Tattapani in Shimla Hills

Tattapani in Shimla Hills

This place is is known for its hot water springs on the banks of the river Satluj, white water rafting and adventure sports. Tattapani is located at a distance of 51 kilometers from Shimla. The place is at an elevation of 655 meters above sea level. Being at a lower altitude than Shimla this place is comparatively warmer than Shimla. Mashobra and Naldehra tourist spots are on the way while going to Tattapani so you can enjoy over there.

Tattapani: Getting there

Distance: 51 Kms from Shimla on the Shimla Naldehra Mandi road

Travel time: two hours

Travel mode:  By road only, preferable in a car

Sunrise Travels offer full day Tattapani Trip by Indicia Car for  Rs 2100 only by tata indica  and Rs 2400 by Tavara.

Things to see and do at Tattapani near Shimla

The Tattapani village is spread in about a kilometer of area and there are a number of activities that can be done here

Hot sulphur Springs

Tattapani is an ideal locale for enjoyment and recreation. The springs are found on the banks of river Sutlej covering an area of one square kilometer. People from all over the country visit the place to take a dip into the sulphur water of the spring. A dip into the water of the spring provides relief to the people suffering from joint pains, fatigue or any type of skin disease and hence has got a great medicinal quality. This natural sulphur spring is pure and has curative powers of various kinds. The temperature of the water keeps fluctuating depending on the water level of the river.

White river rafting in the Sutlej River

Tattapani is only place in Shimla where you can do white water reafting. The powerhouse at Chabba which is 18 kms from Naldehra provides a starting point for the 11 km river rafting stretch to Tattapani. Peak season is during April to June

Grade II rapids are between Chabba and Tattapani, a 14 km course. It takes about one to one-and-a-half hour to cover the distance.

Grade IV rapids are between Pandowa to Tattapani, which is a 36 km course.  It takes about three and half hours to cover the distance. A minimum of four persons are required for a rafting trip.

The following are required for river rafting. The same are available on rent at various shops around rafting sites or from the Himachal Tourism (HPTDC) offices

Dinghy (expansive rubber life raft)

Life jackets

Helmets

Apart from this you need to carry some personal belongings like sunscreen lotion, first aid kit, and shoes.

River rafting training

You can take up course on river rafting offered by HPTDC and private operators. It is very easy to learn this sport.

For Rafting and related activities get in Touch with Sunrise Travels Shimla

Mountain Biking / cycling

Cycling is a unique and great refreshing experience along the banks of river Sutlej. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of the river the flora and fauna and village life. The cycling trek is 12 kilometers long having lots of upside and downside curves in a very peaceful environment in the lap of nature. If you are more enthusiastic you can go up to the higher stretch called Chindi village which is 30 kilometers from Tattapani.  All the cycling needs are provided by the hotel Hot Spring Therme and Spa located on the banks of the river at Tattapani.

Collecting stones from the Sutlej River

There are huge numbers of round and oval stones in the river bank which have become very smooth in touch as they have come rolling from far distant mountains. The stones are in various colors and shapes which are collectible items.

Hotels in Tattapani

There are a few hotels in Tattapani but the best one is Hotel Hot Springs Therme and Spa.They arrange river rafting, cycling and camping expeditions also.  Other are budget category hotels. All these hotels are  located nearby the banks of the river Sutlej. Finding a suitable accommodation is not a problem in Tattapani as few tourists stay back, other prefer to return to Shimla.

Famous restaurants in Shimla

Famous eating Joints and restaurants in Shimla

Shimla has a number of good restaurants and eating joints. Being a tourist destination for world over all types of food is available in Shimla, but finding a restaurant serving anything traditional is difficult to find. In general most hotels  have restaurants serving varied cuisine. Mall the main tourist attraction has a most number of popular restaurants and eating joints where you can find everything. Devicos is a multi-cuisine restaurant, serving north Indian, south Indian, Chinese and Continental. Baljees is ideal for breakfast or a quick lunch while shopping at the Mall.

Baljees Restaurant

This is located just opposite Municipal Corporation Office at the Mall and has a sweet shop with a snacks shop at the ground floor and restaurant called Fascination at the top.

Cuisines: North Indian, South Indian, Mughalai, Continental, Middle East, Chinese Address: 26, The Mall, Shimla

Timings: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The Devicos Restaurant

Cuisines: North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Continental

Address: 5, The Mall Road, Shimla

Timings: 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.

Himanis Restaurant

Cuisines: North Indian, South Indian, Chinese

Address: 48, The Mall Road, Shimla

Timings: 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.

Tripti Restaurant

Famous for South Indian dishes

Cuisines: North Indian, South Indian

Address: 5, The Mall Road

Timings: 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.

Goofa & Ashaian (Himachal Tourism)

At Shimla’s prominent Ridge, Himachal Tourism offers the Ashiana and Goofa Restaurants with fast food counter serving delicious Indian, Continental, Chinese and Himachali cuisines.

Embassy Restaurant

A delightful restaurant situated near the eastern side of Mall, in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. This self service restaurant offers delicious Indian and Chinese delicacies. Pizzas and hamburgers are their specialty.

