Ambikapur Travel Guide: All You Need To Know

Ambikapur is a city in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. It is located in the northern part of the state and is the administrative headquarters of the Surguja district. Ambikapur is situated on the banks of the Sondur River and is surrounded by dense forests and hills.

The city has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its traditional folk music and dance forms such as Pandavani, Raut Nacha, and Soowa. Ambikapur is also famous for its handloom products like Kosa silk, which is a type of silk fabric made from the cocoons of a specific species of silkworm found in the region.

In recent years, Ambikapur has gained recognition for its efforts to become a clean and green city. It has implemented several innovative measures such as converting waste into compost and using solar energy to power street lights. The city has also been recognized as the second cleanest city in India in the Swachh Survekshan rankings.

Places to Visit in Ambikapur

There are several places to visit in Ambikapur that showcase the city’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. Some of the top attractions include:

• Tiger Point: This is a popular picnic spot located on the outskirts of Ambikapur. It offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and forests and is a great place for hiking, trekking, and bird watching.
• Tattapani: This is a natural hot water spring located about 65 km from Ambikapur. The water is believed to have medicinal properties and is a popular destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Kailash Caves: These ancient caves are located near the city and are known for their intricate carvings and sculptures. They are believed to date back to the 8th century AD and are a significant historical and cultural site.
• Mahamaya Temple: This is a famous temple dedicated to the goddess Mahamaya and is located in the heart of Ambikapur. It is known for its beautiful architecture and attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year.
• Ramgarh Shekhawati Fort: This is a historic fort located about 35 km from Ambikapur. It was built in the 17th century and is known for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings.
• Soor Sarovar: This is a beautiful lake located in the city that offers scenic views and is a popular spot for boating and picnicking.
• Kosa Handloom and Silk Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the region’s traditional handloom industry and displays a wide range of handloom products like sarees, dupattas, and stoles.

These are some of the top places to visit in Ambikapur that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Best Time To Visit Ambikapur

The best time to visit Ambikapur is during the winter season, which lasts from October to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant and comfortable, with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 25°C. The skies are usually clear, and the humidity is low, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

The monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, brings heavy rainfall to the region, which can make it difficult to explore the city and its surroundings. The summer season, which lasts from March to May, is hot and humid, with temperatures soaring up to 40°C, making it uncomfortable for travelers to explore the city.

Overall, the winter season is the best time to visit Ambikapur, as the weather is pleasant, and visitors can enjoy all the tourist attractions the city has to offer without any discomfort.

Things to Do in Ambikapur

Ambikapur offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors. Here are some of the top things to do in Ambikapur:

• Explore the city’s cultural heritage: Ambikapur is known for its rich cultural heritage, and visitors can explore traditional folk music and dance forms like Pandavani, Raut Nacha, and Soowa. They can also visit the Kosa Handloom and Silk Museum to learn about the region’s traditional handloom industry.
• Visit historical and religious sites: Ambikapur has several historical and religious sites, including the Kailash Caves, Mahamaya Temple, and Ramgarh Shekhawati Fort, which offer a glimpse into the region’s past.
• Enjoy nature: Ambikapur is surrounded by beautiful hills, forests, and waterfalls, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Visitors can explore Tiger Point, Tattapani hot water spring, and Soor Sarovar lake to enjoy the region’s natural beauty.
• Shop for handloom products: Ambikapur is famous for its handloom products like Kosa silk, which is a type of silk fabric made from the cocoons of a specific species of silkworm found in the region. Visitors can shop for a wide range of handloom products in the local markets and stores.
• Attend local festivals: Ambikapur hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Teej festival, which is celebrated in August, and the Soowa Mahotsav, which is celebrated in October. Visitors can attend these festivals to experience the local culture and traditions.

These are some of the top things to do in Ambikapur that visitors can enjoy to make the most of their trip to the city.

How to Get Around in Ambikapur

There are several ways to get around in Ambikapur. Here are some of the most common modes of transportation:

• Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are the most popular mode of transportation in Ambikapur. They are convenient and relatively cheap, and can take you to almost any part of the city.
• Taxis: Taxis are also available in Ambikapur, but they are slightly more expensive than auto-rickshaws. You can either book a taxi through a travel agency or hail one on the street.
• Buses: Local buses are available in Ambikapur and are an affordable mode of transportation. However, they can be crowded and uncomfortable during peak hours.
• Motorcycle taxis: Motorcycle taxis are also available in Ambikapur and are a popular mode of transportation for short distances.
• Walking: Ambikapur is a relatively small city, and many of its attractions are located within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.

Overall, auto-rickshaws and taxis are the most convenient and comfortable modes of transportation in Ambikapur. However, if you’re looking for a more adventurous and budget-friendly option, motorcycle taxis or walking can be a good option.

