Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh

About 64 km from Shimla and at an altitude of about 2,470 meters lies Narkanda which is India’s oldest Ski-resort. Narkanda is famous for Skiing & Winter sports during winter and a trekking and adventure destination during summers.

What gives Narkanda its awe-inspiring view of the snowy peaks is the fact that it is located on the ridge of the last watershed before the Himalayan range.

Himachal Pradesh is famous for its apple orchards and you will find  plenty of them all along the route and also in Narkanda and rest of the places as well during the fruit season in June to September. Narkanda is considered to be an important horticultural centre. The other place of tourist interest is the Hatu Peak, which is the highest peak in Narkanda at 3,400m.

The Hatu Peak Narkanda

This peak is 8 km from Narkanda, the road is surrounded by pine and spruce trees. The scenic beauty is absolutely breathtaking from that point and the road to this point is also equally treacherous and nerve racking one. You could see the complete Narkanda valley and town from the top and the surrounding majestic mountains.

The peak offers spectacular view of the entire Himalayan ranges, snow clad mountains and in depths are the dense forests, green fields and apple orchards. There is also a temple at the top.

Narkanda Climate

As the altitude of Narkanda is more than that of Shimla this place becomes colder at nigh and the temperatures are also low during the daytime as compared to Shimla. Heavy woolens are recommended in the winter season and light woolens will do in the summer months.

Skiing in Narkanda

Narkanda is famous for Skiing & Winter sports. During these days the slopes come alive with skiers. The skiing at Narkanda was started in 1980 and since then HPTDC is conducting skiing courses every year also hires out equipment, and provides everything from accommodation to transport.

The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports at Manali also plays a part in skiing at Narkanda: it organizes skiing courses from January.

It has a choice of slopes ranging from a beginners run and slalom slope, to sharper descents for the experienced skier. Other activities also available there.

Nearby tourist spots in Narkanda

Kacheri (1810m)

This place is located about seven kilometers from Narkanda on National Highway. This place is best known for ancient Mahamaya Temple.

Kotgarh and Thanadhar (1830m)

17 km link road bifurcating from Narkanda takes you to the Himachal’s horticultural heartland, Kotgarh and Thanedhar famous for apple orchards. The famous Stokes apple Farm is located at Thanedhar. Stokes came to India on a trip and while on a summer visit to Shimla, fell in love with its environments, which included the charming hill folk and settled down in Kotgarh. He started the apple farm which soon became renown with its red delicious, golden delicious and royal delicious apples.

Jallori Pass (3,550 m)

90 km from Narkanda, passing through the Sutlej Valley and crossing over to Luhri, Ani, Khanag through one of the best scenery in the Kullu Valley takes you to Jallori Pass. A 30 minute level walk from the Pass takes you to Sarolsar Lake among deep forests. See nature at it’s best at the Jallori Pass.

Famous Temples in Shimla

Shimla has a number of temples. As found in the Himalayas most of the temples are located on the hill top. Same is the case with Shimla

Kali Bari Temple Shimla

Kali Bari Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Shyamala, from which the hill station-and capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla derives its name. Kali Bari Temple houses a shrine of the Hindu goddess Shyamala. Shyamala has multiple aliases, including Kali and Durga.

Kali Bari Temple was constructed during the era of the British Raj. According to historians, Kali Bari Temple was established in the early 19th century. The present temple was built by the British in 1845; however the original shrine was created by Bengali devotees.

Kali Bari Temple is very popular among Hindu pilgrims. The temple remains jam packed during Navaratras and Pooja holidays. Kali Bari Temple is in close proximity to the Shimla city mall.

Jakhoo Temple in Shimla

The famous Jakhoo / Jakhu temple of Shimla devoted to lord Hanuman is located two and a half kilometers from the ridge Shimla on the Jakhoo Hill, the highest peak in Shimla, which is 2,455 meters  / 8000 ft above mean sea level. The climb takes about 45 minutes to one hour. The hikers are  rewarded with a splendid view of the city, as well as the snow-covered Himalayas. The hill is full of paths and narrow roads which are enjoyable walks…more

Sankat Mochan Temple in Shimla

Sankat Mochan temple is located five kilometers before Shimla, on Kalka – Shimla National Highway. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The meaning of Sankat Mochan is “someone who relieves others from all kinds of dangers and difficulties”. It is a place where one can actually meditate and enjoy the calm and peaceful surroundings. Lush green trees surround Sankat Mochan Temple, adding its charm. The background of the temple consists of the imposing and lofty Himalayan ranges and a light mist adds a mystical touch to that place. So you can plan your trip.

