Sarahan Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Sarahan

Bhimakali Temple is a prime pilgrimage site for Hindus located at Sarahan in Himachal Pradesh. Devoted to Goddess Bhimakali, this temple is believed to have been built around 800 years ago. It is known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles.

This age-old temple now remains closed to public viewing except for early in the morning or evenings during the ritualistic aarti. A new temple was built within the temple premises in 1943. The temple enshrined a statue of Goddess Bhimakali depicted as a virgin and as a woman. There are two more temples in the complex including a temple dedicated to Raghunath and the Narsingh Shrine of Bhairon.

The Bhimakali Temple is believed to be one of most important Shakti Peeths or sacred sites in India. According to religious beliefs, this is the place where the left ear of the Hindu goddess of marital felicity and longevity, Sati, the consort of the Hindu deity Shiva, fell.

According to another legend, Goddess Bhimakali first appeared in the wooden staff of the great Hindu sage Brahamagiri. The popular Hindu festival of Dussehra is celebrated here with pomp and ceremony here every year.

Bird Park, situated near the famous Bhimakali Temple Complex in Sarahan, is a popular destination amongst birdwatchers. A pheasant breeding centre, this place is also home to the monal, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh. This species is currently considered threatened due to poaching. The male monal especially faces danger due to its brilliant plumage, which is considered valuable. Its crest feather was used by Himachal men as ornaments for hats until legal hunting was banned in 1982 in the state.

Bhaba Valley is a prominent tourist destination located at a distance of 50 km from Sarahan. This beautiful valley, surrounded by stunning landscapes, a reservoir lake and alpine meadows, offers picturesque views to travellers. This valley has a trekking route to the Pin Valley located in the Spiti district. The place can be accessed via the Link Road, which originates at Wangtu.

Banjara Retreat, located at a distance of 7 km from Jeori at Sarahan, is famous for its beautiful apple orchards and stunning views of the Shrikhand Peak. Situated on the National Highway 22, the retreat is open year-round.

Gaura, located 37 km from Sarahan in the Shimla district, is a picturesque village, which is known, for its lush green landscape and the production of apples, which are famous for their sweet taste and aroma.

Darang Ghati, situated a 1.5 hr journey away from Banjara Retreat, sits at an altitude of 932 m above sea level. This place attracts tourists with its beautiful landscapes and verdant green forests.

Jeori, situated on the National Highway 22, is located at a distance of 14 km from Sarahan in the Shimla district. A hot water spring located here attracts visitors from far-off places.

Shrikhand Mahadev, located at an altitude of 5155 m above sea level, is a famous Hindu pilgrimage centre, devoted to the Hindu god of destruction, Shiva. According to a legend, Shiva meditated at this peak. Another legend associated with this place is that the Pandavas from the great Indian epic, the Mahabharata, trekked to this peak.

Locals claim that there is a miracle associated with the Shivalingam, the symbol of Shiva, located on this peak. They say that even though snow falls in this region all round the year, snow does not gather on the Shivalingam and melts as soon as it falls. Shrikhand Mahadev is a part of the Great Himalayan National Park; thus, it offers beautiful sceneries of rich flora to visitors.

Raja Bushair Palace, a 200-year-old monument, was built by the Rampur Rajas of Bushair who ruled Kinnaur. The doors of the palace are embellished with splendid brass material and the inside hall has a huge flagstone. Cedar beams were used to build this ancient multilayered palace. The palace also has a temple complex.