Turturiya
The Spiritual Forest:Turturiya is a serene forest village located on the banks of a perennial spring, known for its deep connection to the Ramayana. It is traditionally believed to be the site of Valmiki Ashram, where Mata Sita lived during her exile and gave birth to Luv and Kush. The name comes fr om the "turtur" sound made by the spring water as it flows through the rocks. The area is rich in both Buddhist and Brahmanical ruins dating back to the 8th century. Surrounded by the Barnawapara forest range, it offers a tranquil environment for those seeking peace and spiritual reflection. Visitors can find ancient stupas, exquisitely carved pillars, and idols of various deities scattered throughout the landscape. It is a place where nature and mythology coexist in perfect harmony. :
General information
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Ideal Duration:
3 to 5 HoursPlace Type:
Eco-Tourism & PilgrimageEntry Fees:
Entrance Fees:There is currently no formal entry fee for visiting the ashram or the spring, though parking charges may apply.
Donations:Visitors often leave small donations at the ashram for its maintenance and for the local priests who mana...Entrance Fees:There is currently no formal entry fee for visiting the ashram or the spring, though parking charges may apply.
Donations:Visitors often leave small donations at the ashram for its maintenance and for the local priests who manage the shrines.
:Timing:
Visiting Hours:The site is generally open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, as it is located in a forest area where safety is key.
Ideal Time:Morning hours are the most peaceful and allow for a cool trek through the forest before the midday heat.Visiting Hours:The site is generally open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, as it is located in a forest area where safety is key.
Ideal Time:Morning hours are the most peaceful and allow for a cool trek through the forest before the midday heat.
:Special Events:
Paush Purnima Fair:A major local fair is organized in January, where thousands of devotees gather to bathe in the holy spring.
Ram Navami:Special prayers and cultural programs are held to celebrate the birth of Lord Ram and his connection to...Paush Purnima Fair:A major local fair is organized in January, where thousands of devotees gather to bathe in the holy spring.
Ram Navami:Special prayers and cultural programs are held to celebrate the birth of Lord Ram and his connection to this forest.
:Best Photo Spots:
Spring Water Outlet:The "Gomukh" from which the spring water flows is a popular spot for capturing the traditional essence of the site.
Forest Pathways:The sun rays filtering through the dense canopy of the Barnawapara trees create a magical...Spring Water Outlet:The "Gomukh" from which the spring water flows is a popular spot for capturing the traditional essence of the site.
Forest Pathways:The sun rays filtering through the dense canopy of the Barnawapara trees create a magical atmosphere for nature photography.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
The Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum, located in the heart of Raipur, is a treasure trove of the state's rich cultural heritage and history. It is one of the oldest museums in central India and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, art, and culture. The museum is named after Mahant Ghasidas, a great social reformer and spiritual leader who dedicated his life to the upliftment of the downtrodden. The museum is a beautiful blend of British and Indian architectural styles, with a number of galleries that showcase a wide range of artifacts, including sculptures, inscriptions, coins, and tribal artifacts. The museum's main attraction is the Tribal Gallery, which celebrates the rich traditions and customs of indigenous communities. The gallery is home to a number of artifacts, including traditional costumes, tools, and weapons. The museum also has a number of other galleries, including the Archaeological Gallery, the Sculpture Gallery, and the Ancient Arms and Armoury Gallery. The museum's serene and peaceful environment, combined with its historical and cultural significance, makes it a great destination for a spiritual retreat and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. The museum is a living testament to the unique blend of tradition and modernity in the region.
Jatmai Temple, a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga, is located amidst the lush greenery of the Gariaband district. The temple is a beautiful blend of traditional and modern architectural styles, with a number of intricate carvings and sculptures on the walls. The temple's sanctum is home to a beautiful idol of Goddess Durga, which is the main highlight of the temple. The temple's serene and peaceful environment, combined with its spiritual sanctity, makes it a perfect place for a spiritual retreat and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. The temple is also a major cultural hub, with a number of events and programs organized during the Navratri festival. The temple is a living testament to the unique blend of tradition and modernity in the region.
@@ Natural Splendor: The Turturiya Dam is a peaceful water reservoir built to support local agriculture and forest conservation. It is surrounded by the rolling hills of the Barnawapara range, offering a panoramic view of the skyline. The water is clear and reflects the surrounding greenery like a mirror. It is a favorite spot for locals looking for a weekend getaway. The dam's presence has enriched the local biodiversity, attracting various bird species. @@ Picnic Haven: The banks of the dam provide ample space for families to set up picnic spots. The cool breeze coming off the water makes even the warm days pleasant. It is an ideal place for photography and nature observation. The silence of the area is only broken by the sound of water and birds. It serves as a vital water source for the wildlife in the nearby sanctuary. @@ Engineering and Purpose: While primarily an irrigation project, its scenic beauty has turned it into a tourist destination. The structure is robust and well-integrated into the natural landscape. It helps in recharging the groundwater of the Turturiya region. The dam is especially beautiful during the sunset when the water turns golden. It represents the harmony between human utility and nature.
Devarbija is a small village in the Durg district, which is a hidden archaeological gem with a number of ancient temples and ruins. The village is believed to have been a major religious and cultural center during the rule of various dynasties, including the Kalchuri and the Maratha dynasties. The village is home to a number of ancient temples, including the Shiva Temple, the Vishnu Temple, and the Devi Temple. The temples are a testament to the rich architectural and religious heritage of the region. The temples' walls are adorned with intricate carvings, depicting a variety of mythological scenes and figures. The temples are a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, providing valuable insights into the religious, cultural, and artistic life of the region's past. The village is also known for its ancient ruins, including a number of sculptures and artifacts that are a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. The village is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in history, art, and spirituality.
