REnuka LakE

Renuka lake is situated in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh and it is 672 meters above sea level. It is at a distance of 123 km from Parwanoo and 38 km from Nahan.

Renuka lake is a perennial water body fed by 21 stream. It is the largest lake in Himachal with a circumference of about 3214 meters.

A five day long international Shri Renukaji fair begins on the eve of Prabodhini ekadashi generally in the month of October – November. The fair celebrates the arrival of Lord Parshuram to meet his mother. Renuka fair is a major attraction and hence gets crowded at this time. If you are looking for a peaceful sojourn its best to avoid these months.

Legend of Renukaji

According to the Puranas, the Renuka tirth is considered as the birth place of Lord Parshuram, the 6^th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Maharishi Jamdagni and his wife Bhagwati Renuka had meditated on this hill and their son was born who they named Ram. He received a divine weapon Parshu from Lord Shiva, hence the name Parshuram.

The legend says, that an asur named Sahasarjun killed rishi Jamdagni to take kamdhenu cow from him. He then wanted to abduct Renuka who jumped into the lake and the lake assumed her form.

Lotus blooms

Boating at lake

Renuka ji temple

Places to visit

Mini zoo and sanctuary

The zoo was opened in 1983 amidst a beautiful back drop. It comprises of a variety of local and unique species of flora. The sanctuary is situated nearby and spread over 400 hectares. If you are lucky, you can spot sambhar, barking deer and chitals.

Suketi Fossil Park

 Suketi Fossil Park is located approximately 20 km from Renuka Lake. The park is spread over an area of 21 hectares and is home to a variety of fossils that date back to the Shivalik period, which is believed to be around 2.5 million years ago. It is Asia’s oldest fossil park.

The park was established in 1974 to conserve the fossils and educate people about the prehistoric era. The fossils found in the park include teeth, tusks, bones, and skeletons of various animals like the Sivatherium, a giraffe-like animal, and the Stegodon, an elephant-like animal. Some of the fossils found in the park are believed to be around 8 million years old.

The park has a museum that displays some of the fossils found in the area, along with information about the prehistoric era. The museum also has a replica of a stegodon skeleton, which is a major attraction for visitors.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the park, which is conducted by the park authorities. The tour provides information about the fossils, the history of the area, and the conservation efforts undertaken by the park authorities.

Overall, Suketi Fossil Park is a unique and interesting place to visit, especially for those interested in paleontology and the prehistoric era.

Jamu Peak Trek

 The trek starts from Renuka Lake.It is a moderate level trek that takes you through beautiful forests, lush green meadows, and scenic landscapes. The trek route is approximately 10 kilometers long and takes about 6-7 hours to complete. The peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks. Jamu peak lies at an elevation of 3600 meters and it is a steep climb.

The best time to do the Jamu Peak trek is from March to June and from September to November. It’s important to carry proper trekking gear, including sturdy shoes, warm clothes, a raincoat, and a backpack. It’s also recommended to hire a local guide for the trek.

There is an HPTDC hotel in Renuka which you must pre-book. The place does not have many eating joints as such though the hotel has a restaurant. There are dhabas in the village but that is far.

A very calm, peaceful and idyllic place to rejuvenate. Sunsets here are beautiful and picturesque.

This post is part of    #BlogchatterA2Z 2023 . You can read previous posts here A B C D

© Deepika