The Lake of Renuka Ji lies in the low Shivalik hills that form the outer fringes of the Himalaya Mountains, Fed by underwater springs and with a circumference of 2.5 Km, this is the largest lake in Himachal. Shaped somewhat like the profile of a reclining woman, this is regarded as embodiment of the goddess Renuka near the lakes feet is another large pool held sacred to her son, Parshurama. Both have temples around them and the main temple to renuka is said to have been built over night in early 18th Century. The lake rests in a long valley and the surroundings woods are covered with a variety of dense vegetation.
Renuka’s attraction includes the temples of Renuka and Parsurama that lie along the lake, shore, the hike to Jamu peak (8 Km), the mini zoo and lion safari (2 km), while the Jataun Barrage (5 km) over the river Giri, makes an interesting excursion – and fishing for mahaseer (river carp) is available at this spot. Dadahu is the large village (2 km) closest to renukaji and has a market with all basic goods.
Beyond Renukaji, one can go upto Haripurdhar, a distance of 56 Km which offers numerous treks including one to the
