About Ambikapur

Ambikapur is a beautiful city located in the young state of Chhattisgarh. It is also the district headquarters of Surguja. Surguja, on its part, is one the state’s oldest well-known districts. The place happens to be surrounded by others states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. It is also very well connected to the major cities of Chhattisgarh. According to the 2011 census, Ambikapur Municipal Corporation has a population of 214,575. The urban agglomeration is 243,173. The official sex ratio is 930 females per 1000 males.


While the city has people from all around the country, the two indigenous tribes of the region are Pandos and Korwas. About 42% of the area is reserved for cultivation so far. Paddy is the main crop grown in the area. However, the rocky basement area makes irrigation difficult so it is a challenge for the people to bring more area under cultivation. Many also rely on selling forest products like timber for commercial purposes.

Past and Present of Ambikapur

Ambikapur derives its name from Goddess Ambika or Mahamaya who is central to the identity of the city.Ambikapur is a place that finds a mention several times in history, ancient, medieval and modern. It is said that the tribes that make up most of the inhabitants of the area have descended from the Pandavas of the Mahabharta. The city of Ambikapur, situated in Surguja dictrict in Chhatisgarh has a very interesting history. It traces its history since the times of the epics, giving a glimpse into a very interesting past. The province of Ambikapur and Surguja were apparently a part of the Nanda Empire in 4 B.C. It said to have been divided into small principalities which constantly fought each other for supremacy. Most interestingly, the two dominant tribes of the regions, the Korwas and the Pandos trace their geneology to, as their names suggest, the two clans of the Pandavas and the Kauravas of the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata. In fact, their present tribe names are derived from it.


The residents of the city also believe in their oral and written traditions that Lord Rama visited their town during his 14 years of ‘vanvasa’ or exile. As a result there are several historical places in the city, such as Sitabhengra, for instance that are connected to his sojourn there. In the more recent past, the people of Ambikapur trace some very interesting legends to their 19th century ruler Amar Singh who ascended the throne in 1820. He ruled over the city for several years until 1882 when Rghunath Sharan Singh Deo came to power. His rule was approved by the then Viceroy and with considerable help from the British, the Maharaja established several notable things like the Telegraph Office, Medical Stores, Jail etc. These made Ambikapur, and Surguja as well, a very well-known district of the state.

Administration in Ambikapur

Ambikapur is the district headquarters of Surguja. Surguja itself consists of Surguja, Korea, Balrampur, Surajpur and Jashpur. Before Independence Ambikapur was the capital of Surguja which was at that time a princely state. The city is very well – connected to the surrounding states as well. Ambikapur is, like many cities, administered by a District Collector. He is responsible for the overall functioning of the government machinery in the city and district. The DM’s office is, in fact, the most important government entity that looks after the welfare of all citizens and is entrusted with several key responsibilities.

Collector & District Magistrate

Police Department in Ambikapur

The police department, quite naturally, looks after the city’s law and order situation. Being an important city of the entire Surguja district, the police department has a major responsibility. It is expected to implement the law and order in case of any kind of threat as well as manage the daily responsibilities towards the citizens. There is a network of police stations that manage their own areas and which ensure law and order through their beat constables, patrol vans and police officers.

Superintendent of Police
Ph: 07774- 220604

Sub-Divissioanl Officer
Ph: 07774-222706

Geography and Climate of Ambikapur

Ambikapur is located as an altitude of 23°12'N 83°2'E and has an average elevation of 623 metres. It is located in the Surguja district right in the lap of the beautiful Vindhyachal-Baghelkhand region. The city is located, in fact, in the heart of peninsular India. As a result the area is mostly forest region.
The climate of Ambikapur can be best described as moderate in nature. It has several hilly peaks which have very pleasant weather throughout the year and are popular due to this very reason. The temperatures in winter can drop to 8 degree especially in December and rise to about 39 degrees in the summer months. However, these variations are not that severe the rest of the year and the weather remains generally pleasant.

Topography and Soil

As mentioned the area of Ambikapur is largely a forest area and has all the characteristics of land area in the peninsular plateau. About 42% of the land is actually used for agriculture. The soil is divided into 4 major categories- Red and Yellow, Alluvial, Laterite and Medium blue. Much of the soil is typical of the Gondwana System. Apart from this, the Rihand, Kanhar and Hasdo river systems also contribute to soil formation in the region.

Mineral Resources in Ambikapur

No mention of the geography of Ambikapur would be complete without talking about the presence of rich minerals in the region. Bauxite and Coal are the major minerals found in the area and are mined for use. These reserves are located in what are referred to as ‘pat’ (plateau) in the local language.

Places to Visit in Ambikapur

Ambikapur has a rich cultural history. It is home to some indigenous tribes of the Chhattisgarh plateau and showcases their unique culture.For those looking or places to visit in Ambikapur will not be disappointed. In fact, Tourists will find many areas that boast of a rich history and culture.

Maa Mahamaya Mandir
Tattapani, Ambikapur
Ramgarh and Sita-Bengra, Ambikapur
Jogimara Caves, Ambikapur
Thinthini Patthar, Ambikapur
Deepadih, Ambikapur
Kudargarh
Ramgiri Mountain
The Buddha temple in Mainpat

Ambikapur at a glance

Country : India
State : Chhattisgarh
District : Surguja
Location : 25.7848°N 84.7274°E
Region : Peninsular India
Geographical Area : 1,983
Altitude : 623 m
Latitude : 23°12'N
Longitude : 83°2'E
Population (2011) : 214, 575
Average Temperature : 30 degrees C (Max), 17 degrees C (Min)
Rainfall : 1422.6 mm
Best Time to Visit : April to October
Time Zone : IST (UTC +5:30)