Sirmaur Himachal Pradesh

Nahan

The first in the triangle is the town of Nahan situated on an isolated ridge in the Shiwalik hills, overlooking greenfields. Nahan is a well laid-out picturesque town, known for its cleanliness and dust free streets. Saint and princes are linked with the origin of Nahan. The city was founded as a capital by Raja Karan Prakash in 1621. Another version recalls a saint who lived with a companionable Nahar on the site where the Nahan palace now stands "Nahar" means a Lion and probably the town takes its name from this saint. Nahan situated at an altitude of 932 meters, is a good base for visits to the surrounding areas viz. Renuka, Paonta Sahib, Trilokpur temple and the Suketi Fossil Park. It has a pleasant climate throughout the year and is watered by man made lake and decorated with temples and gardens. It is headquarter of Sirmaur district.

Tourisum

Nahan Town he gentle level walks of Villa Round, Military Round and Hospital Round are evocative of the city's past. The hub of Nahan's activities is Chaugan, Bikram Bagh and Khadar-Ka-Bagh. Gift shops, Rosin & Turpine factory and local temples are among the other major attractions. In the heart of Nahan town is Rani Tal, where a large temple and a tank from the days of ex-rulers of Sirmaur state can be seen. Ducks and cranes are seen playing in the Ranital Tank, and Ranital Garden further adds to the charm.

Suketi Fossil Park displays life size fiberglass models of pre-historic animals whose fossil, skeletons were unearthed here. The park is first of its kind in Asia to be developed at the actual site where fossils were discovered. At a distance of 21-kms from Nahan, the Suketi Fossil Park is located on the bank of Markanda River and is approachable by a link road 4-kms from Kalka-Ambala highway from Haryana. Located on upper and middle Shiwaliks, consisting mainly of soft sandstone and clay rocks, the park at present has six sets of life-size models of Stegodonganesa Sivatherium, Hexaprotodon-Sivalensis, Colosschelys Atlas, Paramachaerdus and Crocodilia, the animals which once thrived in the region.

Trilokpur Temple, Raja Dip Prakash built it in 1573 and is situated at a distance of 23-kms from Nahan and 6-kms from Kalka-Ambala highway, the gateway to Nahan from Haryana. Trilokpur is a place of great religious importance. The temple of the goddess Mahamaya Bala Sundri is very famous and attracts lakhs of pilgrims from all over northern India, especially from Haryana and Himachal. A fair is held twice an year during the Navratras in April and October when a large number of devotees visit this temple and pay their respects to the goddess.

Dhaula Kuan on the road to Paonta Sahib 20 kms. from Nahan, it is worth while to stop and see a sprawling orchard consisting of citrus plants and mangoes and a fruit canning factory of various kinds of juices, jams, pickles and canned fruits. A little away from Dhaula Kuan is Kastasan Devi temple where Raja Jagat Singh defeated the advancing army of Rulam Quadir Rohilla in a great battle. Their victory is commemorated in the Devi Temple, built in gratitude by the Raja. Dhaula Kuan also has a research station of HP KVV where useful research on tropical fruits is carried out.

Giri Nagar situated at a distance of 7 kms. from Dhaula Kuan, this town has a power house of 60 MW capacity constructed after diverting the Giri River through a 6 kms. tunnel.

Paonta Sahib

Paonta Sahib is situated on the bank of the river Yamuna. The second in the triangle is Paonta Sahib. It is one of the important places for the Sikhs. There is a Gurudwara dedicated to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Sigh, who spent five years here. The story goes that the place acquired its name after the Guru lost an ornament which he wore on his foot called "Paonta" while bathing in the Yamuna river. It retains tangible memories of Guru Gobind Singh in the form of his weapons and a majestic Gurudwara. It recalls his presence even in the name of the city which is derived from Paonta meaning "foot", either because he set foot on this place. Paonta to Renuka is one arm of the triangle. The road passes through Sataun and follows the Giri River along the beautiful scenery. Paonta Sahib is a bustling township with growing industries. 

Legend surrounds the ruins of the old capital of the Raja. Sirmouri Tal, not very far from Paonta Sahib was destroyed by the curse of a court dancer when the Raja went back on an oath to give half of this kingdom in case she crossed a narrow gorge on a rope. This, she did but the wily Raja then offered her the entire kingdom if she could dance her way back. She started back but as she was half way across, he cut the rope hurling the helpless girl into the stream. Floods followed which swept away the city, the Raja and the royal house, as a result of dancer's curse. Vishawkarma temple and few other Hindu temples are also located in Paonta Sahib. The water of river Yamuna is being dammed down stream of Paonta which will soon have a water reservoir where water sports will be organised.

Tourism
Gurudwara has been built on the bank of the river Yamuna on the spot where Guru Govind Singh dismounted from his horse after arriving at Paonta, the shrine is an architectural marvel.

Old Temples - Other places of interest around Paonta Sahib are the Patanjali Jyotirlinga Temple, said to have been worshipped by Maharishi Patanjali, a disciple of Maharishi Vyas-the author of epic Mahbharat. Shiva temple at Shivpuri (8 kms.), Bhadarkali temple and Tirgarhi gurudwaras at Bhagani and Gangvaha Tirth across the Yamuna where Gangaji crossed over the Yamuna bank to please Rishi Gautam, the husband of the legendary Sati Ahilya. On The Himachal side of the Yamuna Bank near Gangavaha Tirth is Rampur Ghat, which legend associates with the crossing of river Yamuna by Lord Ram on a boat.

