Dongargarh is a small hill-and-lake pilgrimage town in Rajnandgaon district, Chhattisgarh, built around the Maa Bamleshwari Devi temple that stands on a hilltop reached by a long flight of steps or a ropeway. Twice a year, during the Chaitra and Kwar (Sharadiya) Navratri, it swells with pilgrims from Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states. This guide covers the hilltop shrine, the lower Chhoti Bamleshwari temple, the Pragyagiri Buddhist hill, when to go, and how to reach by train, road and air.
Dongargarh, in Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh, is a temple town on the Mumbai–Howrah railway line where the Maa Bamleshwari Devi shrine sits on a roughly 490-metre (1,600-foot) hill. Visit between October and March; the two Navratri fairs are the peak, when lakhs of pilgrims arrive.
Key takeaways
- The Badi (hilltop) Bamleshwari temple sits on a hill of about 1,600 feet (490 m); reach it by roughly 1,000 steps or by ropeway, per the temple website and Wikipedia.
- Dongargarh has a smaller Chhoti Bamleshwari temple at the base of the hill, about half a kilometre from the main complex.
- The town hosts two Navratri melas a year: Chaitra (March–April) and Kwar/Sharadiya (September–October); the Chaitra 2026 mela ran 19–27 March 2026, per South East Central Railway and Dainik Jagran.
- Dongargarh station (code DGG) is on the Howrah–Nagpur–Mumbai main line; the town is about 107 km from Raipur and 35–40 km from Rajnandgaon.
- Pragyagiri hill, about 1 km before the town, is a Buddhist site with a vihara (monastery) built in 1998 and a large east-facing Buddha statue.
- Best season is October to March; carry cash as the hill climb and fair-day queues can be long.
Dongargarh at a glance
Dongargarh is a municipal town in Rajnandgaon district, western Chhattisgarh, best known as the seat of the Maa Bamleshwari Devi temple. The 2011 Census recorded a population of 37,372; the PIN code is 491445 and the town sits near 21.19°N, 80.76°E. The name is usually read as “dongar” (hill) and “garh” (fort), which fits a settlement ringed by low hills and small lakes such as Tapsi Talab.
The draw is spiritual rather than scenic in the grand sense. A white temple on a green hill, a ropeway, a Buddhist vihara on a neighbouring rise and a Jain shrine on Chandragiri give the town an unusual mix of faiths within a few kilometres. It pairs naturally with a wider Chhattisgarh travel itinerary rather than as a standalone trip.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Dongargarh is October to March, when days are mild and the hill climb is comfortable; the two Navratri fairs are the devotional peak but also the most crowded. Summers (April–June) are hot in this part of Chhattisgarh, and the climb up open steps is tiring in the heat. The monsoon (July–September) greens the hills but makes steps slippery.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | October–March | Most comfortable for the climb and darshan; Kwar Navratri (Sep–Oct) falls at the start, Chaitra Navratri (Mar–Apr) at the end. |
| Summer | April–June | Hot; start the climb early and carry water. Fewer crowds outside festival days. |
| Monsoon | July–September | Green surroundings and fuller lakes; steps can be wet and slippery. |
How to reach Dongargarh
Dongargarh is reached most easily by train, as the town has its own station on a trunk route; the nearest airport is at Raipur. Dongargarh station (code DGG) lies on the Howrah–Nagpur–Mumbai line in the South East Central Railway’s Nagpur division, which Wikipedia describes as an important stop with four platforms. According to South East Central Railway notices reported for the 2026 Chaitra mela, several express trains receive temporary stoppages at Dongargarh during Navratri, and extra MEMU (electric local) services run on the Raipur–Durg–Gondia stretch.
