|
APPROACH
RAIL:
The nearest railway stations are Ambala, Chandigarh and Kalka which are
connected by a regular bus service.
ROAD:
Nahan is approachable from many directions by road
-
via Dehra Dun (
U.P.) through Paonta Sahib
-
via Kala-Amb
from Haryana and
-
via Solan from
Shimla ( H.P.)
There are
regular bus services linking it to the other towns like Manali, Delhi
and Haridwar.
WHAT TO SEE
NAHAN TOWN:
There gently level walks; Villa Round, Military Round and Hospital Round
are evocative of the city's past. The hub of Nahan's activities is
Chaugan, Bikram Bagh and Khadar-Ka-Bagh. Gift shops, Rosin & Turpine
factory and local temples are among the other major attractions. Nahan
celebrates Bawan Dwadshi 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.
SUKETI
FOSSIL PARK:
Suketi Fossil Park displays life size fiberglass model of pre-historic
animals whose fossil, skeletons were unearthed here. The park is first
of its kind in Asia to be developed at the actual site where fossils
were discovered. At a distance of 21 kms. from Nahan, the Suketi Fossil
Park is located on the bank of Markanda river and is approachable by a
link road 4 kms. from Kala-Amb from Haryana. Located on upper and middle
Shiwaliks, consisting mainly of soft sandstone and clay rocks, the park
at present has six sets of life-size models of Stegodonganesa (extinct
grand elephant) Sivatherium, Hexaprotodon-Sivalensis (hippopotamus with
six incisors), Colosschelys Atlas (giant land tortoise and chelonia),
Paramachaerdus (Sabre Toothed tiger) and Crocodilia the animals which
once thrived in the region.
The Shiwalik
formations contain one of the world's richest collection of mammalian
fossils. From a study of these fossils, it has been possible for the
palaeontologists to probe into the mysteries of evolution of prehistoric
life and the climate and environment of these periods which go back to
Jurassic era, nearly 8.5 million years ago. The Shiwalik deposits are
unsurpassed in the world for the richness of the fauna they entomb.
Around this park, plantation work by Horticulture Department has been
done which makes the surroundings quite charming.
The other major
attraction is the Museum which contains various fossils, models, charts
and paintings relating to the various aspects of plants and animals life
of the past and present in Shiwalik range. For refreshment, the HPTDC
has a cafeteria a Tourist Information Centre is established there by the
Himachal Government.
TRILOKPUR
TEMPLE:
It was built in 1573 by Raja Dip Prakash. It is situated at a distance
of 23 kms. from Nahan and 6 kms. from Kala-Amb, the gateway to Nahan
from Haryana. Trilokpur is a place of great religious importance. The
temple of the goddess Mahamaya Bala Sundri is very famous and attracts
lakhs of pilgrims from all over Northern India, especially from Haryana
and Himachal. A fair is held twice an year during the Navratras in April
and October when a large number of devotees visit this temple and pay
their respects to the goddess. This place is approachable by bus and
taxi.
DHAULA KUAN:
On the road to Paonta Sahib 20 kms. from Nahan, it is worth while to
stop and see a sprawling orchard consisting of citrus plants and mangoes
and a fruit canning factory of various kinds of juices, jams, pickles
and canned fruits. A little away from Dhaula Kuan is Kastasan Devi
temple where Raja Jagat Singh defeated the advancing army of Rulam
Quadir Rohilla in a great battle. Their victory is commemorated in the
Devi Temple, built in gratitude by the Raja. Dhaula Kuan also has a
research station of HP KVV where useful research on tropical fruits is
carried out.
GIRI NAGAR:
Situated at a distance of 7 kms. from Dhaula Kuan, this town has a power
house of 60 MW capacity constructed after diverting the Giri river
through a 6 kms. tunnel.

|