Other popular restaurants include: Alfa Restaurant, Indian coffee house, Deepak Vaishnav Bhojnalya, Himani restaurant, Rendezvous Bar & Restaurant, Nalini restaurant.

Popular bakeries in Shimla

Trishool bakers next to Gaiety theatre, Krishna bakery near Lift, Beekays at the Scandal point, are famous for fast food such as burger, patties, pastries and much more.

Mehru Halwai and Natthu Halwai in Lower Bazaar is famous for Milk Jalebi, Samosa and other Indian Sweets.

Shimla Shopping & entertainment guide

Shimla Shopping & entertainment guide

There is an enormous range of goods that Shimla has to offer. This includes handicrafts, wood and metalwork, shawls, pullovers, local tweeds, caps, juices, pickles, jams and squashes and many more.

Lakkar Bazaar

The discerning shopper would find shopping in Shimla a pleasant experience. Like all hill stations in India, Shimla also has a rich and diverse forestland. One thing that must feature in your shopping cart in Shimla is the walking sticks. This and more is available in the Lakkar bazaar adjoining the ridge. The bazaar offers everything from toys, figurines, candle stands, key chains, carved sticks to pots, pans and spoons – all made of wood. The ace craftsmen in Shimla make exquisite walking sticks out of the wood available in Shimla. Shimla fruit products are also ideal gifts for near and dear ones.

The Mall

Shimla shopping center is basically centered around the Mall of Shimla. The Mall flocks with innumerable shops on both the sides. Shopping in Shimla is an absolute delight. There are various emporiums loaded with handicrafts on the mall. The government emporiums are more famous.

Local Himachal handicrafts like Woolen and pashmina shawls, decorative items, handmade shoes, dolls, the famous Himachali woolen caps, rugs, woolen coats etc. are available in these emporiums.

Weavers in the Kullu-Manali region weave colorful caps on their looms, which are favorite with the tourists visiting this region.

Lower Bazaar

As the name suggests the Lower Bazaar is located below the Mall. In between these two is the middle bazaar. These the shopping place for the local people. People from villages around Shimla are seen shopping at these markets. Goods here are also cheaper as compared to the mall. This is a narrow bazaar with traditional shops on both sides. Natthu Halwai, Mehru Halwai and Gujjar Khan Sweets are popular sweet shops in Lower bazaar.

Restaurants

These are some of the most popular restaurants in Shimla located on and around the mall road.

  • Baljees Restaurant
  • Alfa Restaurant
  • Indian coffee house
  • Embassy Bar and restaurant
  • Devicos sweets and restaurant
  • Deepak Vaishnav Bhojnalya
  • Himani restaurant
  • Rendezvous Bar & Restaurant
  • Nalini restaurant
  • Ashiana & Goofa restaurant ( government)

 Bakeries in Shimla

These are the popular bakeries on the mall road famous for pastries and cakes

  • Trishool bakers
  • Krishna Bakers Confectioners
  • Beekays

Cinema Halls in Shimla

Shimla has three old cinema halls. . These are old ones and have limited seating capacity. Ritz being the best in ambience.Now a new 2 screen multiplex is operational at the New Bus stand in Shimla

Rivoli Theatre :Located near Ice skating Rink, Lakkar Bazaar

Ritz Theatre : located at the ridge behind Christ Church and

Shahi Theatre Located near Bus Stand

SRS Multiples: Two screen new multiplex, CK Mall, second floor, New ISBT, Tuttikandi, Shimla

Theatre in Shimla

Gaiety Theater is a prehistoric building in Shimla located on the mall road. It is one of the major attractions of Shimla. It has been renovated recently to make it more attractive. Many movies have been shot in the old theatre (like Gadar) and it is witness to some of the finest stage plays of its time. Many popular film personalities have performed on its stage. Attached to the theater is a club known as Amateur Dramatic Club (ADC) meant exclusively for members. Various shows and events are organized here from time to time. Schools in Shimla also use this theater for performing arts.

Get complete travel information on Shimla here: Shimla travel Guide

Adventure Sports In Shimla

Adventure Sports In Shimla

Shimla district is full of thickly populated pine trees and small rivulets, rivers in deep gorges and placid mountains lakes, mountain sides draped in snow, and green alpine meadows, all form a part of this immense spectrum and the possibilities for a wide range of adventure activities are enormous. Shimla is also famous for its adventure Sports which thrills and spills. Shimla Adventure Sports gives the participant the taste of a life worth living.You can also enjoy the snow activities in winter.

Ice Skating in Shimla

The Shimla ice-skating rink has the largest open-air area with naturally frozen ice in this part of the world. The Ice Skating Club has already celebrated its Diamond Jubilee. Ice-skating normally begins in early December and carries on to February. Clear skies and low temperatures provide series of uninterrupted sessions.

