Kerala – India

Kerala – India

The God’s Own Country

The enchantment of Kerala and its enthralling beauty attracts tourists and nature lovers from all parts of the country and the world. Kerala is famous for its pristine beaches fringed by palm coconut trees and studded with silvery sands. Another speciality is breathtaking backwaters, which cannot be found nowhere else in the world. You can experience the charm of the land on your own with the trip on the houseboat or a stay atop the tree house. Its verdant hillstations, wild life & bird sanctuaries, lovely lakes, gushing waterfalls, art & architecture, beautiful cities, traditional villages and generous people all are to make Kerala one of the most preferred holiday destination. Though you plan your trip to kerala any time of the year, its best while celebrating the festival of Onam. The entire State is in the festival mood and the decorated boats throng the canals, lakes and the backwaters. There are several Ayurvedic Treatment & Spa Centers. You too should not miss to stay at Ayurvedic Treatment Centre or Spa Centre to rejuvenate yourselves.

Kerala is indeed a paradise on the earth and rightly called as the ‘God’s Own Country’. It is ideal destination for nature lovers, family vacationers and honeymooning couples. Holiday on breathtaking beaches of Kerala is an experience you will love to cherish for lifetime.   
      
               

Location:

Kerala is one of the most tranquil states of India. It lies in the extreme southwest of Indian peninsula. It is bordered by the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. The state can be divided into hills, valleys, midland plains and coastal belts.

Best time to visit:   November and March, August and September.

Route Map:

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How to Reach:

By Air:    The three major airports of Kerala Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode connect the state with other major cities of India. The international airport at Thiruvananthapuram caters to tourists from the Middle East too.

By Rail:            The state has around 200 railway stations that not only connects different parts of the state but also links the other parts of the country to Kerala. There are long-distance express trains that connect Kerala to Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai.

By Road:       The state of Kerala is also easily accessible by road from any part of the country. National highways 47, 17 and 49 crisscross the landscape of the state. A number of state highway and other metalled roads networks among the important cities in the state.

By Cruise:        The backwaters is a specialty of Kerala and such places cannot be found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian sea. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport.

Prime Attractions of Kerala:

Thiruvanadapuram:
Also called as Trivandrum is the capital of Kerala State. It is a beautiful and attractive seaside city. It is built on seven hills and an ancient city with traditions backing to 1000 BC. Some of the prime spots here are temples, palaces, zoo, Art gallery, Museum, Golf course and it is home to premier educational institutions.

Munnar:
Munnar is known as the Kashmir of  South India It is  located at 1600 m above sea level. The lush green mountains adorned by tea and coffee plantations are a sight to watch. Munnar gives you a heavenly feeling, with the thick mist surrounding you in the middle of the plantations. The nearby mountains present a spectacular view.There are also some waterfalls and trekking paths for the adventurous traveller.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:
Wayanad is a popular hill destination of Kerala & referred as ‘Nature at the best’. It’s a famous Wildlife Sanctuary and a great place to spot elephants in the wild. One can find this hillstation as more peaceful and with scenic views.

Kovalam:
Kovalam meaning "a groove of coconut trees," is just 10 km from the state capital of Kerala- Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam is actually a combination of three small beaches. Among these, the southernmost beach, named Lighthouse Beach, is the most frequented beach in Kovalam. Earlier this beach of Kovalam was an anglers' paradise. It still has some small villages, just a few kilometres away, which belong to the fishing community. Gradually, this beach of Kovalam has been transformed to a tourist spot of great interest

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Periyar lake - an artificial lake, at Thekkady. Here the high ranges of the Western Ghats are clothed in dense evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savannah grasslands. Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambars, tigers, gaurs, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.
In addition to elephant rides, cruises on the lake and treks to the ruined Mangaladevi temple - a beautiful old stone temple situated in the heart of the Thekkady forest, this sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to watch and photograph wild elephants at close quarters.

House boats:
In Kerala, houseboats are known as Kettuvalloms. Boats in a variety of shapes and sizes have traditionally been the chief mode of transport in the backwaters for wen and material since olden days. Thatched roof covers over wooden hulls. 100 ft in length, provided protection from the elements. Over, simple facilities were added to the boats used exclusively for travel. For the royalty, these boats even became comfortable living quarters.

Alappuzha:
This is famously known as Venice of the east. The Exotic backwaters are washed by the Arabian Sea, interlocked by a number of canals and bridges, this tiny marketplace is also famous for its Nehru Trophy Boat Race held every year. Alappuzha attracts tourists not only by its natural beauty but also through its locally made coir products that are of a very superior quality

Kumarakom:
This is the famous backwater tourist destination of Kerala. It is located 12 kms from Kottayam. Kumarakom is the most invigorating, fascinating paradise which lies on the banks of the beautiful Vembanad Lake. It also provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences, that are truly exhilarating. The slender coconut palms standing everywhere, remembers you of a poetic scenary. Here, you will come across plenty of traditional country crafts or houseboats, boats and canoes.