Jakhoo temple Shimla

The famous Jakhoo / Jakhu temple of Shimla devoted to lord Hanuman is located two and a half kilometers from the ridge Shimla on the Jakhoo Hill, the highest peak in Shimla, which is 2,455 meters  / 8000 ft above mean sea level. The climb takes about 45 minutes to one hour. The hikers are  rewarded with a splendid view of the city, as well as the snow-covered Himalayas. The hill is full of paths and narrow roads which are enjoyable walks.

The original dates of temple are not known, but it is believed to be existing from the times of Ramayana, a pre historic event as per ancient Hindu texts. It is said that Lord Hanuman rested here on his way from the Himalayas with the  sanjeevani booti, the herb that saved Lakshman’s life. Appropriately enough, there are hundreds of monkeys around the temple. But these monkeys can be a real nuisance, so be careful.

The key to staying safe in a monkey-populated area is to be mindful of food, which is by far the most common invitation to primate aggression. If you choose to feed the monkeys, always opt for these local treats (usually bananas or other fruits). Handing out sugar cookies, peanuts or other exotic snacks like can cause in-fighting among the monkeys.

A few years back a giant 108 feet Statue of Lord Hanuman ( the biggest in the world)  has been installed which has also become a tourist attraction and people can enjoy over there. This statue is visible from a long distance.

Naldehra sightseeing places

Things to see and do in Naldehra

Naldehra is located at a distance of 22 kms from Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Mashobra Naldehra and Tattapani are on the same route so all the three places are covered in one go by the tourists in general. Tattapani is 30 Kms from this place, tourists wanting their trip to cover Kufri generally drop this place from their eternity. There is a diversion to these places from the national highway towards the left a few kilometers before Kufri. This place can be reached easily by taxi or by the popular Himachal tourism daily bus trips. More information about bus trips and Himachal tourism contact numbers are available in the tourist places around Shimla section.So you can plan your trip.

Golf course in Naldehra

The highlight at Naldehra is the 9 hole golf course measuring 4,285 yards which was suggested and developed by Lord Curzon the then Viceroy of India in the early 1900s.

It is probably the oldest golf course in India. Captivated by the beauty of the place, surrounded by a thick forest of Himalayan cedar, which was also his favourite camping site just outside the British summer capital, he established what today is one of the most scenic golf courses in the country. He was so fantasized with this place that he named his third daughter as Alexandra Naldehra.

Initially a 9 Hole Course, the Naldehra golf course was expanded to 18 holes, and further expansion has been planned to make the course at par with the best in the country.

It is possible to play on the course by paying a daily green fee or take temporary, annual or life membership. Equipment is available on hire as well.

The course is presently maintained and run by Himachal Tourism. accommodation and food are available on the premises.

The course is open throughout the year. The perfect season for golfing in Naldehra is from April to October and the best golfing months are the monsoon ones- July, August and September when the naturally watered turf is rich and springy and the yardage increases.

Picnic in Naldehra

The jungle area around the golf course is an excellent picnic spot. There are nice views of the pine and deodar covered hills. On a clear day, you can view the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. It is ideal for long leisurely walks amidst the pines and deodars. The greatest thing here is the serene and peaceful surroundings with only you and mother nature. No touristy crowds to spoil the pretty picture. Hear the sound made by winds blowing through the pines. It sounds like a waterfall. A visit here is bound to leave you fresh and rejuvenated.

Horse riding in Naldehra

The forest area can also be covered through horse riding. Separate tracks are there for the horses and they take you through some distant forest having more views of the valley and hills. Horse riding in the jungle among the woods is altogether a different experience available in Kufri and Naldehra only. The forest area has also been filmed many Hindi films and there is high probability of finding a film crew there in the summer months.

About 12 km from Naldehra is the Mashobra, a thick pine forest area; and the hot sulphur springs of Tattapani is 30 km from Naldehra.

Chail Travel Guide | Tourist places in Chail

The former ’summer capital’ of Patiala, Chail is 43-km from Shimla and dwelling in the midst of a lush green setting. At 2,250m, it has the world’s highest cricket pitch and a polo ground, the old palace, now a hotel and the possibility of some angling are added attractions.

