Bachhretu is a serene land situated on the western slope of Kotdhar, at an altitude of 3000 ft, in
Bilaspur District. The famous Fort of Bachhretu is situated here, on the 30 km long Kot hill. It is 3 km south of Shahtalai. From here one can have a sweeping view of the
Gobind Sagar Lake and the surrounding hills.
The Bachhretu Fort was built during the reign of Raja Ratan Chand of Bilaspur (1355-1406 AD). An analysis of the remnants by experts had revealed that the structure was rectangular in shape, built with hammer-dressed stones. Its longer arms were of 100 m in length while the shorter ones extended to 50 m. Room shaped compartments have been found inside the remains of enclosing walls, which were thought to be about 20 m in height. Last vestiges of a small temple, which enshrines the two busts of the goddess Asht Bhuja (eight armed) along with some other deities, still stands amidst the rubbles.
