About Dongargarh

Famous for ancient Bambleshwari Temple, Dongargarh city cum municipality in Chhattisgarh state’s Rajnandgaon District is one of the sought after destinations in the country. It is known as one of the famous pilgrim destination in the region. Dongargarh city serves as headquarters of the Dongargarh municipality. Its distance from the nearby the cities of Rajnandgaon; Durg and Bhandara cities at 35, 67 and 132 km respectively makes it easily accessible by all prominent locations in the state. What makes this city famous is majestic mountains and ponds that appeal to all and sundry to feel closeness to nature.

History of Dongargarh

There is not much known about the history of Dongargarh region. It is believed that this region had remained unnoticed due to least development over the centuries. Hardly was this area politically active hence least is written or known about it. Like other areas it had remained part of several regional kingdoms until coming under the British rule in the colonial area until India attained freedom. It became part of Madhya Pradesh and later on of newly carved out Chhattisgarh state’s Rajnandgaon District as one of its Municipalities. At present this tiny city is known for the ancient temple which makes it a holy city.

Geography of Dongargarh

Geographically Dongargarh is situated at 21.188712°N and 80.759072°E. Majority inhabitants of this area speak Hindi and Chhattisgarhi languages. Good chunk of people speak Urdu, English and regional dialects. Dongargarh experiences comparatively bearable summers, chilling winters and ample rainfall. According to the 2001 census reports, total population of Dongargarh as recorded was 34,440 out of which 51% were males and 49% female population. Same census report mentions average literacy rate of this city at 73% that indicated far higher than 59.5% national average literacy rate. Out of the total literacy rate 81% consisted of males and 66% female literacy rate.

Culture of Dongargarh

Dongargarh maintains spiritual culture due to the presence of famous Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple. This temple is located on a 1,600 feet high hilltop and therefore remains a major landmark in the region. People of this region enjoy simple living and high thinking approach. As religiously inclined masses they are still not spoiled by the tantrums of modernity or modern trends. The spiritual importance and value of this region can be depicted from the masses in general. People enjoy togetherness and therefore share time with each other during festivals—both religious and social—and so do they wear dresses famous in the local trends. Their lifestyle and culture are perfectly depicted from the food they eat and dresses they wear. Most inhabitants are involved in the agriculture related activities.

Economy of Dongargarh

Large chunk of masses in Dongargarh in the Chhattisgarh state involve themselves in the agricultural activities. That is why the primary source of economic growth is none other than involvement in the agricultural produce only. Small scale business and trade opportunities also add on to economic growth of this region. Being a pilgrimage center makes Dongargarh an important location in the state for tourism based economy.

Banks in Dongargarh

Canara Bank
Branch: Dongargarh
IFSC Code: CNRB0005260
Address: Shri Agrasen Chowk Ward No:- 16, District- Rajnandgaon Dongargarh (Chhattisgarh)
Contact: +91- 712 2567298

Dena Bank
Branch: Dongargarh
IFSC Code: BKDN0820346
Address: 10-Jaistambh Chowk, Dongargarh (Chhattisgarh) – 491445
Contact: +91 - 07823-232905

State Bank Of India
Branch: Dongargarh
Address: 116, Narsingh Ward, Jaistambh Chowk, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh) – 491445
Contact: +(91)-7744-232086 232037

Punjab National Bank
Branch: Dongargarh
Address: Khairagarh Road, Bhandarpur, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh) – 491445
Contact: +(91)-7823-253292; +(91)-9301745473

Axis Bank Ltd.,
Branch: Dongargarh
Address: Ward No 9, Mahaveer Para, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh) – 491445
Contact: +(91)-7823-232052

Central Bank Of India
Branch: Dongargarh
Address: Ward No 15, Gole Bazar, Mahaveer Para, Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh) – 491445 Contact: +(91)-7823-233555

Besides the banks mentioned above many other regional and government owned banks have operation in this small city through their branches. Most banks operating here through their branches also have the presence of ATMs in various nooks and corners of this tiny city.

Food in Dongargarh

Majority of inhabitants in Dongargarh prefer vegetarian foods. Small chunk of them like non-vegetarian dishes as well. The dishes prepared are mainly of local trends hence they are integral parts of the cuisines from the typical Chhattisgarhi style. Several local restaurants of Dongargarh have now started serving food varieties of different parts of the country due to its popularity as a pilgrimage center and arrival of pilgrims from different locations. Local restaurants therefore serve even South Indian and other Indian dishes. In general the ingredients of foods in Dongargarh include rice, bread and variety of vegetarian stuffs. They make healthy food options for the inhabitants and visitors alike.

Tourism in Dongargarh

Besides famous Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple, Dongargarh is popular amongst the religious tourists keen to visit other religious places like Chhoti Bamleshwari Temple; Shivji Temple; Lord Hanuman Temple and most notably the only passenger ropeway in Chhattisgarh state in this place which seeks attention of all and sundry. Other attractions in Dongargarh which have added its value as a tourist destination are Jain Temples; Chandragiri Hill and state’s biggest Gurudwara located in the midst of this city are worth visiting places.

Utility Services in Dongargarh

Being a tiny city, Dongargarh has limited access to the utility services to inhabitants and visitors alike. The postal system, local courier gas agencies and petrol pumps et al have their presence in various parts of the city. It also has local hospitals to cater to the healthcare needs. The state police have police stations at various places to ensure safety and security of the masses. In the nutshell, Dongargarh has the required utilities services facility it seeks for the betterment of the region and for masses to maintain sustainable lifestyle.

Transportation in Dongargarh

Dongargarh is well connected by the railways, roadways and airways at reasonable distance. Steps have been taken to connect this region with the rest parts of the state due to its emerging identity of a holy place and pilgrimage center.

Airways: Raipur Airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of just 110 km from the Dongargarh city. It links this region with rest domestic and international destinations through airways service.

Railways: Dongargarh Railway Station is the nearest railhead which links this area with the entire country by railways service. Several express trains operating for many destinations pass through it.

Roadways: National highways and subways link this area with all other parts of the state and country through roadways. Most roads passing through Dongargarh are well maintained to link the biggest nearest city of district headquarters Rajnandgaon from where buses for all destinations are available.

Dongargarh is not an emerging place but its identity of a city with a difference due to religious value of a hioly place emerging in the Chhattisgarh state and most importantly wonderful climatic conditions make it sought after. Its greeneries and forestry areas are ultimate and are therefore explored by many tourists throughout the year.