12 Famous Places to Visit in Dhamtari: You Don’t Want to miss

Q: What is the history of the Dhamtari district?

Dhamtari district has a history spanning ancient times under the Haihaya dynasty and later the Kalchuri kings. During British colonial rule, it was part of the Central Provinces. Post-independence, it became a part of Madhya Pradesh and later Chhattisgarh in 2000. Known for its agricultural significance, particularly rice cultivation, Dhamtari also has some cultural heritage marked by temples, traditional art forms, and tribes.

Q: Is Dhamtari a village or a city?

Dhamtari is neither a village nor just a city, it is a district headquarters in Chhattisgarh. It comprises both rural and urban areas, with Dhamtari town being the administrative center.

Q: What is Dhamtari Famous for?

Dhamtari is a small town in Chhattisgarh, majorly famous for its Dams like Gangrel Dam and Dadhawa Dam. Apart from that, there’s a wildlife reserve in Dhamtari known as Sitanandi Wildlife Sanctuary. There are other famous places to visit in Dhamtari, ranging from temples, waterfalls, and small hills to ancient reserves like old caves.

Dhamtari, a district in Chhattisgarh may not be on your bucket list, but there are some truly worthy tourist places to visit in Dhamtari. The district is not very developed to provide you with a luxurious experience, but it surely captivate you with what it has.

It is an untouched beauty of Chhattisgarh filled with natural attractions, cultural heritage, and major Dams. Let’s plan your Dhamtari Trip together with some insights on how to explore some of the top places to visit in Dhamtari, what’s the best time to visit, along with some nearby attractions.

Here’s a list of famous tourist places in Dhamtari:-

Sitanandi Wildlife Sanctuary
Gangrel Dam
Sihawa Hills
Vivekanand Sarowar
Rudri
Dudhawa Dam
Mandagiri Hills
Kanker Palace
Sihawa Temple
Ghotul Sites
Nahara Waterfall
Bova Beach

Famous Places To Visit in Dhamtari

1. Sitanandi Wildlife Sanctuary

Sitanandi Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best tourist places to visit in Dhamtari. Ideal for wildlife and nature lovers. It is basically named after the Sitnandi River which is also one of Dhamtari tourist places. This sanctuary is spread over 550 sq. km and has a thriving wildlife inside.

Here, visitors can opt for guided tours and safaris where you get the opportunity to spot tigers, leopards, and various types of deer. Along with that, during winter, you can witness local migratory birds as well. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from October to March, during this time the wildlife is most active.

2. Gangrel Dam

Known as the “Mini Goa” of Chhattisgarh, this dam is another gem of the Dhamtari district. It is one of the largest and most important water sources in Chhattisgarh. Apart from its practical purpose, this top tourist attraction in Dhamtari has become popular because of its scenic beauty.

As a visitor, you can enjoy various recreational activities like boating, picnics, or simply relax in the environment. Also, there’s a well-maintained garden attached to it, and adventure lovers can also enjoy water skiing and jetski offered by the Chhattisgarh Tourism Department, making Gangrel Dam among the must visit places in Dhamtari.

3. Sihawa Hills

Hello, hiking and trekking lovers, Siwaha hills is one of the best places to visit in Dhamtari for some exhausting yet thrilling experience. These hills are part of the Eastern Ghats and are popular for the scenes it offers.

It is a beginner hike and the route is filled with greenery, rock terrains, and several viewpoints. While hiking, you might witness some wild animals like monkeys. The hills also have several ancient temples and caves along the route, which keeps your thrill going. Eventually, you reach the top, and you are greeted with panoramic views of the surroundings where you can relax and enjoy the views while clicking some pictures. Especially for nature and hiking lovers, this is one of the must visit places in Dhamtari.

4. Vivekanand Sarowar

Vivekanand Sarowar is among the famous places to visit in Dhamtari for both families and friends. The Lake is surrounded by hills and forests and offers some beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. Named after Swami Vivekanand(A famous figure in Indian religion & culture), it is said that he used to meditate in this area.

Visitors can explore the Vivekanand Temple in the area and enjoy boating on the Lake. What makes this place a top tourist attraction in Dhamtari is the iconic statue of Vivekanand on the banks of the lake.

There are several other attractions near the lake such as Jatmai Temple, the Amarkantak National Park, Chainpur, and Kedarnath caves and waterfalls.

5. Rudri

Rudri is a small town in Dhamtari. The main attraction of Rudri is the Rudreshwar Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Rudri is basically a town, and it is believed that this area was the capital of Kanker Kingdon long ago.

There’s a large named Rudri Dam, and is one of the earliest irrigation projects along the Mahandi River. This is one of the top places to visit in Dhamtari responsible for supplying water to the capital city of Raipur in Chhattisgarh and is also a main source of irrigation in the nearby regions.

6. Dudhawa Dam

Located in the Kanker district of Chhattisgarh, Dudhawa Dam is a hidden gem for both nature and adventure lovers. This place became one of the famous places to visit in Dhamtari because of its scenic views and surrounding hills.

Here, Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and bird-watching, making it a paradise for outdoor activities. Don’t miss the sunset views over the dam, this is the perfect time to click some amazing pictures.

7. Mandagiri Hills

Located in the town of Gayata Ba in Dhamtari, Mandagiri Hills is an underrated gem often overlooked among Dhamtari’s attractions. This stunning location is among the best places to visit in Dhamtari, perfect for family and friends outings.

When visiting Dhamtari, make sure to add Mandagiri Hill to your list. The location is surrounded by nearby mountains, providing some beautiful scenes throughout the journey. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary but among the best places to visit in Dhamtari.

8. Kanker Palace

Once a residence of the royal family, Kanker Palace is one of the famous places to visit in Dhamtari. It is s beautiful hotel surrounded by gardens and has an architecture that reflects a mixed style of Rajput and European.

