Tucked in the Himalayan abode, lush with natural beauty, dense forests, gushing rivers and a carpet of fresh blooms, Himachal Pradesh is a sacred haven that draws spiritual seekers and travellers alike. Himachal Pradesh holds a unique place in the hearts of many, from its spiritual essence to the verdant valleys of Kullu, Chamba, Shimla and Manali, as well as the barren lands of Lahaul and Spiti. But there is more to Himachal Pradesh than these populated tourist destinations. Tucked away in the Shivalik Hills of Himachal Pradesh, the spotlight is placed on the small town of Nahan.

The charming little town of Nahan defines a new explanation of peace, heritage and natural beauty. The town experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year. It also serves as the gateway to various trekking routes. A hidden gem in Himachal Pradesh, the places to visit in Nahan offer the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, perfect for travellers looking for a quieter yet fulfilling holiday.

The quaint town is dotted with lakes, wildlife sanctuaries and cave temples. Nahan tourist places bring you closer to nature.

Places to Visit in Nahan

• Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary 

• Suketi Fossil Park 

• Jaitak Hills 

• Rajbans - Sirmouri Tal 

• Churdhar Peak 

• Simbalwara Wildlife Sanctuary 

Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary 

Among the popular tourist places near Nahan, Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary offers a unique experience.  The sanctuary is spread over 402 hectares of land and comprises the Renuka Reserve Forest and the Renuka Lake. The place has a significant mythological relevance and has multiple temples of the mother-son duo of Renukaji and Lord Parshuram. The sanctuary is located in a biogeographical zone is home to countless wildlife species, including Leopard, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Jackal, Black Buck, Nilgai, Jungle cat, Blue jay, Black Partridge, Hill Crow, Scarlet Minivet, Bulbul and more. The place is perfect for exploring the peaceful surroundings without disturbing nature or enjoying boating at the lake. The sanctuary also has a mini zoo and offers provisions for a lion safari.  

Distance from Nahan: 38 km 

Address: Renuka Ji, Nahan, Himachal Pradesh 

Visiting Hours: 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM (Check details locally) 

Entry Fee: Free 

Suketi Fossil Park 

Also known as Shivalik Fossil Park, this is one of the largest fossil parks in Asia, located 21 km away from Nahan. The park was established in 1974 by the Geological Survey of India and showcases fossils and life-size models of prehistoric species. The open-air exhibit houses life-sized ṣmodels of the extinct mammals whose fossils were discovered here. Suketi Fossil Park is one of the best places to visit in Nahan, perfect for history buffs and families with kids.

Distance from Nahan: 20 km 

Address: Suketi Rd, Nagal Saketi, Himachal Pradesh 

Visiting Hours: 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM (Closed on Tuesday) 

Entry Fee: Free 

Jaitak Hills 

Jaitak Hills are located about 19 km away from Nahan and are prominently known as the battleground between the British forces and the Gurkhas. While the hill itself is a popular place to visit near Nahan, it is also known for the Jaitak Fort, which was established in 1810 by Ranjor Singh Thapa, a Gurkha leader. Though the fort is permanently closed off for tourists, the leisurely views the hills offer are something one should not miss out on.

Distance from Nahan: 17 km 

Address:  Kandon Kathar, Himachal Pradesh  

Visiting Hours: 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM (Check details locally) 

Entry Fee: Free 

Rajbans - Sirmouri Tal 

When it comes to places to see in Nahan, Rajbans - Sirmouri Tal deserves a spot in your itinerary. Surrounded by lush green hills, this peaceful ancient village holds the ruins of an old city destroyed by curse, betrayal and treachery. Despite all that, Rajbans offers a quiet retreat. For travellers looking to explore Nahan tourist places, Rajbans is perfect for a quick stopover. Book Customized Holidays with us to include Rajbans in our Himachal Pradesh holiday packages. 

Distance from Nahan: 53 km 

Churdhar Peak 

Perfect for trekkers and adventure seekers, Churdhar Peak is located in the outer Himalayas of the Shivalik Range. It is also the highest peak in southern Himachal Pradesh, boasting the most spectacular views of the Badrinath and Kedarnath peaks in the Garhwal region. At the summit stands a Chureshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The trek takes you through thick forests, lush with deodar trees and rare herbs swaying in the crisp mountain air. The best time to visit Nahan for a trek to Churdhar Peak is between May and November (take an exception during the monsoon season).

