Sirpur

Locations :

Lattitude: 21.345225°N N,

Longitude: 82.184814°E E

Best Time to Visit : September to March

Weather :

Summer : 28°C to 40°C

Winter : 08°C to 20°C

Monsoon : 18°C to 30°C

Sirpur is a historic town located on the banks of Mahanadi in Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh. The town is about 35 km from Mahasamund and 78 KM from capital of Chhattisgarh, Raipur. The history of city dates back to 5th century AD, when it was capital of the Sarbhapuriya and Somvanshi Kings of Dakshin Kosala state. It was an important Buddhist Centre and was once visited by famed Chinese traveller and scholar Hieun Tsang during 7th Century AD.  The town was destroyed in an earthquake during 12th Century AD and was later found by Sir Alexander Cunningham, who founded what today is known as Archaeological Survey of India in 19th Century. Later excavations found some brilliant piece of architectures which showed importance of Sirpur in ancient times. The excavation in city has resulted in discovery of 12 Buddh Viharas, 1 Jain Vihara, monolithic statues of Buddha and Mahavira, 22 Shiv temples and 5 Vishnu temples. Most famous of these temples are Laxman Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu was built in 650 AD, Gandheshwar Temple, Buddha Vihara and Relics of an old fort. Sirpur not only draws tourists but also draws academicians who are into archelogy as there is still ongoing excavation in this small historic town.