Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Dholkal Ganesh Idol Offers Ancient Forest Trek in Chhattisgarh
A very old stone statue of Lord Ganesha sits on top of Dholkal Hill in Chhattisgarh.
The statue is believed to be more than 1,000 years old.
It is hidden in the forests of Bastar.
People cannot drive directly to the shrine.
Instead, they must walk for several hours along forest and rocky paths.
The climb can be both a spiritual experience and an adventure.
Historians have different ideas about who placed the statue there.
The easiest time to visit is usually between October and March.
The Dholkal Ganesh idol is believed to be more than 1,000 years old.
The stone idol sits nearly 3,000 feet above sea level on Dholkal Hill.
Visitors must trek through forest terrain because the shrine is inaccessible by road.
The idol’s origins are debated, with interpretations linking it to regional dynasties and tribal devotion.
The recommended visiting season is October to March, while monsoon conditions can make trails slippery.
- Who
- Travellers, pilgrims and trekkers visit the Dholkal Ganesh shrine, which is revered by local communities.
- What
- A trek leads to a stone Ganesh idol believed to be more than 1,000 years old.
- When
- The recommended visiting period is October to March; the article also discusses Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 tourism.
- Where
- The idol is on Dholkal Hill in the Bailadila Range of Dantewada district, Bastar, Chhattisgarh.
- Why
- Visitors undertake the journey to experience the ancient shrine, its spiritual significance and its forest setting.
- Estimated age
- More than 1,000 years
- Elevation
- Approximately 2,994 to 3,000 feet above sea level
- Location
- Dholkal Hill, Bailadila Range, Dantewada district, Chhattisgarh
- Access
- Forest trek only; the shrine is not accessible by road
- Possible period
- The 10th to 11th century, according to archaeological interpretations
- Suggested season
- October to March
- Nearby starting area
- Villages such as Faraspal