Nahan:

Nahan, the headquarters of Sirmaur district nestles on an isolated ridge of the Shivalik hills. In 1621, the town was established as the capital of Raja Karan Prakash and the name is said to be derived from two words “na” and “han” meaning invincible. The peaceful town is meaning invincible. The peaceful town is dotted with temples, gardens and an artificial lake. Nahan comes to life during the celebrations of Bawan Dwadshi held towards the end of rainy season. During this time fifty two idols of local gods are carried in a colorful procession to Jagannath temple, where they are floated ceremoniously in a pool and are restored at midnight to their niches.

Around Nahan:

Suketi Fassil Park (18 kms):

The Shivalik hills has one of the richest treasures of mammalian fossils dating back to Jurassic time (about 8.5 million years ago). The unique park is only one of its kind in Asia, is has been developed at the actual site where fossils were discovered. There are life size fibre glass models of pre-historic animals whose fossils were found here.

Ponta Shahib:

The sacred Sikh pilgrim centres 45 kms. from Nahan is set on the banks of river Yamuna. It is associated with Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru and the name ‘Paonta’ is derived from ‘paon’ of ‘foot’ as Guru Gobind Singh set his foot over here. The other legend suggests that Guru Gobind Singh lost his ornament – “paonta”, which he wore on his foot while bathing in Yamuna River over here.

Gurudwara Paonta Sahib:

The historic Gurudwara on the banks of Yamuna River is the site where Guru Gobind Singh stayed for over four years and wrote the major portion of the ‘Dassam Granth’. Within its precincts are – the Sri Tlan Asthan – Where the Guru gave salaries; Sri Dastar Asthan – turban tying competitions were held here; Kavi Darbar Asthan – place for poetic symposia. The museum here exhibits the pens of the Guru and the weapons of his time. There is also a memorial to Kalpi Rishi. Accourding to an interesting legend the Yamuna river passes by silently over here as the Guru had ordered her to flow calmly and not to disturb him.

Yamuna Temple:

The ancient shrine of goddess Yamuna is located behind the Gurudwara. Adjacent of the shrine is the Ma Yamuna Bal Park with statues of goddess Yamuna Mahatma Gandhi, J. L. Nehru and Dr. Y. S. Parmar. Nearby is a fine replica of the Sanchi Ashoka Pillar.

Around Paonta Sahib

Baba Garib Nath temple (8 kms):

The shrine amidst picturesque surroundings is revered by childless women.

Gurudwara Bhangani Sahib (23 kms):

It is built on the site where Guru Gobind Singh’s defeated Raja Fateh Sahib and allies in his first battle.

Gurudwara Tirgarh Sahib (22 kms):

It is built on a hillock and is said to be the site from where Guru Gobinb Singh Shot arrows at the enemy forces.

Simbalwara Wildlife Sanctuary (12 kms):

Rich and varied bird life

Sirmour (16 kms):

Relics of the old capital of Sirmour state.

Renuka:

This important pilgrim centre is 45 kms. from Nahan. It is associated with Parashuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who killed his mother on the orders of his father sage Jamdagni. An annual fair held here in November, celebrates the immortality of Renuka and her son.

Renuka Lake:

The sacred lake shaped like a sleeping women is one of the most beautiful and the largest lakes of the state. The placid lake with a circumference of 2.5 kms. is set amidst thickly wooded hills. A road is built around the lake and a number of shrines dot its embankments. Boating facilities are available but fishing is prohibited.

Gayatri Temple:

The temple on the left bank of the Renuka lake is dedicated to Ma Gayatri, the mother of Vedas and the treasure of Hindu wisdom. It enshrines a 1.60 metre high Panch Mukhi Ma Gayatri marble statue, marble idols of Ganapati, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma and Lord Indra.

Parashuram Tal & Renuka Temple:

The large pool near the Renuka lake has a shrine of Renuka Ji. It was built by the invading farces of the Gorkhas in 19th century and is said to be the original temple of Renuka Ji.

Mini Zoo (2 kms):

It is located across the lake and houses Asiatic lions, spotted deer, lion tailed macaques, nilgai, barking deers and Himalayan black bears etc.

Around Renuka

Renuka Sanctuary:

It covers an area of about 30 sq. kms. near the banks of Renuka lake and can be reached via Dadahu village. The animals seen here are Asiatic lion, black bear, barking deer, goral, jackal and leopard etc. Rich variety of bird life and fishes are also found here.

Churdhar Peak

The snow clad peak rising to a height of 3647 metres dominates the entire region. A delight for trekkers can be reached via Dadahu, Sangarh, Bhawal, Gandhuri and Nauhra. The peak affords panoramic view of Chakrata and Shimla.

HOW TO REACH

By Air: Nearest airport for Nahan is Chandigarh or Shimla.

By Rail: The nearest rail head is at Kalka, Chandigarh and Ambala.

By Road: Well connected by raod.