The
enchanting Renuka Lake, in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh,
at an altitude of 672 m above sea level Renuka is a sacred place
that attracts tourists and pilgrims alike in Himachal Pradesh. Iis
believed to be the embodiment of Renukaji, sage Jamadagini's wife
and the mother of Parshurama - one of the ten `avatars' of Lord
Vishnu. Acoording to a local legend, when the evil Sahasarjuna killed
sage Jamadagini and attempted to abduct the latter's wife, Renuka,
she threw herself into these waters. The gods brought her back to
life, and consequently, this lake is considered to be her embodiment.
Shaped
like a sleeping woman, the lake is the largest in the entire state.
This tranquil water body is fed by underground springs, and the
lush forest cover embracing it, houses many a species of flora and
fauna. Apart from the haunting natural beauty of this area, Renukaji
also offers boating and trekking facilities to the adventurous at
heart.
Renuka(Sight
Seeing)
Renuka
Lake
The
Renuka Lake is a major landmark in the hill resort of Renuka. The
Renuka ji Lake boasts of being the largest natural lake in Himachal
Pradesh and is dedicated to Goddess Renuka. Close by is another
lake of Parshuram,
Parashurama
Tal and Renuka Temple: Located at the base of the Renuka Lake is
the Parashurama Tal, a massive pool embodying, it is believed, Parashurama,
who desired to spend eternity at his mother's feet. Mother and son
are reunited every year at the great Renuka Fair, held on banks
of the lake, in the month of November.The original temple of Renukaji,
is said to have been built overnight by a contingent of Gurkhas
in the early 19th century.
Jamu
Peak: Just above the revered lake, is the Jamu Peak,
where Rishi Jamadagini is believed to have meditated. There is a
temple at the spot, which offers a fantastic bird's eyeview of the
surroundings.
Mini
Zoo: Around the lake is a small zoo that has Asiatic
lions, spotted deer, Himalayan black bears, barking deer and other
species.
Lion
Safari: Directly adjacent to the zoo is the Lion
Safari, a large enclosure. An armoured van is the preferred means
of observing these big cats, from a close range.
Excursion
60 km from Renuka is the historic gurudwara of Poanta Sahib on the
banks of the river Yamuna. The tenth Sikh guru, guru Gobind Singh
lived here for four and a halfyrs & also fought his first battle
at nearby Bhangani.
Weather
Renuka
is an ideal hill resort that experience pleasant weather in the
summer months. Though in the winter months the temperatures drop
drastically.
Renuka (How
To Get there)
By
air: The nearest airports are at Chandigarh (95
km), and Dehradun(126 km).
By
rail: The nearest railheads are at Ambala (95 km),
Dehradun, and Chandigarh.
By
road: Renukaji is 335 km from Delhi. Taxis/buses
are available for Renukaji at all places.
Renuka
( Where to Stay)
There
are ample accommodation options available in Renuka. There are the
deluxe hotels, standard hotels as well as the economy hotels to
cater to the accommodation needs of the tourists to Renuka. Other
options like the resorts and forest rest houses are also available
at Renuka. The Himachal Pradesh Tourist development Corporation
also caters to the needs of the tourists.
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