An Overview of Himachal Pradesh Bilaspur District Part II

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh

Bilaspur Outer Part II

In this part of the article we shall cover the historical monuments , sites of tourism and template tourism importance and other important places .

Bahadurpur Fort :- 

A beautiful place just about 10 Km from Namhol from where the road biffurcates to Bahadurpur Fort . The road passes through Ghyal, Tyaman and Tepra villages and from Tepra the fort is about one Km situated on the hill top at an elevation of 1872 metres above mean sea level.

Snow fall in Bahadurpur 

The beautiful landscapes is covered with Baan and deodar trees which imparts immense natural beauty to this hill .

The fort was built by Raja Keshab Sein during the year 1620 AD  with the aim to be stretegically stong from enimies. The Bahadurpur is about 35 Km from Bilaspur and experiences occasional snow fall during winters . During snow fall it becomes centre of tourists attraction. Also due to high altitude the climate at Bahadurpur which also attracts tourists .

Forest rest house at Bahadurpur 

At present the fort is not in existence but a PWD rest house has been constructed by public works Department where the tourists can stay . 

Also forest rest house is  good for staying  at Bahadurpur . 

At one time in olden days the Bahadurpur had been the summer capital of Bilaspur state St the regin of Raja Biaya Chand   . 

At  the highest point there is a Lord Shiva temple of ancient times but now is being renovated the altitude of this place is 1980 metres above mean sea level . Bahadurpur is now a days a best tourist place in Bilaspur district .

Tiun Fort :-

Tiun Fort is on another historical monument in Tehsil Ghumarwin district Bilaspur situated at a hill top in Tiun range near Tiun village .

View of Tiun Fort 

The Tiun Fort was constructed by Raja Kahan Chand the 11 th Raja of Kehloor state during  1142 Vikrami be strategically strong.

View of Bhagwati Durga Temple INB Fort 

The fort was built with stone Masonry walls with traditional Lime mortar with some binding additives . There was a granary in side the Fort with capacity of about 3000 Kg food grains . It has a pond in side and two wells for water . This fort is expanding over 14 hectares of land . The Chir trees imparts immense natural beauty to this fort . The walls of the fort is very high up to 10 metre with slits for gunners .

Tiun Fort in Tiun range hills

The fort is about 35 Km from Bilaspur and 6.5 km from Kuthera . The road biffurcates from Joginder Nagar Ghumarwin Super Highway at Kuthera and fort is about 6.5 km  from Kuthera ,about one Km trail leads to fort near Tiun village .

View at Tiun Fort 

Water tank has now been constructed by Jal Shakti Vibhag  in side the Fort to supply drinking water to the surrounding areas. There is an ancient temple of Bhagwati Durga in the fort which now has been renovated by local people .

Water Storage Tank 

Now the fort is a good picnic spot. Historians and nature loving tourists visit this fort .

Sriun Frort :- 

The Sriun Frort is situated at an elevation of 1500 metres above mean sea level on Eastern side of Tiun Fort on a different hill and visible from Tiun Fort also .

View of Sriun Frort 

The Sriun Frort was initially built by Raja of Suket and later came under Kahloor rulers .

The Fort was  planned from strategic point of view ,it was having wells water , granary for storing the food grains  .  The fort of Tiun is between Hawan and Manjhwar villages at Sriun Khas village . It is stone Masonry monument with Lime mortar .  At present the fort is in the form of ruins but people visit the place.

Ruins of  Sriun Fort

Ruins of Sriun Frort 

The fort is about 58 Km from district headquarters and from a small village Harlog on Kandrour Smaila road one road biffurcates  to Sriun Frort and another goes to Tiun Fort.

People at present visit this historic fort as during the battle between Kangra and Bilaspur this fort had its own strategic importance .

Ratanpur Fort :-

The Ratanpur fort is situated in Pargna Ratanpur in district Bilaspur Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 1230 metres above mean sea level .

