Sarahan Travel

Soaked in the beauty of Mother Nature, Sarahan is an alluring place, located on the banks of meandering Satluj river. Unlike the other hill stations of India, Sarahan is a more serene place for holidaying. Nestled in Himalayan mountain ranges at an altitude of  2,165 m above the sea level, this intriguing place is one of the hidden charms of Kinnaur valley in Himachal Pradesh.

Approximately, 17 kms off National Highway 22,Sarahan is a tiny but tranquil hilly town blessed with panoramic views all around. Although Sarahan has lack of commercialization and good staying options, this quaint town still attracts numerous National and International tourists.

Legends Associated with Sarahan :

Apart from its scenic beauty, Sarahan is also famous for interesting history. Several enthralling legends of yesteryears are linked to this picturesque town. One of the important legend which is related to Sarahan is of Goddess Bhimkali or the first Shakti known as“Adishakti”.  According to this legend, once there was a time when demons used to torture the Gods and the saints (rishis). So, to fight with these demons, Gods and Goddess lead by Lord Vishnu breathed fire and poured their strength to a focus. A huge flame rose and as the clouds of smoke dispersed, they saw that a young girl had taken birth. She was the first Shakti - “Adhishakti”. Various Gods like Hemkunt gave her a white tiger to ride on, Kuber gave her a crown, Varun gave her clothes and water and others gave her Lotus, Garlands, a Conch, the Chakra, so that she can destroy the demons. Adhishakti appeared at Sarahan, as Goddess Bhimkali. The place where the Goddess has appeared is referred as one of the major Shaktipeeths or Shaktipeethas or ‘Places of Strength’.

Major Attractions Of Sarahan:

Bhimkali Temple:Bhimkali temple, dedicated to Goddess Adishakti is considered among one of the few early timber temples left in the Sutlej valley. This temple has two multi-tired sanctuary towers, elegantly sloping slate-tiled roofs, gleaming golden spires and a pair of massive silver doors. In the mid 19^th century, Raja Shamsher Singh has built this doors. The sanctum of this temple possesses a fine collection of Hindu and Buddhist bronzes.

Shrikhand Peak:Another attraction of Sarahan is the sparkling peak of Shrikhand, which can be easily view from Sarahan. This mountain is famed as a parental abode of Lakshmi and has ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees whosoever visits this temple pay their devotion by burning a cup of charas (cannabis sativa) in front of the stone image of Lord Shiva.

Raja Bushahr Palace:Famous as one of the perfect testimony of hill architecture, Raja Bushahr Palace cum temple complex of Sarahan was built in the timber-bonded style. This 2000 years old monument is made up of layers of rubber masonry and beams of cedar wood.

Sarahan Peasentry:
Sarahan also has a peasantry breeding centre. This peasentry is located 0.5 km near the Nalati stadium and provides shelter to seven pheasant species including the state bird Monal, which is a great attraction to the visitors.

Best Time To Visit:The most suitable time to visit Sarahan is during April to June and September to November.

Adventure Sports In Sarahan:Sarahan serves as a base for some of the finest treks of Himachal Pradesh. It also serves as an ideal gateway to Kinnaur valley's unspoiled beauty. Some of the trekking routes which starts from Sarahan are Sarahan–Badahal trek, Sarahan–Sangla trek, and Sarahan-Shrikand Peak. April to June and September to October is considered as the best season for trekking in Sarahan.

Access To Sarahan:Sarahan is easily accessible by all mode of communications. It is 564 km from Delhi and 174 km from Shimla. If you are traveling by surface, first reach Shimla-by road or train (till Kalka). From Shimla, taxis or jeeps can be hired and a bus service is available for the 6-hour journey. But, if you want to do air travel, than the nearest airport to Sarahan is at Chandigarh.