Various archeological sites and temples in Bilaspur attract tourists from all over the world. Achanakmar Wildlife sanctuary is one of the renowned ecotourism spots in Chhattisgarh. Hasdev Bango Dam is 105 km from Bilaspur. Malhar and Ratanpur are the centre […]
Various archeological sites and temples in Bilaspur attract tourists from all over the world. Achanakmar Wildlife sanctuary is one of the renowned ecotourism spots in Chhattisgarh. Hasdev Bango Dam is 105 km from Bilaspur. Malhar and Ratanpur are the centre of archeology. Ruins of forts to ancient temples are found here. Talagram is the location for the “Deorani-Jethani” temple. Bubble Island and Radhika water park are the parks which amuse the local people as well as tourists. Belpan has a huge pond as well as samadhi. Khutaghat is a scenic spot and is wanted by nature lovers. Forests, dam and hills comprise the surrounding of Khutaghat. Kabir Chobutara at a distance of 41 km from Bilaspur is a hub for mahatmas (saints). Bilaspur is situated on the banks of the Arpa, the main river. Leelagar and Maniyari are other small rivers of the district. Sonmuda is another tourist attraction which gives a panoramic view of valleys, hills and forest. The River Sone originates from Sonmuda. Places of interest in and around Bilaspur include:
Northern Chhattisgarh is undiscovered territory for most travelers. Bilaspur, north of state capital Raipur, is an important commercial town that can be used as a gateway to this region. For a brief introduction to the area, try this three-day itinerary (which can of course be expanded to include areas further north).
Historically, Bilaspur was controlled by the Kalachuri dynasty of Ratanpur. The city, however, came into prominence around 1741, the year of the Maratha Empire rule, when a Maratha official took up his abode there.
The management of Bilaspur district was taken over by the British East India Company in 1818 after Bhosale lost territory in Third Anglo-Maratha War. Under Bhosale of the Nagpu.
Bilaspur district was constituted in 1861, followed by Bilaspur municipality in 1867.
Guru Ghasidas (1756–1836) started a religious movement, Satnamis (meaning the worshippers of Satnam), between 1820 and 1830 primarily around the Sonakhan forests. This religious movement preached against idol-worship, and instead stressed that God is synonymous with truth.
Bilaspur enjoys the distinctiveness of being one of the major cities in Chhattisgarh with considerable historical significance. Located in the eastern part of Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur is nearly four centuries old. Referred to as the “Rice Bowl of India”, Bilaspur abounds in lush greenery and boasts of a myriad number of tourist attractions. If the historical records are to be given any credence, then there is no reason to disbelieve the fact that Bilaspur owes its name to a fisherwoman, Bilasa in the 17th century. Bilaspur during that time and for many more years to come remained a fishing hamlet consisting of a few fishermen’s huts. According to the census conducted in 1901, the total population of Bilaspur was somewhere around 18,937 and it was considered the 8th largest town in the Central Provinces of British India. One interesting fact that one comes across while flipping through pages of history is that even as early as in 1908, Bilaspur had already made a mark as home to the major tasar silk and cotton clothes manufacturers.
Day -1: Ratanpur: Head 25 km out of Bilaspur towards Ratanpur, once the capital of Kalachuri kings. The ruins of a fort here have beautiful grounds. Visit the Sridevi Mahamaya Temple here. About 10 km north of Ratanpur is the dam site of Kuthaghat. Surrounded by forests and hills, and equipped with a rest house, this is a pleasant stopover. To see an excellent example of a 12th-century temple in the state, head 20 km northeast towards Pali. The Shiva Temple, built by the Kalachuri kings, has ornamentally carved pillars and decorated ceilings. Continue on the road towards Korba, noted for its cave that houses ancient idols of Ram, Sita and Lakshman. Return to Bilaspur for the night. Another option from Bilaspur is to visit the Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary (55 km), in the Mekhal range of hills.
Day- 2: Malhar: From Bilaspur, go south to Malhar, an archaeological site reported to date to the 3rd century BCE. Some important temples are found here. Carry on south-west to Talagaon, or Talagram, known for its Deorani- Jethani Temple and an intriguing, large statue, believed to be of Shiva.
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