Simbalwara Wildlife Sanctuary 

Among the most fascinating places to visit in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, the Simbalwara Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers. The sanctuary was first established as a peaceful nature retreat in 1958 and re-established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1974. The park boasts a rich biodiversity for rare bird and animal species, including the Sambhar, Goral and the Himalayan Black Bear. What makes this place stand out among tourist places near Nahan is the peaceful setting, untouched by crowds, allowing you to slow down and soak in the nature. The best time to visit Simbalwara Wildlife Sanctuary is between April to November (avoid visiting during the monsoon).

Distance from Nahan: 36 km 

Address: State Highway 6A, Dhaula Kuan, Himachal Pradesh 

Visiting Hours: 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM (Check local restrictions before visiting) 

Entry Fee: Free 

How to Reach Nahan 

By Air: The nearest airports to Nahan are Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (IXC) in Chandigarh (about 85 km away) and Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (approximately 120 km away). From the airport, you can either take public transport or hire a private cab to reach Nahan.  

By Rail: The nearest major railway stations are Ambala Cantt Junction (about 65 km away) and Chandigarh Railway Station (about 80 km away). From there, local taxis and businesses can take you to Nahan.  

By Road: Nahan is well linked by road and easily reachable from major cities. State transport and private buses run from Chandigarh, Delhi, Shimla, Haridwar and Manali. Taking the road is a great option, as it will give you ample time to enjoy the scenic roads and the Shivalik Hills. 

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Nahan is from March to June and September to November 

• March to June counts as the peak season in Nahan. The summers are warm and comfortable enough for sightseeing, exploring nature and enjoying the spring.   

• September to November marks the transition from monsoon and humid season to winter, and will give you lush green hills and quieter surroundings. The temperatures are neither too hot nor too chilly, just perfect for seasonal activities, trekking, and sightseeing in Nahan.  

Ideal Duration: A 2-3 day trip is just right for exploring Nahan. Tucked away in the Shivalik Hills, this postcard town offers a peaceful escape to explore tourist places near Nahan with fewer crowds, more greenery, good air and calm vibes. 

Planning a trip is exciting, but sorting out travel arrangements, booking hotels, and creating a perfect itinerary for local sightseeing can sometimes be exhausting. After all, there is too much available on the web and too little time. That is where our tour packages come in.  

Veena World is known for curating the best itineraries that cover must-visit spots without the holiday rush. We provide hassle-free travel arrangements, from flights to land transfer, hotels, meals and everything in between; all inclusive of our package deal. Our expert group tour managers add local insights and ensure your tour experience is hassle-free and memorable.  

Booking with us means you get to enjoy the place’s beauty while we handle the nitty-gritty details. Check out our well-priced Himachal tour package from Mumbai and get ready to have the best time of your life.  

FAQs 

Q1. How did Nahan get its name? 

You’ll find a few fascinating interpretations in this regard. 

One legend speaks of a saint living with a lion ("nahar"), suggesting the town’s name stems from that unique bond. 

Another tells of Baba Banwari Das, who intervened just as a king was about to kill a lion, uttering "Nahar" (meaning “don't kill”). The phrase later evolved into Nahan. 

Q2. What’s with Nahan’s nickname, "Town of Ponds"? 

It earned that nickname quite literally. Nahan is adorned with numerous artificial ponds scattered throughout, creating a serene and picturesque setting. 

Q3. Was Nahan once a princely capital? 

Nahan was the capital of the Sirmur princely state - you will still see remnants of royal architecture. The local Chaugan ground and Lytton’s Memorial hint at its regal past. 

Q4. What unusual military facility is based in Nahan? 

Nahan houses the Indian Army's Special Forces Training School which is a top-tier training institution where elite units practice with global partners. 

Q5. What are some lesser-known nearby gems? 

Trilokpur Temple (1573 CE): Built in Indo-Persian style, the temple features three shrines dedicated to different aspects of Goddess Durga. The main Bala Sundari temple dates to 1573 and echoes an intriguing legend of a sacred stone found in a bag of salt. 

Dhaula Kuan: Known for expansive citrus and mango orchards, it’s also home to a fruit-canning factory and the prominent Katasan Devi Temple, built to commemorate a historic battle victory. 

Giri Nagar: Situated along the Giri River, this small settlement hosts a 60 MW hydroelectric plant which supplies power to nearby states.