|
|
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nahan: 90-km
Paonta Sahib: 135-km
Renuka: 112-km
Simuri Tal: 128-km
Ambala: 153-km
Chandigarh : 177-km
){kind=link}