Ananthapuri: (Trivandrum)

Anathapuri is a very beautiful holiday destination that has been one of the most popular spots for couples since years. Situated at two hours ride from the city, this place has a gorgeous beach which gives you a wonderful view of the sunrise and sunset.

Silent Valley National Park:
Located 40 km from Mannarkkad, Silent valley is Extremely fragile, a unique preserve of tropical evergreen rain forests lying above the equator and the forest strip which causes the summer rains in Kerala.  The Silent Valley National Park has an area of 90 sq km is located in the north eastern corner of the district. It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the north and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the south.

Where to Stay:

Kerala hotels are ideal, that make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. There are many luxury deluxe hotels, that are equipped with lavish interiors, all modern conveniences and comforts that will definitely bring you back to this God’s Own Land. Some of the best hotels are

·         Hotel Taj Malabar

·         Hotel Taj Residency

·         Hotel Le Meridien

·         The Renaissance

·         Quality Inn Presidency

·         Hotel Avenue Regent

·         Malabar House Residency

·         The Trident Hotel

·         Hotel Cochin Tower

·         The Woods Manor Hotel

Where to Eat:

Kerala has a distinctive cuisine, very unusual and different from the rest of India. Cooking in Kerala is all about discoveries, aromas and colors. Kerala cuisine is very hot and spicy and offers several gastronomic opportunities to those willing to experiment with the local cuisine. Some of the best restaurants are

·         Fusion

·         Cafe de la Mer

·         Sea Bee Restaurant

·         Velvet Dawn

·         Coconut Grove

Shopping:

You will find shopping in Kerala is very exciting and fascinating. Get ready for the delightful experience. Don’t miss the following items in your shopping,
Kerala Jewellery, Ivory carvings, pottery, brocade fabrics, earthenware products, sarees, handicrafts and articrafts made of teak. Also you can buy the famous wooden “Kathakali” face as a remembrance of this exotic place. To speak about eatables, taste the famed banana chips that are available at all shops. Kerala is also the land of spices. Since long past Kerala has carved a niche of its own in the global spice market for its rich flavored spices. Do pick up some exquisite variety while shopping in Kerala. The MG Road in Kochin, Station Road in Trivandrum are famous shopping joints.

Travel Tips:

·         The weather of Kerala is tropical. Its best to carry loose fitting cottons, straw hats, sunglasses and sunblock lotions.

·         If you are planning for hillstations, you require a sweater or shawl.

·         While enjoying your food, take care not to eat at unhygienic roadside stalls. Safe to drink only mineral water.

·         While visiting religious places, remember most temples do not allow foreign tourists and non-Hindus to enter. Even Hindu men are allowed into the sanctum of many only if they go bare-chested and don a dhoti and not trousers.

·         Photography is restricted in many temples, museum and wildlife sanctuaries, its best to get prior permission.

·         It is advisable to book your tickets and make reservations well in advance and also take care to book only through authorized travel agents.

·         Enjoy the Kerala’s Ayurvedic treatment, only at authorized resorts and holistic treatment centre.

Come & enjoy your treasure of unforgettable experiences to relish for lifetime.


Thank You & Visit Again…!

Happy Journey…!

Leh Ladakh – Himachal Pradesh

Leh Ladakh – Himachal Pradesh

 An Exotic Destination 

Leh, (3505 m) the capital of Ladakh is a fascinating destination. Age-old monasteries, quaint lanes, colorful markets and stunning views of the Himalayas, make Leh an exotic destination. Leh is where your adventure in Ladakh begins. You can go trekking through the mountainous terrain of Ladakh, enjoy a game of polo in a high altitude arena or watch an archery contest where local residents compete in a contest that remains unchanged by time.
The two of the world’s most powerful mountain ranges – the Karakoram and the Great Himalayas – make Ladakh a much preferred adventure destination. Mountaineering, white water rafting and wildlife tours are other adventurous attractions of Leh Ladakh India. With all its majesty and amazing sceneries, Leh valley attracts tourists from all over the world, to its lap all through the year…

Location:
Leh is the capital of Ladakh, which is a district of Jammu and Kashmir. Leh is located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir in the extreme north of India. The valley of Ladakh is situated at quite a high altitude, which varies from one place to the other. Infact, the geographical location of Ladakh ranges from 9,000 ft high at Kargil to 25,170 ft high at Saser Kangri, in the Karakoram Range. Due to its high altitude, Ladakh experiences a very cold climate, where even the summer temperatures rarely exceed 27 deg C.

