Dongargarh

Dongargarh is a city and municipality in Rajnandgaon District in the state of Chhattisgarh, India and the site of the Bambleshwari Temple. A prominent pilgrim destination in Rajnandgaon District, the city lies about 35 kilometres (22 mi) west from Rajnandgaon, 67 kilometres (42 mi) west from Durg and 132 kilometres (82 mi) east from Bhandara which are situated on National Highway 6. Featuring majestic mountains and ponds, Dongargarh is derived from the words: Dongarh meaning 'mountains' and garh meaning 'fort'.

The Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple, situated on a 1,600 feet (490 m) high hilltop, is a popular landmark. It is of great spiritual importance and several legends are associated with this shrine too. Another prominent shrine in the vicinity is Chhoti Bamleshwari Temple. Devotees flock these temples during Navratri. Shivji Temple and temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman are also located here. The ropeway is an added attraction and is the only passenger ropeway in Chhattisgarh. A severe accident occurred in 2016 when the ropeway broke and fell down killing several people.

The town is known for religious Harmony and has considerable population of Buddhists, Sikhs, Christians and Jains apart from Hindus. A Jain temple is also constructed[when?] on a hill known as Chandragiri with the blessings of Jain saint Acharya Shri Vidyasagar Ji Maharaaj. The temple is specially recognized for an ancient statue of the Teerthankara god Chandraprabhuji. One of the biggest gurudwaras in the state is also located in the heart of the city managed by the Sikh society which also run Khalsa Public School, one of the biggest schools in the town.
The nearest airport is at Raipur, 110 kilometres (68 mi) away while the nearest railhead is Dongargarh Railway Station. Dongargarh has good road communication and buses and taxis are available from Rajnandgaon