Tourism, Administration & Local Updates
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धमतरी जिला प्रशासन द्वारा आयोजित ‘बस्तर एक्सपोजर विजिट’ केवल एक शैक्षणिक यात्रा भर नहीं थी, बल्कि यह एक दूरदर्शी पहल थी जिसने युवाओं की सोच, दृष्टिकोण और आत्मविश्वास को नई दिशा दी। इस मंच ने प्रतिभागियों को न सिर्फ बस्तर की समृद्ध संस्कृति, प्राकृतिक सौंदर्य और जीवनशैली से परिचित कराया, बल्कि उन्हें नेतृत्व, जिम्मेदारी और सामूहिक समन्वय की वास्तविक समझ भी दी।
इस पूरी यात्रा के दौरान एक नाम विशेष रूप से उभरकर सामने आया — दिगंत राठी। 40 सदस्यीय दल के ‘टूर मैनेजर’ के रूप में उन्होंने जिस जिम्मेदारी, संयम और नेतृत्व क्षमता का परिचय दिया, वह न केवल सराहनीय रहा, बल्कि पूरे जिले के लिए प्रेरणा का स्रोत बन गया।
30 मार्च से 1 अप्रैल तक आयोजित इस तीन दिवसीय ‘बस्तर एक्सपोजर विजिट’ का उद्देश्य युवाओं को बस्तर की सांस्कृतिक विरासत, प्राकृतिक धरोहर और स्थानीय आजीविका से जोड़ना था। इस यात्रा में धमतरी के पर्यटन क्षेत्र से जुड़े विभिन्न समितियों के सदस्य भी शामिल हुए, जिन्होंने यहाँ के सफल मॉडल से सीख लेकर अपने जिले के पर्यटन को बढ़ावा देने का संकल्प लिया।
धमतरी जिला प्रशासन की यह पहल केवल भ्रमण तक सीमित नहीं रही, बल्कि एक प्रभावी सीखने का अनुभव साबित हुई, जिसने युवाओं में नेतृत्व, अनुशासन और टीमवर्क की भावना को और मजबूत किया।
कार्यक्रम के दौरान दिगंत राठी की सक्रियता और नेतृत्व क्षमता को देखते हुए उन्हें ‘टूर मैनेजर’ की जिम्मेदारी सौंपी गई। 40 सदस्यों के बड़े दल को संभालना और पूरी यात्रा को सुव्यवस्थित रखना एक चुनौतीपूर्ण कार्य था, जिसे उन्होंने धैर्य, अनुशासन और समझदारी के साथ सफलतापूर्वक निभाया।
हर परिस्थिति में संतुलन बनाए रखते हुए, टीम के बीच बेहतर समन्वय स्थापित करना और समस्याओं का त्वरित समाधान करना उनकी कार्यशैली की पहचान रही। उन्होंने यह साबित किया कि सच्चा नेतृत्व पद से नहीं, बल्कि जिम्मेदारी निभाने के तरीके से पहचाना जाता है।
चित्रकोट जलप्रपात, जिसे ‘भारत का नियाग्रा फॉल’ कहा जाता है, इस यात्रा का सबसे आकर्षक और यादगार केंद्र रहा। इंद्रावती नदी पर स्थित यह भव्य जलप्रपात अपनी विशालता, अर्धवृत्ताकार संरचना और प्रचंड जलधारा के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। बरसात के समय इसकी चौड़ाई और भी बढ़ जाती है, जिससे इसका दृश्य और अधिक मनमोहक हो उठता है।
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| चित्रकोट जलप्रपात |
ऊँचाई से गिरते पानी की गर्जना, चारों ओर फैली हरियाली और वातावरण में घुली ठंडी फुहारें एक अद्भुत प्राकृतिक अनुभव प्रदान करती हैं। यह दृश्य न केवल आँखों को सुकून देता है, बल्कि प्रकृति की शक्ति और सुंदरता का जीवंत एहसास भी कराता है, जो हर आगंतुक के मन में गहरी छाप छोड़ जाता है।
कांगेर घाटी के भीतर स्थित कैलाश गुफा चूना पत्थर से बनी एक अद्भुत प्राकृतिक संरचना है, जो अपनी रहस्यमयी बनावट के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। गुफा के अंदर प्रवेश करते ही ठंडा वातावरण और अंधकार एक अलग ही अनुभव कराता है।
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| कैलाश गुफा |
यहाँ की दीवारों और छतों पर बनी प्राकृतिक आकृतियाँ, जो हजारों वर्षों में बनी हैं, किसी कलाकार की उत्कृष्ट कृति जैसी प्रतीत होती हैं। यह स्थान रोमांच के साथ-साथ प्रकृति की गहराई और समय की अनूठी कहानी को भी दर्शाता ।
दंतेवाड़ा स्थित माता दंतेश्वरी मंदिर बस्तर क्षेत्र की आस्था का प्रमुख केंद्र है। यह मंदिर न केवल धार्मिक दृष्टि से महत्वपूर्ण है, बल्कि यहाँ की सांस्कृतिक पहचान का भी अभिन्न हिस्सा है।
