Renuka Lake Lake

Address: Renuka Lake, Renukaji, Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh, India

Website: https://himachaltourism.gov.in/

Hours: Open 24 hours

Renuka Lake is a natural freshwater lake in Himachal Pradesh, India, named for the Hindu goddess Renuka and important as a local pilgrimage destination. It is set within a protected area that conserves surrounding forest and wetland habitat.

The lake is associated with local myth and religious traditions around the goddess Renuka and has been a site of pilgrimage for many centuries. Modern conservation measures created a wildlife sanctuary to protect the lake’s immediate environment.

Renuka Lake lies in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, surrounded by forested hills and rural settlements. The nearest towns provide basic visitor services and the site is reached by regional roads from larger centres in the state.

• Pilgrimage and recreation: The lake is both a pilgrimage site and a local recreation area, with boating available on the water and short walking paths around the shore.

What to See#

• Renuka Temple: The primary temple complex on the lake shore is dedicated to the goddess Renuka and is the focal point for local pilgrimages and ritual activity.
• Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary: The surrounding Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary conserves forest and wetland habitats around the lake and supports a range of local wildlife species.

Renuka Lake is about 22-30 km from Nahan (Sirmaur’s district headquarters), reachable by taxi or local buses via NH707 and the Renuka road. The nearest railhead is Ambala Cantt (approximately 90-120 km by road); the closest airport is Chandigarh (about 120-150 km). Local buses and shared taxis run from Nahan and Rajgarh; once in Renukaji village the temple and lakeshore are walkable.

• Visit early morning during the fair season to catch local priests performing puja with fewer crowds.
• Walk the path that traces the lake's shoreline to see the traditional ghats and the temple from different angles-many visitors miss the far side where older shrines sit.
• Hire a local guide in Rajgarh or Nahan to hear the Renuka-Parashurama legends from residents-oral versions vary and are worth hearing.