari, a district in Chhattisgarh that offers a variety of attractions for tourists. Dhamtari is a hidden gem that will surprise you with its charm and diversity.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Dhamtari, its history, culture, tourism, best time to visit, how to reach, local food, and suggested itinerary. Read on to find out why Dhamtari should be your next destination.
History of Dhamtari
Dhamtari has a long and glorious history that dates back to the 14th century. It was once a part of the Chalukya empire, which ruled over most of central and southern India. The Chalukyas were known for their art, architecture, literature, and administration. They built many temples and forts in Dhamtari, some of which still stand today. One of the most famous historical sites in Dhamtari is Rudri, where the Chalukya king Raja Ramachandra Deva built a magnificent palace and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The palace was later destroyed by the Mughals, but the temple remains intact and attracts many devotees.
Another important historical site in Dhamtari is Sihawa Fort, which was built by the Maratha ruler Shivaji in the 17th century. The fort was strategically located on a hilltop and served as a defense against the Mughals and the British. The fort has a complex structure with multiple gates, bastions, walls, and chambers. It also has a water tank and a secret tunnel that leads to the nearby forest. The fort offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for trekking and camping.
Dhamtari also played a significant role in the freedom struggle of India. Many freedom fighters from Dhamtari participated in the Quit India Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement against the British rule. Some of them were martyred or imprisoned for their patriotism. One of them was Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla, who was the first chief minister of Madhya Pradesh (which included Chhattisgarh at that time). He was born in Sihawa and later moved to Dhamtari. He was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. He also contributed to the development of education, agriculture, and industry in Dhamtari.
Dhamtari became a separate district in 1998 after the bifurcation of Raipur district. It is now one of the 28 districts of Chhattisgarh and has three subdivisions: Dhamtari, Kurud, and Nagri.
Culture of Dhamtari
Dhamtari has a rich and diverse culture that reflects the influence of various communities and religions that have lived here over the centuries. The majority of the population is Hindu, followed by Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist. The main languages spoken are Chhattisgarhi, Hindi, and English.
The people of Dhamtari are known for their folk music, dance, cuisine, art, and festivals. Some of the popular folk music genres are Pandwani (a musical narration of the Mahabharata), Raut Nacha (a dance performed by cowherds), Soowa Nacha (a dance performed by women), Panthi (a devotional song dedicated to Guru Ghasidas), etc. These music forms are accompanied by traditional instruments such as mandar (a drum), jhanj (cymbals), bansuri (flute), etc.
The cuisine of Dhamtari is mainly based on rice, which is grown abundantly in the region. Some of the typical dishes are bafauri (steamed rice balls), angakar roti (rice flour bread), fara (rice dumplings), chila (rice pancakes), etc. These dishes are served with various curries, chutneys, pickles, and salads made from local vegetables and herbs. The sweets of Dhamtari are also famous for their taste and variety. Some of them are khurmi (deep-fried pastry), petha (candied pumpkin), tilgur (sesame seeds candy), etc.
The art and craft of Dhamtari are also unique and colorful. The most notable art form is terracotta pottery, which is made by using clay from the nearby rivers. The pottery is decorated with intricate designs and motifs inspired by nature and mythology. The pottery is used for various purposes such as cooking, storing, worshiping, etc. Another art form is bamboo craft, which is made by using bamboo sticks and leaves. The craft items include baskets, mats, fans, toys, etc. The craft items are also used for decoration and gifting.
The festivals of Dhamtari are celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. Some of the major festivals are Holi (the festival of colors), Diwali (the festival of lights), Dussehra (the festival of victory over evil), Navratri (the festival of nine nights), etc. These festivals are marked by rituals, prayers, songs, dances, fireworks, etc. The festivals also provide an opportunity for socializing and exchanging greetings and gifts.
Tourism in Dhamtari
Dhamtari has a lot to offer for tourists who want to experience the history, culture, nature, and adventure of Chhattisgarh. There are various tourist attractions in Dhamtari that cater to different interests and preferences. Here are some of the main categories of tourist attractions in Dhamtari:
Historical Sites
If you are interested in the history and architecture of Dhamtari, you should visit the following historical sites:
Rudri: As mentioned earlier, Rudri is the place where the Chalukya king Raja Ramachandra Deva built a palace and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also known as Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple and is one of the oldest temples in Chhattisgarh. The temple has a beautiful stone carving of Lord Shiva on its outer wall. The temple also has a pond and a garden that add to its beauty and serenity. The temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm and has no entry fee.
