Sirmour, Solan Overview

Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Sirmour is a calm and tranquil district where still more than 90% of people live in villages. The locals are very close to nature and hence this place is untouched by industrialisation. Sirmour includes towns of Nahan, Paonta Sahib and Suketi and offers travellers picturesque landscapes, rocky hills to trek, serene lakes for boating and beautifully built temples. Sirmour is also called the “Peach Bowl of India” because of the high cultivation of peaches that is undertaken here. A lot of fruits and vegetables like apples, ginger, potatoes, tomatoes, mangoes and peaches are grown here, so you can even carry some of these fresh produces home.

1. Churdhar

Situated at an elevation of 3,646 meters, this is the most beautiful and pious place in not only Sirmour but also in Himachal Pradesh. Myth has it that this is the very place from where Lord Hanuman c (Read More)ame to find herbs for severely injured Lakshmana and later carried the whole hill in Ramayana. The beauty of this place magnifies because of the verdant forests and wildlife that habitats in it. This place is also a famous trekking place for many travelers.

2. Renuka Lake, Nahan

Located just 38 kilometres away from Nahan, the Renuka Lake is the perfect place to visit for people who are into nature and the solace it offers. Unlike other lakes in the area that is famous for the (Read More)ir pristine beauty and surroundings, the Renuka Lake is renowned for its cultural history.

Habban Valley is a valley that houses a lot of temples. This valley is famous for beautifully carved temples that were built under the supervision of Rajput Rulers. This place has a rich history and c (Read More)ulture of its own. Some of the famous and must-visit temples include Shirgul Devta Temple, Palu Devta Temple and Tokro Tibba Kali Temple.

4. Haripur Dhar

Haripur Dhar is a popular mountain for trekking which of of an altitude of 2687 meters. A pristine and wonderful temple sits on the hilltop dedicated to Maa Bhangayani and is called Maa Bhangayani Tem (Read More)ple. This temple is visited by a lot of devotees who come here to pray and seek blessings. A fort also is situated on one of the hills that gives a glimpse into the history of this place. This place is a heaven for trekkers and nature lovers.

5. Bhureshwar Mahadev

Bhureshwar Mahadev is another pious place and myth has it that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati saw the famous war of Kurukshetra in the epic of Mahabharata from here. This place is visited by a lot of (Read More)Pilgrims and tourists because of this famous myth. This place is full of lush green trees and hills.

6. Renukaji Mini Zoo

Renukaji Mini Zoo was initially started in 1957 to save and provide protection to animals. Animals like Sambhar, Chinkara, Hogdeer and Blackbuck are inhabitants of this zoo. A couple of lions was also (Read More) brought in this zoo to breed and multiply.

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Best Time To Visit Sirmour

The best time to Visit Sirmour is between the months of June and October. The weather is pleasant throughout this time period and the temperature is appropriate to beat the summer heat.

How To Reach Sirmour

By Air: The closest airport to Sirmour is in Chandigarh which is at a distance of 120 km. This airport is well connected with all the major cities in India. Rental cars from Chandigarh airport are easily available that will take you to Sirmour.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Sirmour is Barog Railway station which is located at a distance of 52 km from Sirmour. From here rental cars are easily available that will take you to Sirmour.
By Road: Distance between Delhi and Sirmour is 326 km. You can easily rent a car or take your own car and enjoy this splendid journey full of picturesque scenic beauty on the way. The distance between Shimla and Sirmour is 154 km which can be covered easily by hiring a car. A bus is run by the State Transport Department from Shimla which will take you to Nahan, from where you will have to take a taxi to Sirmour. You can also hire a taxi from Solan which is around 106 km away from Sirmour and reach your desired destination.

Festivals and Fairs

Bishu

Bishu is a popular festival that is organized in Sirmour every year. The main attraction of this festival is the local Thoda Dance that is the folk dance of Sirmour. This celebration takes place mainly to thank God for good harvest and pray to pray that it remains the same in the next year as well. People sing folk songs ans ritual songs to mark this auspicious event. Large amount of food is prepared with scrumptious delicacies with is shared amongst people and they enjoy this grand feast with happiness.

Kartiki Ekadashi

Kartiki Ekadashi is celebrated in full swing in Renukaji temple. During this time the place is packed with devotees who come to pray and seek blessings. An idol of Parasu Rama is brought from a nearby village named Jamu for three days in a beautifully decorated silver palki along with the playing of musical instruments. People sing religious and spiritual songs throughout the night. The interesting thing about this festival is that the priest of the temple goes into a deep trance and turns into a oracle. He answers questions put up by people and make prophecies. This festival is celebrated with a great deal of joy and happiness.

Things to Do

Boating

The cool and pristine Renuka Lake provides travellers with an opportunity to enjoy boating. Enjoy a quiet evening paddling in the cool water of Renuka River and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of this place.

Trekking

Sirmour is replete with hills that are apt for Trekking. The most popular among travelers bein Churdhar. The rocky and variegated terrain of the hills will add the element of thrill and excitement during the trek.

Jungle Safari

The Renukaji Wildlife Sanctuary provides travelers with an opportunity to take a safari into the sanctuary and witness the plethora of flora and fauna that the wildlife sanctuary houses. Enjoy a safari into the wild and it you are lucky you might end up spotting a lion.

Sirmour has all the qualities of an ideal holiday destination. It is replete with copious amounts of beautiful hills, verdant trees and wildlife. This place is easy to reach and after visiting this place you would surely? feel rejuvenated and devoid of stress. So, plan a trip to Sirmour to be in the laps of nature and enjoy its beauty.

Flora and Fauna

Sirmour is a safe haven for a lot of animals. The lush green forests proves to be a great habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. Animals like Sambhar, Spotted deer, Barking deer Jackal, Hare, Jungle Cat and porcupines can easily be seen. A number of birds including Crow, Scarlet Minivet, Bulbul, Common Coots and Green Pigeons can be seen perched on the trees. Along with lush greenery, Sirmour is also rich in biodiversity.

History

This mesmerizing district was founded by Raja Rasaloo of Jaisalmer in 1090 and was named Sirmour as a tribute of one of the ancestors of the king. It was an independent kingdom in India and later during the British rule it became an 11 Gun Salute princely state.