Rampur (80KM)
: On
the Hindustan Tibet Road. Once the capital of the Princely State
of Bushahr, the town is situated on the banks of Satluj river.
The whole area is a maze of lanes, shops and temples. In the
month of November, the Lavi Fair is organized here. Dumgir
Buddhist Temple, Padam Palace, Raghunath Temple, Ayodhya
temple and Narsingh Temple, are worth visiting. Himachal Tourism
runs a tourist Complex and air conditioned Cafe, Satluj.
Wild Flower Hall (13KM)
: On
the Mahasu range, at Charabra, 13 km from Shimla, is the Wild
Flower Hall situated at an altitude of 2,498 m. Nestling among
picturesque sylvan surroundings, the Wild Flower Hall commands a
breathtaking view of the snows. A major fire damaged it in 1993.
Serving as a hotel today, it attracts many tourists who wish to
revisit the grandeur of a bygone era.
Mashobra (10KM)
: Situated
on Shimla-Naldehra road at a height of 2149 mt. . A place of
unique beauty, Mashobra is an ideal interlude beneath the oaks
and the pines. Featuring beautiful gardens spattered with the
daffodils, hyacinths, asphodels and celandines, it is a popular
weekend resort, dotted with delightful villas and innumerable
picnic spots. Goddess Durga temple is worth seeing From here, a
track leads down to Sipur, which is an exquisite glade shaded by
ancient deodar trees. A fair is held here every April/May.
About 3 km from Mashobra is the lovely resort of Craignano.
Kufri (16KM)
: Kufri,
at distance of 16 km from Shimla and at an altitude of 2510 m
above sea level, is a site offering some famous hikes and
wonderful snow for skiing in winters. An enjoyable walk leads up
to the Mahasu Peak. The Himalayan Nature Park here has a good
collection of animals and birds found in the region.
Narkanda (64KM)
: Narkanda,
offers wonderful slopes for skiing. At an elevation of 2708 m,
it has dense pine forests. Hatu peak, 8 km from Narkanda,
provides a striking panorama of the plains below. Narkanda
offers spectacular views of snow ranges. Ancient temple of Hatu
Mata is alive with skiers. HPTDC runs Hotel Hatu and in winters
short skiing courses are organised.
Fagu (22KM) : Fagu
Situated on Hindustan-Tibet Road (22-km), at a height of 2,450m
Fagu is gifted with some enchanting views. Himachal Tourism runs
the Hotel peach Blossom.
Chail (43KM) : Chail
is a lush green setting and was the former capital of the
Patiala State. It has the world’s highest cricket ground at a
height of 2250 m, built in 1893. It is also a hiker’s paradise
and there is a wildlife sanctuary at a distance of 3 km from
here. Himachal Tourism runs the Palace Hotel (Earlier the Palace
of Maharaja Of Patiala)
Sarahan : On
Hindustan Tibet Road beyond Rampur is a small village worth
visiting. It provides a spectacular view of Shrikhand Mahadev
(5227 m) and hiking opportunities to the nearby villages such as
Ranwin and Bashal Peak. The Bhimakali temple, dedicated to
Goddess Durga, is the finest example of Indo-Tibetan
architecture. As per legend, this is where goddess Shakti
destroyed the mythical demon king, Bhasmasur. It is a highly
revered place of pilgrimage. Saharan is the gateway to Kinnaur.
A Pheasant Breading Centre and stadium are worth visiting. The
area is a rich bowl of quality apples and other varieties of
delicious fruits.
Tattapani :
51 km from Shimla, is a spot well known for hot sulfurous
springs. Shiv Goofa at Saraur (4 Km) is also worth visiting. One
can enjoy fishing.
Naldehra : Naldehra,
at an altitude of 2050 m and 23 km from Shimla on Shimla-
Tattapani road, houses the oldest and the highest golf course
in India. In the middle of the course is a temple, Mahunag
Mandir. It was a favorite pastime spot of Lord Curzon.
Kotgarh
: Kotgarh
It lies 82 kms from Shimla and is the apple heartland of Himachal.
It was here that Satyanand Stokes, an American missionary, first
sowed the apple seed brought from back home and pioneered
the apple cultivation revolution in Himachal. Today Kotgarh
continues to be one of the most intensive apple growing areas in
the country with acres of orchards lining the slopes of this
untouched dreamland. .The beautiful house with all modern
amenities that one can
think of takes one by surprise. Situated in the midst of
countless acres of rolling orchards, The River View Cottage
offers twin bedded luxury accommodation in the lap of solitude.
The view of the Sutlej River during the day and the enchanting
lights of this beautiful valley at night are a photographer's
delight.The house also has a library to offer where one can read
the Stokes family history, it being closely associated with the
history of Himachal itself. In the evening one can explore Mr.
Singha's impressive wine collection and savour some interesting
apple wines too ! The meals offered also include tasting some
unique Pahari cuisine specially prepared under Mrs. Singha's
expertise. If the explorer's instinct overtakes you, there are
various options of fascinating one-day excursions and soft-treks
around Kotgarh.
Hatkoti : KOTI
(104 Km) 1400 m: Motorable on Shimla-Rohru highway. Famous for
ancient temple of Mata Hateswari in the midst of paddy fields on
the right bank of the Pabber river. HPTDC runs Hotel Pabber
here.
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