 This ancient Fort is about 30 Km from Bilaspur Town . It has access from Brahmpukhar which is on Shimla Mandi Highway at a distance of about 15 Km from Bilaspur. From Brahmpukhar to Deoth then Khui Mehthi on Jamali Deoth road  from where a link road leads to Ratanpur fort. The fort has also connectivity from Jamali on Chandigarh Mandi Manali National Highway via Lag -Ghat .

View of Ratanpur fort 

It was the importance of this fort that General Ochterlony  inflicted defeat  on Amer Singh  Thapa, the Gurkha leader. There was ancient temple of Godess Kali in th June temple which now has been renovated by local people 

The tourists also visit the Fort .

Kehloor Fort :- 

The Kot  Kehloor Fort is constructed by Raja Kahal Chand. The Raja Bir Chand of Chandel Rajput  rulers founded the state around 697  later Kahal Chand built up the Kahloor fort and was named after his name  Kot Kehloor.

Kahloor fort District Bilaspur 

 Later Raja Deep Chand founded The State capital at Bilaspur which remained capital of the state till merger of the state on 1st July 1954 till the rule of Raja Anand Chand the Last Raja of the state .

The fort Kot Kehloor is at a distance of few kilometres from Ganguwal hydro electric Power plant. At present the fort is in the form of ruins .

The fort was built with stone Masonry walls measured 2 metres thick . It was  a two storied  structure having high walls up to 30 metres. The walls were provided with slit openings  .

Swarghat Fort :- 

The Swarghat Fort is about 40 Km from Bilaspur Town on Chandigarh Mandi Manali National Highway . It was also summer capital of Bilaspur state at on time .

Bachhretu Fort :- 

Bachhretu Fort was constructed by Raja Ratan Chand  of Bilaspur state during 14 century .Now a days it is under Archaeological survey of India and open to visitors .

The fort is situated at an elevation of about 914 metres above mean sea level near Bachhretu and Kothi villages .

There is an ancient temple of Bhagwati Durga in side the Fort. The scenic beauty of the area is very charming. It is at a distance of about 51 Km from Bilaspur Town.

Bachhretu Fort 

Shiv Bouli with Lord Shiva temple is a another historical place near the fort . It is nearly 3 km from Shahtlai the famous place of Baba Balak Nath.

 Thousands of pilgrims visit the Fort and  Shiva temple during Chetr Month. The Govind Sagar , Bhakhara Dam and Shree Naina Devi temples are visible from the fort .

Basseh Fort :-

Fort Basseh is situated near Gharan and Gangloh villages in tehsil Jhandutta district Bilaspur Himachal Pradesh.

It is nearly 8 Km from Shah Talai on Talai Dhani road . The Basseh fort is about 57 Km from Bilaspur . The ancient fort is now in ruins . It's construction was in stone Masonry with Lime mortar.

From the Fort site the panoramic views of Baba Balak Nath , Shah Talai , Jhabola , Shree Naina Devi ji and Govind Sagar Lake can be captured .

The fort was important from strategic point of view in the ancient times .

The rest of important places of Bilaspur district which are spiritually connected with people and some important from tourism point of view will be covered in Bilaspur an overview Part III

An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Bilaspur

 "An Overview Of Himachal Pradesh "

"District Bilaspur  "  

Part-I

The part I will cover the main attractions in Bilaspur Town.

Old temples in Old Bilaspur , now submerged in water of Govind Sagar Lake.

Bilaspur is a beautiful district in Himachal Pradesh, its head quarter is situated on the left  bank of Govind Sagar Lake about 90 Km from Shimla state capital and 140 Km from Chandigarh , the town is now known as NBT  that is New Bilaspur Town .

View of Govind Sagar Lake 

The NBT , New Bilaspur Town was established  when  the old Bilaspur Town was proposed to be submerged in Govind Sagar Lake . The old Bilaspur Town has been submerged in water of Govind Sagar formed due to construction of Bhakhara Dam on river Satluj at village Bhakhara in district Bilaspur . 

It is situated on Chandigarh Mandi Manali National Highway it is about 60 Km from Kiratpur on this National Highway .

District Bilaspur has about 1167 square Kilometres area. The district Bilaspur has its boundaries with  district Solan , Hamirpur ,Mandi  Una and district Ropar of Punjab .

