Koldam Dam is built on River Satluj and located about 18 kilometres from Bilaspur. It is one of the most famous attractions near Bilaspur and majorly draws engineering buffs because of the massive engineering marvel it is. The dam is surrounded by natural landscape and is often preferred by picnickers for a quick escape in the region. A top view of the massive dam is a breathtaking a sight, and a trip to the serene reservoir of the Koldam Dam underneath the clear blue skies is a sight to remember. The abundance of natural beauty of the location and the massive engineering marvel must be explored.
Distance from Bilaspur: 26 km
Bachhretu Fort is an ancient fort that was built in the 14th Century during the reign of the king of Bilaspur, Raja Ratan Chand. Once a magnificent structure, it is now in ruins but is considered to be of immense historical importance in the country. From what remains of the fort, one can imagine how massive the structure would have been when it was used during the reign of the King of Bilaspur. Some of the walls stand about the same height they were built in and are a characteristic feature of the fort.
Distance from Bilaspur: 48 km
The unparalleled scenic view of rolling hills and plains overlooking the azure blue tint of the man-made reservoir of the Gobind Sagar lake is an alluring vista to gaze upon. The gigantic reservoir is formed on the Sutlej river by the Bhakra Dam, one of the highest gravity dams in the world. Built in 1963, The Bhakra dam stands as an iconic marvel of dam engineering. The multipurpose dam has given birth to a mighty artificial lake that encompasses an area of 170 square kilometres and is 90 kilometres long.
Distance from Bilaspur: 48 km
Known For : Solang Valley Hadimba Devi Temple Manali Mall Road
Nestled in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in the country. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, gushing blue streams, a perpetual fairy-tale like mist lingering in the air, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness - Manali has been blessed with extraordinary scenic beauty. From museums to temples, from quaint little hippie villages to bustling upscale streets, river adventures to trekking trails, Manali has every reason to be the tourist magnet it is, all year round.
Distance from Bilaspur: 172 km
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Jakhu Temple Mall Road, Shimla Rashtrapati Niwas (Viceregal Lodge)
Situated at a height of 2200m, Shimla is the capital and the largest city of Himachal Pradesh in India. Set amidst beautiful hills and mystical woods, Shimla has been a very popular hill-station among Indian families and honeymooners since the last 50 years. British loved this city so much that they made Shimla their summer capital in 1864 and used to rule the sub-continent from here whenever the temperature rose in the nearby plains.
Distance from Bilaspur: 86 km
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Triund Bhagsu Falls Bhagsunag Temple
Mcleodganj is a hill station near Dharamshala, popular among trekkers. Its culture is a beautiful blend of Tibetan with some British influence.
Also known as Little Lhasa and famous around the world for being home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Mcleod Ganj is a beautiful town situated near upper Dharamsala. Nestled amidst majestic hills and lush greenery, this town is culturally blessed by a prominent Tibetan influence owing to the major settlement of Tibetans here.
Distance from Bilaspur: 159 km
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Dalai Lama Temple St. John in the Wilderness Church Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
Dharamsala is famed as the holy residence of the Dalai Lama and houses the Tibetan monk in exile. Dharamsala is located in Kangra district at a distance of 18km from Kangra City. The city is distinctively separated as upper and lower divisions with different altitudes. The lower division is the Dharamsala town itself whereas the upper division is popularly known as Mcleodganj.
Distance from Bilaspur: 150 km
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Great Himalayan National Park Serlosar Lake Jalori Pass
The land of untouched and mystifying beauty, Tirthan Valley is a destination with a plethora of delights. Lying nearly 3 km from the entrance of Great Himalayan National Park, this place is abundant in adventurous activities and a paradise for nature lovers. The great Himalayas with snow covered tops looking over the Tirthan River, this valley is best known for its trout fishing and for surprisingly high influx of foreigners.
Best Time: Mar to June, October to November
Known For : Monkey Point Toy Train Ride Timber Trail
Located on the way from Chandigarh to Shimla, Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town which makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, away from the rush. Kasauli is a small town in the south-west part of Himachal and is on the relatively lower edges of Himalayas. Nestled amidst beautiful woody forests of pine and cedar trees, Kasauli owes its mystical and serene ambience to the lavish Victorian buildings built by the Britishers who resided here years back.
Distance from Bilaspur: 92 km
Best Time: March - June; September - November
Known For : Paragliding in Bir Billing Chokling Monastery Gunehar Waterfall
Bir is a small town located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Bir Billing is a popular destination located in Joginder Nagar valley known for adventures sports such as paragliding, treks and also as the town for meditation. There is an influence of Tibetan culture due to Tibetan community settlement in this town. Bir is considered as one of the best spots in the world for paragliding. The take-off site is called Billing and the landing site is Bir and the overall altitude change is around 800m.