Sihawa Fort: As mentioned earlier, Sihawa Fort is a fort built by Shivaji in the 17th century on a hilltop. The fort is a marvel of engineering and architecture and offers a stunning view of the surroundings. The fort is also a place for adventure lovers who can enjoy trekking and camping here. The fort is open from 6 am to 6 pm and has no entry fee.
Deorani-Jethani Temple: This is another ancient temple built by the Chalukyas in the 11th century. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is located near the Gangrel Dam. The temple has two parts: Deorani (the elder sister-in-law) and Jethani (the younger sister-in-law). The Deorani part has a statue of Goddess Parvati with four arms and the Jethani part has a statue of Goddess Parvati with two arms. The temple also has sculptures of other gods and goddesses such as Ganesha, Kartikeya, Vishnu, etc. The temple is open from 6 am to 6 pm and has no entry fee.
Religious Places
If you are looking for some spiritual peace and solace, you should visit the following religious places in Dhamtari:
Bilai Mata Mandir: This is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is also known as Bilai Mata or Badi Mata. The temple is located on a hilltop near the Madamsilli Dam. The temple is believed to be very powerful and fulfills the wishes of the devotees. The temple also has a fair every year during Navratri, when thousands of pilgrims visit the temple. The temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm and has no entry fee.
Ravishankar Dam Temple: This is a modern temple built on the Ravishankar Dam, which is also known as Gangrel Dam. The dam is the longest dam in Chhattisgarh and provides irrigation and electricity to the region. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a huge statue of him on its premises. The temple also has a park and a boating facility that attract many visitors. The temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm and has an entry fee of Rs 10 per person.
Madamsilli Dam Temple: This is another modern temple built on the Madamsilli Dam, which is also known as Mini Gangrel Dam. The dam is the second longest dam in Chhattisgarh and provides irrigation and electricity to the region. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a statue of him on its premises. The temple also has a park and a boating facility that attract many visitors. The temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm and has an entry fee of Rs 10 per person.
Natural Beauty
If you are fond of nature and wildlife, you should visit the following natural beauty in Dhamtari:
Sihava Wildlife Sanctuary: This is one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in Chhattisgarh that covers an area of 556 sq km and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is known for its dense forests, hills, valleys, streams, and waterfalls. The sanctuary hosts many animals such as tigers, leopards, bears, deer, monkeys, etc. The sanctuary also has many birds such as peacocks, parrots, eagles, etc. The sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who can enjoy safari, trekking, camping, photography, etc. The sanctuary is open from 6 am to 6 pm and has an entry fee of Rs 50 per person.
Dudhawa Waterfall: This is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Chhattisgarh that falls from a height of 60 meters. The waterfall is located near the Sihawa Fort and is surrounded by lush greenery and rocks. The waterfall creates a milky white spray that gives it its name. The waterfall is a popular picnic spot and a place for relaxation and rejuvenation. The waterfall is open from 6 am to 6 pm and has no entry fee.
Gangrel Dam: This is the longest dam in Chhattisgarh that spans over the Mahanadi river. The dam is also known as Ravishankar Dam and has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on its premises. The dam is a major source of irrigation and electricity for the region. The dam also offers a scenic view of the river and the hills. The dam also has a park and a boating facility that attract many visitors. The dam is open from 6 am to 8 pm and has an entry fee of Rs 10 per person.
Adventure Activities
If you are looking for some thrill and excitement, you should try the following adventure activities in Dhamtari:
Boating: You can enjoy boating on the Gangrel Dam or the Madamsilli Dam and experience the beauty of the water and the breeze. You can choose from different types of boats such as paddle boats, motor boats, speed boats, etc. You can also enjoy fishing or bird watching while boating. The boating facility is available from 8 am to 6 pm and has a charge of Rs 50 to Rs 200 per person depending on the type of boat.
