Sightseeing Places Around Bilaspur

Bilaspur district is the smallest district of Himachal Pradesh and second largest city of the state. Connected well by road to popular cities, places around Bilaspur attract many tourists with nature’s beauty. It is an abode of Goddess Naina Devi, one of Shakti Peeths out of 51 spread across India.

Naina Devi

Naina Devi is a holy shrine of Hindus and considered to be one of the significant Shakti Peeths out of 51. The temple was built by Raja Bir Chand in 8th century at an altitude of 1100 m on Naina Hill. The hill is located 57 km from Bilaspur, 151 Km from Shimla and 34 from Kiratpur Sahib. From the top of Naina hill, you can experience a panoramic view of Anandpur Sahib town and Gobind Sagar Lake.

Naina Devi represents the eye of Goddess Sati, which fell over on top of the hill when Lord Vishnu destroyed the body of Sati, only to protect the universe from the wrath of Lord Shiva. The popular hill resort, Nainital in the state has been named after the Goddess. Thousands of devotees visit the temple every year during Navratris (Sept-Oct), Shravani (July-August) & Chaitra (March-April).

Kahlur Fort

Kahlur Fort reflects the royal heritage of Kings of Bilaspur. This palace-cum-fort was built by Raj Bir Chand and popularly known as Kot Kahlur. The name of Kahlur is later replaced by Bilaspur. The fort is situated near Naina Devi dhar, which is about 3,595 feet above sea level.

Its magnificent architecture is an eye treat for all heritage lovers, where each floor is supported by numerous high stone pillars. The gigantic structure is built in square shape measuring 30 meters long each side, with 2 meters thick wall. Upper two floors of the fort are 15 meters high each. On second or last floor of the fort, a small temple of Naina Devi awaits for her devotees to shower her love. 

Shah Talai

This place got into prominence with the religious action and devotion of Baba Balaknath, a defied child saint of ancient times. Located 64 km from Bilaspur, Shah Talai has temples of Baba Balaknath, Baba Bhritrahari, Guga Chauhan and Naharsingh. The temple of Deothsidh or Light of Truth on the hill of Dhaulagiri is located just 5 km from Shah Talai. Here, a sacred fire has been blessing its devotees since five centuries.

Gobind Sagar

Gobind Sagar is named after the tenth Sikh Guru. This reservoir of River Sutlej is popularly known as “Water Fowl Refuge” and encompasses an area of approximately 170 sq. kms. The reservoir was born after the nation got its tallest and one of world’s gravity dams, the Bhakra Dam. 

Variety of water and shore birds bring you much closure to the nature. Good place for fishing, where 51 species and sub-species have been found. Not only this. You have amazing water sports and ferry rides waiting for you. You can reach the vast part of reservoir from Anandpur Sahib railway station, which is 83 km away from the reservoir.

Bhakra Dam

Standing tall with 225.5 meters (740 feet) height, Bhakra Dam near Bilaspur is Asia’s second tallest dam. Nearly 2-3 lakh tourists visit the place every year to have a glance of this four decade old engineering marvel. Built across River Sutlej, this is considered to be the best destination to understand the beauty of nature and human intelligence.

You can enjoy amusing water sports on Gobind Sagar, an artificial lake of River Sutlej, such as kayaking, water skiing, sailing and water scooter racing. You can feel the grace of Goddess Naina Devi, overlooking the Gobind Lake. If this is not enough, you can experience jungle safari in the nearby wildlife sanctuary. Bhakra Dam is one of the world's highest gravity dams and supplies electricity and water to several states of North India.

Vyas / Beas Gufa

Bilaspur district is famous for being an abode for reverend Rishis or Sages of Hindus. It is believed that Sage Vyas (Beas) used to meditate near a 100m long Gufa, whose other end is opened at Markandeya. The place Markandeya was named after Rishi Markandeya, a devotee of Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Reportedly, every morning, Sage Vyas used to go to the other end of Gufa to take a dip in the holy water at Markandeya. You can visit Vyas Kund (Pond), situated in the foot of new township.

Markandeya

Situated 20 km from Bilaspur, the temple of Rishi Markandeya celebrates the festival of Baisakhi every year amidst huge devotees and melas. Sage Markandeya was born here and had great acquaintance with Sage Vyas. A tunnel connecting the caves of Vyas and Markandeya, witnessed the sharing of immense knowledge of both the sages. Close to Kund, you can visit the beautiful Sariun and Tiun Fort, which is located at just 60 km away from Bilaspur.