6 friends, 3 bikes, ₹900 per head, and one spontaneous Saturday at 4 PM that led to Mata Bhangayani Temple, Renuka Lake, and a bhandara neither of them expected.
What’s In This Guide
- How a Tea Break Became a Mountain Adventure
- Nahan – Gateway to Sirmaur
- Renuka Lake – The Sacred Freshwater Mirror
- Haripurdhar – The Town Above the Clouds
- Mata Bhangayani Temple – Soul of the Hills
- Podiwala & Swarg Ki Doosri Paudi
- Churdhar Trek – The Next Adventure
- Complete Practical Guide (Budget · Stay · Tips)
- Route Map: Chandigarh to Haripurdhar
- FAQ – Everything You Want to Know
How a Tea Break in Raipur Rani Became a Mountain Adventure
It was 4 PM on a Saturday. Six of us were sitting at a tea stall in Raipur Rani, near Chandigarh. One of our friends, Sachin Rana, put down his cup and said – since tomorrow is also a holiday, why don’t we all just go to Haripurdhar on our bikes?
Nobody had researched it. Nobody had booked anything. But within minutes, the answer was unanimous – and so began one of those rare trips that ends up being more memorable than any carefully planned holiday.
This is the story of 6 friends from Chandigarh who spent just ₹900 each on a 1.5-day ride through Nahan, Renuka Lake, and Haripurdhar – visiting a temple that floats above the clouds, eating bhandara prasad from a smiling priest, and discovering why Sirmaur district might be Himachal Pradesh’s most underrated corner.
Whether you’re a pilgrim seeking peace, a biker craving mountain roads, or a group looking for a quick weekend escape from Chandigarh – Haripurdhar answers all three at once. Here is the complete, honest guide, written from Ankit’s firsthand experience.
Nahan – The Princely Gateway to Sirmaur
Nahan is a name that doesn’t come up in most Himachal Pradesh itineraries – which is exactly what makes it special. Situated in the Sirmaur district at roughly 932 metres above sea level, it served as the capital of the princely state of Sirmur for centuries.
Today it’s a quiet, charming hill town that most travellers pass through without stopping – and almost always regret it.
Ankit and his group didn’t stop on the way up. They saved Nahan for the return journey – and found a bustling market, a well-preserved colonial-era Chaugan (central ground), and the kind of old-town energy that’s increasingly rare in Himachal Pradesh.
What to See in Nahan
Nahan Chaugan
The historic central ground where Sirmur’s royal celebrations were held. The area is flanked by the old Gurudwara and gives a feel of old-town heritage.
Clocktower & Delhi Gate
Remnants of the princely-era urban planning, worth a short walk.
Nahan Fort
The royal fort sits on a hill overlooking town. The exterior is worth viewing; the inner complex remains private property.
Rani Tal & Pakka Tank
A tranquil lake near town, popular for morning walks.
Suketi Fossil Park
About 20 km from Nahan, this is Asia’s first fossil park – home to life-size models of prehistoric animals. Particularly good for families.
Trilokpur Temple
A Shakti temple about 24 km from Nahan, highly regarded among pilgrims.
Where to Eat Near Nahan – Ankit’s Pick
How to Reach Nahan
By Road from Chandigarh
80 – 85 km via Panchkula (NH-7). Drive or take a cab/bus.
Ankit’s group rode bikes from Raipur Rani – road from Raipur Rani to Kala Amb is excellent, smooth highway driving.
Travel Time: ~3 hrs
By Road from Delhi
260 km via NH-44 through Ambala or Yamunanagar, then State Highway 2 to Nahan.
Regular HRTC and private buses available.
Travel Time: ~5–6 hrs
By Air
Chandigarh Airport (IXC) ~82–85 km
Dehradun Airport (DED) ~79–80 km
Take a taxi or bus from the airport.
Travel Time: – 1.5 hrs taxi
By Train
Kalka Railway Station – 65 km
Chandigarh – 80 km
Ambala – 69 km
Hire a taxi or take a connecting bus.
Travel Time: 1.5 hrs taxi
Where to Stay in Nahan
Nahan has budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels in the market area.
For most Haripurdhar-bound travellers, Nahan works best as a day-stop rather than an overnight stay.
Renuka Lake – The Sacred Freshwater Mirror of the Shivaliks
Himachal Pradesh’s largest natural freshwater lake doesn’t just hold water – it holds one of Hinduism’s most poignant stories.
Renuka Lake is named after the goddess Renuka, mother of Parashuram, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu.
The lake stretches roughly 3 km in perimeter in the shape of a reclining woman – believed to be the form of Goddess Renuka herself.
It sits 660 metres above sea level in the Sirmaur district, surrounded by the Shivalik hills.
Ankit and his group visited on a Sunday.
