Quick Facts
Basic Information:
- Location: Ambikapur is in the Surguja district in the northern part of Chhattisgarh, India.
- Coordinates: Around 23.12° N latitude and 83.19° E longitude.
- Elevation: Approximately 623 meters (2,044 feet) above sea level.
- River: Located near the Rihand River, a tributary of the Ganges.
Historical Significance:
- Ancient Roots: Ambikapur was part of the historic Surguja State, a princely state during British India.
- Name Origin: Named after the goddess Ambika (Durga), the main deity of the region.
- Royal Family: The Surguja royal family once ruled the area; remnants of palaces and temples can still be found.
Geography and Climate:
- Topography: Hilly terrain, surrounded by forests rich in Sal, Mahua, and Tendu trees.
- Climate:
- Summer (March–June): Temperatures range from 25°C to 40°C.
- Monsoon (July–September): Heavy rainfall makes the landscape lush and green.
- Winter (November–February): Pleasant and cool, around 8°C to 25°C — among the coldest regions in Chhattisgarh.
Major Attractions:
- Mahamaya Temple: A revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Mahamaya.
- Kudargarh Temple: Located 40 km from Ambikapur, it’s a famous religious site.
- Ramgarh and Sita-Bhengra: Ancient caves associated with Ramayana legends (believed to be the resting place of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman during exile).
- Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary: Known for its diverse flora and fauna including leopards, bears, and deer.
- Mainpat: Also known as "Mini Tibet," it’s a beautiful hill station near Ambikapur with waterfalls, Tibetan settlements, and panoramic views.
Culture and People:
- Languages:
- Major languages are Hindi, Chhattisgarhi, and Surgujia (a local dialect).
- Tribal languages are also spoken.
- Communities: Home to several tribal groups such as Gonds, Oraons, and Korwas.
- Cultural Festivals:
- Navratri is celebrated grandly due to the presence of Mahamaya Temple.
- Fagun Madai, a tribal festival celebrated with music, dance, and fairs.
Cleanliness and Civic Achievement:
- Smart City Project: Ambikapur is selected under the Smart Cities Mission.
- Solid Waste Management:
- Recognized as one of India’s cleanest cities.
- Notably, it became India’s first 'zero landfill' city, where 100% waste is segregated and processed.
- It has a 7-Tier Solid Waste Management System, admired internationally.
- Swachh Survekshan: Ambikapur consistently ranks in the top 5 cleanest cities in India.
Connectivity:
- By Road: Well-connected by national highways to Raipur, Bilaspur, Varanasi, and Ranchi.
- By Rail: Ambikapur railway station links to Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur, and Delhi.
- By Air:
- Nearest airport: Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur (around 350 km away).
- A new domestic airport is planned under UDAN scheme.
Economy:
- Agriculture: Paddy, wheat, maize, and pulses are the major crops.
- Forestry: Timber, tendu leaves (for bidi-making), mahua flowers, and sal seeds are important forest products.
- Mines: Rich in minerals like bauxite and coal (nearby areas like Bishrampur).
- Tourism: Growing industry thanks to Mainpat and nearby natural attractions.
- Tibetan Market: Mainpat has Tibetan shops selling woolen clothes, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Special Features:
- Mainpat Hill Station: Offers a unique experience with Tibetan monasteries, meadows, and cool temperatures — sometimes called "Shimla of Chhattisgarh."
- Magnet Hill of Mainpat: A natural optical illusion spot where vehicles appear to roll uphill against gravity.
- Fertile Land: The area has black soil and red soil favorable for agriculture.
Quick Interesting Facts:
- Ambikapur is one of the oldest cities of Chhattisgarh.
- It is known as a role model city for waste management across India.
- The city celebrates eco-friendliness and tribal heritage together.
- Mainpat’s "Fish Point" is a small waterfall where you can see fish swimming against the waterfall current!
