The Renuka lake is surrounded by lush green forests supporting a variety of animal and bird life. Renuka lake is in the sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh in India and it is 672 m above the sea level. It is the largest lake in Himachal Pradesh, with a circumference of about 3214 m. This lake was named after the goddess Renuka. It is well connected by the road. Boating is available on the lake. A lion safari and a zoo are there at Renuka. It is the site of an annual fair held in November. It is designated as Ramsar site since November 2005. Renuka was the mother of Parshuram. Renuka lake is not only an idyllic holiday resort but also revered pilgrim centre. Legend has it that Parshuram Tal, which appears shaped in the profile of a sleeping lady, was created to mark the immortality of Renuka, the wife of Rishi Jamdagni. It is believed that Rishi Jamdagni unhappy with his wife Renuka, ordered his son Parshuram to behead her. The son obeyed his father’s wish, Pleased at Parshuram’s loyalty the Rishi granted his son a wish and Parshuram asked for the restoration of his mother to life. The reunion of mother and son is celebrated at the annual Renuka fair in the month of November.
The Math :- The main temple at Renuka ‘The Math’ was constructed by the invading Gurkhas in 1814. The temple houses an excellent image of Renuka Devi, Parshuram’s mother.
Mini Zoo :- A small zoological park on the banks on the Renuka lake has good collection of the local fauna. You can boat across the lake or drive to this zoo, which has Asiatic lions, spotted deer, lion tailed macaques, ‘Nilgai’ Methuen, barking deer and Himalayan black bears.
Renuka Sanctuary :- Another attraction in Renuka is Wild Life Sanctuary at a distance of about 42 km. from Nahan approachable by motorable road. The nearest point of getting to the sanctuary is Dadahu which is served by regular daily bus service.
Choordhar :- Dominating the entire landscape of fields, forests and ravines is the Choordhar peak, which rises to 3,647 meters above sea level and is a trekking treat from Nahan walks. Approached by way of Dadahu, Sangrah, Bhawai, Gandhuri and Nahura it is a 50 km. trek. a less taxing journey is by taxi or car to Nahura and thereafter a walk of 16 km. The climb is difficult but rewarding. The peak affords a fine view southwards of the Gangetic plains and the Satlu river, Northward lies Badrinath, the well known Hindu pilgrim centre; also seen are the hills of Chakrata and Shimla, the state’s capital city. An alternative way to Choordhar is through Rajgarh which is in the midst of orchard country.