Best time to visit Ladakh :   June to October

Route Map:
View Larger Map

How to Reach:

Air
Indian Air Lines operates regular flight to Leh from Delhi, twice a week between Leh to Jammu and once a week from Srinagar. Jet Airways Operates daily flight between Leh to Delhi.

Road
There are two overland routes the Srinagar to Leh road remains open from early June to November. The Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation operates regular deluxe and ordinary bus services.

INTERNAL TRANSPORT

The Taxi ( car/gypsy) are available for hire on fixed point -to-point tariff, For visit to the newly opened areas of Nubra, Changthang and Dah-Hanu , it is mandatory to engage the services of the registered /recognized travel agency for making all the requisite arrangements including internal transport.

Places of Interest:

There are a number of places to see in Ladakh. Some of the Prime Attractions are

Leh:

It’s a well known tourist spot with an airstrip, above 50 kms from Upshi.The roads leads to Khardung la (in north) and to Kargil (in west). Tourism, H.P. SRTC and J&K SRTC operate Deluxe and Ordinary bus services between Manali and LEH. The bus journey between Leh and Manali takes about 19 hours or two days with an overnight halt in camps at Serchu or Pang. Gypsy and jeep taxis are also available, both at Manali and Leh.

The Nubra valley:

The Nubra valley lies in the north of leh and is accessible over the Khardungla pass, 5600 Mtrs, which is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The valley is on the trade route from leh to Khangar via Samsar and Karakoram passed. Apart from unparraled trekking opportunities, the valley has several Buddhist Gompas.  Diskit Gompa is 350 years old and is situated on the highest point near the village in which there are about 120 Resident Buddhist Monks.

Kargil:

Kargil, 204 kms from Srinagar in the west and 234 kms from Leh in the east, is the second largest urban centre of Ladakh and headquarters of the district of same name. Kargil serves as an important base for adventure tours in the heart of Himalayas. It is also the take off station for visitors to the erotic Zanskar Valley. Kargil mainly serves as an ideal base station for adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering, camping, river rafting etc. In high Himalayan Valleys.

Zanskar Valley:

This main valley is approximately 300 kms long and is ringed by mountains. This is an isolated Buddhist land, wedged between the main Himalayas and the Zanskar range.. Access to it is therefore over one of the high passes. Zanskar Valley presents the World with Buddhist monasteries, mountain passes, glaciers and breathtaking landscape. This region can be visited by Trekking, but this is not easy. The treks are often rough & steep, the passes high and the climate - extreme. There are some strenuous treks starting from Lahaul Valley through the Zanskar region and ending in Padum or further to Lamayuru and Leh.

Drass Valley:
Drass Valley is an enchanting valley formed by the Drass River which rises in the Machoi glacier near the famous Zojila Pass. The river is joined in its course by many other rivers and streams flowing in from snowfields. The river Shigar flowing in from the north drains into the Drass River. As the snow melts in summer the volume of this river rises considerably The terrain is characterized by rock and stones with the occasional greenish patches formed by willow and groves. The short summer season in the Drass Valley begins in May.

Indus Valley:
This valley is located at a height of 3500 m, and  is sand-witched between the Zanskar Range on its South and the Ladakh Range on its North, This is the geographical backbone, and the historical heartland of Ladakh. The bulk of the population resides along the Indus. Its main attraction is the numerous Buddhist monasteries, quaint villages, fairs, festivals and bazars.

The Pangong Lake:
This route takes the visitor past the picturesque villages of Shey and Thikse, and turns off the Indus valley by the side valley of Chemrey and Sakti. The Ladakh range is crossed by the Chang-la (18,000 feet / 5,475 M) which despite its great elevation is one of the easier passes, remaining open for much of the year even in winter, apart from periods of actual snowfall. Tangse, just beyond the foot of the pass, has an ancient temple

Rohtang Pass:
Manali is the starting point of this dramatic journey and Rohtang Pass(13,000 ft/3,978 m), 51 kms away is the first important milestone on the Manali - Leh road as it is the gateway to the Lahaul and Spiti valleys.

SARCHU:
Sarchu is at the other base of Baralacha - La (4892mts.), the end point of Himachal Pradesh and located on the way to Leh - Ladakh.. There are various trekking routes to Spiti, Chandertal and Zanskar start from here. The strategically important base for the Indian army and the cold desert with moonscape remains open for just four months in a year.

Tsomoriri Lake:
This is a Mountain Lake situated in the middle of the elevated valley of Rupshu. This valley is inhabited by a small scattered population of -Changpas- nomadic shepherds who also engage in trade and work in caravans in Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti. The Area is rich in wildlife .