Today, it’s a peaceful place where people can stay and experience what life was like for royalty long ago. Visitors can visit the palace throughout the year to explore the old weapons, fancy furniture, and other royal treasures. You can also stay here if you want.

9. Sihawa Temple

Sihava is a quiet village near the Mahanadi River in Dhamtari known for its ancient temples. These temples are special because they are beautifully carved with sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. By visiting, you’ll surely admire the detailed artwork and peaceful surroundings.

Visiting Sihava lets you experience rural life in India and learn about its rich culture and traditions. It’s one of the famous tourist places in Dhamtari and the perfect place to relax, admire the beauty, and take pictures.

10. Ghotul Sites

For cultural lovers, Ghotul Sites are special places for the Muria Gond tribe in Dhamtari. These sites are like community centers where young Muria Gond boys and girls come together. They learn about their culture, traditions, and skills from older tribe members At the Ghotul, they sing, dance, tell stories, and participate in ceremonies. It’s a place where youth learn important values and how to live in their community.

This is one of the famous places to visit in Dhamtari to see how the Muria Gond tribe lives and shares their traditions with younger generations. It’s a way to understand their unique culture and way of life in Dhamtari.

11. Nahara Waterfall

Narhara Waterfall, located just 30 km from Dhamtari among the dense forests, is one of the best tourist places to visit In Dhamtari. With a height of 15 to 20 feet, the waterfall is also popular from the name of mini Chitrakoot. The area is also significant as this was the meditation ground of Rishi Markandeya.

Parallel to the waterfall, there’s a temple of Mata Nareshwari Devi, where devotees perform rituals after bathing in its pristine waters. The best time to visit Nahara Waterfall is during and after the monsoon when the water level increases.

12. Bova Beach

Bova Beach, located near Dhamtari, is perfect for a relaxing escape. It’s gaining fame for its calm and beautiful surroundings, making it one of the top places to visit in Dhamtar for picnics and leisurely activities.

This beach offers a break from city life. If you’re looking to relax your mind in the beauty of Chhattisgarh, then Bova Beach. The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is just right for outdoor fun.

Best Time to Visit Dhamtari Tourist Places

Visit Dhamtari during the winter months is the best, from October to February. It’s not too hot or rainy, so you can enjoy exploring the area comfortably. The weather is mild and pleasant, is perfect for activities like trekking and visiting waterfalls or wildlife spots. Plus, winter comes with lots of festivals so you might get to experience local festivals during this time.

How To Reach Dhamtari

By Air

Most of the cities in Chhattisgarh don’t have their own airports. The main airport of Chhattisgarh is Swami Vivekananda International Airport (RAIPUR), followed by Bilaspur Airport, Jagdalpur Airport, and Raigarh Airport. However, the Raipur airport is the most convenient option to reach Dhamtari. From there, Dhamtari is 1.5 hr away by road.

By Train

Unlike airports, the Dhamtari district is well connected with rail lines. The closest station is Dhamtari Station which is just 2 km away from the city. This is the most convenient option to reach Dhamtari.

By Road

There are roads in good condition towards Dhamtari. If you’re coming via Raipur make sure you drive toward NH30 for the fastest connectivity. Also, to explore the famous places in Dhamtari, you can opt for cabs and public buses as well.

Places To Visit Near Dhamtari

Malhar

Just 4 hours from Dhamtari, Malhar is an ancient site famous for its old temples and sculptures from the Kalachuri dynasty(6th-7th Century). Malhar is popularly famous for its grand temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, and other sculptures resonate with other gods and goddesses. It’s like stepping into a time machine where you can feel the simply witness those arts and beliefs.

Just 2 hours from Dhamtari, in Durg, there’s Uwasaggaharam Parshwa Teerth which is also worth visiting when in Chhattisgarh

Chitrakoot Waterfalls

Chitrakoot Waterfall near Dhamtari, is known as India’s own Niagara Falls. Its height is 30 meters and surrounded by forests and rocks. People love it for its stunning views, great photo spots, birdwatching, and hiking trails. In the rainy season (July to October), the waterfall with more water becomes even bigger, making it even more impressive. Chitrakoot is a peaceful place and a must-see if you’re looking for adventure.

Sirpur

Sirpur is an ancient place full of history. It’s famous for old structures and statues that are hundreds of years old. Just 2.5 hours from Dhamntari, people visit to see the famous Laxman Temple, which has beautiful carvings telling stories from ancient times. There’s also the Gandheshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is very special.

Every year, Sirpur hosts a cultural festival with music, dancing, and local crafts. It’s a peaceful place with lots of history to explore, perfect for anyone interested in ancient history.

Bhilai

Bhilai is known as the steel capital. The city is home to the Bhilai Steel Plant, the first and largest Indian plant to produce steel rails. Bhilai has many tribal communities that add their traditional dances and colorful clothes to explore. One popular place is the Maitri Bagh Zoo to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you like adventure, you can go trekking in nearby hills or visit beautiful waterfalls. There are so many hidden natural attractions here. Another gem near Bhilai is Dhamdha, it is a small town with some forts, temples, and sculptures in Dhamdha dating back to the 11th century.

If you ever want to extend your trip here, then visit Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh where you can visit Gandhi Udyan Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of the Dhamtari district?

Is Dhamtari a village or a city?

What is Dhamtari Famous for?

Here’s a list of famous tourist places in Dhamtari:-

Sitanandi Wildlife Sanctuary
Gangrel Dam
Sihawa Hills
Vivekanand Sarowar
Rudri
Dudhawa Dam
Mandagiri Hills
Kanker Palace
Sihawa Temple
Ghotul Sites
Nahara Waterfall
Bova Beach