The northern states of India are a home to some breath-taking holiday spots
that make an incredible tourist hub for travelers from all over the world.
Himachal Pradesh is perched at the top of this list that features the aesthetic
beauties of my land, India!
Homestays
will be your dream destination, for a short stint in the state of Himachal
Pradesh. But if you’ve packed your bags for a pretty long vacation, then my
state welcomes you to a lot adventure amidst the gurgles of the river and the
terrains of its majestic mountains. Here is your guidebook to the much
celebrated localities within the heaven’s abode of the Himachal Pradesh – The
Golden triangle of Shimla, Kufri and Chail)!
SHIMLA
If you were to look at even the most simplest of pictures taken around
Shimla, you might know why it had been conferred with the title – “The Queen of
hills”. This winter wonderland is a regular feature in a traveler’s bucket
list. The pleasant summers, with the sun’s rays peaking through the scented
pines scattered all over the hilly terrain amidst pristine waters, or, the
bitter winters that are bettered by a shower of snowflakes from the heaven ;
Shimla is regal in every season giving you every reason to explore the land of
divine beauty! Here is a special list of all spectacular spots in Shimla that
goes beyond the obvious.
KALKA SHIMLA MAIL – TOY TRAIN TRAVEL
Who wouldn’t love to travel around the city in a toy train? After all, we
were all Disney fanatics once upon a time! This ride amidst the mountains and
into the tunnels all the way from Kalka to Shimla will put you in a surreal
world of fairies. This UNESCO world heritage site will give you a panoramic
view of the state as the train coos through the tick forestry and the rugged
terrains.
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| https://www.instagram.com/parnashree19/ |
THE MALL ROAD – SHOPPING SPOT
Deemed to be the “Summer Capital of British India in 1864, a stroll
through the mall road, will tell you why? Any trip to the city starts off as a stroll
on the lanes of this road that’s got an English tint to its architecture. In
close proximity to the Gaiety theater, Kali Bari Temple and the Town Hall; an
evening promenade by the streets will capture all the local flavors of the
state – not just for the colonial construction but for an all the more amazing
local food and a peep into the shops selling multifarious items of your
interest!
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| http://www.traveldglobe.com/destination/shimla/point-of-interest/mall-road-shimla |
THE RIDGE – A CULTURAL HUB
The major tourist hubs of the city (Snowdon, Jakhoo Hills) are all connected
to the Ridge. This vast open space, at the heart of the city is skirted by the
Mall road on the west and the Lakkar Bazaar (a market for wooden crafts) on the
east. Cluttered by the thick conifers, this Colonial era construction is the
cultural hub of Shimla. The aesthetic view of the gothic buildings from the
ridge will speak for the cultural changes it had prodded through the time.
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| https://theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/15-photos-to-make-you-fall-in-love-with-shimla-india/ |
LAKKAR BAZAAR – WOODEN ARTWORK HUB
What’s the point of visiting a state if you cannot take back any memories?
Well, Shimla is not going to leave you empty handed. Stop by at the Lakkar
Bazaar for awe-inspiring wood works from miniature models to giant home
decorations. Your hands are sure to grab a souvenir from the state!
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| http://walkingwanderer.com/2017/05/best-time-to-visit-shimla.html/lakkar-bazar-shimla |
JAKHOO TEMPLE
Who isn’t fond of the mighty Hanuman? Before every exam or before moving in
to a new city, He is the one whom we look up to for courage and strength. That
is probably why the Jakhoo Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman has become the
prominent place in every itinerary to Shimla. Tales of tradition says that Lord
Ram had stopped by this structure during his quest for the Sanjeevni Bhooti.
Ride up to the peak of the Jakhoo hills on a horse to catch a spectacular view
of the 108 feet statue of Lord Hanuman, the largest you might ever see!
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| http://holidayplans.co.in/shimla/jakhu-temple |
THE VICEREGAL LODGE
Alternatively known as The Rashtrapati Niwas, is perched atop the
observatory hills in Shimla. This former residence of the British Viceroy of
India is beautifully arrayed with photographs and articles from the past. The
1888, Jacobethan styled structure is now under the Ministry of education. Drop
by at the Viceregal Lodge to time travel back into the Colonial era with its
gothic architecture.
