Shimla
Best Weekend Gateways from Shimla
1. Chail
Chail is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, India. This scenic and sleepy village was a former summer retreat of Maharaja of Patiala. The Chail Palace is well known for its architecture. However, the town is filled with Deodar and Pine trees. Hence, it is one of the best villages in Himachal Pradesh. Further, the cricket ground and a polo ground which is there at an altitude of 2,444 m. Moreover, it is the world’s highest cricket ground. It has good trekking points from Junga, Kufri, and Ashwani Khad at Solan. And also, there are many camping sites for campers and hikers. Thus, Chail is one of the Best Weekend Gateways from Shimla.
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- Distance: 47 km
- Best time to visit: June to September
- Places of attraction: Palace Hotel, Cricket Ground, Sadhupul, wildlife sanctuary, Camping, and Kali Temple.
2. Kufri
Kufri is a resort hill station in the district of Shimla, India. It is home to several different species of Wildlife. Moreover, it is a famous place for horse riding around the year. And also a popular picnic spot for skiing on snow-clad slopes, go-karting, yak rides, and other winter sports near Shimla. Further, the main tourist part of Kufri is located on Mahasu peak at a height of 2,720 meters above sea level. Thus, it is one of the beautiful places to visit in Shimla.
- Distance: 16 kilometers
- Best time to visit: December to February or April to June
- Places of attraction: Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri Fun World, Indira Tourist Park, Green Valley, and Mahasu Peak.
3. Narkanda
Narkanda is a town in the district of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Set at an altitude of 2708 meters on the Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH 5) in Himachal Pradesh. Further, it is famous for Skiing and winter sports. Narkanda is among India’s oldest ski destinations with the undulating beauty of nature. It is surrounded by dense trees, tropical forests, and misty hills. Thus, Narkanda is one of the Beautiful Places that tourists must visit in Himachal Pradesh.
- Distance: 61 kilometers
- Best time to visit: May to June
- Places of attraction: Hatu Peak, Mahamaya Temple, Hatu Mata Temple, Stokes Farm, Tanni Jubbar Lake, Jau Baug, and Kacheri.
4. Mashobra
Mashobra is a town in the district of Shimla in the state of Himachal Pradesh. And it is connected to the state capital Shimla through the historic Hindustan–Tibet Road built-in 1850 by Lord Dalhousie. Further, the Reserve Forest Sanctuary houses one of Asia’s largest watersheds which acts as the source of water for Shimla and is one of the major tourist attraction spots in Shimla. Thus, Mashobra makes it a perfect alternative place for people who are looking for a peaceful little hill station.
- Distance: 11 kilometers
- Best time to visit: April to June
- Places of attraction: Tattapani River, Craignano, Wild Flower Hall, Lakka Bazaar, Reserve Forest Sanctuary, Chadwick Falls, Mahasu Devta Temple, and Jakhu Temple.
5. Kasauli
Kasauli is a cantonment and town, located in Solan district in the state of Himachal Pradesh. And also accessible both from Chandigarh, which is 65km away, and Shimla, which is 70km away from Kasauli. Since the town is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, it experiences a moderately cool to humid climate throughout the year. Kasauli is not about particular attractions or activities, but about the beautiful serene environment. And also a major attraction for trekkers and campers. Thus, it is one of the amazing places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.
- Distance: 70 kilometers
- Best time to visit: April to June and from September to November
- Places of attraction: Christ Church, Gilbert Trail, Kasauli Brewery, the Nahri Temple, Sunset Point, and Gurkha Fort.