Category: Tourist Spots

Sarahan Temple

Sarahan Temple

Sarahan is a beautiful hamlet situated near Kinnaur in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is known as the “Gateway to Kinnaur”. The way to Sarahan through Fagu, Theog, Narkanda, Rampur, and Jeori is extremely scenic-traversing through mountains flanked by steep cliffs. Sarahan temple is the temple of  Goddess Bhimakali (An Incarnation Of Goddess Durga), Household Deity Of The Bhushar Kings Bhimakali temple regarded as one of the 51 sacred Shaktipeethhs. The temple’s unusual architecture and wealth of carvings have made it a resplendent example of what is loosely called the Indo-Tibetan style. Sarahan was the Summer Capital of the erstwhile princely state, Bushaahr Kingdom. This kingdom was an important center for trade between Tibet, Kinnaur and the lower plain areas.

Best time to visit

The roads are mostly well connected throughout the year with Sarhana. Whether you’re a religious person then you can visit during the Durga Puja Festival and also you can plan in August/ September which is harvest season for the apples.

How to reach ?

By Road: Once you reach Shimla it will take 5 hours to reach Sarahan which is approximately 160 km. Cab will pass through Fagu, Theog, Narkanda and Rampur.

By Air: The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti, in Shimla and it is 170 km from Sarahan.

By train: The nearest Railway station is in Shimla and it is 160 km from Sarahan.

Sangla

Sangla

Beautifully nestled in the lap of the Himlayas, Sangla is a scenic and popular hilly area that is located in the Baspa Valley of Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh.  In Tibetan language, the word ‘Sangla’ means ‘Pass of Light’. Sangla is famous for its high fertile soil; at an elevation of 2621 m above the sea level. Little known fact, Sangla is a Tibetan wood carving center! Thanks to the Sangam of two cultures – Hinduism and Buddhism. The place is resplendent with amazing natural beauty and picturesque locations. The climate of the region remains pleasant all year round and is apt for sightseeing. Snow clad mountains surround you and you get to see the Kinner Kailash peak. The Baspa River flows through the valley and that is why it is also known as the Baspa Valley. The place attracts every tourist with its beautiful temples, gompas, and friendly habitants. The place is famous worldwide for Kinnauri caps and handmade shawls. The major source of livelihood for the locals is agriculture and related activities.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is between March and October. The other months are when Sangla receives heavy snowfall. Also, during the rainy season, one needs to be careful because sometimes this region has cloudbursts which result in extremely heavy rainfall.

How to Reach ?

Sangla can be covered by two ways, either via Shimla or Manali.

By road: Once you reach Shimla it will take 8 hours to reach Sangla which is approximately 221 km. Cab will pass through Fagu, Theog, Narkanda and Rampur.

By Air: The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti, in Shimla and it is 230 km from Sangla.

By train: The nearest Railway station is in Shimla and it is 221 km from Sangla.

Chitkul

Chitkul

Chitkul glows like the diadem of Himachal Pradesh with its splendor of nature, and it is the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border At 11320 feet. The village is located at a distance of 28 km from Sangla, about 600 kilometer from Delhi in the Kinnaur Valley. This village has its own charm with people who are living here. In this heavenly place, people are calm, quiet, honest and believer of both Hinduism and Buddhism. The most iconic feature of Chitkul is its old, wooden houses, which represent the finest example of the vernacular style of architecture. In the ancient mythology, the people of Chitkul were known as Kinnaras means the halfway between Gods and Humans. The village remains almost covered with snow during winter season. It is during this period of time, the local residents move to the lower Himalayan regions. The attractions nearby Chitkul are Kamru Fort, an 800 years old establishment where Kamakshi Devi(only non-Buddhist deity) Temple is situated, Mathi Temple, hydro flour mill, Rakcham Chitkul Wildlife Sanctuary, rejoice at Baspa River banks and the amazingly beautiful scenery around.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is the summer months especially from April to June and September – October. However, August – September is harvest season for the apples and makes for a sight to never be forgotten. Since the winter months are uninhabitable, it isn’t a viable option.

How to Reach

By Air: Nearest Airport to Chitkul is Shimla (247 km). Bhuntar Airport near Manali is approximately 275 km from Chitkul.

By Train: Shimla is the nearest Railway station to Chitkul and then you need to travel by road from Shimla to Chitkul.

By Road: Once you reach Shimla it will take 9 hours to reach Sangla which is approximately 243 km. Cab will pass through Fagu, Theog, Narkanda and Rampur.

