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The Renuka Lake (672 m) is regarded as the embodiment of Renukaji, the wife of the sage Jamadagini and the mother of Parshurama-one of the ten 'Avatars' of Lord Vishnu. Shaped like the profile of a woman, the lake has a circumference of 2.5 km and is the largest in Himachal. This placid stretch of water is fed by underground springs and the surrounding hills are padded by lush forests that support a large variety of plant and animal life. Boating and trekking are the additional attractions of Renukaji, whose natural beauty has to be seen to be believed. Here is a perfect year-round destination that beckons every traveller.
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Parashurama Tal and Renuka temple (100 m)
At the base of the Renuka lake, this large pool is considered to embrace Lord Parshurama, who wished too spend all eternity at his mother's feet. Reportedly built overnight by an invading force of Gurkhas in early 19th century, the original temple of Renukaji is here. Both mother and son are reunited every year at a celebratory fair held in November. Jamu Peak (8 km) Directly above the lake is this peak where Rishi Jamadagini is said to have mediated. A footpath leads to this. There is a small temple and it offers an excellent view of the lake and surrounding area. Mini Zoo (2 km) You can boat across the lake or drive to this zoo, which has Asiatic lions, spotted deer, lion tailed macaques, 'nilgai', 'mithun', barking deer and Himalayan black bears.  Lion Safari (2 km) Adjoining the zoo, an armoured van enters the large enclosure allowing for a close glimpse of the lions within. Jataun (5 km) The dam of the Giri hydel project is here and angling for Mahseer (river carp) may be done. Climate In winter, the climate is pleasant and medium woollens are suggested. Summer temperatures are high and cottons are recommended. How to get there Renukaji is connected by road to Delhi which is at a distance of 335 km. The nearest rail heads are at Ambala (95 km), Dehradum (126 km) and Chandigarh (95 km). The nearest airports are at Chandigarh and Dehradun. Taxis/buses are available for Renukaji at all places. Paonta Sahib
Surrounded by a sal forest and on the banks of river Yamuna, the historic town of Paonta Sahib (398 m) was founded by the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. When only 16 years old, the Guru left Anandpur Sahib and on the invitation of Raja Maidini Prakash of Sirmour, lived at this beautiful spot for over four years. The historic gurudwara commemorates his stay and interestingly the waters of the Yamuna fall silent below this - which happened at the Guru's behest. Thw word 'Paonta' means 'Space for a foot hold'. Yamuna Temple (200 m): This ancient shrine is immediately below the gurudwara and is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. Gurudwara Bhangani Sahib (23 km): This commemorates Guru Gobind Singh's first battle when he defeated Raja Fateh Shah and his allies. Gurudwara Tirgarh Sahib (22 km): This is built on the hillock from where Guru Gobind Singh shot arrows at the enemy. Nagnauna Temple (16 km): Built in a hollow near the village of Puruwalla, this temple is closely allied with the legend of Sirmour's erstwhile ruling house. Gurudwara Shergarh Sahib (12 km): At this spot Guru Gobind Singh beheaded a dangerous man-eating tiger with a single swipe of his sword. Nahan (45 km): Built in a series of interlocking circles, this charming town was founded by Raja Karan Prakash of Sirmour in 1621. It has numerous pleasing walks, several temples, a gurudwara and interesting architecture - including many old palaces. Fossil park, Saketi (60 km): This was the site of the largest fossil find in the Sivalik hills. The park has a museum and life-size models of the animals that once roamed these tracts. Shiva Temple, Patlian (4.5 km): Surrounded by fields and sal trees, the linga in this temple is supposed to be steadily increasing in size. Katasan Devi Temple (30 km): Also known as Uttam Wala Bara Ban, this is on the Paonta Sahib - Nahan road. The shrine is revered by local people. At this spot, the forces of Sirmour defeated the marauding armies of Ghulam Qadir Khan Rohiolla. Sirmour (16 km): Here are the remains of the old capital of the princely state of Sirmour. The town is said to have been destroyed by flood in the 11th century, when it was cursed by a dancing girl. Balasundari Temple, Trilokpur (63 km): Legend has it that the Devi's 'pindi' appeared in the bag of salt brought by a local trader. The temple built by Raja Deep Parkash of Sirmour in 1573. Close by is a recently built Shiva temple. Ram Temple: Within Paonta Sahib and also known as the 'mandir Shri Dei Ji Sahiba', this is located near the Yamuna bridge. With exquisite marble work, this was built in 1889 in memory of Raja Partap Chand of Kangra, by his wife who originally belonged to Sirmour. The Kirpal Dass Gurudwara is just past the temple. Simbalwara Wildlife Sanctuary: 12 km off the main Paonta Sahib - Nahan road, this is known for a variety of bird life. Shrine of Baba Garib Nath (8 km): Located in a sal forest and with an excellent view of the aea, the shrine is revered by childless women. Other attraction: Quila Lohgarh. Mazhaar of Bhure Shah. san barrage. Adventure and Fishing The most popular trek in the area is to the 3,647 m high Choordhar - which poetically translates as the 'mountain of the silver bangle'. Fishing is possible on the Giri and Yamuna rivers near Paonta Sahib.
Climate In winter, the temperature can hover around freezing point when heavy woollens are required. Summer temperature are high and cottons are recommended. How To Get There Paonta Sahib is connected by road. From Renukaji it is 81 km via Nahan and 60 km via Rajban. From Dehradun, it is 44 km. The closest railhead are at Ambala and Dehradun. The narest airports are at Chandigarh and Dehradun. Taxis/buses are available for Paonta Sahib at all places.
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Editor: Romola Butalia (c) India Travelogue. All rights reserved. |
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Legend has it that when the evil Sahasarjuna killed the sage Jamadagini and tried to abduct his wife Renuka, she flung herself into these waters. The gods restored her to life and this lake is regarded to be her embodiment. There is a row of temples along its banks, and a track encircles the waters. Boats are available on hire from the hotel.
Legend has it that when the evil Sahasarjuna killed the sage Jamadagini and tried to abduct his wife Renuka, she flung herself into these waters. The gods restored her to life and this lake is regarded to be her embodiment. There is a row of temples along its banks, and a track encircles the waters. Boats are available on hire from the hotel.