By road, Dongargarh connects to Rajnandgaon and the Durg–Raipur corridor; shared taxis and buses run from Rajnandgaon, and local trains from Rajnandgaon take roughly 30–40 minutes. For air travel, fly into Raipur’s Swami Vivekananda Airport and continue by road or rail. These distances are useful for planning a loop through central Chhattisgarh.
| From | Distance | Typical mode |
|---|---|---|
| Rajnandgaon | about 35–40 km | Local train (~30–40 min), bus, taxi |
| Durg | about 64–67 km | Train, road |
| Raipur (and its airport) | about 107–110 km | Train or road (~2.5–3 hours) |
| Nagpur | about 200 km | Train, road |
The Bamleshwari temple: steps and ropeway
The main Maa Bamleshwari Devi shrine, often called Badi Bamleshwari, sits on a hilltop of about 1,600 feet (490 m), and you reach it by climbing or by ropeway. The temple website and Wikipedia describe roughly 1,000 steps up the hill; Incredible India calls it a “long flight of stairs” with a ropeway as the alternative. Many pilgrims choose to walk up as an act of devotion, stopping at small shrines along the way, while the ropeway suits elders, children and anyone short on time.
The deity is worshipped as a form of Durga, and the structure is built in the Nagara style. At the base of the hill stands the lower Chhoti Bamleshwari temple, about half a kilometre from the main complex, which pilgrims typically visit first. Local tradition, recounted on temple and tourism pages, links the shrine’s founding to a king who built it to mark the birth of a son; this is told as belief, not documented history.
On the ropeway: Wikipedia calls it the only passenger ropeway in Chhattisgarh and a popular draw. It also records two fatal accidents on the older ropeway, on 29 February 2016 and in February 2021, after which the system was upgraded. Treat ropeway hours and fares you see online as indicative only and reconfirm at the counter, as these were not independently verified for this guide (as of October 2026).
Things to see and do
Beyond the Bamleshwari temples, Dongargarh’s sights cluster on its surrounding hills: a Buddhist vihara on Pragyagiri, a Jain shrine on Chandragiri and viewpoints over the town’s lakes. The table below groups the main stops; times are rough and fees were not verified, so budget generously and reconfirm on arrival.
| Place | What it is | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Badi Bamleshwari (hilltop) | Main hilltop Durga shrine; ~1,000 steps or ropeway up a ~490 m hill | 2–3 hours |
| Chhoti Bamleshwari | Lower temple at the hill’s base, ~0.5 km from the main complex | 30–45 min |
| Pragyagiri hill | Buddhist vihara (built 1998) with 225 steps and a large east-facing Buddha statue, ~1 km before the town | 1–1.5 hours |
| Chandragiri hill | Jain temple with an old statue of Tirthankara Chandraprabhu | 1 hour |
| Town lakes and shrines | Tapsi Talab, a Shiva temple, Hanuman shrines and a Calvary hill cross | 1–2 hours |
Pragyagiri is the quiet counterpoint to the busy Devi hill. According to Wikipedia, the vihara (Buddhist monastery) was built in 1998 by Bhadant Sangharatna Manake of the Pannya Metta Sangha, sits on a hilltop of about 1,000 feet (300 m), and is reached by 225 steps. Incredible India notes a roughly 30-foot Buddha statue in a meditative pose that looks striking at sunrise and sunset. The two faiths sharing adjacent hills is part of what makes Dongargarh distinctive.
The twice-yearly Navratri fairs
Dongargarh holds two large Navratri melas each year, in Chaitra (March–April, around Ram Navami) and Kwar or Sharadiya (September–October, around Dussehra). The temple keeps a tradition of lighting the Jyoti Kalash (ritual lamps) through the nine nights, and the hill route fills with service pandals, shops and queues that can stretch from dawn. A 2025 Hitavada report put footfall at around three lakh devotees over one Navratri season.
For 2026, Dainik Jagran, citing South East Central Railway, reported the Chaitra mela running 19–27 March 2026, with Durga Ashtami and Ram Navami both on 26 March. The autumn Sharadiya mela fell in October 2026. During the fairs the railway grants temporary stoppages to several express trains at Dongargarh and runs extra MEMU services. In September 2025, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai flagged off a free bus service to the temple organised by the Kalimata Sewa Samiti from Raipur, with four buses a day for the nine festival days, per The Hitavada. If you want the atmosphere without the crush, come a week before or after a mela.