Kalpa

Kalpa

Kalpa is a small town in the Satluj river valley, above Reckong Peo in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Nestled at an elevation of 2758 m above sea level, Kalpa was earlier the headquarters of the Kinnaur region. Kalpa is home to the wonderful Kinner-Kailash ranges amid picturesque Himalayan hills and serene valleys.  This is the legendary winter home of Shiva.  Kalpa came into prominence in the wake of British Governor General Lord Dalhousie’s visit in the 19th century. Kalpa and the nearby town of Reckong Peo is mostly used as the center point of the journey from Shimla to Kaza. It is not completely an unknown destination because tourism is a major part of the livelihood of the people around here. The mountain range, wrapped in a white sheet of snow, appeared no less than a fairy tale land. As the sun rose from behind the range, kissing its peaks.

Weather in Kalpa

During summer, it will be the pleasant kind of cold when the temperature during day will be between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. In winter season, it starts to snow here and temperature remains below 0 degrees Celsius. Monsoon arrives towards late July and remains until late August during which, it can rain here anytime. During winter season, the temperatures in Kalpa dip considerably; because of which, the months of summer from May onward can be considered as best time to visit Kalpa.

Best time to visit

 During summer, it will be the pleasant kind of cold. In winter season, it starts to snow here and temperature remains below 0 degrees Celsius. Monsoon arrives towards late July and remains until late August during which, it can rain here anytime. We suggest plan in summer months only.

How to reach ?

By Road: Once you reach Shimla it will take 9 hours to reach Sangla which is approximately 267 km. Cab will pass through Fagu, Theog, Narkanda and Rampur.

By Train: The nearest Railway station is in Shimla and it is 267 km from Kalpa.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Shimla,267 km. from Kalpa.

Off Beat Places near Shimla

Off Beat Places near Shimla

Places like Kufri, Naldhera, Tattapani near Shimla are the famous tourist spots visited by the tourists. There are some other places near Shimla which are not known to many tourists. These places are very picturesque and worth visiting. These are off beat places and visit to them would be a memorable one.The beauty of these places are fabulous.

Some off beat Places near Shimla

Pabbar Valley

Pabbar is one of the eye-catching valleys of Himachal Pradesh. This valley is isolated as it is not known to many tourists to Himachal Pradesh. Adventurous activities like Trekking, Paragliding, Rafting, etc can be experienced here. The Rivers Rohru, Shelapani and Kharapathar come under the Pabbar Valley region. The valley has fruit laden orchards and swift flowing streams. The valley is also known for the ancient temples and their architecture. Khara Pathar here is famous for the thick green forests, great view, walk and hike trails and the charming apple orchards. The famous temples Hateshwari in Kharapathar and Shikru Devta temple in Rohru are situated in this valley.

Pabbar Valley is 85 km from Shimla and it is well accessible with good roads.

Chindi

Chindi is an excellent off-beat destination. The area is filled with apple orchards and surrounded with thick forests. Even though off-beaten, has good facilities, small markets and accommodation facilities. The area has several temples and display of traditional craftsmanship. The main temples are Mamleshwara Mahadev, Kamakshya Mata, Mahunag Ardhnarishwara and Aledi Mahadev. Karsog valley just below Chindi is a good picnic spot.

Chindi is 87 km from Shimla and easily reachable by road.

Darlaghat

Darlaghat is 41 km from Shimla. The Ambuja Cement factory is located here. This place is famous for the Darlaghat sanctuary which host animals like leopard, Black Bear, Sambhals, Wild Boars, Red Jungle Fowls and barking Deer. Many migratory birds are also seen here. The best season to visit is from October to April.

Arkhi, 17 km from Darlaghat is also a nice place to visit for the peaceful and clean atmosphere with small villages around. A temple of Lutroo Mahadev in Arkhi is worth visiting. 22 km from Darlaghat is Bharidhar where an annual fair called ‘Bari Jatra’ is celebrated on 14 June every year. On this day palanquins of five Pandavas from nearby village are being worshipped as their local diety.

Kasauli

Kasauli is 73 km from Shimla. Kasauli is off beat as it is away from the normal route to Shimla from Chandigarh or Delhi.

Kasauli is a small hill station surrounded with pine, oak and huge horse-chestnut trees. The places of interest in Kasauli are the Monkey Point, Baptist Church, Central Research Institute, Baba Balaknath temple and Shirdi Sai Baba mandir.

Fagu

Fagu is a tiny village, including rare views of vivid dales and snow clad peaks. The countryside is very picturesque with fruit gardens and terraced fields. The entire atmosphere of Fagu is very romantic. Most of Fagu is covered with Himalayan spruce and cedar.

Fagu is 22 km from Shimla and the approach is easily accessible.