मंदिर परिसर में प्रवेश करते ही एक अलग ही सकारात्मक ऊर्जा का अनुभव होता है। श्रद्धालु यहाँ आकर माँ दंतेश्वरी के दर्शन करते हैं और अपने जीवन में शांति, शक्ति और मार्गदर्शन की कामना करते हैं।
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| दंतेश्वरी मंदिर |
बस्तर क्षेत्र में इंद्रावती और नारंगी नदियों के संगम के पास स्थित नारायणपाल मंदिर अपनी ऐतिहासिक और धार्मिक महत्ता के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। 11वीं शताब्दी में नागवंशी शासकों द्वारा निर्मित यह मंदिर भगवान विष्णु को समर्पित है और प्राचीन भारतीय स्थापत्य कला का एक सुंदर उदाहरण प्रस्तुत करता है।
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| नारायणपाल मंदिर |
मंदिर की पत्थरों पर की गई बारीक नक्काशी, उसकी संरचना और आसपास का शांत वातावरण इसे एक विशेष पहचान देते हैं। यहाँ पहुँचते ही एक अलग ही आध्यात्मिक अनुभूति होती है, जहाँ इतिहास और आस्था एक साथ जीवंत हो उठते हैं।
प्राकृतिक सौंदर्य से घिरा यह स्थल न केवल धार्मिक दृष्टि से महत्वपूर्ण है, बल्कि यह बस्तर की समृद्ध सांस्कृतिक विरासत को भी दर्शाता है। नारायणपाल मंदिर की यात्रा व्यक्ति को अतीत से जोड़ते हुए आंतरिक शांति और संतुलन का अनुभव कराती है।
जगदलपुर का बालाजी मंदिर अपनी सादगी, स्वच्छता और शांत वातावरण के लिए जाना जाता है। यहाँ का व्यवस्थित परिसर और अनुशासित माहौल मन को तुरंत शांति का अनुभव कराता है।
भीड़-भाड़ से दूर यह स्थान एक ऐसा वातावरण प्रदान करता है, जहाँ व्यक्ति कुछ समय स्वयं के साथ बिता सकता है। यहाँ बिताया गया हर पल मानसिक संतुलन और आंतरिक शांति की अनुभूति कराता है।
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| बालाजी मंदिर, जगदलपुर |
पूरे दौरे के दौरान जिला प्रशासन और दिगंत राठी के बीच उत्कृष्ट समन्वय और तालमेल देखने को मिला, जिसने इस कार्यक्रम को सफल बनाने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई।
जहाँ एक ओर प्रशासन ने यात्रा की रूपरेखा, सुरक्षा व्यवस्था और सभी आवश्यक प्रबंधों को सुनियोजित ढंग से संभाला, वहीं दूसरी ओर दिगंत राठी ने जमीनी स्तर पर टीम के संचालन, अनुशासन और समन्वय की जिम्मेदारी पूरी निष्ठा के साथ निभाई।
यात्रा के दौरान कई ऐसी परिस्थितियाँ भी सामने आईं, जहाँ त्वरित और सटीक निर्णय लेना आवश्यक था। ऐसे हर मौके पर दिगंत ने धैर्य और समझदारी का परिचय देते हुए सही निर्णय लिए और पूरी टीम को एकजुट एवं संतुलित बनाए रखा।
यह प्रभावी समन्वय और नेतृत्व ही इस पूरे कार्यक्रम की सफलता का आधार बना, जिसने एक आदर्श उदाहरण प्रस्तुत किया।
यह कहानी केवल एक व्यक्ति की नहीं, बल्कि एक सफल मॉडल की है, जहाँ प्रशासन और युवा मिलकर बदलाव की दिशा तय करते हैं। यह पहल बताती है कि सही मार्गदर्शन, अवसर और विश्वास मिलने पर युवा न केवल जिम्मेदारियाँ निभाते हैं, बल्कि नेतृत्व करते हुए समाज में सकारात्मक परिवर्तन भी लाते हैं।
‘बस्तर एक्सपोजर विजिट’ केवल एक यात्रा नहीं, बल्कि एक ऐसा अनुभव रहा जिसने युवाओं की सोच और आत्मविश्वास को नई दिशा दी।
दिगंत राठी के नेतृत्व ने यह साबित किया कि सच्चा नेतृत्व जिम्मेदारी और कर्म से पहचाना जाता है।
यह पहल एक प्रेरणादायक मिसाल बन गई है — जो आने वाले युवाओं को आगे बढ़ने और बदलाव का हिस्सा बनने के लिए प्रेरित करेगी।
“जब युवा आगे बढ़ते हैं और प्रशासन साथ देता है, तो बदलाव निश्चित होता है।”
Let me be honest with you — when a friend first suggested
visiting Gangrel Dam for a weekend trip, I wasn't particularly excited.
"It's just a dam," I thought. But the moment I actually got there and