Bilaspur Princely State was merged with Himachal Pradesh on 1st July 1954 and became a district of Himachal Pradesh .

Bilaspur Town is the first town in India which is constructed as per architectural planning . It has Raura sector , Changar sector and Diyara sector and main market etc.

Initially the district was having two tehsils , one Bilaspur Sadar and second one was Ghumarwin  but at present two new tehsils have been created one  Shri Naina Devi with head quarter at Swarghat and another one is Jhandutta .

View of Kandrour Bridge

Major Crops  Grown :- 

The district Bilaspur has its major crops Maize , wheat ,paddy grown in its plain areas . The cash Crops are ginger , tomotos and sugarcane in few portions. The carnations and capsicum is being grown in green houses.  Agriculture is contributing a lot towards economy of the district. 

The Tomotos , Ginger , Carnations Capsicum are major commercial cash Crops.

Horticulture Activity :- 

The fruits grown in district Bilaspur are Mangoes,  Papaya , Guava , Orange, Lemon . Now an apple variety suitable for subtropical area has been developed by Mr. Hariman Sharma and is now being grown successfully in some areas of district Bilaspur . Rajat Biotech Lab at Dhadhol is also contributing a lot in developing varieties of apple from tissue culture technology.

Now Government of Himachal Pradesh with the help of Assian Development Bank has started a HP SHIVA project in this district along with 8 other districts for establishing horticulture  gardens of fruits like Orange , lemon , Guava and other fruits

 Fishing Activities :- 

The Government of Himachal Pradesh has established Asia's largest hatchery farm at Deoli during the year 1961-62 on the bank of Ali khad . The fish seed from this farm is poured in Govind Sagar , river Satluj and Seer Khad as these are the largest water bodies for fisheries . Seed from this farm is also given to farmers who are involved in blue revolution.

View of Govind Sagar at Bhakhara Dam.

The Deoli fish breeding farm is set up on 4.4 hectares and has 14 hatchery nursary pond units and 2 big brood stock tanks . The farm has the complete facilities of training and development. The varieties like Silver Carp. Mirror Carp are produced here. 

Trout fish is also being produced in  water of Satluj in Coldam . So fish farming is playing a major commercial role in contributing towards the economy of the district as well as state . Over 600 metric tons of fish is exported to other states and about 18 metric tons is consumed in the state every year large quantities of which is being produced in Bilaspur district .

Beauty of Bilaspur Town:-

The nature is imparting immense beauty to Bilaspur Town as it is situated on the bank of Govind Sagar Lake , the water of Lake provides facilities of water sports , transport to surrounding areas. The paragliding from Bandla Hill is another charm for adventure sports.

Nalwari Mella Bilaspur:- Bilaspur is famous for its Nalwari Mella which is held in the month of March every year and is declared as a state fair. Previously cattle trade was main, but now cultural activities , trade of other comodities and wrestling and other amusement are charms for visitors .

The Important Places from Tourism Point of View :- 

Nahar Singh Temple at Dholra :- 

The Nahar Singh Temple is situated at Dholra on the bank of Govind Sagar Lake. The Baba Nahar Singh is one of the most worshipped deity in district Bilaspur . People call Bajia , Pipalwale , Dalawala to Nahar Singh Devta .

Princess Naggar Devi was married with Raja Deep Chand of Bilaspur. Baba Nahar Singh Temple was built by Raja Deep Chand. It was Raja Deep Chand who in 1650 AD shifted his capital to Bias Gufa . It is said that with the help of 2 Hindu and 2 Mohamdan faqeers he searched a place on the bank of river Satluj called Bias Gufa on the name of Vias Rish and established his capital at Bias Gufa later called Bilaspur .

The old town established by Raja Deep Chand and he constructed a palace called Dholar . 

Baba Nahar Singh was patron deity of Nagar, once the capital of Kullu .  When princess of Kullu married with Raja Deep Chand of Bilaspur , the idol of Baba Nahar Singh came princess to Bilaspur.