Sahastra Dhara is a confluence of river Yamuna and Tong (Tamsa). This is a beautiful place and a paradise for tourists. Nearby is village Kalsi (now in Uttar Pradesh) 25 km. from Paonta, which was the old capital of Sirmaur. At this place there is 'Ashokan Rock Edict' which is worth a visit. The Ashoka pillar which stood here was removed to Delhi by one of the Muslim Rulers of the Sultanat period.

Khodri Dak Pathar is 25 kms. from Paonta. There is a beautiful park, a swimming pool and a tourist bungalow. At this place the torrential river Yamuna has been tamed into an artificial lake. While going from Paonta to Khodri one will be delighted to have the canal side drive. Chhibran power house is a unique sight to see as the entire structure has been built underground.

Kafota (42 kms.) from Paonta Sahib on Jagadhari-Markanda road, is village Kafota which has a salubrious climate and hold potential for picnic. 18 kms. from Paonta Sahib is Rajban Cement Factory. A few kms. from Rajban is Kamrau, the biggest village of Sirmaur district known for rich lime stone quarries. At this place there is a Tilordhar Tibetan Colony with its Buddisht monastery, but the most beautiful one is at Purnwala on way to Bhajain. The Tibetan presence here has resulted in beautiful Tibetan artifacts especially carpets being manufactured for marketing.

How To Reach Paonta Sahib

By Road: Paonta Sahib is easily approachable from Nahan (45 kms.) and there is regular bus service connecting the places. One can also come from other route by bus or car/taxi connecting Dehra Dun (45 kms.), Haridwar (117 kms.) and Shimla (180 kms.).

Renukaji

Lies in district Sirmaur, the third point of this triangle is the sacred and picturesque lake of Renuka, 45 kms. from Nahan. The Renuka lake is surrounded by lush green forests supporting a variety of animal and bird life. Renuka lake is not only an idyllic holiday resort but also revered Pilgrim centre. It is 123 km from Parwanoo, 60 km from Paonta Sahib and 37 km from Nahan. With a circumference of 3214 m, Renuka lake is the largest natural lake in Himachal. It is shaped like a sleeping women. Renuka was killed by her own son, the legendary Parsu Ram, in obedience to the orders of his father - the sage Jamadagni. After the deed was done, lake Renuka was formed surrounded by stepped fields of golden corn. Today the myth is brought to the fore when, each year in November, a fair is held to celebrate the immortality of Renuka and her son. People take bath in this holy lake symbolizing the body of the mother.

Tourism

Tourism in Renuka offers the great wetland of Himachal, Wild Life Sanctuary, Mini Zoo, Lion Safari. Renuka Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Himachal and because of its proximity to the plains of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, it is a big attraction to the tourists from these areas. Because of its majestic look, clear water, rich forests and wild life, tourism in Renuka has found a place in the National Tourism Map. The religious and cultural importance of this place also attracts many tourists during annual Renuka Festival which is celebrated 10 days after Diwali. Tourism in Renuka is also ideal for those who are interested in wild life. They can have a close encounter with the wild life not only in Mini Zoo and a Lion Safari maintained by forest department but also in wilderness.

The Math is a main temple at Renuka 'The Math' was constructed by the invading Gurkhas in 1814. The temple houses an excellent image of Renuka Devi.

Wild Life Park around Renuka lake there is a Wild Life Park which has a number of Sambhar, Chital, Barking Deer and Hob Deer. These animals can be seen from the machans erected at the head of grassy glade early in the morning and late in the evening. Lions can also be seen from a closed jeep.

Gayatri Temple is on the left bank of the Renuka Lake there are three Ashrams run by Sadhus and these have inns to accommodate pilgrims visiting this sacred lake. Gayatri temple has a 1.60 meter high Panch Mukhi Ma Gayatri marble statue, marble idols of Ganpati, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma and Lord Indra have also been installed here. This temple is dedicated to Sri Ma Gayatri the mother of Vedas, the treasure of Hindu wisdom.
Renuka Sanctuary spreads over 400 hectares of wood and grass land surrounding the sacred and picturesque Renuka Lake, this Wildlife Sanctuary despite its small size, harbours several species of deer like Chital, Sambhar and Deer. The threatened Kaleej pheasant and the more common Red jungle fowl are also found here. The Renuka Lake and temple attract pilgrims from far and near. An added attraction is the lion safari. The sanctuary can be visited all the year round and is easily approachable from Chandigarh or Dehradun.

Choordhar dominating the entire landscape of fields, forests and ravines is the Choordhar peak, which rises to 3647 meters and is a trekkers treat from Nahan and Renuka. Approached by way of Dadahu, Sangrah, Bhawal, Gandhuri and Nauhra, it is a 50 kms trek. A less taxing journey is by taxi or car to Nauhra and thereafter a walk of 16 kms. The climb is difficult but rewarding. The peak offers a fine view in south of the Gangetic plains and the Satluj River and towards north the Badrinath, a well known Hindu pilgrim centre. Also seen are the hills of Chakrata and Shimla from the top. An alternative route to Choordhar is through Rajgarh an orchard country.

How To Reach Renukaji

By Road: Renukaji is easily approachable by road from Nahan (45 kms). There is a regular bus service connecting other places too.