Camping: You can enjoy camping on the Sihawa Fort or the Dudhawa Waterfall and experience the thrill of staying in tents under the stars. You can also enjoy bonfire, music, games, etc. while camping. You can also explore the nearby forest and wildlife while camping. The camping facility is available from 6 pm to 6 am and has a charge of Rs 500 to Rs 1000 per person depending on the location and facilities.
Trekking: You can enjoy trekking on the Sihawa Fort or the Dudhawa Waterfall and experience the challenge of climbing up and down the hills and rocks. You can also enjoy the panoramic view of the surroundings while trekking. You can also discover some hidden caves and waterfalls while trekking. The trekking facility is available from 6 am to 6 pm and has a charge of Rs 100 to Rs 200 per person depending on the difficulty level.
Best Time to Visit Dhamtari
The best time to visit Dhamtari is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool. This is also the time when most of the festivals are celebrated in Dhamtari such as Diwali, Dussehra, Navratri, etc. You can also witness the colorful culture and traditions of Dhamtari during this time.
The summer season in Dhamtari is from April to June when the temperature can rise up to 45 degrees Celsius. This is not a good time to visit Dhamtari as it can be very hot and humid. However, if you want to avoid the crowd and get some discounts on hotels and transport, you can visit Dhamtari during this time.
The monsoon season in Dhamtari is from July to September when the rainfall is moderate to heavy. This is also not a good time to visit Dhamtari as it can be very wet and slippery. However, if you want to see the greenery and freshness of Dhamtari after the rain, you can visit Dhamtari during this time.
How to Reach Dhamtari
Dhamtari is well connected by road, rail, and air to the rest of the country. Here are some of the ways to reach Dhamtari by different modes of transport:
By Flight: The nearest airport to Dhamtari is the Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, which is about 80 km away. The airport has flights from major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, etc. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to reach Dhamtari. The taxi fare is around Rs 1500 and the bus fare is around Rs 100.
By Road: Dhamtari is well connected by road to the rest of Chhattisgarh and neighboring states such as Odisha, Maharashtra, Telangana, etc. You can take a bus or a car from Raipur, Bilaspur, Jagdalpur, etc. to reach Dhamtari. The bus fare is around Rs 100 to Rs 200 and the car fare is around Rs 10 per km.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Dhamtari is the Dhamtari Railway Station, which is about 2 km away from the city center. The station has trains from Raipur, Bilaspur, Nagpur, etc. You can take a rickshaw or a taxi from the station to reach Dhamtari. The rickshaw fare is around Rs 20 and the taxi fare is around Rs 100.
Local Transport in Dhamtari
The local transport in Dhamtari is mainly by buses, taxis, autos, and rickshaws. You can use these modes of transport to travel within and around Dhamtari. Here are some of the details of the local transport in Dhamtari:
Buses: Buses are the cheapest and most convenient way to travel in Dhamtari. You can find buses from the main bus stand or from various stops in the city. The buses run from 6 am to 9 pm and cover most of the tourist attractions in Dhamtari. The bus fare is around Rs 10 to Rs 20 depending on the distance.
Taxis: Taxis are the fastest and most comfortable way to travel in Dhamtari. You can find taxis from the main taxi stand or from various hotels and restaurants in the city. The taxis run from 6 am to 10 pm and can take you to any place in and around Dhamtari. The taxi fare is around Rs 15 per km.
Autos: Autos are the most common and easily available way to travel in Dhamtari. You can find autos from any corner of the city or by waving your hand on the road. The autos run from 6 am to 10 pm and can take you to any place in and around Dhamtari. The auto fare is around Rs 10 per km.
Rickshaws: Rickshaws are the most eco-friendly and fun way to travel in Dhamtari. You can find rickshaws from any corner of the city or by asking a local person. The rickshaws run from 6 am to 9 pm and can take you to any place in and around Dhamtari. The rickshaw fare is around Rs 5 per km.
Some tips and cautions for travelers using the local transport in Dhamtari are:
- Always negotiate the fare before boarding a taxi, auto, or rickshaw.
- Always carry some change with you as some drivers may not have enough change.
- Always keep your belongings with you and do not leave them unattended in any vehicle.
- Always wear a seat belt while traveling in a car or a taxi.
- Always follow the traffic rules and regulations while traveling in any vehicle.
