15th April, 2019, Monday…..Day (3) Dosarka-Nahan-Renuka Ji-Sangrah-Haripurdhar-Bhangayani Mata temple (113 km).
The stay inside the car, HOME ON WHEELs at Dosarka was one of those dream nights I had dreamt about.
The vehicles carrying pretty drowsy faces, excited young boys and girls, cute little babies and caring elderly kept stopping for tea and pee break throughout the night, waking me up and prompting me in joining the fun while inhaling balmy breeze.
Heavenly walk and a cup of tea later, I drove into the Nahan town again. It was 6am morning. The early risers were up and making rounds of the Chaugan. Some elderly were sitting on the benches under the Lyttons Memorial, reading newspapers.
A bus arrived and stopped at Delhi gate. The passengers hurried towards the bus while their helpers returned back homes on bikes, scooters and cars.
Took a round of the circular bazaar. The lively faces of the previous evening were not there and barring few temple goers and broom waving cleaners who mistook me as some MC official and embarrassed me with salutes.
Drove to Pakka Talab and had a round of the serene surroundings. It had a temple, a war memorial, a railway booking office and corporation office around the dirty pond.
Drove back to Dosarka again, turned right towards Jamta and Renuka ji (28 km). The beautiful smooth road climbed sharply to Jamta having amazing views of Nahan town, Dosarka, valleys and plains down below.
Missed stopping at Jamta, situated at a ridge, having one or two good resorts and Jaitak Fort, which was a private property and not open to general public.
Found a nice place on the route “Kisan Dhaba” and had wonderful dal/chawal and a glass of hot cow milk. Availed the opportunity, rested, shaved and cleaned myself.
Dadahu, the last town before Renuka Lake was way too overcrowded. It became too hot as well. Crossed the bride over Giri River and entered Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary.
There were many temples around Renuka lake, and most visitors over there were heading towards them. I, however, continued driving along the lake to the farthest end having a mini zoo and a small village.
There was no road going down to the lake or zoo. Walking on the road through the forest office controlled pathway was not as very inviting as well. It had become too hot and I was not feeling all that good as well.
Parked the car under a big shady tree near the lake, having large number of bats hanging from its branches. Rested for a while and enjoyed watching large number of fish swimming in the green waters of the lake and pilgrims bathing nearby.
Besides the temples, the place has a good hotel, HPTDC ‘The Renuka’, large, shaded parking space, a boating ghat, a specified bathing area, a beautiful pathway, a mini zoo, but sadly no good restaurant and washrooms.
Walk along the lake was heavenly. Loved each and every moment of it. Vehicles are not allowed on the walkway, which was lined with tall trees, ornamental plants, shrubbs having a variety of birds singing birds other than the naughty monkeys.
Left Renuka Lake around 5pm for the first time, 53 km, drive to Haripurdhar via Sangrah. Since I was bit tired and late as well, did not stop and take many pictures of the route which otherwise was pretty good especially after Sangrah.
Had two cups of tea from this homestay at Kakod, by far the best of the trip. Don’t know why, we in the north have forgotten to make good tea. Felt more so ever since my recent trip to Shekhawati region of Rajasthan where I loved ‘kadak‘ tea all through.
Joined a group of vehicles carrying a marriage party at Sangrah. Almost everyone in the party was drunk especially the younger one’s. They refused to give me the pass, gestured rudely and compelled me to follow them for 10 kilometers at snails pace.
It fell dark soon. Could not see the landscape around. However, I could guess the road lined with dense rhododendron forest, having deep valleys and climbing steeply.
Haripurdhar was way less chirpy to my expectations. The place had many guest houses, shops and eating points but both the locals and the tourists were missing.
Walked through the market, and into the deserted lanes of Haripurdhar and then drove another 2 km to Bhangayani Mata temple.
A number of cars bearing HP and HR numbers were already parked. A small eatery was still open. The moonlit sky was full with twinkling stars.
Took heavenly walk in the large moonlit vacant compound of the parking lot and when the drowsiness arrived, walked back to the car, slipping inside and went to sleep in my HOME ON WHEELs parked at yet another dreamy new destination……..!!!
Joy Club 
always a pleasure receive and to see your posts – thank you for sharing – all the best, from Zürich – Janis
Thanks Janis, respect and love from Amritsar, India