Trekking in Shimla

Trekking is a very exciting adventure sport, where one treks or walks from one mountain incline to another mountain incline. Every mountain slope is distinct from the other, with varying altitude and terrain. The magnificent hills surrounded by snowy peaks are ideal for trekking in Shimla in India. The best way to appreciate the mountains in Shimla is by taking a scenic walk.  Himachal Pradesh Development Corporation (HPTDC) provides guidance, camps, equipments and hospitality services to trekkers.

Some popular trekking places around Shimla are:

Chharabra (2,953m): 13 kms away from Shimla

Naldehra (2,044m): 23 kms from Shimla

Narkanda (2,700m): 64 kms away from Shimla. From here you will find one of the famous treks to Hattu Peak via Sutlej Valley.

Trekking to Tara Devi temple

This is from Shimla end and the walk starts from Tara Devi station on the national highway 7 kms before Shimla. From this place one has to walk / trek about 4 kilometers to reach the temple. When out walking, it is recommended that you do not wander off the tracks and that you wear sensible, comfortable shoes or sneakers. The meandering foot path  to the temple is uphill, through the pinewoods and green meadows, accompanied by the chilly mild wind. Atmosphere of the hill rejuvenates the pilgrims and common tourists visiting this sacred temple.

Walk Grade

Easy to medium: May not be suitable for all ages, some steps and inclines; for people who walk occasionally. Distance about 4 kilometers

Skiing in Shimla

There are many places in Shimla that offers skiing and tourists flock these places in winters to try out this adventure sport.

Skiing in Kufri

The ski resort which is perhaps the most easily accessible for anyone in northern India is Kufri. Just about 10 km from Shimla, Kufri’s a quiet little town which becomes a busy winter wonderland once the snow starts falling. The Mahasu Ridge, just above Kufri, has some good slopes which are worth a try.This place attracts ski enthusiasts from all over the world during winters.

Skiing in Narkanda

64 km from Shimla is one of India’s oldest ski resorts, Narkanda. Narkanda lies at an altitude of 8,100 ft. The slopes at Narkanda run the gamut from beginner’s to advanced, from slalom to cross-country. Hattu Peak, 6 km from Narkanda, towers 2,000 ft above Narkanda and has popular ski slopes. It is less crowded and the slopes are virtually unexplored which is what makes Narkanda a haven for ardent skiers.

Himachal Tourism manages all the skiing facilities at Narkanda. They hire out equipment, conduct training courses, and provide everything from accommodation to transport. The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports at Manali also plays a part in the skiing at Narkanda; they organize special skiing courses January onwards every year.

River Rafting in Shimla

The swift flowing rivers of Shimla provide the ideal condition for the river rafting adventure sport. The Sutlej river near Shimla offers exciting river rafting opportunities. River rafting is done on an inflatable rubber dinghy. The sport cannot be conducted during the winter and the monsoons. The famous white water rafting place in Shimla is water rafting from Chabba to Tattapani a stretch of 12 km. and two hours  river down challenging the rapids of aggressive Sutlej river.

Golf in Shimla

At Naldehra, 23 km. from beyond Shimla is one of the oldest golf courses in India. The course, whose topography is absolutely natural, was originally placed by the British Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. This is a par 68, nine hole course which is regarded as one of the most challenging in the country.

Manali Tourist Places to see around

Manali Tourist Places to see around

Manali is a favourite destination in Himachal Pradesh  for all age groups of people. It is situated in the northern end of Kullu Valley. This town is blesses with nature, surrounded by rives and snow clad mountains. Manali is surrounded with some of the Himalayan Peaks and they are Hanuman Tibba, 7 Sisters Peak, Friendship Peak, Patalsu Peak, Ladhak Peak and Manali Peak.  The hill station attracts people with its many adventurous sports like Water rafting, skiing, trekking , para gliding and horse riding and other activities too.

The places of interest in Manali

Rohtang Pass (Snow Point)

This is the most attractive destination as this the snow point in Manali, as anyone can enjoy snow almost throughout the year. Tourists can enjoy the adventurous sports like paragliding, skiing  and snow biking. This is 51 km from Manali town and tourists are taken by taxis till the snow points.

Solang Valley

This valley is 12 km from the town. This valley is famous for paragliding, skiing, snow biking, Bungee jump, zorbing, horse riding and trekking. Tourists can also enjoy rope ride in the valley to the peak. This valley is famous for its National Winter skiing championship competition.

Hadimba Devi Temple

Hadimba, wife of Bhim,the strongest of Pandavas is worshipped as Kali. Maharaja Bahudar Singh in 1553 built this temple in the shrine of Hidamba Devi.  The temple is in wooden and in Pagoda style. Tourists can enjoy wearing traditional himachal dresses to take pictures.

Tibetian Monastery

The Monastery is located very near to The Mall, Manali.

Vashist Temple

This temple is located 3kms from Manali. A pair of temples opposite to each other is located here, one devoted to Lord Ram and another to  Sage Vashisht. This temple is famous for hot water spring.

Club House

This club house is an attraction because of its location, near the river side. It is managed by Himachal Tourism and 1.5 km from Manali town. There’s a shopping complex also, good for woolen garments.

Shopping

Variety of Himachal goods and other warm clothing could be purchased on The Mall Road, Manali.