Bilaspur is one of the largest cities in the mineral-rich Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It is also home to the largest High Court of Asia. The state of Chhattisgarh is known for its scenic diversity, vibrant culture, and rich history. As more and more people are discovering the place owing to the rampant development that has taken place there, Chhattisgarh is slowly evolving into a tourist destination. Bilaspur is an important city in Chhattisgarh just waiting to surprise you with its wonders! There is no dearth of places to visit near Bilaspur. Bilaspur is blessed with many cool getaways as well.
The city of Bilaspur is about 400 years old. It is believed that the city of Bilaspur was named after a fisherwoman named ‘Bilasa’. It is said that in those days Ratanpur was the capital of the local kingdom and modern-day Bilaspur was just a small settlement on the banks of River Arpa. According to folklore, the king took fancy to Bilasa, a local fisherwoman settled in this part of his kingdom. Bilasa did not return his affections and refused to surrender to the king. She self-immolated herself to escape his advances. From that day onwards, this place came to be known as ‘Bilasa ki Nagri’. The name later became Bilaspur.
The foundation of modern-day Bilaspur- the city as we see today- was laid in the late 19th century when the Bengal-Nagpur Railway was being constructed. Bilaspur was selected as a major station and later grew into one of the divisional headquarters.
Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh has slowly evolved into a tourist destination. It is known for its rich cultural background, excellent quality of rice, and high-quality Kosa silk. The popularity that Chhattisgarh has gained for being the ‘rice bowl of India’ can be attributed to Bilaspur. It is nestled in the eastern part of Chhattisgarh and is a city of immense historical and cultural significance. Bilaspur is dotted with numerous historical monuments. Despite the rampant modernization, the city has not lost its soul, and this is what sets Bilaspur apart from other cities. Its vibrancy is infectious, and you will fall in love with the city in a heartbeat.
The wonder that Bilaspur is, needless to say, there is no shortage of tourist attractions here. Plan a visit to this wonderful place, and you will not be disappointed. Beneath its delightfully chaotic façade, Bilaspur is a place fiercely protective of its history and culture.
The following are some of the places you must visit near Bilaspur if you happen to find yourself there.
Devrani Jethani Temples are situated in Tala in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. These are the remains of two ancient temples here that lie a few meters apart from each other. According to legend, they were built for the wives of two royal brothers. Devrani-Jethani refer to sisters-in-law. In Hindi, Jethani means the wife of the elder brother, while Devrani refers to the wife of the younger brother. Jethani Temple lies in a tattered condition presently. The temple has been rendered structure-less, and the stones and sculptures that once provided strength and aesthetic quality to the temple lay scattered. You can see the mammoth sculptures of the elephants that once used to adorn the entrance to this temple lying separately. The beautifully carved pillars that once supported the ceiling are now standing in isolation. But the remains tell us that this place would have once been an architectural wonder.
The Devrani temple or the temple of the younger sister-in-law has its base platform intact along with the stairs that lead to the main shrine. The sculptures in this temple give us a fair idea about its architectural glory in its time. The thick walls of this temple have intricately carved human and animal faces, probably to depict some scenes from life or ancient epics. The top panel of the temple features celestial figures. The panel below has some sculptures that are unrecognizable now. These temples, in spite of having fallen prey to the vagaries of time, stand to tell exciting tales about bygone days .A small museum inside the premises of the temple houses a few sculptures excavated from this place.
To reach these temples, you need to cross a set of relatively newer temples by the name of ‘Shri Siddhanath Ashram’.
Pataleshwar Kedar Temple is situated in Malhar in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh. Malhar was once the capital of the state. It is one of the most revered places for Hindus in Chhattisgarh. The temple dates back to the 11th century and has not lost its religious significance and spiritual charm since then. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the main attraction in this temple is the Gomukhi Sivalinga.
The temple features incredible sculptures made with the utmost care and precision. There are impressively intricate carvings on the temple edifice. The temple stands as an example of the rich architectural heritage of ancient India. The scenic beauty around the Pataleshwar Kedar Temple further enhances its spiritual appeal. It is a great place to find some solace away from the daily worries of life. Once you are here, you will experience a sense of unparalleled calm and tranquility.
Tala is a small village situated at a distance of 25km from Bilaspur on Bhojpur-Dagori Road. Besides the famous Devrani Jethani temples, Tala is known for its picturesque surroundings and a unique idol that was discovered during excavations. The idol is truly one-of-a-kind in the world and dates back to the sixth century. Till now, the deity to whom the idol was dedicated has not been named.