The Turturiya Dham is not just a religious site; it is a significant archaeological location revealing a rich, mixed-cultural history. The site contains numerous ruins, ancient pillars, and idols dating back to the 8th and 9th Century AD, indicating a period of high religious and artistic activity. Excavations, notably by the British Commissioner H. M. Lary in 1914, uncovered evidence of multiple faiths coexisting. Remains include fragments of Stupas and bathing ghats, suggesting the presence of Buddhist Monasteries (Viharas), potentially housing female monks (Bhikkhunis). Simultaneously, sculptures of Lord Vishnu (standing and seated on Sheshnag), Lord Ganesha, and various Shivalingas point to the simultaneous flourishing of Vaishnava and Shaiva Hindu traditions. Ancient stone columns with artistic carvings, inscriptions, and hero-stone-like sculptures depicting men wrestling or fighting a lion have been discovered. This blend of Buddhist, Shaiva, and Vaishnava remnants underscores Turturiya's historical importance as a cultural and religious melting pot in ancient Dakshin Kosala (South Chhattisgarh), making it a crucial spot for historical and anthropological study.
The Laxmaneshwar Temple in Kharod is an ancient and revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and a site of profound religious and historical significance. The temple's history is steeped in local folklore, with a number of legends and stories associated with it. The most famous of these is the belief that the temple was built by Lord Lakshmana himself during his exile, to atone for the sin of harming a holy man. The temple's sanctum is home to a unique "Swayambhu" (self-manifested) Shivling, which is a major highlight of the temple. The Shivling is believed to have a number of natural holes, which are filled with water that is believed to have medicinal properties. The temple is a beautiful example of the Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture, with a number of intricate carvings and sculptures on the walls. The temple is a major pilgrimage site for devotees from all over Chhattisgarh and the neighboring states. The temple's serene and peaceful environment, combined with its spiritual sanctity, makes it a perfect place for a spiritual retreat and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. The temple is also a major cultural hub, with a number of events and programs organized during the Mahashivratri festival.
@@ Jungle Gateway: This spot serves as a crucial entry point into the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary from the Turturiya side. It is where the religious landscape transitions into a wild, untamed forest. The area is rich in teak and bamboo trees, creating a dense canopy. Visitors can often spot deer or monkeys right at the edge of the village. It is the starting point for many forest treks and safaris. @@ Wildlife Hub: The sanctuary is home to leopards, sloth bears, and the state animal, the Wild Buffalo. The Turturiya gate is less crowded than the main entrance, offering a quieter experience. It provides a sense of being in the heart of nature. The birdlife here is particularly rich due to the nearby water sources. @@ Eco-Tourism: This location promotes sustainable tourism and local tribal employment. It is a great place to learn about the flora and fauna of Central India.Show All
Kutumsar Cave is a subterranean wonder, a natural marvel that is a testament to the rich geological heritage of the region. The cave is a limestone cave, a naturally formed underground cave that is believed to be one of the longest in the world. The cave's name, Kutumsar, is derived from the local language, which means "a place of peace and tranquility." The cave is a series of interconnected chambers and narrow passages, with a number of stunning stalactites and stalagmites that have taken shape over millions of years. The cave is a major tourist attraction, with a number of recreational activities, such as trekking, rock climbing, and camping. The cave's serene and peaceful environment, combined with its historical and archaeological significance, makes it a great destination for a spiritual retreat and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. The cave is a living testament to the unique blend of tradition and modernity in the region.Information
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Why Famous:
Valmiki Ashram:It is famous as the mythological residence of Sage Valmiki and the birthplace of Lord Ram's sons, Luv and Kush.
Ram Van Gaman Path:The site is a significant stop on the cultural trail that traces the journey of Lord Ram throug...Valmiki Ashram:It is famous as the mythological residence of Sage Valmiki and the birthplace of Lord Ram's sons, Luv and Kush.
Ram Van Gaman Path:The site is a significant stop on the cultural trail that traces the journey of Lord Ram through Chhattisgarh.
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Architecture:
Buddhist Ruins:The site features remains of fine brick stupas and carved stone pillars that reflect the 8th-century Buddhist influence in the region.
Spring Engineering:An ancient stone structure guides the natural spring water through a "Go...Buddhist Ruins:The site features remains of fine brick stupas and carved stone pillars that reflect the 8th-century Buddhist influence in the region.
Spring Engineering:An ancient stone structure guides the natural spring water through a "Gomukh" (cow's mouth) into a bathing tank for pilgrims.
Scattered Sculptures:The architecture includes figures of four-armed Vishnu, Ganesha, and various lingams that showcase a transition from Buddhist to Hindu styles.
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How To Reach:
By Air:Raipur Airport (100 km) is the nearest; one must hire a cab as there is no direct public flight or bus.
By Train:Bhatapara or Mahasamund are the nearest stations, but Raipur is more convenient for tourists coming from far. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Sirpur (24 KM), 2. Barnawapara (15 KM), 3. Raipur (100 KM), 4. Balodabazar (29 KM), 5. Kasdol (20 KM), 6. Giraudpuri (50 KM), 7. Arang (65 KM), 8. Palari (40 KM), 9. Narayanpur (70 KM), 10. Shivrinarayan (80 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety:Since it is a forest area, stay on the marked paths and avoid carrying plastic that might harm the wildlife.
Packing Essentials:Carry mosquito repellent, water, and some snacks, as there are very few shops or eateries in the ...
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