Shahdol is a predominantly hilly, tribal district situated in the north-eastern part of
Madhya Pradesh. It has an area of 9,954 sq km with a total population of over 1 million.
Shahdol District is agriculturally backward, as the largely tribal population prefers traditional methods of cultivation. It is famous for its mineral resources. Coal, bauxite and fire clay are the resources found in large quantities. Most of the region is covered by lush green forests. Sal, Amla, Teak, Sarai and Shisham are the trees commonly found. The chief crops are paddy, kodo, kutko and maize.
The prime tourist destinations are the Virateshwar temple of
Lord Shiva in Sohagpur and Amarkantak situated at an altitude of 1,065 meters at the meeting point of the Vindhya-Satpura mountain ranges. Amarkantak is a great pilgrim center for the Hindus, and is the source of the rivers Narmada and Son.
