The ruling dynasty were Chandel Rajputs, who claimed descent from the rulers of Chanderi in present-day Madhya Pradesh.

Guru Tegh Bahadur broke ground on a new settlement on 19 June 1665, which he named, Nanaki, after his mother.

It is situated on the foot of the Bandla Hills, along the left bank of river Sutlej which forms picturesque landscape here owing to creation of Govind Sagar Dam on it.

Bilaspur experiences warm summers and cool winters but is protected from the extremes temperature of the surrounding mountains by its situation in a valley.

Buses and taxis are the mode of public transport to the district and run from all major towns within the state as well as from those outside it.

Manali, a major tourist attraction in Himachal Pradesh, is located 195 km (121 mi) from Bilaspur.