Bilaspur is the second city of Chhattisgarh, a busy divisional headquarters on the Arpa River and a major railway junction. Visitors rarely come for the city itself. They come because it is the sensible base for the Kalachuri heartland to the north and south: Ratanpur, the former capital, and Malhar, an ancient site with temples and a museum.
Ratanpur lies about 25 km north on the Ambikapur highway. Its ruined fort, restored gates and tanks, and the Mahamaya Temple, a Shakta pilgrimage site, make an easy half-day. Malhar, about 30 to 40 km south-east, is quieter and more archaeological, with fort mounds, Kalachuri-era sculpture and the 12th-century Pataleshwar Temple.
Beyond the heritage sites, the city offers Kanan Pendari Zoological Park and, further north, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve. Facilities for tourists are basic, signage is thin and winter is the comfortable season, so plan with a car and driver and a rest in the afternoon.
For older travellers, Bilaspur works well as a base because the main sights are day trips on reasonable roads. Keep outings short, choose cooler months and expect to ask locally for opening hours.
Before you plan
Bilaspur at a glance
- Best months
- November to February is cool and dryNovember to February is cool and dry; October and March are workable. April to June is very hot and July to September is wet.
- Ideal trip length
- 2 to 3 days: Ratanpur, Malhar and…2 to 3 days: Ratanpur, Malhar and the city sights
- Airport
- Bilasa Devi Kevat AirportBilasa Devi Kevat Airport (PAB), about 13 km south of the city, with limited Alliance Air links
- Railway station
- Bilaspur JunctionBilaspur Junction (BSP), headquarters of the South East Central Railway zone and one of central India's busiest junctions
- Getting around
- Hire a car and driver for Ratanpur…Hire a car and driver for Ratanpur and Malhar; autos and taxis work within the city
- Daily budget
- Modest outside car hireModest outside car hire; local meals and lodging are inexpensive, and entry fees at most sites are small or unpublished
- Senior comfort
- Moderate: day trips are short but…Moderate: day trips are short but sites have uneven ground and limited facilities
- Language
- Hindi and ChhattisgarhiHindi and Chhattisgarhi; limited English outside hotels
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Bilaspur: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Bilaspur itinerary
One good day
1 day in Bilaspur
Drive to Ratanpur early and see the Mahamaya Temple at darshan time, then walk through Ratanpur Fort and its tanks. Return for lunch and a rest, then spend the late afternoon at Kanan Pendari Zoological Park if it is open.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Bilaspur
Mahamaya Temple in the morning, then Ratanpur Fort, with lunch in town and a rest.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Bilaspur
Mahamaya Temple and Ratanpur Fort at an easy pace.
Day-by-day plan →
