Sarahan

Landmarks

Temples

The Bhimakali Temple houses the "Kuldevi" (the presiding deity of the dynasty) of Bushahr Kingdom. The Bhimakali Temple contains both Hindu and Vajrayāna Buddhist statues and decorations which reflect the trade through here between India and Tibetan regions through ancient Indo-Tibetan Road. The traces of old Indo-Tibetan road still passes through Shalabag near Sarahan. Traditional wooden temple architecture is built in Kath-Kuni style. Some stone images may date to Kushan era (c. 1st to 3rd centuries CE).

There are two adjacent temple buildings. One is old and resurrected, and the other is relatively new. The temple is built in an Kath-Kuni style of architecture. Alternate rows of grooved and interlocked stones and wood provide strength to the walls. Thick walls with lower roofs found in typical mountainous region buildings provide warmth during winters. Bushahr kings are believed to be dynastic priests of the temple, and used to reside in temple premises before moving to palace 100 meters from the temple.

Palace

The King's and Queen's Palace are comparatively recent buildings adjacent to the temple. The palaces are generally not open for visitors, though there is some access to the garden and orchard. The royal family does not live there any longer and visits occasionally during Durga Puja Festival in October.

Pheasantry

Jujurana is one of the protected species of birds in the region which is also the state bird of Himachal Pradesh. Pheasantry at Sarahan (500m from temple) caters to breeding of some local species of birds. The pheasantry is closed during summer, it being the breeding season.

Hawa-Ghar

Hawa-Ghar is a small sitting area built under canopy with views of the peaks and valley. Tall trees have grown around it now and views are obstructed. Its built 2 km uphill of Sarahan.

Stadium

A stadium is built near pheasantry and a Nallah (Large Natural Drain) passes underneath it.

Hotels

The Hotel Shrikhand is located at edge of the hill. Its architecture replicates that of a Bhimakali Temple. Its design and green roof can be seen while coming from Jeori.

Stream

There is a warm water stream at Jeori just ahead of turn for Sarahan on NH22. There are dedicated bathing area with changing rooms at the stream. The stream is believed to have medicative properties by locals.