| This is apple-country at its prettiest, with
miles of lush apple and peach orchards and terraced fields that intersperse slate-roofed
houses. Beautiful flowers and trees grow wild in the valley, flanked by forests of tall
deodars and medicinal herbs. The Rampur rajas of Bushahr, who once ruled Kinnaur, made
Sarahan their intermediary summer capital, when they left Kamru in the Sangla Valley, and
before Rampur Bushahr became the new capital. The 200-year-old Raja Bushahr Palace
cum Temple complex is a splendid multi-layered edifice in timber
with beams of cedar. The Bhimakali Temple,
reputed to be at least 800 years old, is dedicated to Goddess Durga or Bhimakali and is
considered one of the significant Shakti Peeths of Shaivite Hindus. The temple is Tibetan
in its architectural style, with Buddhist and Hindu influences and bronze statues of both
religions in the shrines. It has slanted slate roofs, golden towers, pagodas and a carved
silver door. Dussehra is celebrated in a grand way at both the Bhimakali Temple and in the
village of Sarahan, with animal sacrifices playing a big role in the festivities.
While in Sarahan, make a trip to the Kamru fort, Chitkul valley, Sangla valley;
go angling in the Baspa river; or trek around Shrikhand Mahadev, Ranwin or Bashal. This is
one holiday you are likely to remember for a long time.
Getting to Sarahan
Sarahan is 564 km from Delhi and 174 km from Shimla. The best way to get here is to first
reach Shimla- by road, or train (till Kalka), or air (Chandigarh is the closest airport)-
and then travel to Sarahan by road. From Shimla, taxis or jeeps can be hired and a bus
service is available for the 6-hour journey. If driving in from Delhi, it's convenient to
break journey at Shimla.
Best time to visit Sarahan
The months of March to June and September to October are delightful in Sarahan.
Summer is cool, but daytime temperatures can go up to 32ºC, while the winter is chilly
with snow. Carry a combination of cotton clothes and light woollens for summer, and heavy
woollens for winter.
Accommodation in Sarahan
Sarahan has a luxurious Circuit House where you can stay with permits. The HPTDC tourist
guesthouse has a fabulous view of the Shrikhand Mountain; it caters to middle and low
budgets. Privately organized campsites, hotels and farmhouses are also available. For
further information contact Himachal Tourism at Chanderlok Building, 36, Janpath, New
Delhi. Tel 011-23324791, 23359012-3, Fax 23310918. |
