Naldehra

A paradise for nature lovers, Naldehra is famous as one of the oldest golf courses in the country, located at a height of 2,200 m above sea level. An 18-hole course, it is considered as one of the most challenging in India. Originally designed by the British Viceroy, Lord Curzon, who was supposedly so taken with the beauty of the spot that he personally supervised the laying out of the nine-hole golf course, which was later expanded.

Naldehra is crowned by a magnificent grove of deodar trees and carpeted with a springing turf. The wide areas that form the iconic Alps-like topography of the region are home to some endangered species of fauna.

Naldehra

Fagu

A secluded snowy retreat near Shimla, Fagu serves as a basecamp for trekkers, nature lovers and botanists who wish to explore Shimla's gorgeous countryside. The deep valleys of Fagu are home to scenic apple orchards and beautiful flower fields. The place offers limited options for accommodation and tourists can book Hotel Peach Blossom which is run by Himachal Pradesh Tourism. One of the major tourist spots in Fagu is the Banthia Devta Temple, which offers a glimpse of the town's rich art and culture. The temple draws visitors with its beautiful wooden carvings and scenic beauty. Camping lovers should head to Katir, which is located 13 km from Fagu and attracts visitors with thrilling opportunities. Another place near Fagu that will leave you mesmerised is Theog, known for its markets. At about 2,450 m above sea level, Fagu is located on the Hindustan-Tibet Road. In winter, it is covered with snow and boasts pristine surroundings.

Fagu

Kotgarh

Known as the apple bowl of India, Kotgarh is a quaint and picturesque town located on the old Hindustan-Tibet road. It is noted for its apple cultivation and offers visitors a chance to walk through lovely apple orchards and pine forests. One of the main attractions of Kotgarh is the gorgeous St Mary's Church that stands as a reminder of the British rule. Built in 1872, the wooden church boasts stained glass windows and an array of benches sculpted out of cedars.

Tourists can also visit the Mailan Devta Temple, which draws visitors with its splendid shikhara (spire) style of architecture. Lying 5 km from Kotgarh is the serene Tani Jubbar Lake where an annual arts and crafts fair is held in the month of June. Legend has it that in 1916, Samuel Stokes, a social worker from Philadelphia, USA, came to Kotgarh as a missionary worker. He was so enthralled with the beauty of the area that he settled here. He began planting apples that were imported from select orchards in Louisiana and encouraged all farmers to switch their primary crop to apples. Over the years, Kothgarh became one of the wealthiest regions in Himachal Pradesh. The apples from the region now have global acclaim and are responsible for a large chunk of the GDP of the entire state. One of the best aspects of the area is that it has managed to retain it's charm from the pre-independence era.

Kotgarh

Shoghi

Set amidst rhododendron and oak forests, Shoghi is a peaceful suburb near Shimla. Home to ancient temples and dense foliage, the quaint town is also a haven for trekkers and offers amazing opportunities for trekking and camping. The Tara Devi Temple is the most popular attraction in Shoghi that draws devotees from all parts of the state. The temple can be reached by taking a walk through lovely deodar forests. Dedicated to Goddess Tara, one of the most significant deities of Tibetan Buddhists, the 250-year-old temple is perched on Tara Parvat. The temple invites large crowds during the Sharad Navratri and the Ma Tara Devi Festival, which is celebrated every year with great fervour during Diwali. Perched at an altitude of 1,851 m above sea level, the temple offers spectacular views of the snow-covered Himalayas on one side and Shimla on the other. Shoghi is also very popular for its delicious fruit products like home-made pickles, syrups, juices and jellies. The gorgeous town is located at a distance of 14 km from Shimla and is best visited during the summer season. Shoghi can also be reached by taking the heritage Kalka-Shimla toy train, which is an amazing experience in itself.

Shoghi

Sarahan

Lying on the banks of the meandering River Sutlej, Sarahan is soaked in natural beauty and looks very scenic surrounded by steep cliffs on one side and deep ravines on the other. The landscape is dotted with pine forests, apple orchards and terraced farms and presents a spectacular sight. One can see the majestic Shrikhand Peak of the Great Himalayas from here, which is unique in the way that its tip remains uncovered by snow. As soon as the sun rays fall on the peak, it lights up and makes for a stunning sight. Another attraction is the temple of Goddess Bhima Kaali that looks a lot like a monastery. This temple is one of the shaktipeeths, making it a revered site in the region. According to legend, the place turned into a place of worship after Goddess Sati's ears fell here during Lord Shiva's dance of cosmic destruction.

 

Sarahan

Solan

Bordered by lofty hill slopes, the quaint town of Solan is a prominent camping and trekking site. Located at an elevation of 1,467 m above sea level, Solan is surrounded by the Matiul Peak to its east and the Koral Peak to its north. Solan is home to some ancient temples including the most visited Shoolini Mata Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Shoolini, it is one of the oldest and the most revered temples in the region. Every year, an annual fair is held in the month of June that is celebrated with great fervour. Tourists can also visit Jatoli Temple and Karol Tibba. Solan is known as the city of red gold, thanks to the abundant growth of tomato in the region. Another notable attraction is the historic Gurkha Fort, which was occupied by the Gurkhas during the early 1800s. Don't miss the splendid murals made in Pahari style that adorn the fort. Solan is located at a distance of 46 km from Shimla and serves as a gateway to other popular hill stations like Kasauli and Chail.

Solan

Hatu Peak

The second-highest peak in Shimla district, Hatu, about 3,400 m high, lies on the outskirts of the city. Tourists can visit the quaint town of Narkanda that is situated atop the peak. The town serves as a transit camp for travellers heading to Spiti Valley and other higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh. Narkanda is home to the iconic Hatu Temple, dedicated to Hatu mata, an incarnation of Goddess Kali. Constructed entirely out of timber, the temple is a highly revered site in the region. Narkanda is also home to the 18th-century Stokes Farm, which is widely known for its apple orchards. Allow the generous Stokes family to give you a free guided tour where you can see varieties of apples and several experiments being done in collaboration with leading agro companies. Narkanda has also emerged as a haven for adventure enthusiasts and offers great opportunities for trekking, skiing and other popular winter sports.

Hatu Peak

Jakhu Hill

The highest peak of Shimla, Jakhu Hill is known for the Jakhu Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. If you peep above the treeline near the Christ Church, you will notice the top of the 33-m-high statue of the god staring back at you. Legend has it that Lord Hanuman stopped here to rest on his way to find the sanjeevani root for Lord Lakshmana. The temple retains its old-world charm as it is situated at a considerable distance from the town and its hustle and bustle. To reach the temple one can take a short cable car ride that goes to the very top of the mountain. The other option is the steep albeit scenic hike that goes up the beautiful mountainside and starts next to the church.

 

Jakhu Hill