Nahan Town - A City Of Ponds ( Himachal Pradesh )

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         A  true beauty of Nahan town lies in the fact that it must be felt more than seen. The small  markets, cobbled streets, decent restaurants with nice dinning, peaceful hotels, nature walks through dense forests in Villa round, hospital round and military round and  its old beautiful ponds which can be found in almost every area of the town can make you fall in love with Nahan.

         For solo tourist, its convenient, secured and can be browse at your own pace. Nahan can be easily covered on foot, if you are ready to ascend and descend its roads. The well planned, neat and clean streets will make you more comfortable to visit around. This beautiful town is the head quarter of Distt Sirmaur (Himalchal Pradesh). Which is situated on a hill top in the shiwalik hills, overlooking green hills.

What to see :

            A City of  Nahan was founded by Raja Karan Prakash in 1621. Traditionally, saints and princes are linked with the origin of Nahan. So you can explore some old buildings, temples , palace and many ponds and baudries (natural spring ) here, which will allow you to relive the splendour of bygone era.

Ranitaal :

            It  is situated at one of the most spectacular settings in Nahan, nestled between market and the residencial area, renowned for its taal ( Pond ). Enjoy by indulging in boat ride, fish feeding, rides for kids and experience the different species of plants, flowers under the expert guidess of horticulture and floriculture, such plants and flowers adds glory to the town.

           With in the space of just few steps you will come across a marvellous temple, it is placed almost in the middle of the lush green land. Which is known as Shiv mandir – an evocative symbol of purity, worship and beauty. The area with in the garden is adorned with beautiful manicured lawns and lush green shrubs.

Local City :

            Small yet spacious, simple yet trendy, the market of the town surely means different things to different people. Where one can shop for variety of clothes, articles of daily use, handlooms and handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh like Kullu caps , Kullu shawls, handmade mufflers, socks, jackets wood articles and many more. Do not miss to buy HPMC fruit juices, jams, pickle, murabba, honey and other items.

         Underground sewerage system of this town is unbeatable, which can force you to stroll around even if it is raining. The three beautiful grounds Chamba ground, Chaugan ground and military ground is an another option to enjoy. Lytton memorial, which is located at one of the most happening spot of the town, is also known as Dilli Gate and is apposite to chaugan ground.
One must try momos with thupa, as lots of momos shops are here. A small vendor in the market sells tikki, chaat, dahi  gol gappe which will give you the real taste of street food.

Jamta :

        A tiny place, where you can visit during your journey to Renukaji. It is 13 kms from Nahan. Where you can explore Jaitak fort on the top of the hill. Which will give the spectacular view of Nahan town. For refreshment you can visit to hotels like Sirmaur treat, Grand view and other food joints are also there.

Renuka Ji :

      Renuka ji , a tiny village is 35kms away from Nahan, will keep you busy for hours with its history, flora, fauna and picture perfect views. This place has a famous lake named Renuka lake. One more lake is near to this lake, which is known as Parshu Ram lake and is vaguely resemble to human figure.

     So do not miss a peddle boat ride on picturesque lake Renuka, which is surrounded by lush green trees, beautiful flowers, shrubs and herbs. You can also watch migratory birds. This splendid lake is best viewed on full moon.Visit Renuka wildlife senchuary, temples, lion safari and zoo, where you can see lion, spotted dear, samber, bear, leopard and many other species. Renuka is one of the most famous  religious place , which is truly sacred pilgrimage and tourist  site in Himachal Pradesh. 

Paonta Sahib :

             It is where the markets with small malls, eateries and the gurudwara are. This place is situated on the right bank of river Yamuna and has a popular gurudwara, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. The design of this gurudwara is well planned and aesthetically pleasing, that give the city its character. You can shop for some souvenirs from outside market of the guruduwara like wood articles, handicrafts and other stuffs.

         This place is an hour ride from Nahan is a breeze on Shimla – Nahan – Dehradun road. One will be delighted to a have river side drive. On the way visit small  manmade lake at Rukhri near to Markanda, which offers fishing, boating and other activities. You will also come across with lots of fruit vendors , which will serve you seasonal fruits like strawberries, sugarcane, corn etc. Do not miss to buy H.P.M.C   products from Dhaulakuan. This small H.P.M.C centre is lacated on the main road, where you can buy juices, jams, pickle and many other eatable items.