stood by the edge of that massive reservoir with the cool wind hitting my face
and nothing but open water and sky in front of me, I understood immediately why
people keep coming back here.
Gangrel Dam, officially known as Ravishankar Sagar Dam, is
one of the most important and genuinely beautiful water reservoirs in
Chhattisgarh, India. Located in the Dhamtari district and built across the
Mahanadi River, this dam quietly does three very big jobs — it supports
irrigation for thousands of farmers, supplies water to the region, and gives
tired city people a place to breathe again.
Honestly, if you live in Raipur or anywhere nearby and you haven't visited Gangrel Dam yet, you are missing out on one of the best day trips this state has to offer.
- Distance from Raipur: Approximately 90 km
- Distance from Dhamtari: Approximately 14 km
- Built On: Mahanadi River
- Nearest Airport: Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur
- Nearest Railway Station: Raipur Junction
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
History of Gangrel Dam
Every great place has a story behind it. Gangrel Dam is no
different.
Ravishankar Sagar Dam built across Mahanadi River
Back in the early 1970s, the Madhya Pradesh government took up one of the most ambitious water management projects in central India. The Dhamtari region was heavily dependent on rainfall, and farmers here suffered badly during dry years. The construction of Gangrel Dam was the answer — a massive earthen dam across the Mahanadi River that would store water, support irrigation, and change the fate of thousands of farming families in the region.
It wasn't a glamorous project. It was a deeply necessary one.
The dam was named after Pandit Ravishankar Shukla, the first Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh — a man who dedicated his life to the development of this part of India. Naming such a significant structure after him was a fitting tribute. Locally, most people still call it Gangrel Dam, after the village of Gangrel where it stands.
When the new state of Chhattisgarh was formed in the year 2000, Gangrel Dam became part of its identity. The state government recognised the tourism potential of the site and gradually developed it into a proper destination. The Gangrel Island Resort came up, boating facilities were added, and slowly word spread.
What started as pure infrastructure is now a place families
plan trips to, couples come for anniversaries, and photographers drive hours to
reach. That transformation, honestly, is quite remarkable.
Location and How to Reach Gangrel Dam
Gangrel Dam sits about 14 km from Dhamtari city and roughly 90 km from Raipur. The roads are good, the drive is scenic, and getting there is genuinely straightforward.
Driving is easily the most enjoyable way to get here. The route from Raipur takes you through small towns and open countryside, and once you get closer to Dhamtari, the landscape starts getting greener and more relaxed. The whole drive takes around 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic. Taxis and cabs are available from Raipur if you don't want to drive yourself.
