Sirmaur – The Hidden Gem of Himachal Pradesh
Sirmaur is quite beautiful, majorly due to its terrific natural beauty. It is, actually, one of the best locales to explore in Himachal Pradesh. The lush greenery and the edgy landscapes, along with the mysterious mountains and the tranquil roads form striking geographical features of Sirmaur.
The beautiful nature here leaves you speechless with a serene feeling within and at the same time craving for more. However, while the lakes around this place offer a very soothing atmosphere, you really cannot afford to miss the divine temples along with the mystical stories associated with the place as well.
There is no reason not to visit this place - the scenic hills, natural beauty, the lakes, the hospitable people all make this place worth visiting and exploring.
History of Sirmaur
Sirmaur was initially an independent kingdom of India and is believed to be founded in the 1090s by Raja Rasaloo of Jaisalmer. Apparently, this place was named after one of the ancestors of the King who also had the same name, that is, Sirmaur.
During the British Raj, Sirmaur also became an 11-Gun-Salute princely state of British India, it was also known as Nahan after its main city.
Places To Visit in Sirmaur
Sirmaur is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Here's the list of the tourist places to explore in Sirmaur.
1. Renuka Lake
It is one of the most tranquil places to explore and there are many mythological stories associated with it. For instance, this is the very place that is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Parshuram. It is also believed that Maharishi Jamdagni along with his beloved wife Bhagwati Renuka Ji used to do penance here. And while you treat yourself with such stories, at the same time, you also cannot miss the beautiful greenery and mountains.
2. Jagannath Temple
Built by King Chodaganga, the Jagannath temple is considered one of the most divine temples of Himachal Pradesh. Sawan Dwadashi is also one of the major festivals which is celebrated in the temple.
3. Dhaula Kuan
The name of this place literally translates into the white wall. This place refers to an ancient water well situated in an area where there is white sand. It is speculated that this well was constructed by none other than Shah Alam II.
4. Haripur Dhar
Haripur Dhar mountain is one of the mystical mountains consisting of the temple of Maa Bhangayani on the hilltop. If adventure is what you really seek then you shouldn't miss out on this opportunity.
5. Nahan
This place lets you roam around the lush green forest named Nahan and it was founded by Raja Karna Prakash during the 16th century. Right from offering mind-boggling scenery to lush scenic views, this place is actually quite great for trekking.
Things to Do in Sirmaur
- Trek to Churdhar Peak
- Visit Renuka Lake and Temple
- Explore Nahan’s Colonial Charm
- Experience Spirituality at Paonta Sahib
- Enjoy Orchard Tourism in Rajgarh
- Wildlife Spotting at Simbalbara National Park
- Discover the Fossil Parks
Best Time to Visit Sirmaur
- March to June – Pleasant weather for trekking, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.
- July to September – Monsoon brings lush greenery, perfect for nature lovers.
- October to February – Cold weather, ideal for snow lovers and peaceful retreats.
How to Reach Sirmaur
There is every reason to not miss out on Sirmaur in Himachal Pradesh. It is a beautiful destination which promises you loads of fun. Sirmaur is located at an approximate distance of 250, 2,419, 1,766, and 1,686 km from Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Mumbai respectively. Here is how you can travel to Sirmaur.
By Air
The nearest airports to Sirmaur are Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, and Chandigarh Airport. It is suggested to take connecting flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to reach here. After reaching the airport, you can take a bus or book a cab to reach the Sirmaur district.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Sirmaur
By Rail
The best options to travel via train to Sirmaur district are Chandigarh and Ambala Railway Stations, Solan Railway Station, and Barog Railway Station. These stations connect Siramur with other Indian cities. You can consider deboarding at one of them at your convenience. After deboarding the train, you would need to take some means of transportation to travel further and reach your destination.
By Road
Sirmaur can also be traveled via road from nearby Indian cities. It is fairly well-connected by motorable roads and national highways. You can consider booking a private or interstate bus or hire a cab. However, if you want to travel at your own pace, then, the best option would be to self-drive.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sirmaur
Q: What are the major tourist attractions in Sirmaur?
A: Sirmaur is home to many tourist attractions, including the Renuka Lake, the Trilokpur Temple, the Paonta Sahib Gurudwara, the Bhangani Fort, and the Nahan Palace.
Q: Can I visit Sirmaur as a weekend getaway from Delhi or Chandigarh?
A: Yes! Sirmaur is about 5-6 hours from Delhi and 2-3 hours from Chandigarh, making it a perfect weekend destination.
Q: How many days are required to explore Sirmaur?
A: A 2 to 3-day trip is enough to explore Nahan, Renuka Lake, Churdhar, and Paonta Sahib. For trekking and offbeat locations, 4 to 5 days are recommended.
Q: Is there snowfall in Sirmaur?
A: Yes, Churdhar Peak and Haripur Dhar receive heavy snowfall in winter (December to February).