“We visited Renuka Lake and explored the nearby area. After that, we sat on one side of the lake and experienced peace, which was one of the best experiences of my life.”
What to Do at Renuka Lake
- Visit Renuka Ji Temple
- Enjoy boating on the lake
- Explore the mini zoo
- Experience peaceful lakeside views
How to Reach Renuka Lake
By Road from Chandigarh
95 – 115 km
Drive to Nahan (2.5 hrs) then take a taxi for the final 25 km.
Travel Time: 2.5 – 3.5 hrs
By Road from Delhi
315 km via NH-44 toward Nahan.
Travel Time: 5 – 6 hrs
By Bus from Nahan
Regular local buses run from Nahan (25 km).
Travel Time: 45 min
Nearest Airport
Chandigarh Airport (IXC) or Dehradun Airport (DED)
Travel Time: ~3–4 hrs taxi
Key Distances from Renuka Lake
- Nahan – 25 km
- Paonta Sahib – 50 km
- Chandigarh – 95 km
- Delhi – 315 km
- Dehradun – 105 km
- Haripurdhar – 80 km
Where to Stay at Renukaji
HPTDC operates a hotel complex right at the lake.
Private guesthouses are also available nearby.
Ankit’s group chose to continue to Haripurdhar for the overnight stay.
Haripurdhar – The Town That Sits Above the Clouds
At approximately 2,700 metres above sea level, Haripurdhar is one of those places that earns its name the hard way.
The road after Nahan becomes progressively more rewarding and progressively more challenging.
“The road ahead was a little difficult for us,” Ankit recalls, “however, that route was filled with beautiful mountain views.”
The route is lined with rhododendrons during spring.
Haripurdhar town itself is modest and clean.
“I liked the market there because it was properly decorated and well arranged,” says Ankit.
The group also tried local sweets in the market.
What is Haripurdhar Famous For?
- Mata Bhangayani Temple
- Gateway to the Churdhar Trek
- 360° Himalayan views
- Dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and deodar
- Shiva Temple at Podiwala
How to Reach Haripurdhar
By Bike from Chandigarh (Ankit’s Route)
Raipur Rani → Kala Amb → Nahan → Renukaji → Haripurdhar
Travel Time: 5 – 6 hrs
By Car from Chandigarh
Same route as bike.
Travel Time: 5 – 6 hrs
Via Solan (Alternate Route)
From Solan ~100 km via Nohradhar/Rajgarh.
Travel Time: ~3–4 hrs
By Bus (HRTC)
HRTC operates buses from Nahan and Solan.
Where to Stay at Haripurdhar
- Khushi Home Stay
- PWD Rest House
- Local guesthouses
Mata Bhangayani Temple – Where the Hills Become Holy
The temple sits on the summit of a hill above Haripurdhar town – approximately 2.5 km on foot from the market.
When Ankit first saw it, he described it simply:
“The view of the temple along with the weather in the mountains was truly beyond description.”
The walk from town to the temple is part of the experience.
The temple compound is extremely clean.
“The thing I liked the most there was the cleanliness of the place,” Ankit notes.
Inside the Temple – What You’ll See
The Mahabharata Murals
The temple walls carry detailed paintings depicting stories from the Mahabharata.
The scenes are familiar, but seeing them on a Himalayan hilltop temple gives them a different feeling.
The 360° Panoramic View
From the temple compound, the land falls away in every direction.
You can see:
- Terraced fields
- Forest ridges
- Distant villages
- Snow-capped Himalayan ranges
“The temple was located on the top of the village hill, and from there, you could see beautiful views of the nearby villages and mountains,” says Ankit.
Practical Details – Mata Bhangayani Temple
Distance from Town
2.5 km on foot from Haripurdhar market.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning for a peaceful atmosphere.
Arrive by 5:30–6 PM for evening aarti.
Crowd Levels
Sundays are busier.
Weekdays and mornings are quieter.
Prasad & Langar
- Khoya barfi is given as prasad.
- Dal-rice langar is served free to all visitors.
Dress Code
Wear modest clothing.
Podiwala & Swarg Ki Doosri Paudi – Ankit’s Favourite Spot
Among all the places visited during this trip, Ankit names one above everything else.
“The place I liked the most was the Shiva Temple at Podiwala. I especially liked the water flowing from the Paudi there.”
Podiwala is a small settlement near Haripurdhar.
Swarg Ki Doosri Paudi means “The Second Step of Heaven.”
Travel Tip
Podiwala and Swarg Ki Doosri Paudi are best visited in the morning before heading to Mata Bhangayani Temple.
Ask locals for directions.
Churdhar Trek – Why You Should Come Back for This
Ankit’s group discussed attempting the Churdhar Trek but postponed it.
The trek starts roughly 25 km from Haripurdhar.
“Because we had less time, we postponed it for this time, but next time we have a plan to complete it,” Ankit says.
