Bhilai, Chhattisgarh City Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And shop in India’s best city.
Bhilai, Chhattisgarh – The Steel City of India
Bhilai, located in Durg district of Chhattisgarh, is best known for its Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), one of the largest steel plants in India. Apart from its industrial significance, Bhilai is a well-planned city with a mix of historical, spiritual, and recreational attractions.
📍 Key Highlights of Bhilai
✅ Famous for Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) 🏭
✅ Home to ancient temples & historical sites
✅ Well-developed infrastructure & educational institutions
✅ Rich cultural heritage with vibrant festivals
🏛️ Top Attractions & Best Places to Visit in Bhilai
1️⃣ Maitri Bagh – The Garden of Friendship 🌳
📍 Location: Bhilai Steel Plant Township
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Beautiful park with a zoo, musical fountain & lake
✅ Perfect for picnics & family outings
✅ Hosts the annual “Zoological Garden Fair”
🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
🕰️ Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
2️⃣ Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) – The Industrial Marvel 🏭
📍 Location: Bhilai Township
💞 Why Visit?
✅ One of India’s largest & most important steel plants
✅ Guided industrial tours available (prior permission required)
🕰️ Timings: Visits allowed only with prior booking
3️⃣ Tandula Dam – A Scenic Getaway ⛵
📍 Location: 60 km from Bhilai
💞 Why Visit?
✅ A serene reservoir perfect for boating & relaxation
✅ Surrounded by lush greenery, great for photography
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🕰️ Timings: Open all day
4️⃣ Civic Center – The Shopping & Entertainment Hub 🛍️
📍 Location: Bhilai city center
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Popular shopping & hangout spot
✅ Good restaurants, movie theaters & street food stalls
🕰️ Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
5️⃣ Dhamdha Fort – A Historical Excursion 🏰
📍 Location: 35 km from Bhilai
💞 Why Visit?
✅ An ancient fort with historical significance
✅ Surrounded by temples & scenic landscapes
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🕰️ Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
6️⃣ Shivnath River – A Peaceful Riverside Spot 🌊
📍 Location: Near Bhilai
💞 Why Visit?
✅ Scenic views & a great spot for evening walks
✅ Perfect for meditation & relaxation
🎟️ Entry Fee: Free
🕰️ Timings: Open all day
🎭 Festivals & Events in Bhilai
🎡 Navratri Festival – Celebrated grandly at local temples
🎉 Chhath Puja – A major festival along riverbanks
🎶 Durga Puja – Grand celebrations with pandals & cultural programs
🛍️ Shopping in Bhilai – What to Buy?
🛍️ Handmade Tribal Crafts – Available at local markets
🛍️ Traditional Chhattisgarhi Sarees – Famous at Civic Center
🛍️ Steel Souvenirs – Unique items inspired by Bhilai’s steel industry
Best Shopping Markets in Bhilai:
📍 Civic Center Market – Best for clothing & electronics
📍 Power House Market – Good for budget shopping
📍 Supela Market – Famous for handicrafts & souvenirs
🍽️ Food & Drink in Bhilai – Must-Try Dishes
🍛 Chana Samosa – A unique samosa variation
🍛 Farra – A healthy rice flour snack
🍛 Dubki Kadi – A tangy and spicy curry
🍛 Dehati Mutton – A traditional Chhattisgarhi dish
Best Restaurants in Bhilai:
🍽️ Shubham Bhojanalaya – Best for local vegetarian food
🍽️ Saffron Restaurant – Great for North & South Indian dishes
🍽️ Sai Bhojanalaya – Famous for Chhattisgarhi thali
🍽️ Palki Restaurant – Good for fine dining & multi-cuisine
🌙 Nightlife in Bhilai – Where to Chill?
🍸 The Lounge Bar – Best place for cocktails & drinks
🍸 The Highway Lounge – Good for parties & nightlife
🍸 10 Downing Street – A premium bar with live music
🚗 How to Reach Bhilai?
- ✈️ By Air: Nearest airport – Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur (50 km away)
- 🚆 By Train: Bhilai Nagar Railway Station & Durg Junction
- 🚗 By Road: Well-connected via NH-53 to Raipur, Nagpur & other cities