Rampur, Jhakri, Bhadras & Nirsu, District: Shimla, H.P.; STD Code: 01782

Location : 116 KM along the NH 22 towards North -East from Shimla. Altitude of Rampur is about 930 M. The road (good condition) goes via Sanjauli of Shimla, Fagu, Kufri, Theog, Narkanda, Sainj, Nirsu, etc. Further widening of highway is under progress.

General description : Rampur is the HQ of Rampur Sub-Division of Shimla District. Previously, it was the capital of Bushyr kingdom, the Rajput state prior to independence. The highway passes very close to the river Sutlej. The town has been set up mainly between the highway and the river bank i.e below the road level. The road near the river bank before the town had been damaged by the flash flood in the year 2005. The scenic beauty of the river with the backdrop of the high mountain is spectacular. The tourists may take a day halt on the way to Kinnaur in order to avoid long 9 hours drive. The river Sutlej can be crossed at Rampur by a bridge. The new settlement has rapidly grown on other side of the river although belongs to Kullu District. Rampur due to its low altitude, remains quite warm throughout the year in comparison to other regions of Himachal Pradesh. Since the ancient days, the place is known as an important Indo-China trade centre. The National Highway up to Tapri in Kinnaur was the ancient Hindustan-Tibet trade route. From Tapri the trade route goes up to Kalpa, then Khab to Tibet after crossing river Sutlej.

Safety : Safe; .Roads : Motorable mountain road. Road traffic: Careful and slow driving in hill roads suggested. Medical support: Hospital with Emergency ward; Fuel Pumps: Yes; Car repairing: Yes for common brands; Market & Shopping Centre: Yes; Tourist Information Centre: No; Railway & Air Ticket: No; Hotels & Restaurants: A few; Sports & Game Centers: No. Cellular service: BSNL & Airtel; Car rental: Yes, at taxi stand.

Places of interest : The Padam Palace of Bushyr kings can be visited. It was built in 1919 near the present bus stand. The wood carvings, murals, Durbar hall are worth to see.

Transport : The buses for different places in Himachal Pradesh and also the places in adjacent States viz. Delhi, Hardwar, Chandigarh, Ambala, Jammu, etc are available. Due to its location on the NH 22, at every 30 minutes the starts for Shimla.. It takes 4 hours to Shimla by express bus/car. The buses towards Narkanda from Shimla start from Lakkar Bazar Bus stand at Shimla. The buses to Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Ambala, Hardwar, etc are also available. Some bus services are available to and fro Kalpa.

Accommodation facilities:

Special mention: It is a commercial town. The tourists may spend a night on the way to Kalpa or Sangla from Shimla.

The advance booking can be made directly or through www.arraytours.com. Please call +91 9433001192, (Phone) +91 33 24427635. The above data are indicative as provided by the respective hotel or collected from various sources. The author is not responsible for any difference with the actuals.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 14:11