At one time the queen fell ill and spells of unconsciousness continued repeatedly,then it was revealed that idol of Baba Nahar Singh which was brought with queen was not established with all religions rituals.

Then Raja Deep Chand built the Nahar Singh Temple at Dholra and placed the Khadaun of Baba Nahar Singh in the temple as his symbol. Then Raja Deep Chand offered prayers and Rani got well.

Since then a fair ,jatra are organised at the temple on every Tuesday in the honour of Baba Nahar Singh. Then temple of Rani Kulluvi is also built up  near Nahar Singh Temple .

Vias Gufa :- 

The another important sacred place which belongs to Mahabharat fame ,located on the left bank of river Satluj  is Vias Gufa. It is said that Maharishi Vyas meditated at this place. That's why this place is holy place for pilgrims.

The origin of Vyaspur starts from here later on it is named Bilaspur .

Laxmi Narayan Temple :-

The Shikhar style temple near Bilaspur bus stand is Laxmi Narayan Temple, holy place for pilgrims. 

View of Laxmi Narayan Temple at Bilaspur HP

The temple has idols of Bhadwan Laxminarayan , Shiva , Rangnath , Adi Shakti Durga and Baba Bangali . 

The idols of Rangnath and Shivalinga of Shankeshwar brought from old temple which now has submerged in Govind Sagar Lake have been established in this temple.

Celebrations are held in this temple on Janmashtami and Shivratri in this temple and people offer their prayers .

Himachal Pradesh An Overview

 Himachal Pradesh :- 

Jakhu temple Shimla 

As the name explains a beautiful hill state of India situated in the lap of Himalayas is Himachal Pradesh in North India .

The Mall road Shimla 

The "Land of Snow" a wonderland in the lap of Himalayas is of great importance when we think about the natural beauty, spiritual and mental peace .

The Mall road Shimla 

Himachal Pradesh came into existence on 15 April 1948 after the merger of 30 princely states .

Brief History :-

The inhabitants of this Himalayan region in the early ages were Dasas tribals . Later on  The Aryans  also  came in this region and they assimilated in  various tribes already residing in the region .

The Chieftains of hill  tribes were holding the admin of the tribes . 

In the later centuries The Mauryas , The Kaushans , The Guptas and Kannauj rulers came in this region and the hill chieftains accepted their suzerainty.

During the influx of  Rajput tribes from 6 th to  15 th  century the several states such as Trigarta later known as Kangra, Kullu , Chamba ,Nurpur , Suket ,Mandi and Kehloor now known as Bilaspur etc were established and Rajas used to rule over these states.

Later Mughals  came and during the Mughal period The RRajas of the hill states used to execute treatise with Mughal rulers and governed their states .

Later during the 18 th century the entire  western Himalayan region was disturbed by Gurkhas and Kangra fort was captured by Gurkhas in 1805 .

 Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra with the help of Maharaja Ranjit Singh defeated the Gurkhas and pushed back beyond Satluj river in 1809.The Gurkhas were  finally defeated with the help of Britishers and the entire region came under British Empire through the execution of various treatise .

Himachal Under British Empire :-

Under British rule the administration of Simla district was under Assistant Agent of the Governor General , Political Department.

In 1829 this designation was changed to Political Assistant to the Resident of Delhi and further in 1859 to Deputy Commissioner of Simla and for controlling the adjoining princely hill states the designation was Superintendent of Hill states . The one officer of Indian administrative services IAS rank Punjab cadre  was holding the charge of Deputy Commissioner Simla and Superintendent of Hill states.

In 1859 the power held by East India Company was transferred to the British Crown . This change affected the Princely states of Himachal and the Government of Punjab controlled this relationship . 

The political Department of Government of India came into existence from November 1921 , the Punjab States Agency placed the following princely states under direct relationship with the Government of India 1.Mandi  ,2. Suket ,3. Bilaspur ,4.Sirmaur  and 5. Chamba.

Shimla Hill states remained being handled by the Superintendent of Hill states.

During the year 1936 the Punjab Hill States Agency was formed and the other hill states also  entered into direct relationship with the Government of India.

