Lakes in Himachal Pradesh

RENUKA LAKE

LOCATION: Renuka lake (672 m) is connected by road and lies in Sirmour district. It is 123 k.m. from Parwanoo, 60 k.m. from Paonta Sahib and 37 k.m. from Nahan. With a circumference of 3214m, Renukaji is the largest natural lake in Himachal. Shaped like the profile of a reclining woman, this is regarded as the embodiment of the goddess Renuka. Near the lake’s feet is another lake held sacred to her son, Parshurama. Both have temples built around them and the main temple to Renuka is regarded to have been built overnight in eighteen century. The lake lies in a long valley and surrounding slopes are covered with thick woods. Boating facility is available at the lake.
ACCOMMODATION: The HPTDC has hotel Renuka ji near by. Dadahu (2 k.m.) has hotels, PWD and forest rest houses.

REWALSAR LAKE

LOCATION: At an altitude of 1360 m in district Mandi, 24 k.m. from Mandi town. It is square shaped with a shoreline of 735 m, this dark jewel rests on a mountain spur and is protected by a dense vegetation. The spot is held sacred by Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists alike. Legend has it that the great teacher and ‘Tatric’.Padmasambhava used his enormous power to take fight to Tibet from Rewalsar. Also known as Guru Rimpoche, it was under Padmasambhava’s influence that Mahayana Buddhism took root in Tibet at Rewalsar, his spirit is said to reside in the tiny island of floating reed that drifts over the water. There are three Buddhist monasteries at Rewalsar. Rewalsar has three Hindu temples which are dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and to the sage Lomas. A small zoo is maintained near the lake. The lake of Kunt Bhyog (1750 m above sea level) lies above Rewalsar as do six other lakes of mythology. These are associated with the escape of ‘Pandavs’ from the burning palace of wax-an episode from the epic, Mahabharta.
ACCOMODATION: HPTDC’s Hotel Rewalsar, private hotels and rest houses.

KHAJJIAR LAKE

LOCATION: At an altitude of 1900 metres in district Chamba, 16 k.m. from Dalhousue and 25 k.m.from Chamba. Fed by tiny streams,this small lake lies at in the centre of large Khajjiar glade. The glade and the lake are held sacred to Khajjinag- after whom the place is named. Khajjiar has thick forest of the Kalatope sanctury surrounding its soft green grass.
ACCOMODATION: HPTDC’s hotel Devdar, hotels in the private sector and rest houses are available.

CHAMERA LAKE

LOCATION: In district Chamba, this is the reservoir of the Chamera dam built over the river Ravi.Phase-I of the project generates 540 MW of electricity. Phase-II which is under way will add another 300 MW. The lake offers a variety of water sports.

DASHIR LAKE

LOCATION: At an altitude of 4270 metres near the Rohtang pass that connects district Kullu andLahaul. Also known as Dashaur and Sarkund this attractive lake has a depth of 3 metres.
(more…)