Bharmour, formally known as Brahmpura, was the ancient capital of Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, situated at an altitude of 7000 feet in the Budhil valley, forty miles to the south-east of Chamba. Bharmour is known for its scenic beauty and its ancient temples. Some of the temples are believed to date from 10th century.
Whole country around Bharmour is supposed to belong to lord Shiva; it is popularly spoken of as Shiva Bhumi means abode of lord Shiva. It lies between the Pir-Panjal and Dhauladhar range in the middle of Ravi and Chenab valley. The land is blessed with deep beauty of abundant alpine pastures and provides home for nomadic shepherds, known as Gaddis. The foothills are filled with orchards and terraced farmsteads. The epitome of spirituality lies in this land as it is endowed with ancient temples. The areca goes through inhospitable terrain and severe climate changes. People are extremely courteous and welcome you like their own family members. Along with its ethnic traditions, culture and ancient history, Bharmour forms the perfection of divine splendor.
Chaurasi (eighty four) Temple cluster is located in the center of Bharmour town and it holds immense religious importance because of temples built around 1400 years ago. The beautiful Shikhar style temple of Manimahesh occupies the center attraction of the complex.
It is believed that Raja Meru was first to settle in Bharmour. Meru along with his son Jaistambh penetrated the upper Ravi Valley through outer hill by defeating Ranas, who were holding that territory. He named the new town Brahampura and made it capital of state Chamba. This is believed to happen somewhere in middle of 6th Century A.D. Later several kings ruled the region from Bharmour for about 400 years until Raja Sahil Verman established new capital in Chamba.
Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest sanctuary in the state of Himachal Pradesh which is situated at an altitude ranging from 2,195 m to 5,040 m. On the west side, Tundah Sanctuary surrounds this sanctuary by a forest corridor. It is easily accessible from Bharmour and from the gateway location Hadsar begins the most sacred pilgrimage of Manimahesh which is 13 Kms uphill trek from road heads of Hadsar. Every year thousands of people embark on the arduous journey of reaching the temple by climbing up
through the rough terrains, g een meadows, gushing water streams, dense forests and glaciers.
There are several villages in Bharmour and several trekking routes too to connect this land with Lahul through Kugti Pass and Dharamsala through Inderhar pass. The village of Kugti is a classical example of old architecture of this region and truly worth to visit.