Complete Practical Guide
Suggested 1.5-Day Itinerary (Ankit’s Route)
- Start from Chandigarh
- Stop at Nahan
- Visit Renuka Lake
- Reach Haripurdhar
- Visit Mata Bhangayani Temple
- Explore Podiwala
- Return via Nahan
Budget Breakdown (Ankit’s Group – 6 People)
| Expense | Total Group Cost | Per Person |
| Accommodation | ₹1,200 | ₹200 |
| Fuel | ₹1,500 | ₹250 |
| Food & Chai | ₹2,000 | ₹330 |
| Temple Offerings | ₹700 | ₹120 |
| TOTAL | ₹5,400 | ₹900 |
₹900 per person for a 1.5-day trip covering Renuka Lake, Haripurdhar, Mata Bhangayani Temple, Podiwala, and Nahan.
Is Haripurdhar Right for You?
| Travel Type | Why Haripurdhar is Good for You |
| Pilgrims | Mata Bhangayani Temple, Renuka Ji Temple, and Podiwala Shiva Temple make it an excellent spiritual destination. |
| Bikers | Scenic mountain roads and a perfect 1.5-day biking loop from Chandigarh. |
| Groups of Friends | Budget-friendly, spontaneous-friendly, and full of places to explore together. |
| Trekkers | Gateway to the Churdhar Trek from Nohradhar. Ideal for a 3–4 day adventure trip. |
| Families | Renuka Lake and the mini zoo are family-friendly attractions. Roads require a steady driver. |
| Couples | Peaceful, less crowded, scenic, and highly recommended for relaxing mountain time together. |
The Route – Chandigarh to Haripurdhar
Start Point
Raipur Rani tea stall — where the idea began.
Chandigarh (Raipur Rani)→ Kala Amb → Nahan → Renuka Lake → Haripurdhar → Mata Bhangayani Temple → Podiwala → Return
Return via Nahan and Chandigarh.
FAQ – Everything You Want to Know
What is Haripurdhar famous for?
Haripurdhar is famous for Mata Bhangayani Temple, panoramic Himalayan views, Churdhar Trek access, and peaceful mountain scenery.
How far is Shimla from Haripurdhar Temple?
Shimla is approximately 140–160 km from Haripurdhar depending on the route taken.
How high is Haripurdhar above sea level?
Haripurdhar is located at approximately 2,700 metres above sea level.
What is the history of Haripurdhar?
Haripurdhar is an important spiritual and pilgrimage location in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district, known mainly for Mata Bhangayani Temple and nearby religious sites.
What’s the best time to visit Haripurdhar?
April to November is considered the best period. Spring offers rhododendron blooms and clear mountain views.
Are there trekking routes in Haripurdhar?
Yes. The famous Churdhar Trek is accessible from nearby Nohradhar.
Which district is Haripurdhar in?
Haripurdhar is located in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh.
What is Renuka Lake famous for?
Renuka Lake is famous for its religious significance, peaceful setting, boating, and connection to Goddess Renuka.
How much is boating in Renuka Lake?
Boating prices vary depending on the season and boat type.
How deep is Renuka Lake?
Renuka Lake is considered Himachal Pradesh’s largest natural freshwater lake.
Which goddess is Renuka Lake named after?
The lake is named after Goddess Renuka, mother of Lord Parashuram.
What is the speciality of Renuka Lake?
Its reclining-woman shape, spiritual significance, and scenic Shivalik surroundings make it special.
What is Renuka Yellamma famous for?
Renuka Yellamma is worshipped as a mother goddess in several parts of India and is associated with devotion and spiritual power.
What is the story of Renuka Devi Temple?
The temple is associated with Goddess Renuka and the legend of Parashuram, making it an important Hindu pilgrimage site.
Written By – First-Hand Account
Ankit Saini
Chandigarh, Haryana · Spontaneous Traveller
I am a traveller from Chandigarh who lives by one rule: the best trips are the ones you didn’t plan.
On a random Saturday at 4 PM, he and five friends made a tea-stall decision to ride their bikes to Haripurdhar – and came back with stories they’ve been telling ever since.
His visit to Mata Bhangayani Temple, the bhandara, the khoya barfi prasad from the main priest, and the water flowing at Podiwala’s Shiva Temple are proof that Sirmaur district is Himachal Pradesh’s most underestimated corner.
Ankit’s philosophy:
“It’s an affordable trip, and everyone should visit this place at least once.”
Ready to Plan Your Haripurdhar Trip?
Image credited by
Ankit saini Insta id: https://www.instagram.com/ankit_2001_saini/
Sachin Rana Insta id: https://www.instagram.com/sachinrana6761/
Tarun Rana Insta id: https://www.instagram.com/tarun_rana07/
Ankit saini linkedin id: https://in.linkedin.com/in/ankit-saini-633966247