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| http://journeymart.com/de/india/himachal-pradesh/shimla/vice-regal-lodge-(indian-institute-of-advanced-study).aspx |
CHRIST CHURCH
The neo-gothic construction stands out to be the second oldest Church in
Northern India. Surprisingly, it is one of the classics of the city that hadn’t
been subjected to the vagaries of time. But the architecture isn’t your sole
excuse to drop by! The Church houses major stain glass sculptures depicting the
moralities of life. Stroll by around dawn to catch stunning beauty of the
Church that will be lit up to glory!
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| https://www.tripoto.com/trip/christ-church-of-shimla-the-second-oldest-church-in-north-india-589ae99bd02b2 |
SHIMLA GLEN – TREKKING AND
MOUNTAINEERING
The U shaped valley of Glen near the Summer Hill Forest plays host to a
famous hiking spot. If you are on the lookout for some fun, put on your hiking
gear and walk up the dense forests of pine and deodar. The small valley of Glen
that elegantly cascades down from a certain height amidst the scents of nature
will take you to a surreal world of divinity!
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| https://www.ixigo.com/shimla-glen-shimla-india-ne-1700247 |
KUFRI
What’s a vacation if you cannot escape the normalcy of your routine work
life? Don’t you often wish for escapade to an adventure world and escape
monotonicity? Kufri welcomes you with all its scenic serenity. 20km from
Shimla, this small state is gracefully perched amidst the Himalayan ranges;
making it a spot for incredible adventure- from trekking to skiing and even
some tobogganing! It isn’t without reason that Kufri plays host to the yearly
winter sports festival in the month of February! Here is your checklist:
HIMALAYAN NATURE PARK
On the laps of the Himalayan Forest, the 90 hectare Kufri National Park is
not merely a zoo with diverse flora and fauna. This nature park is a zoo in a
forest setting. A walk through the rugged sands will show the most spectacular
side of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges that is just a few meters away from
your sight! This close to heaven scenic spot allows you to camp for an
independent trek through the park! Connect yourself to the campers around and
enjoy making the most of your memories!
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| https://www.instagram.com/p/_Uii_2NIK6/?taken-at=629899220 |
KUFRI FUN WORLD
This is going to be the best stop of your adventure trip. Everyone has got a
child inside them and this park is going to bring out that kid inside you!
The Kufri
amusement park has got the highest go-kart tracks in the world! A ride up
the 9000 feet would have checked off one item from you to-do list! And if you
are around with the kids, plunge into the waters for a ride! After all, you are
in the winter wonderland!
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| https://www.touristplaces.net.in/kufri-hp/kufri-fun-world/ |
FAGU
This little village, in close proximity to the Hindustan Tibet Road, will
give you the most beautiful views of the mountains. This rare view of snow-clad
ranges and the romantic ambience created by the smell of fruit gardens and
orchards will transcend you to a land of unknown. Prepare yourself for some
amazing hiking experience and a yak ride on your way up the hill!
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| http://www.traveldiaryparnashree.com/2013/03/yet-another-destination-fagu.html |
INDIRA TOURIST PARK
Pretty close to the Himalayan National Park, the Indira Tourist Park is the
best pick for every age group. You could go on a relaxing promenade through the
green cover and if you are up for some fun; hop onto a yak for a ride – because
horse riding is just too regular! Are you getting bored with too much love from
the nature? Then, Kufri has brings you a parlor just for video games, a bar and
even some ice cream! What’s more for a perfect day of fun and frolic?
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| https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/himachal/indira-tourist-park-kufri.html |
MAHASU PEAK
The highest peak in Kufri, Mahasu gives you a breath-taking view of the
Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges from the top of the city. Are wondering if there
is anything more to the city than clusters of mountains? Well, you’d already
done a lot of hiking and riding, how about some skiing? Hike through the thick
forests of deodar to get to the ridge. This spot is an amazing start point for
skiing as a beginner. Stop by during winters for all the fun!
