Renuka Lake is the largest lake in Himachal Pradesh which is also known for being located in a surreal ambiance with lush greenery at the banks of it. Locals and tourists from across the country visit the lake to enjoy the lush green landscape, the backdrop of mountains, and the tranquillity in the air. Apart from the utter serenity at the edgy banks of Renuka Lake, you will get to hear many mystical mythological stories attached to the lake by the locals. The Renuka Lake is located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India, and is surrounded by dense forest which offers a healing hue to the environment.
If you want to explore this fascinating place to the fullest, then you must plan an early visit in the summer. The weather is quite pleasant during this time and apt for traveling. In case you are looking for exact months to travel to this beautiful place, then visiting during March-May would be great.
History of Renuka Lake
Renuka lake is situated 670 meters above sea level. Locals claim that the lake is named after the mother of Lord Parshuram who was the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. As per a popular local legend, once a devil named Sahasarjuna defeated and killed Jamadagini, Renuka’s husband. After killing Renuka’s husband, the devil tried to abduct her and in order to escape from him, Renuka jumped into the lake which is how the lake got its name.
Today, Renuka lake is a popular vacation spot for tourists and a famous picnic spot for the locals. The lake is surrounded by many beautiful destinations that are worth exploring such as Renuka Temple, a zoological park, and a sanctuary. Apart from that a lot of adventure sports are also there for the entertainment of visitors.
Places To Visit Near Renuka Lake
Renuka Lake is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Here's the list of things to do and tourist places near Renuka lake.
1. Renuka Fair
The Renuka Fair at the Renuka Lake is an annual 5-day event that celebrates the arrival of Lord Parshuram. The fair is organized on an international level and is visited by people from across the country. Renuka fair is celebrated on the eve of Prabodhini Ekadashi and it is believed that it was the time when Lord Parshuram first met her mother. The event is marked by many cultural programs, performances by musicians and dancers, a grand procession and much more.
2. Mini Zoo and Renuka Sanctuary
Mini Zoo is a zoological park around Renuka Lake. The zoo comprises a great variety of local and unique species of flora. The park is situated amid a serene and beautiful backdrop which is unforgettable! Renuka Sanctuary is another nearby attraction that is worth visiting for its natural beauty and wildlife. Spread in 400 hectares, the sanctuary is home to sambhar, barking deer, chital, and lions.
3. Boating
Riding the boat is one of the most enjoyable activities on the lake. Boating is an amazing way to explore and capture the beauty of the place. The banks of the lake have a number of boats that can be hired and snack stalls where one can have a sip of hot tea and relish hot and spicy Maggi.
4. Lion Safari
If you are an adventure enthusiast, then you would definitely love to go on a lion safari. Renuka Sanctuary is where you have to be for a rendezvous with a lion. Tourists can enjoy the lion safari and meet these mysterious creatures of the sanctuary in their natural habitat.
How to Reach Renuka Lake
Renuka Lake is located at a distance of about 262, 1,575, 1,560, 2,261 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here are the ways to travel here via public transportation.
By Air
Chandigarh International Airport is the nearest airport to Renuka Lake. The airport receives direct and frequent flights from across the country, hence finding flights at cheaper price and for any specific date will not be a problem. The airport is nearly 130km away from the lake, and this distance can be covered in approximately 3 and a half hours by any mode of local transport such as a taxi or a bus.
By Rail
The nearest railway stations to Renuka lake are Chandigarh railway station and Kalka railway station. Chandigarh station is approx. 120km while Kalka station is 130km away from the lake. Both the stations provide frequent train services from all parts of the county and metro cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Patna, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur.
By Road
Road trips are best to explore a place to the fullest. With your own vehicle by your side, you can take the less-travelled roads, take halts at roadside farms, dhabas, and villages. Tourists may take inter-state buses to reach Himachal Pradesh or may take their own car/bike. In both cases, one has to cover a distance of nearly 300, 1,700, 1,700 and 2,400km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
