Bilaspur was a orderly princely state known as Kahloor before it merged with the Indian union after the country attained independence. It became a part of Himachal Pradesh in 1954 and was made into a district. The princely state came into being in 7th century AD, with the ruling dynasty tracing their roots to Chanderwanshi Rajputs of Bundelkhand in Madhya Pradesh.

Kot Kahloor till 1650 AD remained the capital, when ruler Deep Chand decided to shift it to the left bank of River Satluj. What used to be the historic Old Bilaspur, capital of the princely state, got completely submerged with the completion of Bhakra Dam in 1963. The sprawling new Bilaspur town has come up on higher ground near the old capital.

Language

Hindi & English are understood and used by people engaged in tourism and other professional trades. Locals speak Bilaspuri or Kahloori, dialects belonging to the Western Pahari group of languages.

Clothing Essentials

Bilaspur has moderate temperatures in spring and autumn but can get hot for May-June, the peak summer days. By evening the lake does fan cool breezes over the habitation. Light cotton clothing is most suited for these days but in winter, a dense fog cover that lingers well into the afternoon gets the place to experience some real cold days and nights. A need for heavy woollens is felt in winter.