Sirmour is the most south-eastern district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is largely mountainous and rural, with 90% of its population living in villages. It includes the towns of Nahan (its capital), as well as the Shivalik Fossil Park at Suketi, where fossils of over 85 million years old have been found.

There are six tehsils in this district, namely Nahan, Renuka, Shillai, Rajgarh, Pachhad and Paonta Sahib.

Agriculture is the backbone of economy here. Farmers of Sirmour produce potato and ginger. Sirmour is also known for its good quality of peach that comes from the Rajgarh region which is also called the Peach Bowl. Sirmour is known for growing tons of fruits every year. Dhaula Kuan near Paonta Sahib is known for its Govt operated fruit research centre. Sirmour district is significantly capable of growing both Apple and Mangos on its land. Tomato is also becoming choice for farmers these days. Village Lana-cheta is known for its fertile land and farmers here grow grains as first option.

 

 

 

 

Culture

 

The People worship deities (devtas) and various customs and rituals are observed by the people.

Hindi and Sirmouri Pahari are the languages spoken here.

Bishu is a popular fair that is held at several places. Bishu fair features the famous Thoda dance. Nati, Gee, Rasa and Budhechu are the popular forms of folk dance of Sirmour, that are enjoyed at occasions like marriages, Diwali, etc.

 

 

 

Economy

 

The disctrict has an agricultural economy. Besides that district has potential to tap mineral resources. Kamrau is a small village also known as 'place of limestone millionaires'. Sataun is the largest limestone market of South east Asia.

 

 

Demographics

 

According to the 2011 census Sirmaur district has a population of 530,164, roughly equal to the nation of Cape Verde. This gives it a ranking of 542nd in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 188 inhabitants per square kilometre (490 /sq mi) . Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 15.61%. Sirmaur has a sex ratio of 915 females for every 1000 males,and a literacy rate of 79.98%.

 

 

 

 

Sirmaur :: Famous Places in Sirmaur

 

Trilokpur : Trilokpur stands on an isolated hillock about 24 km south-west of Nahan, 77-15’ north and 30’30’ east, at an elevation of about 430 m. The place is famous for its temple of renowned goddess Bala Sundri. The temple was built by Raja Deep Prakash in 1573. An important fair is held at Trilokpur twice a year i.e.in the month of Chaitra and Asvina on sudi ashtmi to chaudas (from the 8th to the 14th of the bright half). During this period the people keep on coming and going but a mammoth gathering is seen on ashtmi and chaudas viz. the first and the final days. The mela in Chaitra draws more people than that held in Asvina.

 

Kafota : Situated at an elevation of 1,804 metres and 42 km. from Paonta on Jagadhari - Narkanda road is village Kafota which has a salubrious climate and holds potantial for picnic. There is a PWD Rest House for comfortable stay. 18 kms. from Paonta Sahib is Rajban Cement Factory. A few kms. from Rajban is Kamrau, the biggest village of Sirmaur district known for rich lime stone quarries. At this place there is a Tilordhar Tibetan Colony with its Buddisht monastery, but the most beautiful one is at Purnwala on way to Bhajain. The Tibetan presence here has resulted in beautiful Tibetan artifacts especially carpets being manufactured for marketing.

 

Khodri Dak Pathar : It is a beautiful picnic spot just 25 km. from Paonta. There is a beautiful park, a swimming pool and a tourist Bungalow. At this place the torrential river Yamuna has been tamed into an artificial lake by constructing a barrage. From here one can get a fantastic view of the lake and the park nearby. While going from Paonta to Khodri one will be delighted to have the canal side drive. Chhibran power house is an unique sight to see as the entire structure has been built underground.

 

Shastra Dhara : At this place there is a confluence of river Yamuna and Tong ( Tamsa ). This is a beautiful place and a paradise for tourists. Nearby is village Kalsi ( now in Uttar Pradesh ) 25 km. from Paonta, which was the old capital of Sirmaur. At this place there is 'Ashokan Rock Edict' which is worth a visit. The Ashoka pillar which stood here was removed to Delhi by one of the Muslim Rulers of the Sultanat period.

 

 

 

Sirmaur :: Famous Temples Sirmaur

 

Renuka Ji Temple : Renuka Ji Temple is located near famous Renuka Lake. Renuka is the most important place of religious and tourist interest in Sirmour District. It is nearly 40 km. away from Nahan and is well linked with motorable metalled road. This place has a famous lake. Boating in Renuka lake is main attraction for the tourists visiting Renuka. This sacred oval shaped lake has a circumference of 2.4 km. Parshu Ram Lake is located near Renuka which vaguely resemble a human figure. It is believed that Parshu Rama's mother consecrated into water out of which this lake was formed. Towards the end of the lake are towering palm trees which offer ideal picnic spots during day time. This famous lake is visited by thousand of pligrims every year on Kartika ekadashi. The place remain fulll capacity during the days of the fair and offer a spectacular variety of activities.

