The town of Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh is as famous for its natural beauty as it is for various water sports activities. A marvelously planned hilly town situated on the banks of the mighty River Sutlej, Bilaspur wins your heart with its idyllic landscapes, milky white snowy peaks, ferocious rivers and colorful flower laden meadows, ancient forts and mystical temples.
Bilaspur is home to the Bhakra Nangal Dam, popular for being one of the largest and finest dams of India, and the grand Kandraur Bridge, famous for once being the highest bridge in Asia.
Gobind Sagar Lake, one of the largest manmade lakes of India, is a must-see destination in Bilaspur. It is named after Guru Gobind Singh, and commemorates his stay during his struggle against the Mughal Empire. There are facilities for water skiing, sailing, kayaking and motor boat racing among others, making it a haven for adventure travelers and thrill seekers. It is also highly sought after for recreational fishing, with the fishing season being open from March-April and October-November.
The Koldam Dam, situated at a distance of 18 km from Bilaspur, is another man-made work of innovation built on the Sutlej River. A massive dam which promises an equal amount of awe and astonishment, the Koldam Dam offers you a panoramic and unforgettable experience. Bilaspur is also extremely famous for paragliding, and what is special about it is the fact that it offers eight hours of flying time, unlike Billing or Manali where you get 3 to 4 hours. There are also safe and vast landing grounds on the banks of the Govind Sagar Lake.
Another fascinating thing about Bilaspur is its history, which is dotted with tales, legends and stories. It came into being as a princely state in the 7th century AD, before merging with Himachal Pradesh and becoming a district in 1954. Much of its glorious past is visible today in its temples and caves. Vyasa Cave is one such cave. It is revered for being the site where Rishi Vyasa meditated before writing the epic Mahabharata. The ancient temples of Naina Devi Ji, Laxmi Narayan, Nahar Singh Dhaulra and Markandeya Rishi attract both tourists and devotees in large numbers.
Fort Bachhretu, built during the 14th century during the reign of the erstwhile King of Bilaspur, Raja Ratan Chand, is one of the ideal places where you can get a fascinating glance at the storied history of this town. One can click some amazing pics of the Gobind Sagar Lake from here. The Kahlur Fort, located near Bilaspur, is another famous tourist attraction.
Bilaspur also celebrates festivals like Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchami and Navratri. The Nalwari Fair is one of the most popular fairs of Bilaspur. At these events, one can get a glimpse into the local culture and traditions of this region, besides the fun and merrymaking.