Renuka Lake, the largest natural lake in
Himachal Pradesh, is 672 m long and situated in the
Sirmaur district. The lake has a circumference of 3214 m and is 123 km from Parwanoo, 60 km from
Paonta Sahib, and 37 km from
Nahan. The lake, which resembles a reclining woman, is regarded as the embodiment of the goddess Renuka, and near the feet there is another lake which is held sacred to her son, Parashurama. Both lakes have temples on their banks and Renukaji temple is believed to have been built overnight in the eighteenth century. The lake lies in a valley and is surrounded by slopes which are thickly wooded. Boating facility is also available.