Where to eat in Ambikapur

Ambikapur has several restaurants and eateries that offer a variety of cuisines, including traditional Chhattisgarhi food, North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. Here are some of the popular places to eat in Ambikapur:

• Bansi Vihar: Bansi Vihar is a popular vegetarian restaurant that serves a variety of North Indian, South Indian, and Chinese dishes. The restaurant is known for its dosas, chaats, and thalis.
• Raju’s Restaurant: Raju’s Restaurant is a local favorite that serves delicious Chhattisgarhi food, including specialties like kosa dal, aloo bhujiya, and bhajiya.
• Thaliwala: Thaliwala is a popular restaurant that offers traditional Chhattisgarhi thalis, which include a variety of dishes like dal, rice, chapati, and sabzi. The thalis are served on a banana leaf, and the restaurant is known for its friendly service.
• GFC- The Global Food Court: GFC is a multi-cuisine restaurant that offers a variety of dishes, including North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. The restaurant also has a bakery section that offers a range of baked goods and desserts.
• Ambikapur Chaat House: Ambikapur Chaat House is a popular street food joint that offers a variety of chaats, including golgappas, bhel puri, and dahi bhalla. The food is prepared fresh and is reasonably priced.

These are some of the popular places to eat in Ambikapur that visitors can check out to enjoy the local cuisine and food scene. Looking for more places in Chhattisgarh? Have a look on our guide to Rajnandgaon here.

Famous street stalls in Ambikapur

Ambikapur is known for its vibrant street food scene, and there are several street stalls that are popular among locals and visitors. Here are some of the famous street stalls in Ambikapur:

• Pani Puri stalls: Pani Puri is a popular street food snack in Ambikapur, and there are several stalls that sell this tangy and spicy snack. Some of the popular Pani Puri stalls include Bablu Pani Puri Wala, Raghu Pani Puri Wala, and Tiwari Pani Puri Wala.
• Bhel Puri stalls: Bhel Puri is another popular street food snack in Ambikapur, and there are several stalls that serve this savory and crunchy snack. Some of the popular Bhel Puri stalls include Shukla Bhel Puri Wala and Ravi Bhel Puri Wala.
• Samosa stalls: Samosas are a popular snack in Ambikapur, and there are several stalls that sell freshly made samosas. Some of the popular samosa stalls include Gupta Samosa Wala and Sharma Samosa Wala.
• Chaat stalls: Chaat is a popular street food snack in Ambikapur, and there are several stalls that serve a variety of chaats, including Aloo Tikki, Dahi Bhalla, and Papdi Chaat. Some of the popular chaat stalls include Gupta Chaat Wala and Ramesh Chaat Bhandar.
• Jalebi stalls: Jalebis are a popular sweet dish in Ambikapur, and there are several stalls that sell freshly made jalebis. Some of the popular jalebi stalls include Shukla Jalebi Wala and Pandit Jalebi Wala.

These are some of the famous street stalls in Ambikapur that visitors can check out to enjoy the local street food scene.

Where to stay in Ambikapur

Luxury accommodation

Ambikapur has several luxury accommodations where visitors can stay and enjoy a comfortable and luxurious stay. Here are some of the luxury accommodations in Ambikapur:

• Hotel Mayura: Hotel Mayura is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Ambikapur. The hotel offers a range of rooms and suites that are elegantly decorated and equipped with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and minibars. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness center.
• Vrindavan Palace: Vrindavan Palace is a luxury hotel that offers spacious rooms and suites with elegant decor and modern amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines, a bar, and a fitness center.
• Hotel Grand Basant: Hotel Grand Basant is a luxury hotel that offers a range of rooms and suites that are elegantly decorated and equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines, a bar, and a fitness center.
• Hotel Surya Palace: Hotel Surya Palace is a luxury hotel that offers spacious rooms and suites with elegant decor and modern amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines, a bar, and a fitness center.
• Hotel Rituraj: Hotel Rituraj is a luxury hotel that offers a range of rooms and suites that are elegantly decorated and equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines, a bar, and a fitness center.

These are some of the luxury accommodations in Ambikapur where visitors can stay and enjoy a comfortable and luxurious stay. Looking for more places in Chhattisgarh? Have a look on our guide to Dhamtari here.

Budget accommodation

Ambikapur offers a variety of budget accommodations for visitors who want to enjoy a comfortable stay without breaking the bank. Here are some of the budget accommodations in Ambikapur:

• Hotel Ambson Inn: Hotel Ambson Inn is a budget hotel located in the heart of Ambikapur. The hotel offers a range of clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines.
• Hotel Royal Palace: Hotel Royal Palace is a budget hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines.
• Hotel Royal Residency: Hotel Royal Residency is a budget hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines.
• Hotel Shree Palace: Hotel Shree Palace is a budget hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines.
• Hotel Mayura Residency: Hotel Mayura Residency is a budget hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines.

These are some of the budget accommodations in Ambikapur where visitors can stay and enjoy a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

Travel Tips Ambikapur

If you are planning a trip to Ambikapur, here are some travel tips that may be helpful:

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Ambikapur is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable.
• Local language: The local language spoken in Ambikapur is Chhattisgarhi, but Hindi and English are also widely spoken.
• Local transport: Local transport options in Ambikapur include auto-rickshaws and taxis. You can also hire a private car or bike to explore the city on your own.
• Currency exchange: It is recommended to exchange currency before you arrive in Ambikapur as currency exchange options may be limited.
• Dress code: Ambikapur is a traditional city, and it is recommended to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious places.
• Food and water: It is recommended to drink only bottled water and avoid street food to prevent any health issues.
• Accommodation: Ambikapur offers a range of accommodation options, including budget and luxury hotels. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
• Safety: Ambikapur is a safe city for tourists, but it is always recommended to take basic safety precautions like keeping your valuables safe and being aware of your surroundings.

By following these travel tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Ambikapur.

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