Bilaspur Tourist Places in Bilaspur, Chattisgarh, India
Bilaspur is located in Chattisgarh district and is the 2nd largest city after Raipur covering a total area of 345.76 sq kms and lying at an elevation of 860 feet above sea level. Bilaspur is approx 111 kms from state capital Raipur and is famous for doobraj rice, samosa, mango, silk saris, handlooms etc. Bilaspur coordinates with 22.09’ degree North Latitude and 82.15’ degree East Longitude with Pin Code being 495001.
Meaning & History of Bilaspur:
It is believed that Bilaspur got its name from fisher folk women by name “Bilasa” in the 17th century. Initially Bilaspur was a part of Kalchuri dynasty of Ratanpur, but actually the city got strategic prominence in the year 1741 when Maratha Empire started building a fort in this city. The British took the management of the city in the year 1818 and administered the city until India got independence in the year 1947.
Tourist attractions in and around Bilaspur:
Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary:
This wildlife sanctuary is about 55 kms from Bilaspur famous for many endangered species of wild animals, reptiles and many species of migratory birds. The sanctuary is spread across 551 sq kms and was established in the year 1975 and is maintained by Department of Forest of Chattisgarh. The sanctuary is home to Indian Bison, leopard, cheetah, panther, sloth bear, stripped hyena, sambar deer, nilgai and chinkara.
Vivekananda Udyan:
This park is located in the heart of the city which is named after Swamy Vivekananda who was a social and religious leader. The park has been planted with many saplings of trees and has joy rides for the kid.
Kaanan Pindary Zoo:
Kaanan Pindary Zoo is located about 8 kms from Bilaspur which houses many domestic animals, wild animals, reptiles, mammals and birds in cages to the public to have a close view.
Ramkrishna Ashram:
The Ashram is about 5 kms from Bilaspur which is built in loving memory of saint Ramakrishna. The Ashram has a meditation hall and a library which has good collection of books ranging from spiritual to philosophy.
Khutaghat:
Khutaghat is about 55 kms from Bilaspur famous for dam and a reservoir. There is a resort located adjacent to the dam that provides a magnificent view of the blue waters and is a important tourist spot near Bilaspur.
Radhika Water Park:
Radhika Water Park is one of the amusement parks located near Bilaspur that has many fun filled land rides as well as water rides. Many tourists visit the water park all round the year.
Other places of attractions include:
- Tala- 20 kms known for temple of Rudra Shiva.
- Pali- known for temple of lord Shiva.
- Janjigir known for temple of lord Vishnu.
- Kharod is known for temple of Lakmaneshwar.
- Singhpur is known for pre-historic paintings.
- Ratanpur is known for temple of Mahamaya.
- Rani Sati Temple
Food & Culture in Bilaspur:
Bilaspur is very rich in food and culture as many festivals are jointly celebrated by the people irrespective of caste, creed, religion, sect and sex. Bilaspur is famous for doobraj rice, samosa, mango and other Indian cuisines and dishes.
When to visit Bilaspur?
Though one can visit the city at any point of time, the best time to visit Bilaspur will be during months of October to March as the place experiences winter due to which the temperatures will be low.
Connectivity to Bilaspur in Chattisgarh:
Bilaspur is well connected by road, rail and air means of transport. National Highway-111, National Highway 200 and State Highway 5 connect Bilaspur with rest of the city which makes this place quite easily accessible by road. Bilaspur is also a major railway junction in Chattisgarh where many long distance trains including Rajdhani and Shatabdi stop at Bilaspur Railway Station. Bilaspur is directly connected to Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Bhopal, Rourkela, Puri, Patna and Raipur by rail. The nearest airport is Raipur Airport which is about 115 kms from Bilaspur.
Hotels in Bilaspur:
Being a significant tourist destination, Bilaspur has good hotels providing fantastic accommodation facilities for the tourists visiting the city. Hotels range from 1 star category to 5 star category with luxurious amenities and facilities. The rates of hotel vary from Rs. 600 onwards for single bed accommodation and goes up to Rs. 4000 for most luxury ones. The hotels also undertake other services like setting up travel desks, counter bookings, reservations, airport pickup and drop, broadband services with Wi-Fi attached laundry services etc. List of hotels located in Bilaspur are:
- Hotel Central Point
- Hotel Ananda Imperial
- Hotel East Park
- Hotel Sharda
- Hotel Jaybee Inn
- Hotel Grand Amba
- Hotel Anand
- Hotel Shiva International
- Hotel Downtown
- Surya Hotel
- Hotel Deep