Bilaspur Tourism

January

10.7 - 32.3 °C

February

13.3 - 36.0 °C

March

17.5 - 39.5 °C

April

19.7 - 40.9 °C

May

19.8 - 42.1 °C

June

21.2 - 40.4 °C

July

21.5 - 36.1 °C

August

21.9 - 35.1 °C

September

21.7 - 35.8 °C

October

19.2 - 35.1 °C

November

14.1 - 33.3 °C

December

11.0 - 31.4 °C

Major Airports :

Chandigarh International Airport (IXC)

Shimla Airport (SLV)

Nearest Railway Station :

Kiratpur Sahib Railway Station (KART)

A Town Born of Legends

Nestled at the foothills of the Bandla Hills, Bilaspur is a destination where history and nature weave a tale of timeless charm. At an altitude of 673 meters, this picturesque town sits along the shimmering waters of the Gobind Sagar Lake, a man-made marvel created by the Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River. Bilaspur is not just a scenic getaway-it’s a living chronicle of Himachal’s royal past, spiritual heritage, and engineering wonders.

Once the capital of the princely state of Kahlur, Bilaspur’s roots trace back to the 7th century, when the Chandel Rajputs established their kingdom here. The old town was submerged after the construction of Bhakra Dam in 1963, but Bilaspur rose again on higher ground, carrying forward its legacy with pride. Today, it stands as the first planned hill town of Himachal Pradesh-a blend of tradition and modernity.

Where Nature Paints Its Masterpiece

Bilaspur’s crown jewel is the Gobind Sagar Lake, one of India’s largest man-made reservoirs, stretching across 170 square kilometers. Its turquoise waters, framed by rolling hills, create a spellbinding panorama. Spend a day boating on the lake, try your hand at game fishing, or simply sit by its banks and watch the sun dip behind the mountains, turning the sky into a canvas of gold and crimson.

Adventure seekers will find plenty to thrill their senses. The lake is a hub for water sports, including rowing and angling, while the surrounding hills offer trekking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints. For an adrenaline rush, head to Bandla Hills for paragliding and soak in aerial views of the valley.

A Spiritual Sojourn

Bilaspur is steeped in spirituality, with temples and shrines that echo centuries of devotion. The Naina Devi Temple, perched atop a hill, is one of the most revered Shakti Peeths in India. Legend says the eyes of Goddess Sati fell here during Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, giving the temple its name. Pilgrims flock here during Navratri fairs, filling the air with chants and colors.

Another gem is the Vyas Cave, believed to be the meditation site of Maharishi Vyas, the sage who composed the Mahabharata. Nearby, the Markandeya Temple offers a serene retreat amid lush greenery, while the Sheetla Mandir adds to the town’s spiritual aura.

Engineering Marvels and Scenic Wonders

Bilaspur is home to the iconic Bhakra Dam, one of India’s tallest dams and a testament to human ingenuity. Standing here, you’ll witness the sheer scale of this structure and the vast expanse of Gobind Sagar Lake it created. Don’t miss the Kandrour Bridge, a suspension bridge over the Sutlej River, once among the highest in Asia-a perfect spot for photography and short walks.

Culture and Colors

Bilaspur’s cultural fabric is vibrant and deeply rooted in Himachali traditions. The town comes alive during festivals like Lohri, Baisakhi, and the famous Naina Devi Fair, where you can witness the traditional Nati dance and shop for local handicrafts-handwoven shawls, wooden artifacts, and colorful Himachali caps.

Flavors of Bilaspur

Treat your taste buds to authentic Himachali cuisine. Relish Sidu, a steamed bread stuffed with walnuts, savor the creamy Madra, and warm up with a bowl of Thukpa. Pair these delicacies with a cup of piping hot tea as you gaze at the serene lake-it’s a moment of pure bliss.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport (IXC), located approximately 135 km from Bilaspur. Shimla Airport (SLV), about 85 km away, serves as an alternative, though with limited flight connectivity.

By Rail: The nearest broad‑gauge railway station is Kiratpur Sahib Railway Station (KART) in Punjab, situated around 65 km from Bilaspur. Anandpur Sahib Railway Station (ANSB), approximately 70 km away, is another convenient railhead.

By Road: Bilaspur is well connected by road and lies on NH 205, making it easily accessible by buses and taxis. It is around 85 km from Shimla, 135 km from Chandigarh, and 350 km from Delhi, with regular bus services operated by state and private transport providers.