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Hill Stations
In India
Renuka
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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