Looking to explore a less crowded, serene, and soul-satisfying destination in Himachal Pradesh? Bilaspur might just be the offbeat paradise you’ve been searching for! 🧳 Nestled on the banks of the Gobind Sagar Lake, Bilaspur is full of spiritual vibes, scenic wonders, and historical significance. Let’s dive into the top Bilaspur tourist places and everything else you need to know to plan a perfect trip! 🌟
🧭 Introduction to Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh 🗺️
Bilaspur is a town that beautifully blends natural beauty with rich heritage. It’s not as commercialized as Shimla or Manali, but its tranquility and spiritual depth make it a must-visit. Situated at around 670 meters above sea level, it offers stunning views of hills, lakes, and valleys, making it perfect for a peaceful escape.
👉 Best known for: Gobind Sagar Lake, Bhakra Dam, Naina Devi Temple, and ancient caves like Vyas Gufa.
🚗 How to Reach Bilaspur 🛣️
Whether you’re on a road trip or traveling solo, reaching Bilaspur is a breeze!
- By Road: Well-connected to Chandigarh (135 km), Shimla (85 km), and Mandi (65 km).
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Kiratpur Sahib, 65 km away.
- By Air: The closest airport is Chandigarh International Airport.
🛻 Pro Tip: The drive through winding mountain roads offers breathtaking views—so keep your cameras ready! 📸
🏨 Where to Stay in Bilaspur 🏠
Bilaspur offers modest yet comfortable accommodations for all types of travelers.
- Luxury Stays: Hotel Lake View, HPTDC Hotel Swaraj
- Budget Options: Local guesthouses, homestays near Gobind Sagar Lake
- Spiritual Stays: Dharamshalas near Naina Devi Temple and Deotsidh Temple
💡 Booking in advance during festivals like Navratri is a smart idea!
🌊 1. Gobind Sagar Lake – The Blue Jewel of Bilaspur 🛶
This man-made reservoir, created by the Bhakra Nangal Dam, is one of the top tourist attractions in Bilaspur. The lake stretches over 90 km and is perfect for boating, fishing, and photography.
- 🐦 Bird Watching: Spot migratory birds during winters
- 🌅 Sunsets: Perfect golden hour for Instagram-worthy shots
- 🚣♂️ Water Sports: Kayaking, speed boating, and more
🚧 2. Bhakra Nangal Dam – Engineering Wonder of India 🏗️
Located on the Sutlej River, this dam is one of the highest gravity dams in Asia. It stands at a height of 226 meters and is not only a technological marvel but also a peaceful picnic spot.
- 📍 Located about 13 km from Bilaspur
- 🧺 Ideal for day trips and scenic walks
- 🤳 Perfect selfie spot with massive backdrops
🛕 3. Naina Devi Temple – A Sacred Shakti Peeth 🙏
This is one of the most revered temples in Himachal Pradesh, located 20 km from Bilaspur. Maa Naina Devi Temple sits atop a hill and can be reached via cable car or a scenic trek.
- 🕉️ Major pilgrimage site, especially during Navratri
- 🚠 Ropeway available for a thrilling ride
- 🌄 View of Gobind Sagar from the top is magical!
🌉 4. Kandrour Bridge – Among Asia’s Highest 🔝
Spanning across the Sutlej River, Kandrour Bridge is one of Asia’s highest bridges built on a single pillar. A walk across this bridge gives 360° views of the valley and is not for the faint-hearted!
- 🔬 Architecture buffs will love it
- 📸 Great location for drone photography
🕳️ 5. Vyas Gufa – Echoes of the Mahabharata 📜
According to local legends, Rishi Vyas—the author of the Mahabharata—meditated here. This ancient cave is quiet, spiritual, and filled with mythology.
- 🧘♂️ Great for peace and reflection
- ⛺ Simple structure with ancient vibes
🛐 6. Deotsidh Temple (Baba Balak Nath) 🔮
One of the most visited pilgrimage sites near Bilaspur, Deotsidh is dedicated to Baba Balak Nath, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Kartikeya.
- 🚶♀️ Women are not allowed inside the cave, but can offer prayers outside
- 🗓️ Very crowded on Sundays and during Chaitra Mela
🌿 7. Swarghat – Scenic Mountain Retreat 🏞️
Located on the Chandigarh-Manali highway, Swarghat is a tranquil stopover with forest views, temples, and picnic areas.
- 🏡 Ideal for nature lovers
- 🛣️ Great break for road trippers
🛕 8. Markandeya Rishi Temple – Calm and Divine 🧎
This temple is devoted to Rishi Markandeya, located on the banks of Markandeya River. It is peaceful and perfect for meditation or simply taking in the serene atmosphere.
- 🌊 River views add to the charm
- 🍃 Surrounded by trees and chirping birds
🌲 9. Bandla Hills – Perfect for a Mini Trek 🥾
If you’re up for some adventure, hike to Bandla Hills and enjoy the panoramic views of the town and lake. It’s a hidden gem perfect for nature lovers.
- 🐦 Spot native birds
- ☀️ Catch the sunrise from the hilltop
🍽️ Local Cuisine You Must Try in Bilaspur 🍛
No Himachal trip is complete without indulging in local flavors!
- Dham – Festive Himachali thali
- Siddu – Steamed bread filled with spiced nuts
- Babru – Deep-fried snack like kachori
- Chana Madra – Chickpeas in yogurt gravy
🫖 Don’t forget to sip on salted tea (namkeen chai) – it’s a local favorite!
🛍️ Shopping in Bilaspur 👜
While you won’t find malls here, the local bazaars offer handcrafted items and Himachali souvenirs.
- 🧣 Woolen shawls and caps
- 🧂 Pickles, dried fruits, and local masalas
- 🧵 Hand-embroidered fabrics and wooden crafts
📅 Best Time to Visit Bilaspur ⛅
| Season | Temperature | Why Visit? |
| Summer (March–June) | 20–30°C | Perfect weather for sightseeing |
| Monsoon (July–Sept) | 15–25°C | Lush greenery, less crowded |
| Winter (Oct–Feb) | 5–20°C | Cold weather, ideal for temple visits |
Avoid the peak monsoon months if you’re not a fan of slippery roads!
🎒 Travel Tips for Bilaspur 🧳
- Wear comfortable shoes for treks and temple climbs 🥾
- Always carry cash—ATMs are few and may not work reliably 💵
- Respect local traditions, especially around religious sites 🙏
- Hire a local guide for exploring hidden gems 🗣️
- Network connectivity may be weak in higher areas 📵
🧡 Why Visit Bilaspur? Final Thoughts!
Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh is where spiritual peace meets natural beauty. It’s not crowded, commercialized, or chaotic—just pure, untouched Himachali charm. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a history buff, or a nature lover, Bilaspur tourist places offer something meaningful and magical.
📍 Plan your next escape to Bilaspur and explore a Himachal beyond the clichés!
❓ Top 5 FAQs About Bilaspur Tourist Places
1. Is Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh worth visiting?
Absolutely! With its scenic lakes, temples, and serene environment, Bilaspur is a hidden treasure.
2. How many days are enough to explore Bilaspur?
2–3 days are ideal to cover major attractions like Gobind Sagar, Naina Devi, and Bhakra Dam.
3. What are the must-visit places in Bilaspur?
Don’t miss Gobind Sagar Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Bhakra Dam, and Vyas Gufa.
4. Is Bilaspur a hill station?
While not as high-altitude as Shimla or Manali, Bilaspur is surrounded by hills and offers beautiful views.
5. Which is the best time to visit Bilaspur?
March to June is perfect for sightseeing, while October to February offers pleasant winter vibes.