Tala is also known for Rudra Shiva’s idol that was discovered during an excavation. Maniyari river flows by this place, giving it a touch of serenity. The nearest railway station to Tala is Bilaspur, and Raipur is the closest airport. You can take a bus from Raipur or Bilaspur to reach this quaint village.
Besides beautiful temples and monuments, Bilaspur also has amazing natural reserves. The place lies surrounded by lush green impenetrable forests that are home to unique species of flora and fauna. Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most prominent wildlife sanctuaries in Chhattisgarh and houses various species of animals such as leopards, Bengal tigers, and wild bison. Other animals include chital, striped hyena, sloth bear, dhole, sambar deer, nilgai, Indian four-horned antelope, and chinkara. The wildlife sanctuary was established in 1975, and also serves as a tiger reserve.
Situated at a distance of 55 km north-west of Bilaspur, and spread over an area of 557 sq km, this sanctuary is doing a stellar job of preserving the natural ecosystem of Chhattisgarh. It is linked to Kanha-Achanakmar Corridor, which is a part of the tiger reserves of Kanha, Madhya Pradesh. Besides an impressive variety of fauna, this wildlife sanctuary is also home to numerous species of trees such as Sal, Saja, Bija, and bamboo. The best time to visit the Achanakmar Wildlife sanctuary is during the summers despite the heat. It is because the chances of spotting animals are considerably higher during summers. But you can visit during winters too if you wish to enjoy pleasant weather and an abundance of flora. However, tourists are not permitted to enter the forests during the monsoon season. On the way to the sanctuary, you will come across a dam called the Khongapani Jalashya. The dam boasts a scenic setting and is ideal for a quick stop.
Located at a distance of 40 km from Bilaspur, Malhar once served as the capital of Chhattisgarh. The place is now renowned for its archaeological sites. Some of the most prominent temples here are Pataleshwar Temple, Devri Temple, and Dindeshwari Temple. These temples date back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Artifacts and memorials holding significance to Jainism have also been excavated here. Remains belonging to the ancient Kalachuri dynasty have been found at this site. The Pataleshwar Kedar Temple is known for its Gomukhi Shivling. The Dindeshwari Temple is an ancient temple belonging to the Kalachuri Dynasty. The Deor temple is adorned with beautifully carved idols. Malhar also houses a museum that is managed by the government. It features an expansive collection of ancient sculptures.
Ratanpur is located at a distance of 25km from Bilaspur and is known for its historical and archaeological significance. It bears witness to the rise and fall of many dynasties. The moment you enter Ratanpur, you are greeted by a nine-foot-tall idol of Baba Bhairavnath Kshetrapal Singh of the Haihai dynasty. Ratanpur came into prominence during the reign of the Kalachuri dynasty as it was the capital of their kingdom. Later Ratanpur also served as the capital of Haihaivanshi Kingdom and Bhosle.
Mahamaya Temple in Ratanpur constructed by Ratansen, a Kalachurian King, attracts visitors from all over the country because of its sheer architectural magnificence and religious significance. Many devotees belonging to the Hindu religion come here to seek blessings of the Goddess Mahamaya. The Goddess is also known as Kosaleswari, as she is the presiding deity of Dakshin Koshal in modern day Chhattisgarh. There is an ancient fort is Ratanpur that is quite interesting to explore. It has magnificent gates that are adorned with ancient stone sculptures.
Marathi King Shivaji Rao Bhosle built the Ram Tekri Temple in Ratanpur. This marvelous temple is perched on a hill and is flanked on all sides by dense greenery. It is situated at a distance of just 3km from Ratanpur and is connected via motorable roads. It features fascinating granite statues of Lord Ram, Sita, and Hanuman. In addition to this, this temple also houses impressive idols of other Hindu deities like Vishnu and Kaal Bhairav. Since this temple rests on a hill, you can enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of the surroundings from here. This is also a perfect spot to click memorable pictures.
Bilaspur enjoys moderate temperatures year-round. If you are a wildlife enthusiast and want to spot different species of birds and animals at the Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, then you should plan a visit during the summer season. The chances of spotting animals increase during summers. But if you wish to explore the city and nearby getaways, temples, and ancient monuments comfortably, then winter is the right season to visit Bilaspur.
Bilaspur is a delightful city that holds many surprises within itself. It is waiting to be explored and unraveled. The tourist attractions near Bilaspur range from historical sights to enchanting temples to rich flora and fauna. Visit Bilaspur to delve deep into the rich and glorious past of the city.
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