Distance from Bilaspur: 129 km
Best Time: March - May; September - November
Known For : Chail Palace Hotel Chail Cricket Ground Chail wildlife sanctuary
Chail is a quiet hill station close to Shimla, known for the world's highest cricket ground and the heritage hotel, Chail Palace, in the midst of pine and deodar trees. Surrounded by lush greenery and mesmerizing views from such a great height, known as a hiker's paradise, Chail is bound to give a tourist a memorable travelling experience to a tourist.
Distance from Bilaspur: 128 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Prashar Lake Trek Bhutnath temple Pandoh Dam
Packed with a thick green cover of pine and deodar trees, the town of Mandi is situated at the junction of Kullu and Dharamshala. It is often referred to as 'Varanasi of Hills', or 'Choti Kashi' as the town has as many as 81 temples spread across its area. Lying on the banks of River Beas, Mandi also displays some old palaces and temples that can be dated back to the 5th Century AD. Serving as a gateway to some famous valleys such as Kullu, Manali, Spiti and Lahaul, Mandi is must on your north India itinerary which never fails to enchant its visitors.
Distance from Bilaspur: 64 km
Best Time: April to October
Known For : Toy Train Tashi Jong Monastery Saurabh Van Vihar
With pine and deodar forests and tea gardens encircling the town and numerous streams pouring in, Palampur is a popular town of Himachal Pradesh located in the Kangra district. Nestled between the majestic Dhauladhar Ranges, Palampur is known for its tea plantations and its excellent quality of tea. Palampur was first noticed by the Englishmen and was soon turned into a bustling town as the centre of trade and commerce.
Distance from Bilaspur: 123 km
Best Time: March -June; September - November
Known For : Renuka Lake Suketi Fossil Park Trekking in Nahan
Away from the buzzing crowd of the city, Nahan is a perfect romantic getaway. Lying among the lofty Shivalik range overlooking lush green fields, dirt free roads and clean streets, this small hill station serves as an ideal holiday destination. Nahan has its past spun around many tales and legends. Founded by Raja Karan Prakash in 1621 as a capital, it is believed that this town derives its name from a sage named Nahar who lived at the same site where this town stands today.
Distance from Bilaspur: 192 km
Best Time: April to September
Known For : Skiing in Narkanda Hatu Peak Hatu Mata Temple
Surrounded by forests and woodlands, Narkanda is a quaint little town in Shimla district which is popular for skiing in winters. Situated at a height of 9000 feet, this town attracts tourists for its ethereal natural beauty and its beautiful apple orchards. Surrounded by tropical forests and majestic hills, this is one place that tourists to Himachal Pradesh should not miss. Narkanda also has a lake called the Tannu Jabar Lake which is one of the most important tourist attraction here.
Distance from Bilaspur: 147 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Basheshwar Temple Bijali Mahadev Temple Jagannath Temple
Bhuntar is a part of Kullu district and it is typically used as a getaway to the towns of Kullu, Manali, Kasol and Manikaran and Kullu airport also is located within Bhuntar. Bhuntar is a quaint little town and there's nothing too majestic about the natural beauty it has to offer, but it is your type of holiday destination if you appreciate less tourist-y spots and prefer lesser known spots to relax. Bhuntar has a quaint serenity to it and is considerable away from the maddening tourist crowds of the more famous places in Himanchal Pradesh.
Distance from Bilaspur: 124 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Kandaghat Trekking in Shoghi Tara Devi Temple
While Shimla is being flooded by tourists every year, a serene, calm and epitome of beauty lies near it, waiting to be discovered. Shoghi, a small hill station just 13 Kms. from Shimla is abundant in natural scenic beauty and a large variety of flora and fauna. This small town offers from attractive old temples to adrenaline-teasing activities and its famous fruit made products. Amazing weather throughout the year, perfect accommodation facilities in the vicinity and just right surrounding to rejuvenate your mind, all contributes to make your vacation to this stunning place a dream come true.
Distance from Bilaspur: 87 km
Best Time: March - June; September - November
Known For : Reserve Forest Sanctuary Craignano WildFlower Hall Hotel
Mashobra is a lush green expanse in Himachal Pradesh, tucked away at a height of about 7700 feet, ensuring minimal human obstruction in the course of nature to provide you with the most pure and liberating experience of your lifetime. Mashobra's proximity to Shimla makes it a perfect alternative for people who are looking for a peaceful little hill-station. With just about enough resorts and enchanting natural bounty, come to Mashobra if you have a for a lazy weekend outing or a week long vacation.
Distance from Bilaspur: 97 km
Best Time: April to June