Located at a distance of 38 kms from Nahan, Renuka Lake is the perfect place to visit for those who love nature and are looking for some solitude.
Unlike other lakes in the region, Renuka Lake is famous for its pristine beauty and surroundings. Renuka Lake is located in the Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 672 meters above sea level.
It is the largest natural lake in the region in Himachal Pradesh and covers a circumference of about 3214 m. Let us tell you that this lake is in the shape of a woman, so it is considered an idol of Goddess Renuka.
Apart from its cultural and religious importance, the lake offers breathtaking views to the tourists who reach the ridge of the lake after passing through dense alpine forests. Tourists can also do boating in Renuka Lake and can also see many fish and other aquatic creatures here.
Apart from this lake, there is another lake dedicated to Lord Parshuram, son of Renuka, which is present near Renuka lake.
Story and Religious Significance of Renuka Lake
It is believed that Renuka Lake is an incarnation of Renuka Devi, the mother of Lord Parashurama (one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu), who is the wife of sage Jamdagini. Residents often tell many stories about Renuka Lake.
According to legend, an evil demon named Sahasrarjuna killed the sage Jamdagini and tried to abduct his wife, the goddess Renuka. Renuka herself jumped into the lake to save herself from him.
Goddess Renuka decided to stay in the lake forever after several deities tried to bring her out. Renuka Lake was formed after the demise of Goddess Renuka.
Renuka Fair
Every year a festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm near Renuka Lake as the immortality of Goddess Renuka. A fair is held on the banks of this lake in October or November after the festival of Diwali. Saints from all over the country specially come to Renuka Lake to participate in this fair.
There is a pool situated on the banks of Renuka Lake which is dedicated to Lord Parshuram. During this festival many idols of Parshuram along with other deities are placed in decorated palanquins. After this these idols are bathed in the holy lake and then they are installed in the temple.
What to do near Renuka Lake
Renuka Lake is a great place to relax and enjoy the wonderful gifts of nature. There are many such tourist attractions near this lake, which will compel you to come here and make your trip memorable.
The most popular activity here is to take a walk around the lake and explore the slopes that are covered with a variety of vegetation and thick woods.
Tourists can enjoy exciting activities like boating and lion safari in Renuka Lake.
A temple is situated here which is dedicated to Goddess Renuka. According to legend, the entire temple was constructed overnight in the eighteenth century.
Parshuram Tal is just a two-minute drive from Renuka Lake. According to the Puranas, Renuka Tirtha is believed to be the birth place of Lord Parashurama. Parshuram Tal is a spectacular site surrounded by hills on all sides and is home to lots of fish and a few turtles.
While on a trip to Renuka Lake, do not miss to explore the famous attractions here. Jamu Peak, 8 km from Renuka Lake, offers excellent views of the lake from the top and Jatun Dam is also located just 5 km from here.
Apart from this, a zoo is also located at a distance of 2 kilometers from the lake where animals like Nilgai, Asiatic lion and Himalayan black bear can be seen.
Best Time to Visit Renuka Lake
If you are planning to visit Renuka Lake then let us tell you that the best time to visit here is from April to June and September to November.
Where to Stay Near Renuka Lake
There are a few hotels near Renuka Lake that you can choose to stay. The best option to stay during the trip is the HPTDC Hotel, which though not very well built but offers beautiful panoramic views of the nearby environs.
Apart from this, you can also choose from Writer’s Hill Resort to stay here, which is 8 kilometers away from Renuka Lake.
How To Reach Renuka Lake
Renuka Lake is situated at a distance of just 14 kms from Sirmaur town. Being the largest lake in Himachal, it is not difficult to reach Renuka Lake.
The lake is connected by road to many major cities. The lake is located at a distance of 315 km from Delhi and is easily accessible by road. Transport facilities are easily available to reach the lake.
How to Reach Renuka Lake by Air
If you want to travel to Sirmaur by air, then the nearest airport is in Chandigarh, which is 120 km away. This airport is well connected to all the major cities of India. Cars and taxis can be hired from the Chandigarh airport that will take you to Sirmaur.
How to Reach Renuka Lake By Train
For those traveling to Sirmaur by train, let us tell you that the nearest railway station to Renuka Lake is Barog Railway Station, which is located at a distance of 52 km from Sirmaur. Car rentals are easily available from here which will take you to Sirmaur.
How to Reach Renuka Lake by Road
You can also travel to Sirmour by road. The distance between Delhi and Sirmaur is 326 kms. You can easily rent a car or travel in your own car.
While traveling by road, you can enjoy picturesque natural beauty along the way. The distance between Shimla and Sirmaur is 154 kms which can be easily covered by hiring a car.
A bus is run from Shimla by the State Transport Department that will take you to Nahan, from where you will need to take a taxi to Sirmaur. You can reach Sirmaur by hiring a taxi from Solan. Nahan is about 106 km from Sirmaur.
Also read:
- Kasauli : You must not miss these Beautiful Places in and around Kasauli
- This Village of Himachal is Best to Visit in Winter, You will be Surprised to see its Scenic Beauty
- Most Haunted Temple of Himachal Pradesh
- Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh – Part one
- Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh – Part Two
