Sarahan

Sarhan, in the Sutlej is an unpretentious village set against a  spectacular background. Sarahan valley commands a wonderful view of the snow-capped mountains from east to west, rolling fields and deep valleys. This former summer capital of Rampur Bushahr, one of the biggest princely states in the Shimla Hills, is well known for its centuries old Bhimkali Temple.

Situated on a small table-land above the valley, well over 2000 meters, Sarahan presents striking spectacle of snow-covered Himalayan ranges and a picture of unspoilt pastoral loveliness. 800 year old construction technique can be seen here and visitors can also get a  good opportunity to study the western Himalayan architecture.

Attractions:

Bhimkali Temple

 The Bhimkali temple is the most majestic of the few early timber temples left in the Sutlej Valley. The Sutlej valley is renowned for it's unusual tradition of housing holy shrines on raised wooden platforms. The  Bhimkali Temple has two multi-tiered sanctuary towers. elegantly sloping slate-tiled roofs and gleaming golden spires. It is the last temple in the valley to be served by Brahmin priests. This original shrine of the Goddess, possesses the finest pair of silver doors in all Himachal, consisting of panels of mythological subjects in the repossess technique, made at the order of Raja Shamsher Singh in the mid-nineteenth century. A fantastic collection of Hindu as well as Buddhist bronzes are also housed in the sanctum.

Raja Bushahr Palace cum Temple Complex

 Described as one of the finest specimens of hill architecture, is Raja Bushahr Palace cum Temple Complex built in the timber-bonded style. Like all buildings of the hill type, this 2000 year old structure is built of layers of rubble masonry and beams of cedar wood.

How To Reach Sarahan

Air: Nearest airport is Shimla, 184 Km.

Road: Bus and taxi services are available from Shimla.