In 1947 before Independence the Resident Punjab States controlled Suket , Chamba and Mandi while the Punjab Hill States Agency looked after Bilaspur , Sirmaur ,Bushair , Delath ,Khaneti , Nalagarh ,Keonthal , Koti , Theog , Ghund , Ratesh and Madhan , Baght , Baghal , Jubbal , Ravingarh , Dhadi  , Kumarssin , Bhajji , Mahlog , Sangri , Tharoach , Darkoti , Bija Mangal , Kunihar ,Kathar ,Balsan and Dhami.

So the Himachal Pradesh came into existence by the merger of 30 princely states  and became a Chief Commissioner 's Province on 15th April 1948.

Now 15 th April is celebrated as Himachal day..

The journey of Himachal Pradesh post independence period also passed through many phases .

The another step in the development of this hill beautiful State was raised on 26 th January 1950 and Himachal Pradesh became Part -C State .

On 1st July 1954 the Bilaspur was merged with Himachal Pradesh .

Himachal became Union Territory on 1 St November 1956.

 To reach the present status Kangra and  most of the other hill areas of Punjab were merged with Himachal Pradesh on 1st November 1966 with continue as Union Territory .

Further on 18th December 1970 The State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by the Parliament and 18th state of Indian Union  came into existence on 25th January 1971 as a full fledged state .

Now Himachal Pradesh has 12 districts  :-

1. Bilaspur

2. Chamba

3. Hamirpur

4. Kangra

5. Kullu

6.Kinnaur 

7. Mandi 

8. Shimla

9. Sirmaur

10. Solan 

11.Una 

12. Lahaul & Spiti .

The people of Himachal Pradesh are  very simple and peace loving . They are known for their honesty , tolerance and hospitality . The scenic beauty of Himachal Pradesh is like a paradise on earth .

The Himachal Pradesh has thousands of temples and thus is called as "Dev Bhoomi" or the abode of gods .

Himachal Pradesh is also a land of festivals and fairs . The every event in fairs and festivals is linked with the culture of Himachal Pradesh .

The fairs are also connected with festivals . 

The main and important fairs are  Nalwari Mella Bilaspur , Minjar mela Chamba , Shivratri mela Mandi , Dussehra festival Kullu , Lavi mela Rampur , Renuka mela Sirmaur , Holi mela Sujanpur district Hamipr and Phulej mela Kinnaur . 

Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful State and provides lot of potential for tourism and great opportunity to adventure fun and peace loving tourists .

 Himachal Pradesh is an ideal place for temple tourism , trekking , mountaineering , fishing , river rafting , skiing ,para gliding , ice- skating and golf . Visit Himachal Pradesh 

 Welcome in Himachal the Land of Snowy mountains.

Sharangchu Pass , " Mountain Pass in Shimla district connecting Shimla and Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh . "

 Sharangchu Pass :- 

View from Sharangchu pass trek 

Sharangchu pass is a mountain pass situated in district Shimla connecting Shimla  with Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh .

View from Sharangchu pass trek 

The Sharangchu pass is situated at an altitude of 4791 metres above mean sea level between Shatul pass and Buran Pass  

The location of the pass is better understood from this map .

The map showing location of Sharangchu pass.

Larsaway Pass , Ghunsarang pass and Larang La Pass

 Larsaway Pass :-  

View of Kalpa in Kinnaur

The Greater Himalayan range 

The Larsaway Pass is a mountain pass located between Spiti region of district Lahaul Spiti and Kinnaur. The pass is accessible from Lippa valley of district Kinnaur connecting Lippa , Asrang of Kinnaur to Pin Valley in Spiti region. 

View of Lippa valley 

The pass is situated at an altitude of about 5275 metres above mean sea level. For this trekking reach Kalpa to Jangi then Asrang , the distance between Jangi and Asrang is about 47 Km 

Kailash mountain view 

The trail traverses through Asrang to Pulling , then Bicho Thatch  , Tapang , Larsa then Larsa to Ends Sumdo further traverses to Tailing village and then Kaza the administrative headquarter of Spiti .

The whole of this region falls in Greater Himalayan range of Kinnaur and Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh . The pass can be used for trekking during July to September .