 

Mata Bala Sundari Temple : It was built in 1573 A.D. by Raja Dip Prakash and at a distance of about 23 km. from Nahan and about 6 km. from Kala Amb gateway to Nahan from Haryana. Trilokpur is a place of great religious importance. Trilokpur stands on an isolated hillock about and at an elevation of about 430 m. The temple of the goddess 'Mahamaya Bala Sundri' is quite famous and attracts lakh of pilgrims from all over Northern India, espacially from Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The unusual deity of Godess Bala Sundari resemble the stone lingam of Lord Shiva. A fair at this place is held twice a year when a large number of devotees visit this temple and pay their respect to the goddess. This is a one of the very sacred places for Sirmauri people.

 

Jaganath Temple : Jaganath temple was built by Raja Budh Prakash in 1681 A.D. Making the end of the Monsoon, the festival of 'Sawan Dwadashi' is celebrated annually at the temple, towards the end of the monsoon when fifty two idols of local gods are carried in procession to Jagannath temple where they are floated ceremoniously in a pool and are restored at midnight to their niches. In the heart of Nahan town is Rani Tal, where a large temple and a tank from the days of ex-rulers of Sirmaur State can be seen. Ducks and Cranes are seen playing in the Ranital Tank, and Ranital Garden further adds to the charm.

 

Gayatri Temple : On the left bank of the Renuka lake there are three Ashrams run by Sadhus and these have inns to accommodate pilgrims visiting this sacred lake. Gayatri temple has a 1.60 meter high Panch Mukhi Ma Gayatri marble statue, marble idols of Ganpati, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma and Lord Indra have also been installed here. This temple is dedicated to Sri Ma Gayatri the mother of Vedas, the treasure of Hindu wisdom.

 

Dei Ka Mandir : At Paonta Sahib, to the right of Yamuna bridge, stands the Dei-Ka-Mandir, constructed about a century ago by the sister of the then Raja of Sirmaur to propitiate Lord Ram, the family deity of the Suryavanshi Sirmauri Rulers.

 

 

 

 

 

Sirmaur :: Sirmaur Wildlife Sanctuaries

 

Renuka Sanctuary :

Altitude : varies from 200 meters to 887 meters.

Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 2000 mm.

Temperature : temprature varies from 1 to 45°C.

Area : 402.80 hectares ( 4.03 sq. km. ).

Location : nearest town Nahan.

Approaches : Sirmaur to Nahan to inside sanctuary.

 

It was first notified as a sanctuary on 22nd July 1964 and re-notified on 25th March 1987. Renuka Sanctuary in one of the smallest sanctuaries in Himachal, more famous as pilgrimage spot and for its lion safari than for wild life. One of the memorable sights here is that of hundreds of huge fish jumping and darting in and above the water to catch the food mossels thrown to them by the pilgrims.

 

Fauna ( Mammals ) : Forest types include northern dry mixed deciduous and dry deciduous scrub forest.

 

Fauna ( Mammals ) : Himalayan Black Bear, Jungle Cat, Himalayan Palm Civet, barking Deer, Goral, Indian Hare, Jackal, common Langur, Leopard, Rhesus Macaque, Indian Porcupine and Sambar.

 

Simbalbara Sanctuary :

Altitude : varies from 400 meters to 660 meters.

Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 1260 mm.

Temperature : temprature varies from 10 to 46°C.

Area : 1,903 hectares ( 19.03 sq. km. ).

Location : nearest town is Paonta Sahib.

Approaches : Sirmaur to Paonta Sahib to inside sanctuary.

 

It was first notified as a sactuary on 8th February 1958 and re-notified on 27th March 1974. This sanctuary is located in Paonta valley. The area was earlier a hunting preserve of the former Maharaja of Sirmaur. Historical record indicate the presence of elephant in the past. It is believed that the hudel channel at Haridwar barrage cut off the migratory route of elephants.

 

Flora : Forest types include moist sal bearing.

 

Fauna ( Mammals ) : Indian Wild Bear, Leopard Cat, barking Deer, spotted Deer, Goral, Indian Hare, Jackal, common Langur, Leopard, Rhesus Macaque, Indian pangolin, Sambar and Tiger.

 

Reptiles : Common Indian monitor and Indian Python.

 

Churadhar Sanctuary :

Altitude : varies from 2000 meters to 3647 meters.

Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 1602 mm.

Temperature : temprature varies from 4 to 28°C.

Area : 5,615 hectares ( 56.15 sq. km. ).

Location : nearest town is Nohra. this sanctuary falls between district Sirmaur and district Shimla

Approaches : Shimla to Nohra to inside sanctuary or Sirmaur to Nohra to inside sanctuary.

 

It was notified a sanctuary on 15th November, 1985. One of the state's newest sanctuaries, Churadhar has amongst the last good stretches of forest left in Southern Himachal Pradesh. In the past, it was the stronghold of Musk Deer, now at the point of local extinction, Churadhar still contains good habitat for Monal and other Pheasants. The sancuary gets its name from Chur Peak or Churdhar Peak, on the top of which sits a majectic statute of Lord Shiva commanding a breathtaking view of the valleys and forests below.

 

Flora : Forest Types include western mixed coniferous forests, Khasru Oak forest and Alpine forests. Deodar and Oak are the famous species.

 

Fauna ( Mammals ) : Himalayan Black Bear, Indian Wild Bear, barking Deer, Musk Deer, Goral, common Langur, Leopard, Rhesus Macaque, Himalayan Mouse-Hare and Indian Porcupine. Musk Deer has been severely depleted by hunting.