Korwas and Pandos are the two main tribal communities residing in this city. Ambikapur is situated at an average elevation of about 623 metres. The majority of the terrain in the region is full of dense forests and hills.
The Surguja District is situated towards the northern part of the state of Chhattisgarh. This district is one of the biggest in the state and is known for its progress in the commercial field.
Ambikapur has a self-sufficient economic structure, which mainly generates income from agriculture and animal husbandry. Tourists from across the world visit Ambikapur to see places like Deepadih, Tattapani, Somerset, Sita-Bengra and Deogarh, among others.
This town has derived its name from an earlier ruler, Ambikeshwar Sharan Singh Deo. During the 4th century BC, this region was under the control of the Nanda clan, before the arrival of the Mauryas.
This region was later divided into parts before the 3rd century BC and was taken over by a Rajputa King from the Rakshal clan in Palamu District (Bihar). In 1826, Amar Singh was crowned as the ruler of Surguja State and was succeeded by Raghunath Sharan Singh Deo in 1882. It is also believed that Lord Rama visited Ambikapur during his exile of over 14 years