One tip from personal experience — start early. Leaving Raipur by 6:30 or 7 in the morning means you arrive just as the morning mist is still sitting on the water. That view alone is worth the early alarm.
Raipur Junction is the nearest major station and is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Nagpur, and most other large cities. From Raipur, you can take a bus or hire a cab to Dhamtari, and then local transport or an auto-rickshaw will get you to the dam.
Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur handles regular flights from across India. From the airport, a taxi to Gangrel Dam takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. It is worth booking in advance, especially during the peak winter tourist season.
Here is what makes this place genuinely worth your time:
- One of the largest earthen dams in Chhattisgarh
- Built across the historically significant Mahanadi River
- A reservoir so wide that on foggy winter mornings you
genuinely cannot see the other bank
- Breathtaking sunrise and sunset views that feel almost
unreal
- The surrounding landscape turns a deep, rich green after
monsoon
- The Gangrel Island Resort — one of the most unique stays
in the state
- Boating available on the reservoir for all age groups
- Perfect for nature photography, especially during golden
hour
- One of the most popular family picnic destinations in the
region
- A genuine agricultural lifeline for thousands of farming families
Vast reservoir of Gangrel Dam during winter morning
If you do only one thing at Gangrel Dam, make it the
boating. The reservoir is enormous, and being out on the water with nothing
around you but open sky and gentle waves is one of those simple experiences
that somehow feels deeply restorative.
Boating experience at Gangrel Dam
Both motorboats and paddle boats are available. If you are visiting with kids, the paddle boats are a big hit. If you want a longer, more peaceful experience, go for a motorboat ride early in the morning when the water is calm and the light is soft. I remember one morning when the water was so still it looked like a mirror — the kind of scene you see in photographs and assume must be edited. It was not.
2. Scenic Beauty and Photography
Photographers, listen carefully — this place deserves a full memory card. The combination of the vast reservoir, the green banks, the open sky, and the dam structure in the background gives you an incredible variety of compositions to work with.
Golden hour here is exceptional. The warm light hitting the water at sunrise turns everything amber and gold. Sunset is equally stunning. Carry a wide-angle lens if you have one. Even smartphone photographers come away with shots that look genuinely professional here.
This is where Gangrel Dam really shines as an everyday destination. The open spaces along the waterside are clean, wide, and peaceful. Families spread out mats, unpack food, let the children run around, and simply enjoy a long, unhurried afternoon together.
There is something about being near a large body of water that makes people slow down. Conversations get easier. The usual stress of daily life fades into the background. If you have been feeling overwhelmed lately, a simple afternoon at Gangrel Dam with good food and good company will do more for you than you might expect.
A local tea seller near the main viewpoint area makes
absolutely excellent kadak chai — the kind you want a second cup of
immediately. Small stalls also sell poha, samosa, and bhutta, which go
perfectly with the cool breeze off the water.
The Gangrel Island Resort, managed by Chhattisgarh Tourism, is one of the most genuinely unique accommodation experiences in the state. It is located right on the reservoir — essentially on an island surrounded by water — and staying here overnight is something else entirely.
Waking up to the sound of water, watching the morning light
spread across the reservoir from your room, having your morning tea while birds
circle overhead — it is the kind of peaceful morning that people spend years
trying to find in expensive mountain resorts. Book it as far in advance as
possible because it fills up quickly, particularly from November to February.
This is the sweet spot. The monsoon has done its job, the reservoir is full, the landscape is green, and the weather is cool and comfortable. November, December, and January are particularly lovely. The mornings are crisp, the afternoons are warm without being hot, and the evenings by the water feel genuinely magical.
If you are planning a trip and wondering about timing, just go in winter. You will not regret it.
The monsoon months make Gangrel Dam look absolutely dramatic
— the water level rises, everything around it turns intensely green, and the
clouds make for incredible photographs. But roads can get slippery, boating may
be restricted, and heavy rain can turn a day trip into an uncomfortable
experience. Visit during this period only if you enjoy the moody, rain-soaked
atmosphere and are prepared for changing conditions.
