Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh - Tourist Attractions

Tourist Attractions

Places of interest in and around Bilaspur include:

• Sirpur and Mallhar, which are of historical significance, as they were visited by Xuanzang, the Chinese historian.
• Amarkantak - Narmada River and Son River originate from Amarkantak.
• Kanan Pendari Zoo
• Tala, 20 km away, is famous for Rudra Shiva.
• Pali with Lord Shiva temple.
• Janjigir with incomplete Lord Vishnu temple.
• Kharod with Lakshmaneswar temple.
• Sheorinarayan with Lord Rama temple.
• Singhpur cave with pre-historic paintings.
• Bhoramdeb said to be mini Khajuraho.
• Rajim famous for Lord Rajiv Lochan.
• Ratanpur for its Mahamaya temple.
• Shri Aiyyappa Mandir (Sani dosha haarak) near Tifra Over bridge (Bhartiya Nagar).
• Mungeli Maa Mahamaya Temple.
• Dams Khudiya dam Lormi & Khutaghat dam Ratanpur.
• Rani Sati Temple,A religious temple built in the city of Bilaspur by the Marwaris where the deity of Jhunjhunu's temple is worshipped.

Bilasa Tal near koni Kanan Pendari smriti van and many cities garden are here like konher garden,vivekanad garden. Two amusement park are also Here Bubble Island and Radhika water park.

Besides having places associated with its ancient and cultural heritage, the city is also famous for its wildlife variety. This is because of its situation within the state. It is reputed for having some of the densest forests in the country and an even spread of hills and rivers. One of the places worth visiting is the Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary. Famous for the variety of its wildlife, the sanctuary is spread over an area of 551 km² (213 mi²) and was set up in 1975 under the Wildlife Protection Act. The sanctuary is 55 km (34 mi) away form Bilaspur and is closed during the monsoon season.

Just before the entry into Achanakmar Wild Life Sanctuary, there is situated the Ghongapani Jalashya (Dam) with beautiful panoramic view. Although there is no place to stay, it can be visited in the day time on way to Achanakmar.

Beyond the sanctuary, on way to Amarkantak, there are Government Guest Houses in Achanakmar, Keonchi and Lamni. These guest houses can be booked with governmental officials in the district head quarters. These guest houses are well built and the arrangements are also good.

The forest guest house at Lamni was built by the then British Officials. It is 1850 feet above sea level. It was built in June 1913 at the cost of Rs.3055.8 paise and 5 anas.

Within the sanctuary the presence of guar (Indian Bison) and tigers are very much in evidence, as reported by the multiple sightings by the visitors. Other animals include the leopard, chital, panthera, striped hyena, canis, sloth bear, dhole, sambar deer, nilgai, Indian four-horned antelope and chinkara populate the sanctuary in equal numbers.

Trips to the sanctuary can be organized via private taxi operators. A place to stay is the Panther Cottage, Malhaar where there is a beautiful stone carved historical temple ruin.

Located 55 km (34 mi) away is Khutaghat, where there is a dam and reservoir and it is possible to stay in the prebooked Irrigation Department. The beautifully located "Hill Top Rest House" overlooking the vast expanse of the blue water reservoir is chosen by many for accommodation. The Khudia Dam, which is 75 km (47 mi) away from the city, is equally beautiful but more remote.

Places of interest within the city include Vivekanand Uddyaan (a city Park), Kaanan Pindary zoo (8 km, 5 mi), Ramkrishna Ashram (5 km 3 mi) and Arpa River Chat Puja Ghat.

Local memorabilia include the handicrafts that are available in Khadi Bhawan, near Satyam Cinema. Kosa silk saris and cloth are available in Sadar Bazaar.

The best time to visit is from October to March. However, one can visit it anytime of the year to shop and to enjoy the diversity of the culture which is very different from other parts of the country and for the better for sure.