Renuka Lake, at the height of 660m from the sea level, is in the Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh. Lake has been named after Renukaji, the wife of saint Jamadagini and mother of Parshuram who is one of the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu. The lake is shaped, somewhat like, a sleeping woman and has a circumference of 2.5 km which makes it biggest natural lake of Himachal Pradesh.
Renuka Lake is one of the stunning attractions of the state and is embellished with lush green forests that are home to various animals and variety of plants, taking its natural beauty to next level. Apart from the breathtakingly beautiful lake and electric panoramic view of the vicinity, the place is revered for its religious importance. Some of amusements of the site include boating and trekking. If you ever make your mind to visit this amazingly beautiful place, you can stay at ‘Hotel The Renuka of HPTDC’ that offers you up to date modern facilities.
To be there
The spot is connected by road and is 123km from Parwanoo, 60km from Paonta Sahib, 37km from Nahan and 315km from Delhi. The nearest railway stations to Renukaji are at Ambala, Dehradun and Chandigarh that are at a distance of 95km, 105km and 95km respectively. The nearest airports, however, are at Chandigargh and Dehradun wherefrom frequent buses will reach you to the place and one can hire taxis for the same.
What makes it so special?
It’s amazing to breath in this place that is not only beautiful but has religious importance too. Thousands of people visit the place every year to pay homage to Renukaji and her son Parshuram. Every year, a fair is held in November to celebrate the immortality of Renukaji and her son. Some stunning attraction and a couple of trekking sites make this site even more important from the tourist point of view.
What does it offer?
Hotel The Renuka of HPTDC, situated at the bank of the beautiful lake, provides the stunning view of surroundings. The hotel is divided into two: the original wing bears the colonial style that is high ceilinged former ‘Dak Bungalow’, and the one recently built is made with modern state of the art and amenities. Check out what the hotel offers to you here:
Drive in with parking facility within the hotel premises
For entertainment, rooms have cable TV, Children Park and Table Tennis
Restaurant serves Indian, Chinese and Himachali cuisine
Doctor on call
Taxi on hire
Laundry service
Main attractions in the vicinity
Apart from the stunning Renuka Lake, some of the stunning nearby attractions to the place includes the following:
Parashurama Tal And Renuka Temple (100M): At distance of a stone’s throw is a large pool and by its side is the original temple of Renukaji which was built by an invading force of Gurkhas in 1814. The temple is called ‘The Math’ and houses a excellent image of Renuka Devi
Jamu Peak: The peak is above the lake and used to be a place for Rishi Jamadagini to meditate. Atop the peak is a small temple and this place offers an excellent view of the lake and surrounding area.
Mini Zoo: Adjacent to the lake is a zoo that you can boat across lake or drive to reach. The zoo has Asiatic lions, spotted deer, lion tailed macaques, ‘Nilgai’ Methuen, barking deer and Himalayan black bears.
Lion Safari: Adjoining the zoo, an armored 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 Mahaseer (river carp) may be done.
Renuka Sanctuary: This small Wildlife Sanctuary that harbors several species of deer like Chital, Sambhar and Barking Deer is spread in an area of 400 hectares of wood and grass.
Choordhar: Choordhar peak rises tall at 3,647 meters above sea level and is a trekking treat from Nahan walks. The enthusiasts have to cover a distance of 50km through Dadahu, Sangarh, Bhawai, Gandhuri and Nahura to reach atop the peak.
Tariff in the hotel:
Tariff at the ‘Hotel The Renuka’ of HPTDC are
Renuka Suite A/C (DBR)……..2400/-
DBR Cozy Deluxe A/C………..1800/-
DBR Deluxe………………..1500/-
DBR Regular……………….1100/-
Dormitory…………………150/- each bed
