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Surguja – Explore Ancient Archaeology And Pilgrimage Sites

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Surguja lies in the northern part of Chhattisgarh and is bordered by Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. 50% of the land is covered by forest which is inhabited by the tribes. Chhattisgarh is the 17th tea producing state in India and Surguja along with Jashpur have the most favourable conditions for producing tea.

Mythical stories are related to this place. It is said that Lord Rama visited this place during his exile of fourteen years and therefore, there are certain places named after Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Laxmana. Ramgarh, Sita-Bhengra and Laxmangarh are some of them.

Like other places of Chhattisgarh, Surguja has also witnessed the rule of various dynasties. Starting with Nandas and Mauryas, it passed on to the Rakshal clan. It was a princely state under the British regime. The Hasdeo river, the Rihand river and the Kanhar river forms the river basins of Surguja. Surguja is also famed for being the backdrop of Green Oscar-winning movie, "The Last Migration", which focuses on the elephants of the region.

Tourist Places In And Around Surguja

Other than its historical and tribal influence, Surguja is also a wanted destination for tourists. Antique ruins and artistic temple carvings of the yesteryears are to be explored in Surguja. Chhattisgarh is known for innumerable waterfalls and Surguja owns one of them. Tiger Point waterfall is located at Mainpat. Ramgarh and Sita Bengra are famous for caves with prehistoric paintings. It is believed that Lord Rama stayed at Ramgarh during his 14-year exile.

Ambikapur Temple is another attraction as it is known for being the temple town of Chhattisgarh. Taat Pani is visited for the hot spring which flows throughout the year. Medicinal features are available in the water of the hot spring. Deepadih is the centre of ruined temples and tanks while Deogarh is for archaeology. Kudargarh is a pilgrimage destination.

People And Culture

Tribal people comprise of the maximum population in Surguja. Pando and Korwa are those tribes who still reside in the forests. While the former is believed to be the descendants of Pandavas, the later are the members of Kauravs of Mahabharata. Sericulture is one of the occupation of the farmers in Surguja. Bharia language is mostly spoken here by the Bharia tribes. Tribal dance plays an important role in any kind of celebration.

Shaila dance is a group performance where only male members participate. Occasion for this dance is variegated, like crop-cutting in January, political rallies, public and national functions. Bamboo sticks are used for this dance. Suwa dance is a romantic form where young girls express their interest in marriageable boys. It is also performed to impress the wealth god. Karma Dance is performed by both male and female dancers who praise the karam tree as they sing. Karam tree is considered sacred and is worshiped with lots of rituals.

Best Time To Visit Surguja

Temperature reaches their extremes in summer and winter months.

How To Reach Surguja

Surguja is connected by roadways and railways while air route is not very convenient.

Surguja Weather

Best Season / Best Time to Visit Surguja

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • July
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

How to Reach Surguja

  • By Road
    Buses are readily available from Durg, Bilaspur and Raipur. Private taxi or car service can also transport to various tourist spots of Surguja.
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  • By Train
    An overnight train is available which runs between Durg and Ambikapur in Surguja district.
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  • By Air
    Surguja is 375km from Raipur Airport, which is the nearest. Flights to major cities are available from Raipur.
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