Chail doesn’t have a mall, but just a few shops. Its best offers are leisurely walks in summer and autumn and fun in the ponder snow in winters. Spread over three hills Pandhawa, Rajgarh and Siddh Tibba chail is also ideal for picnics and hikes.So you can enjoy your trip.

Chail is hiker’s paradise. The area is very peaceful away from the hustle and bustle of Shimla. 3 kms from the city centre is the worlds highest Cricket ground. Close by is a National Park, which has limited number of birds and deers.

In 1891, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala incurred the wrath of Lord Kitchener, the then Commander-in-Chief. As a result, he was banned entry into the summer capital of the Raj, Shimla. This enraged the Maharaja and he vowed to build a new and better summer capital for himself. He looked around and after quite some time realized it had all the while been in his possession. Chail, a little village close to Shimla, was a ’slice of heaven’ surrounded by lush forests with a commanding view of the snow-capped Himalayas. He rebuilt the city according to his requirements and built himself a wonderful palace.

The picturesque resort located amidst scented forests of chir pine and gigantic deodars. Overlooking Satluj Valley, Shimla and Kasauli are also visible at night from here. Chail has also the highest cricket ground in the world. Well kept and well maintained the ground is surrounded by huge trees of deodar and pine. On the other side of the town are situated the massive Himalayan ranges spectacularly gleaming in the sun and snow-covered every thing under it.

Tourist spots in Chail

For a visitor, Chail offers numerous options of sightseeing, from wildlife to places of worship. Spending a couple of days amidst the heart-stirring beauty of Chail can keep you coming back here over and again

Chail Sanctuary

The Chail sanctuary, is a regular haunt of tourists and holidaymakers. The Deodar and Oak forests with grasslands around the township are the abode of wildlife. sanctuary was notified on 21st March 1976 near Chail Town in District Shimla and covers an area of 10,854.36 hectares. The vegetation of the sanctuary consists of oak forests, deodar forests and grasslands. Major wildlife species that can be spotted here include goral, red deer, Himalayan black bear, flying squirrel etc.

Cricket Ground

Surrounded by gigantic deodar and well maintained Chail Cricket ground is the most-elevated cricket ground (highest cricket ground) in the world. Built in 1893, this cricket pitch located at the height of 2,144m is also used as polo ground. Massive trees of deodar surround the ground from all sides.

Chail Palace Hotel

The magnificent Rajgarh palace, with elaborate furnishings, was built in the year 1891. With comfortable log huts and cottages, dense forests and serene walks, sprawling lawns, a children’s park, a `lovers hill’, and sports facilities this place is an ideal tourist destination for nature lovers. Besides, this the dense forests impart irresistible charm to this palace. This palace built by Maharaja of Patiala is now converted into a heritage hotel.

Sidh Baba Ka Mandir

Maharaja Bhupinder Singh had originally intended this to be the site of his palace, and had even started building it, but as is believed, a ’sidh’, saintly person appeared in the Maharaja’s dream, and declared that this was the place where he had meditated. Consequently, Bhupinder Singh shifted his venue and built a temple on the spot. The temple is situated on the hill sandwiched by Rajgarh and Pandhawa. Set in the army cantonment area, the temple sits next to the cricket gound currently being used by the Army.

Angling

Head for the Giriganga River 29 km from Chail on the Gauda Road for a spot of angling. Trout is only an occasional visitor here.

How to reach Chail

Chail by Air

Chail is 63 km from Jubbar Hati Airport, the closest from the town. The airport has connecting flights to Delhi and Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab and Haryana.

Chail by Rail

The ideal way of covering the Kalka-Shimla track is by the toy train. It takes five hours from Kalka to get to Kandaghat and the distance is about 50 Kms. The toy train with a maximum of seven bogies chugs through the most thickly forested tracks, breathtaking bends, deep ravines and never-ending tunnels. Kandaghat is the station to get down and take a cab further for the remaining 20 km journey to Chail.

By Road Chail is well connected by road. One travels on the NH 22 from Chandigarh / Kalka towards Shimla. This is a two lane highway. Stations in between are Parwanoo, Dharampur, Solan. At Kandaghat leave the highway and take a right turn towards Chail. If coming from Shimla, take the road to Kufri and there is a diversion to Chail from the Kufri bazaar.

Distances from Chail

New Delhi to Chail via Kandaghat – 336 km, Chandigarh to Chail – 86 km, Kalka to Chail – 56 km, Kandaghat to Chail – 20 km, Shimla to Chail – 45 km