Jogimara Caves
The Historic Jain and Pre-Historic Shelter: Jogimara Caves are one of the most historically and archaeologically significant cave systems in Chhattisgarh, located on the Ramgarh Hill near Sitapur. The caves are famous for containing ancient inscriptions and mural paintings, primarily from the Maurya n period. It is believed to have been a resting place for Jain monks, and the inscriptions found here are among the oldest in India. The cave walls feature frescoes that depict human figures, animals, and natural scenes, though many are now faded. The cave is relatively small but carries immense historical weight, especially for scholars studying ancient Indian theatre and art, as it is situated very close to the Sita Bengra Cave, often cited as the oldest theatre in the world. The site is part of a larger complex, including the Sita Bengra Cave and Laxmangarh Cave, and the ascent to the caves offers a trek through lush forest cover. The blend of historical, cultural, and natural elements makes the Jogimara Caves a high-value destination for heritage tourists.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2-3 Hours:Place Type:
Historical Site, Cave, Trekking:Entry Fees:
Nominal Entry Fee: A small entry fee is charged by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) or the State Tourism Department, typically around Rs.10 to Rs.25 for Indian citizens and slightly higher for foreign tourists. This fee contributes to the maintenance of the historical s...Nominal Entry Fee: A small entry fee is charged by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) or the State Tourism Department, typically around Rs.10 to Rs.25 for Indian citizens and slightly higher for foreign tourists. This fee contributes to the maintenance of the historical site.
Camera/Video Charges: There may be separate, small charges (e. g. , Rs.25 to Rs.50) for carrying a professional camera or camcorder.
Guide Fee: Hiring a local registered guide will incur an additional, negotiated fee (e. g. , Rs.200 to 500), which is highly recommended for historical context. :Timing:
Regular Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:
00 PM Daily: Access is generally restricted to daylight hours for safety and preservation reasons.
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (8:00 AM to 11:00 AM) to avoid the intense sun ...Regular Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:
00 PM Daily: Access is generally restricted to daylight hours for safety and preservation reasons.
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (8:00 AM to 11:00 AM) to avoid the intense sun during the trek and for the best light for photography. The site is popular, so arriving early ensures a quieter experience. :Special Events:
Ramgarh Mahotsav: The biggest special event is the annual cultural Ramgarh Mahotsav (festival) held on Ramgarh Hill, usually in the month of February or March, where cultural programs, dances, and historical plays are performed, drawing huge crowds and highlighting the site'...Ramgarh Mahotsav: The biggest special event is the annual cultural Ramgarh Mahotsav (festival) held on Ramgarh Hill, usually in the month of February or March, where cultural programs, dances, and historical plays are performed, drawing huge crowds and highlighting the site's importance.
Local Shivratri Fair: A local fair is also held near the Shiv Temple on the hill during Maha Shivaratri in February/March. :Best Photo Spots:
The Inscription Wall: The section of the wall containing the famous Brahmi inscriptions offers a close-up shot of ancient history.
The Cave Mouth: A shot of the cave entrance framed by the surrounding foliage captures the mysterious and anci...The Inscription Wall: The section of the wall containing the famous Brahmi inscriptions offers a close-up shot of ancient history.
The Cave Mouth: A shot of the cave entrance framed by the surrounding foliage captures the mysterious and ancient feel of the site.
View from the Top: The vantage point on Ramgarh Hill provides a breathtaking, wide-angle landscape view of the valleys and forests below. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Trekking to the Caves: Enjoy the moderate trek up Ramgarh Hill to reach the cave complex, which is a rewarding physical activity with scenic views.
Historical Exploration: Carefully observe and study the ancient inscriptions and faded frescoes inside the Jogimara Cave (without touching them).
Visit Sita Bengra Cave: Explore the neighboring cave, believed to be an ancient theatre.
Photography of the Hilltop Scenery: Capture the panoramic views of the surrounding Surguja landscape from the hilltop.
Meditation and Quiet Contemplation: The peaceful, historical environment is conducive to quiet thought and meditation.
Reading the Inscriptions: Try to decipher or understand the meaning of the Brahmi sc...
Information
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Why Famous:
Oldest Indian Art: The fame is rooted in the ancient frescoes and inscriptions, with some being considered among the oldest surviving examples of Indian mural painting.
Association with Ancient Theatre: It is located right next to the Sita B...Oldest Indian Art: The fame is rooted in the ancient frescoes and inscriptions, with some being considered among the oldest surviving examples of Indian mural painting.
Association with Ancient Theatre: It is located right next to the Sita Bengra Cave, which is historically regarded as the oldest theatre in the world, making the entire complex a site of world-historical importance for performing arts. The entire Ramgarh Hill is associated with the exile period of Lord Ram. : -
Architecture:
Ancient Inscriptions and Fresco Art: The Jogimara Cave is renowned for the Brahmi inscriptions on its walls, which are paleographically dated to the 3rd century BCE, making them among the oldest inscriptions in India after those of Ashoka. The inscriptions primarily deal wi...Ancient Inscriptions and Fresco Art: The Jogimara Cave is renowned for the Brahmi inscriptions on its walls, which are paleographically dated to the 3rd century BCE, making them among the oldest inscriptions in India after those of Ashoka. The inscriptions primarily deal with a Devadasi (temple dancer) named Sutnuka and a painter named Devadinna.
Dimension and Cave Structure: The cave is a natural rock-cut formation, relatively small in size. Its approximate dimensions are a few meters in length (e. g. , 4. 5 meters) and height (e. g. , 1. 8 meters). The architecture is simple, featuring a flat ceiling and a smooth floor, serving as a natural shelter. The cave's unique feature is the presence of the early paintings on the ceiling and walls, mostly depicting love stories and dancing figures, done with mineral pigments in an early Indian style, which makes it a crucial historical and artistic site. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Maa Mahamaya Airport, Ambikapur (approx. 70 KMs). Hire a pre-booked taxi for the two-hour drive to Ramgarh Hill.
By Train: Nearest railway station is Ambikapur Railway Station (ABKP), approx. 55 KMs away. Taxis... -
Near Tourist Places:
Sita Bengra Cave (<0. 1 KMs) Ramgarh Hill (0 KMs) Luchki Ghat Sona View Point (30 KMs) Thinthini Patthar (15 KMs) Sitapur Town (15 KMs) Ambikapur City (50 KMs) Semarsot Wildlife Sanctuary (70 KMs) Ghunghutta Dam (65 KMs) Kudargarh Devi Temple (80 KMs) Mainpat (90 KMs)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Wear sturdy, non-slip trekking shoes. Carry enough water and some light snacks. Do not touch the cave paintings or inscriptions for conservation.
Packing: Bring a torch (flashlight) as the caves can be dark. Carry a good ...
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