Day 98 - Bilaspur

Bilaspur is a town in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh  This town is the second most developed place in the entire state. Bilaspur is known for its aromatic Doobraj rice,  hand-loom woven colorful soft Kosa silk Saris, and more for its rich, varied and colorful culture. Bilaspur District has a major contribution towards the naming of Chhattisgarh as "Dhaan Ka Katoora".Historically, Bilaspur was a part of Kalchuri dynasty of Ratanpur. The city, however, came into prominence around 1741, the year of the Maratha Empire invasion, when a Maratha official took up his abode there and began to build a fort, which however was never completed.The city was taken over by the British East India Company of Great Britain in the year 1854 when the then ruler of the region, Bhosale of Nagpur belonging to Maratha Empire died without an heir.Bilaspur is situated on the banks of the rain-fed Arpa River, which originates from the high hills of the Maikal Range of central India. This dolomite rich region is surrounded by lush green forests in the north and the coal mines of Hasdeo valley in the east.


How to reach here:

By Air: Bilaspur Airport is at Chakarbhatta, 10 km away.

By Rail: Bilaspur railway station is a regional hub for the railway system. It is the busiest junction of Chhattisgarh and fourth busiest of central India.


Best time to visit: October to March.


Languages spoken: Hindi.


Must eat: Samosa, Mango.


Famous Restaurants: Madrasi restaurant.


Places you must visit:

Malhar is famous for it's archaeological importance. It is situated at 40 km. by road from Bilaspur. In Malhar, so many ancient temples have been found by extraction such  as Pataleshwar temple, Devri temple & Dindeshwari temple. Four handed idol of Lord Vishnu is also very famous. Malhar has a museum also.







Tala is also famous for it's archeological importance. It is situated at 30 km. by road from Bilaspura at the bank of Maniyari river. In Tala two ancient temples of Fifth Century  have been found by extraction which are Jethani temple & Devrani temple. Devrani  temple is still in good condition. The main attraction of Tala is the ancient idol of Lord Shiva which is also of Fifth century.









Ratanpur is famous for it's historical & religious importance. It is situated at 25 km. by road from Bilaspur. It was the capital of the Kalchurian kings & Marathas.



Mahamaya Temple was constructed by Kalchurian king Ratansen. The temple has a pond in front, having  ancient temples at the bank. It is a token of religious faith of the people.




Ramtek is another famous temple at the peek of a mountain constructed by Maratha king  Bimbaji Bhonsle.



Beside Ramtek temple, there ia an old fort known as Badal Mahal.





Khuntaghat is a dam situated at 12 km. by road from Ratanpur and 37 km. from  Bilaspur. This dam is built on Kharoon river and used for the irrigation of whole area.






Lafagarh is also famous for it's historical importance. It is also known as "Chhittaurgarh of Chhattisgarh". It has a fort on the highest peek of Mekaal Mountain. It is also the origin point of Jatashankar river and was the first capital of the Calturian kings.

Shivrinarayan is also famous for it's religious importance. It is situated at 65 km. by road from Bilaspur. according to "Ramayan", Lord Ram has eaten the 'Ber 'of Shabri at this place. This place has also some ancient temples as  Narayan temple & Chandrachudeshwar temple. Shivrinarayan is also the  meeting point of Mahanadi and Shivnath river.

Kharod is also famous for it's religious importance. It is situated at 70 km. by road from Bilaspur. Kharod has also so many ancient temples in which Lakshamaneshwar temple and temple of Shabri made of bricks are very famous.

Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1975 under the Wildlife Protection Act. This dense forest, which spreads over an area of 555 sq. km, is about 40 km from Bilaspur City. This sanctuary houses wild animals including tiger, leopard, chital, sambar, bear and various other animals.Several watch towers are erected at different places inside this sanctuary, from where tourists can clearly see the wild animals roaming in their natural habitat. From Bilaspur, tour for this jungle is organised by the forest department. Tourists can also use their own vehicles to tour the jungle.