Summer in Chhattisgarh is serious. Temperatures regularly
climb above 40 degrees Celsius and the heat makes any outdoor activity
exhausting. If you have no choice but to visit in summer, plan for very early
mornings only — ideally arriving by 7 am and leaving before 10. Carry plenty of
water and keep your expectations adjusted accordingly.
It is easy to visit Gangrel Dam purely as a tourist and
enjoy the scenery without thinking much about what the structure actually does.
But the human story behind it is worth understanding.
Drive through the villages around Dhamtari and you will
notice how green and cultivated the farmland is. Rice, wheat, sugarcane — the
fields here are productive and well-tended. A significant part of that is
directly because of Gangrel Dam. Thousands of farming families across Dhamtari
and surrounding districts depend on the water stored here to irrigate their
fields. Without the dam, large parts of this region would still be vulnerable
to drought and crop failure the way they once were.
Beyond agriculture, the reservoir provides drinking water to
communities in the region. The dam plays a quiet but essential role in the
basic daily lives of people who may never visit it as tourists but who benefit
from it every single day.
What has been wonderful to see in recent years is how tourism around the dam has created genuine economic opportunity for local people. The tea sellers, the boat operators, the small food stalls, the drivers and guides — all of these people earn their livelihoods partly because visitors keep coming here. When you buy a cup of chai or hire a local boat, you are contributing directly to those livelihoods. That feels good.
If you are making the trip to Gangrel Dam, consider spending
a night or two in the region and exploring what else is nearby.
Sithla
Dam — A
smaller, quieter dam located close to Dhamtari. Not many tourists know about
it, which makes it perfect if you want to find a spot that is completely your
own for a few hours.
Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary — Home to the rare wild buffalo and various other wildlife species, this sanctuary is worth a visit for anyone who enjoys nature and wildlife. The landscape here is raw and largely undisturbed, which makes it feel like a genuine adventure.
Dhamtari
City and Local Temples — The town of Dhamtari itself is worth a few hours of
exploration. The local temples, the old bazaar area, and the small street food
stalls serve as a reminder that this is a town with real character and history
behind it.
Raipur
City —
The state capital has excellent food, some genuinely good museums, and a lively
urban energy that contrasts beautifully with the peace of Gangrel Dam.
Combining both into a two-day itinerary gives you the best of both worlds.
The single best piece of advice for visiting Gangrel Dam is
to arrive early. The morning atmosphere by the water is incomparable — misty,
quiet, cool, and golden. By mid-morning the crowds start building up on
weekends. If you get there by 7 am, you will feel like you have the whole place
to yourself.
There are local vendors near the dam and they are great for
chai and snacks. But if you are spending a full day or planning a proper
picnic, carry your own food. Homemade meals taste better by the water anyway.
Always carry extra drinking water, particularly in the warmer months.
I cannot stress this enough. The resort books up fast during
the peak season and long weekends. Check the official Chhattisgarh Tourism
website and make your booking at least two to three weeks in advance if you are
visiting between October and February.
Boating availability can change based on weather, water
levels, and seasonal maintenance. A quick phone call to the local tourism
office or a search online before your trip can save you from disappointment if
it happens to be unavailable on the day you visit.
This is not a fancy resort with a cleaning crew. This is a
natural site that thousands of people visit. Please carry a small bag for your
waste, avoid littering, and make sure you leave the area cleaner than when you
arrived. The beauty of Gangrel Dam is its natural setting — protecting that is
everyone's responsibility.
Stick to designated areas along the reservoir edge. Do not
go beyond marked boundaries, particularly during or after monsoon when the
water level is high and the current near the dam can be dangerously strong.
Children should always be supervised near the water.
I started this guide by telling you that I almost skipped this trip. I am very glad I didn't.
Gangrel Dam — Ravishankar Sagar Dam — is one of those places that earns your affection quietly and completely. It doesn't try too hard to impress you. It simply shows you a wide stretch of clean water, a peaceful sky, a gentle breeze, and lets you figure out the rest on your own.
For nature lovers, it is a sanctuary. For photographers, it
is a playground. For families, it is a day of genuine togetherness. For anyone
who just needs to slow down for a few hours and remember that the world is
actually quite beautiful — it is exactly that.