Local Food in Dhamtari
The local food in Dhamtari is mainly based on rice, which is grown abundantly in the region. Some of the typical dishes are bafauri (steamed rice balls), angakar roti (rice flour bread), fara (rice dumplings), chila (rice pancakes), etc. These dishes are served with various curries, chutneys, pickles, and salads made from local vegetables and herbs.
The sweets of Dhamtari are also famous for their taste and variety. Some of them are khurmi (deep-fried pastry), peth a (candied pumpkin), tilgur (sesame seeds candy), etc.
The local food in Dhamtari is not only delicious but also nutritious and healthy. The food is prepared with fresh and organic ingredients and spices that enhance the flavor and aroma. The food is also cooked in a traditional way using earthen pots and wood fire that add to its authenticity and taste.
Some of the best places to eat in Dhamtari are:
Bafauri Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant that specializes in bafauri, the signature dish of Dhamtari. The restaurant also serves other rice dishes such as angakar roti, fara, chila, etc. The restaurant is located near the bus stand and is open from 8 am to 10 pm. The average cost for two people is around Rs 200.
Khurmi Sweets: This is a famous sweet shop that offers a variety of sweets such as khurmi, petha, tilgur, etc. The shop also sells snacks such as samosa, kachori, pakora, etc. The shop is located near the railway station and is open from 8 am to 10 pm. The average cost for two people is around Rs 100.
Gangrel Dam Restaurant: This is a scenic restaurant that overlooks the Gangrel Dam and offers a beautiful view of the water and the hills. The restaurant serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes such as dal, sabzi, roti, rice, chicken, fish, etc. The restaurant also has a boating facility that allows you to enjoy the view while eating. The restaurant is located on the dam premises and is open from 8 am to 8 pm. The average cost for two people is around Rs 300.
Suggested Itinerary for Dhamtari
If you are planning to visit Dhamtari for one day or two days, here are some suggested itineraries that will help you make the most of your trip:
One Day Itinerary
If you have only one day to explore Dhamtari, you can follow this itinerary:
Start your day by visiting the Rudri temple and admire its ancient architecture and carving. You can also take a dip in the pond and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
Next, head to the Sihawa Fort and explore its complex structure and history. You can also enjoy the view of the forest and the valley from the fort.
Then, proceed to the Dudhawa Waterfall and witness its spectacular beauty and sound. You can also relax near the waterfall and enjoy a picnic.
After that, visit the Bilai Mata Mandir and pay your respects to Goddess Durga. You can also participate in the aarti and prasad that are held daily at the temple.
Finally, end your day by visiting the Gangrel Dam and enjoy boating on the water. You can also visit the Ravishankar Dam Temple and see the statue of Lord Shiva.
Two Days Itinerary
If you have two days to explore Dhamtari, you can follow this itinerary:
On day one, follow the same itinerary as above for one day.
On day two, start your day by visiting the Deorani-Jethani Temple and marvel at its ancient sculptures and design. You can also learn about its legends and stories from the locals.
Next, head to the Sihava Wildlife Sanctuary and experience the wildlife and nature of Chhattisgarh. You can also enjoy safari, trekking, camping, photography, etc. at the sanctuary.
Then, proceed to the Madamsilli Dam and enjoy boating on the water. You can also visit the Madamsilli Dam Temple and see the statue of Lord Shiva.
After that, visit some of the local restaurants and shops in Dhamtari and taste some of the local food and sweets. You can also buy some souvenirs and handicrafts from Dhamtari.
Finally, end your trip by visiting some of the nearby places such as Raipur, Bilaspur, Jagdalpur, etc. if you have time and interest.
Conclusion
Dhamtari is a historical and cultural destination in Chhattisgarh that offers a variety of attractions for tourists. Dhamtari has a long and glorious history that dates back to the 14th century when it was a part of the Chalukya empire. Dhamtari has a rich and diverse culture that reflects the influence of various communities and religions that have lived here over the centuries. Dhamtari has a lot to offer for tourists who want to experience the history, culture, nature, and adventure of Chhattisgarh.
If you are looking for a place to explore the hidden gem of Chhattisgarh, you should visit Dhamtari. You will be amazed by its charm and diversity. You will also have a memorable time with your friends and family.