Send Flowers to Bilaspur

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.

The city is connected with Mumbai and Kolkata through the National Highway network. Bilaspur is on NH-200 connecting Raipur and Raigarh on either side.Also NH 111 starts from Bilaspur which connects the city to Ambikapur and Varanasi.Other state highways are SH 7and SH 5. There are regular buses and taxis to all nearby towns and cities.

The sewerage and drainage system is practically nonexistent, so much so that, like any other Indian town even the first shower of monsoon floods many areas. A massive restructuring of sewerage system of the whole city and suburbs is undertaken by the “Bilaspur Nagar Nigam”, and is expected to be completed in the year 2013.

Khutaghat :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.

Power Plants – Bilaspur has got India’s second largest power plant of NTPC at Sipat which generates power of 2980 MW with 3 units of 660 MW each and 1 unit of 1000 MW.Many thermal power plants are coming up in surrounding area of Bilaspur.Other Notable are Nova,KSK,Gitanjali, Mahanadi etc.

South Eastern Coal Fields Limited (SECL) a subsidiary of Public Sector Unit Coal India Limited (CIL) – A Maharatna Company is situated with headquarters at Bilaspur. SECL is a Miniratna PSU under Ministry of Coal, with several awards in its credentials including best PSU award in 1997-98.

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.

Historically, Bilaspur was a part of Kalchuri dynasty of Ratanpur. The city, however, came into prominence around 1741, the year of the Maratha Empire invasion, when a Maratha official took up his abode there and began to build a fort, which however was never completed.

Hotels – There are many budget and mid-level hotels in the city. The Aananda Imperial (4 star deluxe) Hotel,Intercity, Panchvati , Clovers , East Park , Central point and Surya are famous hotels, located in the city. Marriott Courtyard will soon open at City Mall 36.

Bilaspur is known for its aromatic Doobraj rice, Samosa, Mango, handloom woven colorful soft Kosa silk Saris, and more for its rich, varied and colorful culture. Bilaspur District has a major contribution towards the naming of Chhattisgarh as “Dhaan Ka Katoora”.

Bilaspur is situated on the banks of the rain-fed Arpa River, which originates from the high hills of the Maikal Range of central India. This dolomite rich region is surrounded by lush green forests in the north and the coal mines of Hasdeo valley in the east.

Historical records like Imperial Gazetteer of India, Vol 8, 1908 note that the city is said to be named after a fisher-woman by name “Bilasa” in the 17th century, and for a long period it consisted only of a few fishermen’s huts.

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.

Medical facilities: One medical college and hospital managed by the University, One dental college managed by the Barfani Academia, one of the biggest 9 unit of the Apollo Hospital and many private nursing homes and clinics.

In 1901, the population of Bilaspur was 18,937 and it was eighth-largest town in the Central Provinces of British India. In 1908, weaving of tasar silk and cotton clothes were recorded as the major industries of Bilaspur.

The climate is pleasant and mild in the winter ( minimum temperature 10 °C, 50 °F). There are medium rains in the monsoon season. The summers are very hot and dry maximum temperature 45+ °C, 113 °F, maximum humidity

Recently the city administration has started a city bus service which is available on three routes at present, i.e. City Railway Station To Koni, City Railway Station To Seepat, and City Railway Station To Usalapur.

For local transportation three-wheeled, black and yellow Auto rickshaws, referred to as autos, are a popular. Local transportation also includes man powered cycle Rickshaws, horse drawn tangas , city bus etc.

Bilaspur district is surrounded by Koria District in north, Shahdol District of Madhya Pradesh,Mungeli District in West, Balauda Bazar-Bhata Para District in south and ] & Janjgir-Champa District in east.

Legal: The day the state of Chhattisgarh was constituted (1 November 2000) with its capital at Raipur, the High Court of Chhattisgarh was established at Bilaspur. It is the 19th high court of India.