Suggested itinerary
A night-and-day trip covers Dongargarh comfortably from Raipur or Rajnandgaon:
- Evening (arrival): Reach Dongargarh by train or road, settle into a dharamshala (pilgrim rest house) or hotel, and visit the lower Chhoti Bamleshwari temple for an unhurried first darshan.
- Day 1 morning: Climb (or ride the ropeway) to the Badi Bamleshwari hilltop shrine early, before the heat and the crowds. Spend time at the viewpoints over the town and lakes.
- Day 1 afternoon: Visit Pragyagiri for the Buddhist vihara and Buddha statue, then Chandragiri’s Jain temple if time allows.
- Day 1 evening: Return to Raipur or Rajnandgaon, or stay a second night if you want a slower pace or are travelling during a mela.
During Navratri, add buffer time everywhere; queues, diverted traffic and limited rooms mean a one-day plan can easily stretch.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Dongargarh is mostly simple: temple dharamshalas and trust guest houses near the base of the hill, plus a handful of budget hotels and lodges in the town. For more choice and comfort, many travellers base themselves in Rajnandgaon (about 35–40 km) or Raipur (about 107 km) and make a day trip. The ranges below are planning estimates only and rise sharply during the two Navratri melas, when rooms sell out well ahead.
- Budget (dharamshalas, lodges): roughly ₹500–1,200 a night; basic, close to the temple, book ahead near festival dates.
- Mid-range (town hotels, Rajnandgaon): roughly ₹1,500–3,000 a night with AC and attached bath.
- Comfort (Raipur hotels): from about ₹3,000 upward, used by travellers combining Dongargarh with the state capital.
Prices are indicative planning estimates, as of October 2026 — reconfirm directly, especially around Navratri.
Food to try
Food in Dongargarh is simple, vegetarian pilgrim fare near the temple, with Chhattisgarhi home cooking in the wider region. Expect thalis of rice, dal and seasonal vegetables, plus tea stalls and snack carts along the hill route, busiest during the melas.
- Chila (a savoury rice-and-lentil pancake), a common Chhattisgarhi breakfast.
- Fara (steamed or sautéed rice-flour dumplings), often eaten as a snack.
- Bhajiya and samosa from roadside stalls, with sweet tea.
- Prasad and bhandara (free community meals) served by samitis (volunteer committees) during Navratri.
If you have dietary needs, carry some packaged food, as choice near the hill is limited and queues long on fair days.
Budget breakdown
A no-frills Dongargarh trip is inexpensive; the main variables are how you travel, whether you take the ropeway, and whether you visit during a mela. The table gives a per-person planning estimate for a two-day, one-night trip from Raipur, using trains and budget stay.
| Item | Estimate (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train (Raipur–Dongargarh return) | 100–400 | Varies by class; MEMU/second class cheapest |
| Local transport and ropeway | 150–400 | Ropeway fare unverified; carry extra |
| Stay (1 night, budget) | 500–1,200 | Dharamshala or lodge; higher at melas |
| Food (2 days) | 300–600 | Thalis, snacks, tea |
| Offerings and miscellaneous | 100–300 | Prasad, small purchases |
| Total | ~1,150–2,900 | Assumes trains and budget stay; costs rise at festival time |
Rules and temple etiquette
No special permits are needed to visit Dongargarh; it is an ordinary municipal town open to all travellers. As with any active shrine, dress modestly, remove footwear before entering temple premises, and follow the queue and security arrangements, which are tightened during the melas. Photography rules vary by shrine, so ask before photographing inner sanctums, and treat worship, rituals and pilgrims with respect rather than as a spectacle. Carry drinking water and sun protection for the open climb.
Practical tips
- Cash: Carry enough cash; small shops, offerings and some fares may not take cards, though UPI is increasingly accepted in the town.
- Timing the climb: Start early in the day, especially in summer, and pace the steps; use the ropeway if you have mobility concerns.
