Barsur, a small town located about 32 km from the district headquarters, was once the center of power and influence in  the Bastar region. Adorned with 147 temples and ponds, this historic capital city has many ruined temples and historical buildings as evidence of that golden era. According to historians, before 840 AD, this city was once the capital of Gangavanshi rulers. Some intellectuals are of the opinion that these temples were built by the Nagavanshis, who established their suzerainty over most of this land for an estimated three centuries before being displaced by the Kakatiya rulers in the 10th and 11th AD. The main attraction for tourists in Barsur is Battisa Temple, world famous Lord Ganesh statue, Mama Bhanja Temple, Chandraditya Temple, submerged temple of Vishnu and Gavan Shiva, Pedamma Temple, Saatdhar water Falls, mysterious Akhnatrai Pond etc.