        After exploring Paonta sahib, you can take a ride towards Barrage, a small picnic spot which is 5 kms from Paonta, where you can visit deer park and can enjoy riding in peddleboat, motorboat and surfing. One can also see migratory birds here.

Shivalik Fossil Park :

                   Located in Distt Sirmaur of Himachal Pradesh, it is 21 kms from Nahan, situated on the left bank of Markanda river. It displays life size fibreglass models  of prehistoric animals whose fossils, skeletons were unearthed here. The other major attraction is the museum, which contains various fossils, models, paintings and charts related  to various aspects of plants and animals life of past and present in Shivallik range. This place has a cafeteria and a tourist info centre, which is established by the H. P Govt.

Haripurdhar :

                                     

                           It is a small place, known for its Bhagani mata temple and is 83 kms away from Nahan. It is also known as one of the most sacred pilgrimage site in Distt Sirmour. Earlier it was the summer capital of Sirmour. While heading to Haripurdhar you will see numerous scenic views which are sprinkled with several natural springs and is dotted with some temples, picnic spots and a heliport as well.

Must Try 

• Steam and fried momos are something which must eat in Nahan. So, gorge on these authentic  momos with thupa and chutney.

• Villa Round - Take a stroll through the lush green forests of chir pine trees, which is home to many majestic birds, monkeys and langoors. This place is a truly paradise for nature and peace lovers, which offers exceptional views of hills around.

• If you wish to experience the spectacular night picture of Nahan, then Jamta is the place to head to. Don”t forget to carry some food stuff with you, as it will add some spark to your experience.

• Renuka Lake – To get a breathtaking view of this splendid lake, one must visit on a full moon night. Spend a few leisurely hours together for romantic feeling.

 

Check List :

Flights : There are no direct flight to Nahan. Fly to either Chandigarh or Delhi.

Train : There are no direct train to Nahan. Visit to either Ambala or Chandigarh.

Road : From Chandigarh, Ambala or Delhi rent a car to drive down to Nahan city. The distance is 87 kms from Chandigarh and 260 kms from Delhi and 65 Kms from Ambala.

Bus : From Delhi there are only two buses for Nahan. The time : 9:50 Am and  3:50 Pm and from Chandigarh you can get lots of buses for Nahan.

Weather : One can visit here at any month of the year. Winter fans can visit between Nov – Feb, for summer fans Mar – june and for rain fans the best time to visit between July – Aug, visitors can also enjoy foggy weather and greenery all around.

STD Code : 01702

Carry a good pair of walking shoes.

Where To Stay : Stay options are available both within and outside the Nahan . 

With in the Nahan : 

                     Govt run rest house and circuite house,D" Remembrance, Renuka Hotel, Regency, City heart, Dharamshala and some other options are available. These all options are very close to each other, that one can easily search at his own pace.

Outside the Nahan : 

                          On Kala amb road 17 km from Nahan hotels like Black mango, Natraj hotel, Sunshine, Kalamb Resort , Hotel Ashwin are available with all the amenities. About 13 km from Nahan, at Jamta, Hotel Grand view is available is undoubtedly the most stylish property in the region. A little further up on the road , Sirmaur retreat, has modern cottages.  

Where To Eat : 

                    In Nahan area, the eating is where the staying is. Other food joints are also there in the market or at the Mall road where one can eat according to his choice.

Things That Defines Nahan :

• Its Pleaseant weather.
• It is Neat and clean town.
• It has several Ponds.
• Its approachable quality from all the major cities.
• Petha and Momos

 A Slice Of History :

                 The city was founded as a capital by Raja Karan Prakash in 1621. He was very fond of flying kites and he started a tradition of flying kites on rakshabandhan day - a tradition followed till today.

             Another version recalls a saint who lived with a companion named Nahar on the site where the Nahan palace now stands. "Nahar" means Don't kill and the town probably takes its name from an incident when a king was trying to kill a lion and the saint said Nahar, that is do not kill it. The name of the saint was Baba Banwari Das.