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| http://www.triphills.com/destination/kufri/places-to-visit/mahasu-peak |
POPULAR HOTELS AROUND
CHAIL
At just 44 kilometers away from Shimla, you will be in the historic town of
Chail that has treaded through the regimen of Kings of India and the British
Raj. Unlike Shimla and Kufri, you might not go around seeing mountain peaks and
a lot of greens. Chail has captured a whole new dimension of the state- one
that is conventional!
WHEN SHOULD YOU STOP BY?
The summers (May to June) are pleasant and have got a plenty of tourists
thronging the city.
Autumn (September to November) stirs minimal attention from tourists despite
an amazing weather. However, you could save up on your hotel bookings during
this phase.
Winter (December to March) would be an ideal time if you’d love some snow.
Well, actually it will be a lot of snow!
CRICKET GROUND
Located 2444 meters above the sea level, this wonder of 1893 becomes the
highest cricketing ground ever! Once served as a summer capital of Maharaja
Bhupinder Singh, an avid cricket lover; the field is now taken over by the
Chail Military School. Visitors aren’t allowed to wander inside the premises
but they may be allowed to walk around the deodars of the playing field.
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| https://www.holidify.com/places/chail/cricket-ground-sightseeing-1491.html |
SADHUPUL LAKE
What’s in a lake despite waters? This place between Barog and Chail will
tell you what! Remember paying thousands of rupees for an open house
restaurant? I am pretty sure it would’ve been in the bucket list of every
foodie in town. The locales of the city have collaborated to create a river
restaurant amidst the waters. As you sit down on the benches cluttered in
the river, the pristine waters gurgle past your knees, while you bite into the
spiciest of North Indian cuisine; wrapped in the cozy ambiance of the cooling
breeze! If you are up with a group, put up a tent and enjoy a night in the
wilderness! This is heaven on Earth for you!
CHAIL PALACE
An 1891 structure, architectured for the Maharaja of Patiala is now a
heritage hotel! The classic furniture and conventional interiors resonates with
the royal status that it had once enjoyed. Despite the cottages that clutter
the city frontiers, this royal palace is a must-stay!
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| https://traveltriangle.com/blog/places-to-visit-in-chail/ |
CONTACT
Phone: (01792) – 248141, 248143
Email:
palace@hptdc.in
KALI KA TIBBA
How many times have you come across a temple perched atop of the hills? But
have you ever seen such structures around you? Here is it! The Kali ka Tibba is
the temple for Kali Devi is a single structure on the hill top with a minimal
number of trees around. The temple will show you one of the most beautiful
sights around with some fun horse riding and angling sessions.
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| https://chiragsaraswati.com/content/kali-ka-tibba/ |
SIDDH BABA KA MANDIR
Dedicated to the Saint Siddh Baba, the temple was incepted from the dreams
of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. This celebrated spot was built by the Raja after
the Saint, himself appeared in his dream and told him about where he used to
meditate.
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| https://allseasonsz.com/Himachal/chail_tourism/sidh-baba-ka-mandir-chail.asp |
GURUDWARA SAHIB
The profoundness in the construction of the Chail Gurudwara is that it has
got a close resemblance to that of a Church. Being the centre of the Sikh
festivals (Guruparab and Baisakhi), the 1907 structure of divinity is a popular
religious place of the city. Additionally, they also provide dormitory and
guest room services for the visitors.
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| http://manis73.blogspot.in/ |
CHAIL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The beauty of every building in the city lies in its geography. The Chail
Wildlife Sanctuary nestles at a height of 7152 feet from the ground. Stop by to
take a break from the city and a walk into the nature’s paradise!
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| https://www.indianholiday.com/india-photo-gallery/himachal-pradesh/chail-sanctuary.html# |
The Golden Triangle of the Himachal Pradesh is
enough to infringe into a major schedule of your holidays! Drop by at the
nearest airport in Delhi, Chandigarh or Kufri and hit the road from there to
enter into a world of trance!
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