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SOUTH HIMACHAL | |
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Chail | Kasauli | Kufri | Manali | Shimla | Around Shimla | Others |This part of Himachal is lesser known to most tourists and mainly consists of the lower Shiwaliks with dense forests, large lakes and smaller river systems.Renuka, Nahan and Paonta Sahib are three main centers of the circuit lying quiet close to each other and forming a triangle, this makes it easy to cover all three at a go by staying at one place.
General Info
Renuka 670m
Nahan 930m
Paonta 600m
Climate : Warm in summers and cool in winters. Nahan is coolest of the
three because of it's altitude.
How to reach
Starting from Delhi one can first reach Nahan or Renuka and then follow the circuit from there. For reaching Nahan follow the NH1 (see Shimla route) and turn right just before Ambala at Shazadpur to reach via Naraingarh and KalaAmb(55km) . For Paonta Sahib turn right at Pipli ( near Kurukshetra) to reach via Yamunanagar, Jagadhari and Kalesar. The route goes thru dense forests of protected Kalesar reserve and the drive is a treat , if you watch out you may see some wildlife on the move especially lots of monkeys. TIP Take the flyover for crossing the railway line at Yamunanagar or you will be struck at he railway crossing and also waste time going thru the old bazar. TIPOn the way to Paonta you can stop at the Hathnikund Barrage on the River Yamuna for a picnic ,eatables or boating and other water sports and river rafting or the Tajewala barrage.
Distances : Nahan-Paonta 45km, Renuka-Nahan 35km, Renuka-Paonta 35km. Delhi-Nahan 250km. Delhi-Paonta 260km.
What to see
A lake, a river, wildlife and mountains to boot, do you want any more from mother nature. Named after goddess Renuka ji this place has it all. The lake the largest in Himachal on which the place is named has temples dedicated to goddess Renuka and son Parsuram. A mini zoo with lion safari close to the lake. Angling oppurtunities available at river Jataun. Walks around the lake parameter.
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Renuka Wild Life Sanctuary is at a short distance with animals like Asiatic Lion, Barking Deer, Leopard may be seen along with many birds. Feeding the fishes and turtles at the lake is also a unique experience. No non-veg or alcohol is allowed in the lake complex.
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Where to stay Hotel Devicos
NAHAN
Built in interlocking circles the town is a cantonment area with green fields dust free atmosphere and clean roads. It's a small town with a laid back attitude. Rani Tal at the center of the town with a water tank, a temple and a garden is worth having a look. A festival at the end of monsoon is an attraction where idols from various city temples are carried out in a procession to the Jagannath temple for bathing them, something like the Kullu festival.
TIP Another interesting site one can visit on the way to Nahan is the Suketi Fossil Park. Coming from Kala Amb go straight instead of turning left at the Himachal border toll bridge, it is about 5km from here but the road is nothing to write home about. The Park houses fossils of pre historic animals dating back 8.5 million years to the Jurrasic era, which were found at the site. There are also life size models of the same animals set in a jungle like atmosphere. A good show especially for the kids.
On the way to Paonta from Nahan one can stop at Dhaula Kuan a sprawling fruit orchard with citrus and mango trees and a fruit canning factory.
Where to stay Grand View Resort, Nahan
Paonta lying at the banks of river Yamuna derives it,s name from 'foot' or paonta of the tenth Sikh guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh who set foot here and wrote part of the Dassam Granth. There are various gurudwaras including the most sacred one where the tenth Guru had stayed.
Four km from Paonta lies the Asan Barrage on the Yamuna where boating and water sports facilities like kayaking etc.are available. The place has a mild climate and also a great place for bird watchers with great sightings of water birds. Refreshments are also available along with lodging faclities.