Introduction

By the banks of the river Satluj, Rampur was the seat of the former princely state of Bushair ( Bushahr, Bushehar ). This is forty-five kilometers from Sarahan. Apart from serving as the gateway to Kinnaur, today’s Rampur is famous for its grand traditions and the Lavi fair held every November and as the site of the huge hydro project, the Nathpa-Jakhri.

Legend has that when the town of Rampur was to be settled, three lamps were lit at different spots along the valley floor and it was at the place where the lamp remained burning through the night, that the town finally was finally built. The town may have been founded by Raja Kehri Singh in the seventeenth century or by Raja Ram Singh in the eighteenth. The rulers moved down from their traditional seat in Sarahan to the banks of the river. Bushair was one of the richest princely states in the hills and was an important centre for trade between Tibet, Kinnaur and the lower areas. Branches of the old trade routes fanned out from its valley floor and Rampur benefited from a wide range of economic and cultural exchanges. Rampur has the Buddhist and Hindu shrines of Ayodhyanath, Narasingh and Dumgir Budh. The residence of the former rulers of Bushair, Padam Palace is a remarkable mix of colonial and vernacular styles. Duttnagar, close by, has the old temple dedicated to the sage Dattreya. Built in the nagara style, Nirath has one of the two temples in India dedicated to Surayanarayan, the sun-god. Delath has some good examples of local architecture. Nirmand, seventeen kilometers from Rampur, lies across the river Satluj and is regarded as the largest village in Himachal. Originally populated almost entirely by the Brahmin caste, this has remarkable examples of local architecture – including the famous kothi of Parshurama.

Special Attributes

Interesting small town

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Conservative and comfortable.

Connectivity

Taxis and buses

Enjoyed by

History and geography enthusiasts

Exposure

Some level of UV exposure. Keep your sunglass handy.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Restaurants, hotels, medical facilities and parking

Things Not Allowed

No shoes in the temples

Tip

Summer temperatures can be in the high thirties (Celsius). Plan accordingly

Type of site

Small town