Sarhan
Sarhan
Sarahan is a small town on way to Kinnaur and is famous for it’s fruit orchards and ancient Bhimakali temple. There are a number of excellent hiking routes in the area and offers great views of mountain peaks like Srikhand Mahadev (5227 m). Sarahan is steeped in legend, hill architecture and remarkable natural beauty. Far below in the valley tumbles the river Satluj. Across lie the snow-covered Shrikhand peaks and a host of other mountains that divide the Satluj and Beas valleys. This is an area closely connected with the epic Mahabharata and the exile of the Pandavas. Sarahan itself is surrounded by fields and orchards, and small villages with remarkable examples of local architecture. Sarahan is revered as one of the fifty-one shaktipeeths and the temple of Bhimakali is a resplendent example of indigenous building skills. For several centuries this was also the capital of the former princely state of Bushair.
GETTING THERE :
- By Rail : Kalka is at a distance of 270 kms. On the narrow-gauge Kalka Shimla railway line, Shimla station is at a
distance of 180 kms. - By Road : Shimla is 180 kms away and Chandigarh is at a distance of 310 kms.
- By Air : Shimla is 197 kms away and Chandigarh is at a distance of 315 kms.
CLIMATE : Mild and pleasant in summer when cottons and light woollens
are suggested. Cold in winter and heavy clothing is required.
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ATTRACTIONS :
- Shri Bhimakali Temple : The Bhimakali temple complex is the primary attraction of Sarahan and is perhaps the most resplendent example of local architecture. The complex covers about an acre of buildings and courtyards. With horizontally placed interlocking beams of wood, the older temple of Bhimakali has a weathered and distinguished look and is now used as a repositoiy. This has undergone a recent renovation in keeping with its age-old character. Completed in 1943, the new temple follows a similar architectural design and along with a host of other deities houses two images of the goddess Bhimakali. The complex also holds the temples of Narasingh, Raghunath and that of Lankra Bir.
- Bird Park : At a little distance from the temple, a Bird Park houses rare high altitude birds like the Monal and Snow Cork. The Sarahan bird park has the distinction of having successfully bred and reared the highly endangered pheasant specie of ‘Western Tragopan‘ in captivity.
- Walks : Several mild to strenuous trekking routes abound in and around Sarahan. A trek to Bashal peak is a rewarding experience.
- Bhaba Valley (50 km from Sarahan) : This is one of the most beautiful valleys in Himachal and a trek route passing through thisleadsto the Pin valley of Spiti.
The Shrikhand – Deluxe Hotel
HPTDC Hotel Shrikhand at Sarahan provides deluxe accommodation among scenic settings. The Hotel is named after the pristine Shrikhand Mountain, which faces the hotel. The building architecture draws inspiration from the fascinating temple of Bhimakali Temple.
ADDRESS : Hotel Shrikhand, Sarahan, District Shimla –
172102 (HP), Tel. : 01782-274234 E-mail : sarahan@hptdc.in