This pass is adjoining to Lang Thach of Kinnaur district and Ends area of Spiti .

Ghunsarang Pass :- 

The Ghunsarang pass is situated on the Boarder of  Kinnaur and Spiti region of district Lahaul Spiti . The Susing Thach provides trail to Ghunsarang pass .

View of Spiti valley 

The local name of Ghunsarang pass is called Ghulla and it is located at an altitude of about 5500 metres above mean sea level connecting Mane with Ropa valley of district Kinnaur . It an alternate of Manirang pass .

View of Monastery in Kaza

Larang La Pass :-

The Larang La Pass is situated in Spiti  region of district Lahaul Spiti 

The location of these passes can be better understood from this map .

Marhu Pass & Ghordhar Jot , another Gateway to Lahaul from Chamba

 Marhu Pass :- 

Marhu Pass is a mountain pass situated in district Chamba which serves as one another Gateway to Lahaul valley at an elevation of about 4300 metres above mean sea level .

Dhauladhar range of Chamba 

The trail is very much used by Gaddis with their live stock from Chamba district to Lahaul valley for grazing the live stock.

View of Marhu Pass 

The route can be taken from Chamba to Nakrod by bus about 58 Km on Nakrod Chanju road . Further Reaching Chanju Nala go ahead to Bagheigarh  then to Village Charda . The trail starts from Charda which is at an elevation of about 1700 metres above mean sea level.

View of Chamba 

Then traversing towards up hill Moha village comes at an altitude of about 2250 metres. The trail traverses through lush green valleys and forests and rock mud houses of Gujjars. On reaching the Pass at an altitude of 4300 metres , the panoramic views of Lahaul on the right side and Pangi valley on the left is feast for the eyes of trekkers . 

Then from the Marhu pass the trail  descends and passing through forests enters the Lahaul valley . Reoli and Bhujund locations near Chandra Bhaga river in Lahaul region .

The location of these passes can be better understood from the map above.

Ghordhar Jot :-

Ghordhar Jot is a mountain pass in Chamba situated at an elevation of about 5069 metres above mean sea level and is an another gateway between Chamba and Lahaul valley .

The Ghordhar pass is situated in the west of Dibri Pani and Dibri Got . 

Twani Pass :- 

Twani Pass is one another Pass which connects Killar area of Chamba district with Lahaul valley .The pass is between  Ghordhar and Dagal passes .

Dagal Pass :- 

It is a mountain pass which connects Killar area of Chamba district with Miyar valley in Lahaul region of district Lahaul Spiti in Himachal Pradesh .

Sarsank Pass :- 

View of Kashmir 

It is the mountain pass situated between the boarder of Jammu and Kashmir union territory near to Khangsar and Talah on the boundary of the Himachal and J &K UT.

Khardungla Pass

 Khardungla Pass :-

View of Khardungla Pass

The khardungla Pass is situated in Leh district of Ladakh union territory at a distance of about 40 Km from Leh Town.

Snow capped view of pass

The Leh is approachable either from Manali Himachal Pradesh or from Shrinagar Kargil side . The Ladakh is said to the land of high passes . 

Beautiful landscapes 

Khardungla Pass is situated at an elevation of about 5602 metres above mean sea level. It is the world's highest motrable pass .

Khardungla pass 

The Khardungla Pass is also called Kharjong La by local people. It is situated on the boarder of Ladakh and is  gate way to Siachen Glacier,  Shyok and Nubra   valleys in the North of Lah .

Snow capped mountains 

The BRO  known as Boarder Road Organization is maintaining this strategically important road as all supplies to Siachen Glacier is managed through this road . The road remains blocked due to heavy snow falls almost for six months in a year .

View of snowy mountains 

The oxygen level at Khardungla is very low , one must not stay here for more than 15 to 2o minutes to avoid high altitude sickness . The Khardungla pass is between South pullu and North Pullu Check posts . To visit this area inner line permit is essential .

The panoramic views of Himalayas landscapes are charm to the tourists to witness in person . One must visit these landscapes in life.