Parashar Lake is located at an elevation of 2730 m above sea level. The lake is a perfect holiday destination, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Parashar Lake is nestled between the tall cedar trees. From the edge of the lake, tourists can see the glimpse of snow-capped mountains and water streams of the Sutlej River flowing towards the south.

As per the legends, when the Mahabharata ended, the Pandavas made their way with Dev Kamrunag to find a suitable place for their deity. They landed at this place where the lake is currently located. When the deity and Dev Kamrunag saw the place, they were enchanted by its beauty and decided to stay there for the rest of their lives.

There is a reason behind the oval shape of the lake. As per the legends, at the request of Dev Kamrunag (based on whom this entire valley is known by the name of Kamru Valley today), Bheem, one of the Pandavas, formed a lake in elliptical shape by pushing his forearm and elbow into the peak of the mountain.

Parashar Lake looks like a blue emerald in the midst of green pastures and gigantic mountains. The surroundings of the lake are a rare site which can enchant the mind and soul of every tourist.

For those interested in architecture, the local temple of Prashar Rishi next to the lake, with its riveting Himachali architecture, blends perfectly with the landscape.

Prashar lake is protected by a fence so you cannot enter it. There is a round, floating island inside the lake. If you are lucky, you can see the island move while you are there.

There is a beautiful temple dedicated to the sage Prashar next to the lake. Its architecture is unique and attractive.

Walk to the nearest ‘top’ from the lake to view the sunset and return early the next morning for the sunrise. You get to see whole mountains from here including Papsura and Dharmsura. Rest for the night at the dormitory.

Located at an altitude of about 7000 ft above the sea level, Chakrata in Dehradun District of Uttarakhand State of India is a hill station and a famed tourist destination ideal for mount climbing, trekking and skiing. The town was known earlier as Jaunsar bawar, a small hamlet of Jaunsari tribe.

Yamuna valley is located down the hilly town. Chakrata was developed by the British rulers and was a summer retreat for the high executives of English East India Company. Presently Chakrata encloses military cantonment and the access is restricted here for civilian travelers.

Kharamba peak is the highest mount in Chakrata with an altitude of about 10,000 ft. Nature lovers, Trekkers, bird watchers and wild life enthusiasts can spend days together here in the lap of Chakrata exploiting the nature’s hidden treasures and beauties. The forest around Chakrata is habitat to an amazing flora and fauna including panther, spotted deer and wild fowls.

Popular Things To Do In Chakrata

Wondering what to do in this petite hamlet up in the hills of Uttarakhand? Well, we have brought you a range of activities you can try here during your trip:

Kanasar – Camping And River Rafting In Chakrata
Tiger Falls – Trek All The Way To It
Deoban – Bird Watching
Budher Caves – Venture In!
Chilmiri Neck – Admire The Scenic Sunsets
Yamuna Adventure Park – Water Activities
Deoban Forest – Rock Climbing
Kimona Falls – Waterfall Rappelling
Chakrata Forest Check Post – Horse Riding
Makhti Pokhari Village – Walk Or Bicycle
Lakhamandal Temple – Marvel At The Architecture
Mundali – Go Skiing
Ram Tal Horticultural Garden – Have A Picnic
Enjoy Local Cuisine
Witness Fairs And Festivals
Hanol – Seek Blessings At Mahasu Devta Temple

With mountain climbing as one of the popular activities in Chakrata, it is also becoming a popular destination for camping. With some of the beautiful waterfalls, especially Tiger Falls, Chakrata is a backpacker’s paradise and an ideal location for people seeking offbeat tranquil destinations. The highest peak in the hilltown is Kharamba Peak, located at an altitude of 10,000 ft surrounded by dense forests and nature’s bounties. The forests of Chakrata is home to diverse wildlife like wild fowls, panther and spotted deer.

Once a small hamlet of Jaunsari tribe called Jaunsar Bawar, Chakrata looks down upon the Yamuna valley. The place was developed by the executives of the East India Company and it also encloses a military cantonment making the access restricted for civilian travellers.

The structure of this temple gives the hints of the early medieval North Indian style of architecture. This type of structure used to be known as ‘Nagara’ style of temple. The architectural style has been imbibed from Orissan style, which is very much unique in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The exterior walls of the temple have numerous alcoves with images of gods and Goddesses from the Hindu pantheon.

In order to enter the temple, one has to cross the vestibule that has a large ‘Mandap’ in the centre and two huge balconies on either side. The temple has fortifications, leaving space for two entrances in the north and the south. Just before the Mandapa, there is small porch placed on four columns. Here, a huge image of Nandi (the bull of Lord Shiva) is placed. The door leading to the sanctum is speckled with many images of artistic nature.

Lord Shiva is commemorated here as Vaidyanath (the Lord of Physician) and is placed in the form of ‘Lingam’ (phallic form of Lord Shiva). The main sanctum comprises five projections on every side and a tall curved shikhar (spire). The history of Baijnath temple is inscribed on the stone slabs inside the complex. As per the beliefs, Ravana (King of Lanka) had worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple.

The water of this temple is believed to contain medicinal properties, which can cure diseases of people. Due to this reason too, Baijnath Temple receives thousands of people every year. Shivratri is the major festival that is observed at this temple with full gusto and fervor. Devotees visit the temple during this time to seek the blessings from the God.

Besides the shrine of Lord Shiva, there are many other small shrines dedicated to Gods and Goddesses. In the early 20th century, the temple was suffered from an earthquake. Raja Sansar Chand made an effort to renovate the temple after the calamity. The temple complex acquires lush green gardens, which makes a perfect foreground to the ancient and unique structure of this temple. Baijnath temple is considered as a part of Indian Heritage, so security arrangements are made here to avoid any unwanted element.