Located on the banks of the River Mahanadi, Bilaspur is a city and a municipal corporation in Bilaspur district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. It is the second most populous city in Chhattisgarh after Raipur and is an ancient city that was known by the name Bhimashankar. It is also the headquarters of Bilaspur district and the divisional headquarters of South East Central Railway. The city was formerly known as Pratapgarh and was named after Maharaja Pratap Singh, a king of Rewa.
The city is an important commercial and transport hub of Chhattisgarh and an important centre of education, with numerous colleges and universities. The city is known for its temples, including the ancient Bhimashankar Temple. One of the fascinating things about the city is its culture, which is a mix of the cultures of the Hindus and the tribal people who live there. Nonetheless, there are an array of places to visit in Bilaspur that will remain as your best short trip in India.