The farmers who have grown crops for decades because of this dam's water, the boat operator who has been working here since he was a young man, the family spreading out their lunch on the grass near the bank — they all share the same space here, and there is something quietly wonderful about that.
Chhattisgarh has many beautiful places. Gangrel Dam is one of the ones that will make you want to come back.
Plan your trip. Pack light. Start early. And let Gangrel Dam do the rest.
If you’re planning to explore Chhattisgarh and want to experience a place that is calm, natural, and not too crowded, then let me tell you about Dhamtari.
I’m not just writing this as a guide — I actually grew up here. So this isn’t just information, it’s something I’ve lived. And honestly, Dhamtari is one of those places that doesn’t try too hard to impress you, but slowly grows on you.
Located in the central part of Chhattisgarh, Dhamtari is often called the “City of Dharma”. It’s also known as the “Gateway of Bastar”, because most routes towards Bastar pass through here. The NH-30 highway runs through the town, making it well connected.
But beyond all that, what really stands out is the peaceful environment. Life here feels slower, cleaner, and more real. If you’re tired of crowded cities, this place gives you a different kind of comfort.
Dhamtari is around 80 km from Raipur, and the journey is quite smooth.
One of the most important parts of this region is the Mahanadi River, which flows nearby and supports the entire area. It plays a huge role in farming and daily life here.
The district is full of greenery — open fields, trees, and natural landscapes. Nearby, you’ll find the Sihawa Hills, which are believed to be the origin of the Mahanadi River. It’s a quiet and beautiful place, perfect if you enjoy nature.
Dhamtari has its own story.
During the British period, the town saw development, especially in railway connectivity. There used to be a narrow-gauge railway line connecting Raipur to Dhamtari. Even today, many locals remember it.
Now, new railway developments are in progress, which will improve connectivity even more in the future.
The town also had its role in India’s freedom movement, showing that even smaller places have strong roots and contributions.
Life in Dhamtari is simple and peaceful.
People here are friendly and grounded. There’s a strong sense of community — people know each other and help when needed.
Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Navratri, and Hareli are celebrated with full enthusiasm.
The local language is Chhattisgarhi, but Hindi is widely spoken, so communication is easy.
Food is another highlight. Local dishes like chila, fara, angakar roti, bore baasi, and mungeri bada are simple but full of taste and tradition.
Dhamtari is considered part of the “Rice Bowl of Chhattisgarh.”
Agriculture is the main source of income here. You’ll see paddy fields almost everywhere, especially during the growing season when everything turns green.
The Ravishankar Sagar Dam (Gangrel Dam) is also located here. It plays a major role in irrigation and water supply. At the same time, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area.
If you’re planning a visit, here are some places you should definitely explore:
This is the most famous place in Dhamtari. Built on the Mahanadi River, it is one of the largest dams in Chhattisgarh.
The best time to visit is during sunset — the view is calm, wide, and beautiful. You can also enjoy boating or simply sit by the water and relax.
A peaceful destination surrounded by greenery. It’s perfect for people who enjoy nature, quiet places, and a bit of exploration.
Located near Sihawa, this place holds both natural and spiritual importance. Many people visit here for peace and belief.
A well-known temple in the region. During Navratri, the atmosphere becomes very lively with a large number of devotees.
Dhamtari is growing steadily.
There are schools, colleges, and coaching centers available. Roads are in good condition, and transport facilities are improving.
Railway development is also expanding, especially towards the Kurud side, which will help the town grow further in the coming years.
What makes Dhamtari special isn’t something you can fully explain — you have to feel it.
There’s less noise, less pollution, and more simplicity. People still value relationships and kindness. Life feels slower here, but in a way that actually feels better.
It’s not a flashy tourist destination, but it has a quiet charm that stays with you.
If you ever visit Chhattisgarh, don’t just stick to the usual places.
Take some time and come to Dhamtari.
Stay a little longer, don’t rush… and you’ll start to understand why this place means so much to people who have lived here.
Dhamtari Junction | Official Portal DHAMTARI JUNCTION Tourism, Administration ...
