SIRMOUR

Himachal Pradesh is not only the land of snow and high mountains but also has lower hills known as Shivalik, where too the tourists can spend their vacations, see the wonders of nature like the big lakes, wild life parks/ sanctuaries and the fossil parks etc. One such area is district Sirmaur, where a triangle of 3 important tourist places namely Nahan, Renuka and Paonta Sahib, have attracted many tourists all round the year. The district headquarter of Sirmour is Nahan and has a pleasant climate throughout the year.

The Sirmaur district has the Shivalik hills in the south and the northern parts are made up of the forests and ravines of the first and second belt of the Himalayan ranges. The places here have man made lakes as well as natural ones, temples, tea gardens and ruins of ancient and not so ancient forts. This district connects the hills of Uttar Pradesh to the hills of Himachal.

Trilokpur is a place nearby that holds a fair, twice in a year, dedicated to the Goddess 'Bala Sundari'. The highest peak of the area is the 'Churdhan peak', which one can visit by passing through the villages of Dadahu, Sangrah, Bhawai, Gandhuri and Nahura. The Renuka Lake is a place of interest for the pilgrims as well as the general tourists and is the most beautiful lake of Himachal. Its shape is said to be that of a sleeping woman. In November, the Renuka Fair is held in honour of the mother of Parshu Ram i.e. Renuka Devi.

PRIME ATTRACTION

PILGRIMAGE
Nahan: Nahan a historic town pleasantly located on a ridge of Shivalik hills, has an outlook over green forests and valleys with the Churdhar Peak 3,647 meters dominating the scene. It is good base for short or long treks as well as to visit the other nearby places including Suketi Fossil Park. Nahan has three popular waking circuits, the Villa round, Hospital round and Military round, which are worth doing before starting any trek. The Chaugan a green ground is at the heart of the town, which has princely affliations cherished remains of the old royal capital, Sirmouri Tal in the form of sculpture are displayed at Circuit House. Nahan is also famous for its Bawan Dwadashi Festival, held every year in month of September.   more...

GURDWARAS
Paonta Sahib: It is a sacred city dedicated to the memory of Guru Gobind Singh the tenth Guru of Sikhs is situated on the right bank of river Yamuna and 45-km from Nahan on Nahan-Dehradun road. It is religious place for Sikhs with a Gurudwara. Paonta means, "foot" and the particular name has been derived after this because either the Guru set foot here or according to alternative story he lost his paonta or ring while taking bath in river Yamuna. It also said that the Yamuna flows without a ripple here because Guru calm down its turbulent water. Thousands of devotees throng here at the spring festivals of Holi and Baisakhi. Two Hindu temples are also situated over here, dedicated to Lord Rama and Lord Krishna.   more...

Bhangani: The exploits of Guru Gobind Singh are recalled again at the battlefield of Bhangani, 23-km from Paonta Sahib, where the Guru defeated the combined forces of twenty-two hill rulers, three of whom died fighting. Their wives, in grief, immolated themselves and monuments in Bhangani were raised to the dead rulers and their wives. Meanwhile, the victorious Sikhs found, they had further cause of jubilation in the timely birth of the Guru's first son. He was called, appropriately 'Ajit' meaning the 'invincible.'

OTHERS
Sirmuri Tal: Situated about 16-km northwest of Paonta Sahib on the river Giri, it is the site of ancient town of Sirmour. A legend surrounds the ruins of the old capital of the Rajas of Sirmuri Tal. It is said to have been detroyed by the curse of a court dancer when the king reneged on an oath to giver her half of his kingdom if she crossed the rivers gorge on a rope. This she did but the willy Raja offered her the entire kingdom if she could dance her way back. As she was half way across, he cut the rope hurling the helpless girl into the river. Floods followed which swept away the city, the raja and the royal house in fulfilment of the dancer's curse. So complete was her revenge that the kingdom was left without an heir until the king of Jaisalmer was invited to occupy the throne. The place has a haunting charm.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Chandigarh is nearest airport, which is 87-km from Nahan.
Rail: Ambala is the nearest Railhead 63-km from Nahan.
Road: Nahan is well connected by road. Regular buses and taxis available from Ambala and Chandigarh . Regular bus services linking it to the other towns like Manali , Delhi and Haridwar are also available.

PLACES TO STAY

One can find excellent accommodation options in any of the three major pilgrimage centres of Sirmour, Nahan, Paonta Sahib and Renuka. There are reasonable mid-range and budget accommodations available for pilgrims thoughout the year.

NEARBY CITIES

Nahan: 90-km
Paonta Sahib: 135-km
Renuka: 112-km
Simuri Tal: 128-km
Ambala: 153-km
Chandigarh : 177-km