In the foothills of Himalayas, situated in the Sutlej valley, Sarahan was the old capital of Rampur Bushair one of the biggest princely states in Shimla hills. Sarahan is located on the Kinnaur-Shimla border in Himachal Pradesh. It offers natural eye soothing beauty and is a comprehensive place of sacredness. It is a heaven enriched with awe-inspiring qualities. The scenic beauty of Sarahan compiles of breath-taking greenery, waving mountains, snow covered regions. Sarahan`s apple orchards make the dusty environment pleasant with its fragrance. Sarahan is filled with flowering pine trees, huge forests, streams and it`s worth remarkable valleys. God would have been very bighearted while creating such a fabulous beauty.

History of Sarahan
There are several tales that are woven around Sarahan. Centuries ago, the Raja of Kullu declared war on neighbouring Kingdom Bushair. Post the huge intense and bloody war, the king of Bushair won victory over the opponent. The separated head of the ruler of Kullu was brought to Sarahan and placed on the stone platform. The family members of raja of kullu and the people of his kingdom pleaded to return his head so that they could perform the last funeral rites. The ruler of Bushair laid three conditions before them before he would return the head - the land that was seized across the Sutlej would be retained, Kullu must promise to never again challenge its neighbour and the captured image of Lord Raghunath (the pattern Devta of Kullu) would not be returned. The defeated kingdom accepted all these terms and in return only asked the ruler of Bushair to celebrate the festival of Dussehra. This request was accepted and Dussehra has now become a major local festival. The image of Lord Raghunath was ceremoniously installed alongside that of Bhimakali.

After this story accompanied by bloodshed comes another one. The ruler of Bushair`s architectural design of palace was a unique one. The doors were covered with magnificent brass material, the hall had a large flagstone and after several years smooth light grey Kota stone were laid. Kanwar Gopal Singh, heir of Bushair`s princely family who administers the temple complex told this story. A tradition that still continues to an extent is that no individual should build a house similar in design or as grand as the temple or the ruler`s palace. In the village, a man named Masoi decided that this code could not be applied to him and built for himself a house inspired by the design of the Sarahan complex. This was taken as a sign of both disrespect and revolt and an army was sent to crush him.

Masoi`s house was demolished and destroyed to the level of ground and this inspired stone from his roof was brought particularly and symbolically placed here. Every person entering the Sarahan complex now walked over the stone and this was particularly done to make everyone know that those who tried to rise above their appointed position would be crushed beneath the feet.

This is a legend which is related to the land Sarahana. Banasura ruled over shonitpur. One night his beautiful daughter, Usha, saw a dream where she saw a handsome and strong man. And when she woke up, Usha desperately urged for that prince and told her friend, Chitralekha, about him. Based on Usha`s vivid description about that man, Chitralekha made his portrait. By that portrait, Usha was solaced but not fully convinced, Usha kept that picture close to her hoping that someday she would meet him. Then Chitralekha vowed she would search allover the world for her friend for that prince and bring him to Usha. In the search of prince of dreams, Chitralekha wandered until one day she saw Aniruddha, Lord Krishna`s grandson. He was the prince of Usha`s dream! As Aniruddha slept, Chitralekha picked up the bed and brought him to Usha. But when Lord Krishna heard of his grandson`s seizure, he marched with his army against Usha`s father. Banasura even did not had a clue about what the battle was all about and was defeated. And then the story of the dream was told. Noble and generous as ever, Lord Krishna married his grandson to Usha and as dowry gave back the defeated Banasura his kingdom of Shonitpur, which is regarded to be the present day Sarahan.

Getting at Sarahan
Sarahan is 564 kilometers from New Delhi and 174 kilometers from Shimla. The finest way to go there would be traveling to Kalka or by air to Chandigarh and then travel by road to Sarahan. In Shimla, taxi, bus and jeep services are available to reach at Sarahan. It takes approximately 6 hours to reach their by road.

Where to stay in Sarahana
Sarahan, Kalpa, Sangla have PWD (Public Works Department). There are various rest houses built, though getting a reservation is difficult. But no need to worry because chowkidars help in providing accommodations without bookings if there is availability of rooms. Or else, small cottages are a better option. When the weather is good, look out for camping opportunities.

Ideal time to visit Sarahan
The Himalayan ranges covers Saharan`s south range, because of which it escapes the worst of monsoon. The months from March to October are of great amusement in Sarahan. Summer is cool, but daytime temperatures can go up to 32ºC, while the winter is chilly with snow. Carry both the combination of cotton clothes and heavy woollens for summer and winter respectively.

Visiting places in and around Sarahan If roaming in Sarahan do not forget to visit around the dazzling and ancient places in and around Sarahan. One will find great peace and pleasure in the abode of god`s grace.

Shri Bhimkali temple
Shri Bhima Kali Temple is an ancient temple reputed to be at least 800 years ago. It is dedicated to the mother Goddesses Durga or Bhimakali and is considered to be one of the significant Shakti Peethaas. The temple looks magnificent in its Tibetan architectural style with a mixture of Buddhist and Hindu influences and Bronze statues of both the religions in the shrine. It has slanted slate roofs, golden towers, pagodas and a carved silver door. Dusshehra is a grand festival and celebrated in a grand manner at both the Bhimakali temple and in the village of Sarahan. The practice of animal sacrifice plays an important role in the festival activities.

Kamru Fort
This amazing place is set at a distance of 2 km from the Sangla valley. This tower like fort has a magnificent image of Lord Buddha installed at the right entrance. The fort, which looks like a tower, has a beautiful wooden balcony. There is also an image of Kamkhya (Kamakshi) Devi placed on the third floor. It is said that the deity is brought from Assam. One of the prominent features of this temple is that this temple was built in the15th century and is dedicated to Lord Badrinath. This temple becomes a venue for the festival that is held after every three years, where the image of Lord Badrinath is carried to Gangotri, the place where the sacred river Ganga originates.

Sangla Valley
This valley is named after a beautiful and hugely populated village Sangla. Sangla is situated on the right bank of Baspa river that is 17 kms from Karcham. Journey from Karcham onwards is enjoyable and adventurous throughout the valley. The natural scenery all around and the eternal snow view are pictorial and charming. It is also known as Baspa Valley since Baspa River flows through this area. This is the most charming valley in the entire district of Kinnaur.

Shrikhand Mahadev
Shrikhand Mountain or the Srikhand Mahadev peak is located at an altitude of 5,155 meters in Himachal Pradesh which resembles the Shivling. It is said that Lord Shiva meditated here and the Pandavas used to visit this peak. Devotees of Lord Shiva visit at the top of the mountain where there is a small shrine of Lord Shiva. This difficult trekking to the mountain takes place during the main pilgrimage season of July and August.

Raja Bushair Palace
Raja Bushair Palace is 200 year old style monument, palace cum temple complex and is a wonderful multi-layered building in timber with beams of cedar which was built by the Rampur rajas of Bushair, who once ruled Kinnaur.

Kinnaur
Approaching Kinnaur provides a spectacular view of flourishing green valleys, orchards and vineyards which gives way to snow-covered peaks and cold desert mountains. In Kinnaur district, there is a small town Kalpa which is well known and famous for its ancient temples and rich history dating back to the Vedic age.