- Festival crowds: During Chaitra and Kwar Navratri, expect long queues, heavy footfall and full trains and hotels; plan rail bookings and rooms well ahead.
- Health: For medical needs, Rajnandgaon and Raipur have the larger hospitals; carry personal medicines.
- Solo and women travellers: The temple route is busy and generally well-populated by day; keep to lit, peopled paths after dark as anywhere.
- Combine the trip: Dongargarh fits well into a broader loop; see our Chhattisgarh travel guide for linking it with Raipur, Rajnandgaon and the state’s other sights.
Nearby places
Dongargarh works well as part of a short central-Chhattisgarh circuit rather than a lone stop. The nearest urban bases are Rajnandgaon and Raipur, both with transport links and hotels.
| Place | Distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Rajnandgaon | about 35–40 km | District town with a district archaeological museum; natural overnight base |
| Raipur | about 107 km | State capital with the nearest airport and the widest choice of hotels and food |
| Chitwa Dongri | in Rajnandgaon district | An archaeological/heritage spot in the district; confirm access locally |
| Gaimata | near Dongargarh | A local hill/outing spot; confirm access and timing locally |
For planning a wider route through the state, our Chhattisgarh travel guide sets out the main regions and how they connect.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps lead up to the Bamleshwari temple in Dongargarh?
The Badi Bamleshwari hilltop temple in Dongargarh is reached by roughly 1,000 steps, according to the temple website and Wikipedia, up a hill of about 1,600 feet (490 m). A ropeway, which Wikipedia calls the only passenger ropeway in Chhattisgarh, offers an alternative to climbing for elders, children and those short on time.
Is there a ropeway at Dongargarh, and is it safe?
Yes, Dongargarh has a passenger ropeway up the Bamleshwari hill, described by Wikipedia as the only one in Chhattisgarh. Wikipedia also records two fatal accidents on the older ropeway, in 2016 and 2021, after which it was upgraded. Treat posted hours and fares as indicative and reconfirm at the counter before riding.
When are the Navratri fairs at Dongargarh?
Dongargarh holds two Navratri melas a year: Chaitra, in March–April around Ram Navami, and Kwar or Sharadiya, in September–October around Dussehra. For 2026, Dainik Jagran, citing South East Central Railway, reported the Chaitra mela running 19–27 March; the autumn mela fell in October. Both draw very large crowds.
How do I reach Dongargarh from Raipur?
From Raipur, Dongargarh is about 107 km and easiest by train, as it lies on the Howrah–Nagpur–Mumbai main line (station code DGG) in South East Central Railway. You can also drive in roughly 2.5–3 hours. Raipur’s Swami Vivekananda Airport is the nearest airport for flying in.
What else is there to see in Dongargarh besides the temple?
Besides the Bamleshwari temples, Dongargarh has Pragyagiri hill, a Buddhist site about 1 km before the town with a vihara built in 1998, 225 steps and a large Buddha statue. There is also a Jain temple on Chandragiri hill, town lakes such as Tapsi Talab, and smaller Shiva and Hanuman shrines.
What is the best time to visit Dongargarh?
The best time to visit Dongargarh is October to March, when the weather is mild and the hill climb is comfortable. The two Navratri fairs (September–October and March–April) are the devotional high points but also the most crowded, so visit just before or after if you prefer a quieter trip.
Last updated and sources
Dongargarh suits pilgrims and travellers curious about a town where Hindu, Buddhist and Jain sites share neighbouring hills. Go between October and March, and time your trip around or away from the two Navratri melas depending on whether you want the fair or the calm.
Last updated: 23 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Wikipedia: Dongargarh; Wikipedia: Bambleshwari Temple; Wikipedia: Dongargarh railway station; Wikipedia: Pragyagiri; Incredible India: Dongargarh; Dainik Jagran (MP-CG): Dongargarh Navratri 2026 rail arrangements; The Hitavada: CM flags off free bus service to Maa Bamleshwari Mandir. Accessed October 2026.
