Renuka lake: a sacred lake in the green hills of Sirmaur
Himachal’s largest natural lake lies low in the forested Sirmaur hills, ringed by temples and a wildlife park — an easy, warm-weather trip from Chandigarh, Dehradun or Delhi, and the scene of a big fair every November.
- Largest natural lake in Himachal
- ~670 m altitude
- ~38 km from Nahan
- Oct–Mar best months
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh, CC BY-SA 4.0
Updated November 2026 · HP Tourism registered travel agent · Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022 · certificates
Renuka lake is the largest natural lake in Himachal Pradesh, at about 670 m in Sirmaur district, roughly 38 km from Nahan. Its long, curving shape is said to resemble a reclining woman, and it is named after Renuka, mother of Lord Parshuram; the Renuka Ji and Parshuram temples stand on its banks beside the smaller Parshuram tal. A big Renuka Ji fair is held here each year in November, a few days after Diwali. You can walk round the lake, take a boat and visit the small wildlife park. As it is low and warm, the best time is October to March; summers are hot. Renuka is about 130 km from Chandigarh and about 100 km from Dehradun.
- AltitudeAbout 670 m — warm in summer, mild in winter.
- DistancesNahan ~38 km; Chandigarh ~130 km; Dehradun ~100 km; Paonta Sahib ~60 km.
- FairRenuka Ji fair in November, around Kartik Ekadashi (after Diwali).
- Things to doTemples, lake walk, boating, wildlife park.
- Best monthsOctober – March.
Things to do at Renuka lake
The Renuka Ji temple and the Parshuram temple are the heart of the site; legend says Parshuram’s mother Renuka took the form of the lake, and that Parshuram comes to meet her each year at the time of the fair. A path runs round the lake through the trees — about an hour’s easy walk — and pedal boats are usually available.
The lake is surrounded by the Renuka Ji wildlife sanctuary, with a small zoo and lion safari area near the lake. Birdwatchers will find kingfishers, herons and many forest birds, and lotus covers parts of the water in late summer.
Best time to visit Renuka lake
Renuka is much lower and warmer than Himachal’s hill stations.
| Season | Weather | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| October – November | Pleasant days, cool nights | Renuka Ji fair in November; busy for the fair |
| December – February | Mild days, cold nights | Quiet, clear; good for walks and birds |
| March | Warm | Pleasant mornings and evenings |
| April – June | Hot (often above 35 °C) | Go early in the day |
| July – September | Monsoon | Very green; humid and wet |
How to reach Renuka lake
From Chandigarh, drive via Panchkula, Kala Amb and Nahan (about 130 km, 3.5–4 hours). From Dehradun, go via Paonta Sahib (about 100 km). From Delhi it is about 280 km via Yamunanagar and Nahan. The nearest railway stations are Kala Amb, Ambala and Dehradun; the nearest airports are Chandigarh and Dehradun. Distances to the rest of Himachal: Himachal distance chart.
Nahan, Sirmaur’s old capital on a ridge at about 930 m, makes a good overnight stop with its bazaar, old tanks and the Jaitak fort viewpoint nearby. Paonta Sahib, on the Yamuna, has an important gurdwara linked with Guru Gobind Singh.
Renuka lake in pictures
The lake and its temples, Parshuram tal and the lotus on the water — real photographs, each credited to its photographer.
Around Sirmaur
Combine Renuka with these.
Nahan
Sirmaur’s old capital on a ridge.
Paonta Sahib
Gurdwara on the Yamuna.
Trips we plan in Himachal
Hotels, meals and a private car — one written quote.
Planning Renuka lake or Sirmaur?
Tell us your dates and group. We plan Renuka with Nahan, Paonta Sahib or the hills beyond and send one written quote with hotel, meals and a private car. Suzu Travels is a travel agent registered with HP Tourism, based in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.
Renuka lake: frequently asked questions
Is Renuka the largest lake in Himachal?
It is the largest natural lake in Himachal Pradesh; larger reservoirs such as Gobind Sagar and Pong are man-made.
How far is Renuka lake from Nahan?
About 38 km, roughly an hour by road.
When is the Renuka Ji fair?
In November, around Kartik Ekadashi a few days after Diwali; the exact dates change each year.
What is the best time to visit Renuka lake?
October to March; summers are hot.
Is boating allowed at Renuka lake?
Pedal boating is usually available; check timings locally.
How far is Renuka lake from Chandigarh?
About 130 km, 3.5–4 hours via Nahan.
Sources
Photo credits
Renuka lake — Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Renuka temple by the lake — Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh, CC BY-SA 4.0 · The lake in its valley — Photo: Fred Hsu, CC BY 2.0 · Renuka lake in the morning — Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Parshuram tal — Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Parshuram temple — Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Renuka ji temple — Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Lotus on the lake — Photo: Sonakshi Mishra, CC BY-SA 4.0 · The lake in Sirmaur — Photo: Pushkar Prashar, CC BY-SA 4.0
