Tourist Places To Visit In Dhamtari (2025)

Dhamtari, a district in Chhattisgarh that used to be a part of Raipur district in Madhya Pradesh is one of the oldest municipalities in the country. The district is surrounded by the state of Orissa in the east and the Durg district in the west. This region is endowed with rich flora and fauna and has wildlife sanctuaries with some of the most exotic plant and animal life. There are also a number of waterfalls that are in full bloom during monsoons, proving to be a great place for a vacation. Other than the natural beauty, there are numerous places of worship that make the district even more serene. Below is a list of tourist places to visit in Dhamtari for your information, so that you can plan your trip better.

The Bilai Mata Mandir in Dhamtari is also known as Vindhyavasini Ma Temple and it is quite famous amongst people in the district. The temple is situated at a distance of 5 km from the center of the city and you can easily take a bus to reach there. The architecture of the temple is simple and has a huge door as the entrance; once you enter you will find a big trishul and a lion sculpture right outside the shrine. The temple has some space where you can do a few rounds or spots to even sit and meditate or pray. While entering the place where the shrine is kept, there is a bell hanging that you can ring and inside you will see the shrine which is orange in colour and wrapped in a sari. People in the region are great believers of this shrine.

In the heart of Dhamtari city, the sacred Bilai Mata Temple (also known as Vindhyavasini Mata Temple) is located. She is worshipped as the presiding deity of the city and holds deep historical and spiritual importance. According to legends, in ancient times this place was covered with dense forest. King Narhardeo was once passing through the forest when he noticed a group of cats (Billiya). When he tried to drive them away, they did not move, and even his horse could not go forward. That night, the King had a divine vision of the Goddess in his dream, where she instructed him not to remove them but to worship her at this very place.It is believed that the idol of the Goddess mysteriously appeared from the ground at this spot. Devotees strongly believe that whoever worships the Goddess with pure devotion will have their wishes fulfilled. During Chaitra Navratri and Sharadiya Navratri, the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. Special rituals such as the installation of Jyoti Kalash enhance the divine aura, leaving devotees mesmerized.Today, this mysterious temple of Bilai Mata is not only a place of worship but also a major center of faith and spirituality in Dhamtari.

Dhamtari is full of pilgrimage spots with Sihava being one of the most popular places of worship in the district. Located quite close to the center of Dhamtari, Sihava lies on the banks of the Mahanadi River. The pilgrimage spot is surrounded by lovely lush green forests and picturesque mountains. There are a number of places to visit in this region like Karneshwar Temple, the Ganesh Ghat, Danteshwari Cave, Mahamai Temple and Amrit Kund. There is also an Ashram by the name of Hringi Hathi Khot where you can find some solace and meditate in peace. Sihava is a must see location in Dhamtari. The Karneshwar Temple in Sihawa is a group of ancient temples dating back to the 12th century. Along with Lord Shiva, the complex also has temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the Goddess. Every year, during Maha Shivratri and Sawan Somwar, grand fairs and large gatherings of devotees are organized here. The temple’s architecture beautifully reflects the distinctive features of Dakshin Kosal. In addition, the site also preserves artworks related to the Ramayana and Mahabharata, which attract tourists from far and wide. It stands as a living example of the region’s glorious history.

Rudri is a historically significant place in Dhamtari; it is said that this place used to be the capital of Kanker, a kingdom from the ancient era during the rule of Rudra Dev. It is a popular place of visit and is located on the banks of River Mahanadi, with Rudreshwar Temple being one of the most popular attractions. If you are interested in knowing more about the history of the place, visit the temples around and speak to the locals to learn more about Rudri and its significance.

The temple is believed to be one of the ancient Shiva temples of the Dakshin Kosala region. Devotees from across the state and neighboring areas visit this temple throughout the year, especially during Mahashivratri and the month of Sawan, to offer prayers and perform jalabhishek (water offering) to Lord Shiva. Worship at this temple is believed to fulfill wishes, remove obstacles, and provide inner peace and divine blessings.

According to local legends, Rudri and the surrounding area were ancient seats of meditation for sages and saints. The temple holds immense importance in local culture and traditions. It is also considered a hub of Ashta Dharmik Manyataayein — the Eight Spiritual Beliefs associated with this temple.

Located at a distance of 17 km from the center of Dhamtari, Gangrel Dam is a huge dam that is built by the Mahanadi River. This dam is also known as Ravishankar Sagar and is the longest dam in the state of Chhattisgarh. This dam is very useful to the locals, especially the farmers to whom year round irrigation is provided; this allows the farmers to harvest two different crops every year and is of huge help for their occupation. The Gangrel Dam is also the main supplier of water for Bhilai Steel Plant in Bhilai along with it being the main supplier of electricity; the dam has a capacity of supplying 10MW of hydroelectricity.

Established in 1974 in Dhamtari district, Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is the oldest and the second largest sanctuary of Chhattisgarh. Spread over an area of about 556 sq. km, it is home to rich wildlife such as tigers, leopards, wild buffaloes, deer, and several rare bird species.

Located near the Sondhur Dam, the sanctuary is covered with dense forests of sal and teak. In 2008, it became a part of the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, included under Project Tiger (2006). It is counted among the most important sanctuaries in the country as it houses many rare and endangered species. The sanctuary is blanketed with lush green forests consisting of sal, bamboo, and teak trees, along with a variety of colorful and fragrant flowers that enhance its charm.

Here, along with tigers and leopards, you can also spot numerous local as well as migratory birds, especially during winters when they come here to breed. This place is an ideal destination for people of all age groups who have an interest in wildlife.

This destination stands as a remarkable example of biodiversity, ecological balance, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit spot in Dhamtari tourism.

Madamsilli Dam is also known by the names Babu Chotelal Srivastava and Murrumsilli. It was named Madamsilli Dam because it was constructed on the Silyari River in 1923 under the supervision of the British governor Madam Silli. It is the first siphon dam in Asia, based on British technology.

The dam has a total of 34 gates, some of which are baby siphon gates that open and close automatically. When the water level reaches a certain point, the gates open, allowing water to flow into the canal. The dam is made of gravel, soil, and limestone, and its strength remains intact even today.

Due to its beauty and remarkable engineering, this dam is considered an important tourist destination in Dhamtari district.

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The Mata Aangarmoti Temple, located on the banks of Gangrel Dam, is an ancient and religious site, known as the protector of 52 villages. The main deity here is Goddess Durga, along with idols of other Hindu gods and goddesses. The temple is considered a center of great significance and power.Every year, on the first Friday after Diwali, a Bhawya fair is organized in the temple premises, attracting thousands of devotees. Since the temple is located in the middle of the forest, it is also referred to as Van Devi.This temple is a place of spiritual bliss and peace, where anyone can offer prayers and spend a few moments in front of the shrine to receive blessings. From the temple, you can also enjoy a view of Gangrel Dam. Devotees from all over the country visit Aangarmoti Temple to please the Goddess and seek her blessings.

The temple is believed to be one of the ancient Shiva temples of the Dakshin Kosala region. Devotees from across the state and neighboring areas visit this temple throughout the year, especially during Mahashivratri and the month of Sawan, to offer prayers and perform jalabhishek (water offering) to Lord Shiva. Worship at this temple is believed to fulfill wishes, remove obstacles, and provide inner peace and divine blessings.

According to local legends, Rudri and the surrounding area were ancient seats of meditation for sages and saints. The temple holds immense importance in local culture and traditions. It is also considered a hub of Ashta Dharmik Manyataayein — the Eight Spiritual Beliefs associated with this temple.