DROK PA AREA:
An expedition to this area takes the trekker to the picturesque villages of the Drok Pa people. Though Buddhist in religion, they are distinctly different, both racially and culturally. Two of their villages Dah and Biama may be visited. The route following the Indus after Khalaste goes past the attractive villages of Domkhar, Skurbuchan and Achinathang, set amidst fields of ripening crops and orchards of fruit trees.

Shanti Stupa :
The Shanti Stupa was built by a Japanese order and was opened by the Dalai Lama in 1985. From the top, one can view the exotic locales nearby. The stupa is located at a distance of 3 km from the Fort Road.

ULETOKPO:

This is the  most beautiful camping in the Ladakh region on the way of Spituk Monastery, which is just 5 kms from Leh town. Alchi Choskor is the only monastery in the Ladakh on flat ground, around 69 Kms west of Leh

Shylok Valley:

The Shylok Valley is the valley of the river of death - Shylok River. Rising from the Khumdang glacier this can be approached from Shylok. The river freezes in winter forming an easy access between the Khaplu and the Nubra valleys. In summer, as the snow melts in the uplands, the river overflows its banks and inundates the surrounding plain for many kilometers, at times creating a vast marsh. During this period, the Shylok River has to be crossed on rafts of inflated skin.

Salt Valley:
The Salt Lake Valley is one of the widest open areas in Rupshu. It can be approached from Leh across the Tanglang La pass. The valley has a length of about 20 km and a maximum width of about 7 km. Its average elevation is 5,000 m.

Padum:

Padum is 464 Kms. From Leh and 234 Kms away from Kargil. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Zanskar valley, today it is the administrative headquarter of the region and probably the most populace settlement of barren Zanskar region. There is a tiny market along the main road.

Shey Palace And Gompa:

 Situated on a hillock 15 Kms upstream from Leh, it was once the residence of the royal family. According to tradition, it was the seat of power of the pre-Tibetan kinds.             A 7.5 mts high copper statue of Buddha, plated with gold and the largest of its kind, is installed here.

Stok Palace and Museum:
The palace of the banished royal family, Stok has a museum which displays fabulous period costumes and jewelry of the royalty along with exquisite Thankas representing the life style of Shakya Muni. Interesting historical objects like coins, armor, weapons, precious jades and porcelain too can be seen here.

Trekking:

Leh is one among the few trekking places in north India that offers wonderful trekking trails. You can hit the route to Markha Valley from Spituk or take the Lamayuru gompa to Chilling trek along the Zanskar river. The another popular trek that can be taken is from Likir to Temisgam. June to October is considered to be the ideal time for trekking in Leh Ladakh.

Shopping:
The Yak milk chocolates and butter or a Buddhist bell is very famous.  A tourist can choose from a number of items from the local market that typically depicts the culture of Ladakh people in its best.

Where to Stay:

Finding accommodations in Ladakh, India is quite easy. There are various residential options available to suit everyone's budget. Ranging from hotels to paying guest accommodation, there are a number of places to stay in Leh Ladakh. Some of the best stays are

Hotel Dragon

Hotel Ksar Palace

Hotel Ga-LdanContinental  

Hotel Shambha-La  

Hotel Nirvana Palace

Caravan Centre

Hotel Bijou

Hotel Devachan

Hotel Ga Ldan Continental

Where to Eat:

Restaurants in Ladakh offer many kinds of cuisine including Tibetan, Korean, Chinese, and Western dishes. Enjoy a culinary adventure on tours to Ladakh with Leh Ladakh, India.

Himalaya Café                        - for good Tibetan fare
Shangri La                              - offers Korean cuisine
Budshah Inn                          -  offers Chinese and Kashmiri cuisine
Dreamland Restaurant           - offers Tibetan, Kashmiri, Indian and Italian food.
Penguin Bar and Restaurant - has a German Bakery with a wide choice of baked goods         Mentokling Restaurant        - offers pizzas cooked over a traditional wood-fired oven
Pumpernickel German Bakery - offers lasagna and a fixed-price breakfast, as well as picnic meals.

Adventure in Ladakh

Mountain Climbing   Cycling      Jeep Safari Tours     Yak Safaris      Mountaineering
Ladakh Trekking

Travel Tips:

·         All visitors must ensure that they are physically fit.

·         The best is to take plenty of water

·         It is an absolute must to carry skin creams, lotions and chapsticks.

·         One should also carry Sun Glasses, hats, Scarfs, thick cotton trousers / jeans for day use, wollen sweaters/ jackets, sports shoes, sandals with straps for rafting and evening wear and gloves.

·         Films and batteries for cameras should be carried in quantity, because re-supply is not assured.

·         A powerful flashlight is a must for those interested in studying monasteries, as the interiors are dimly lit.

·         Photography of bridges, airfields and military installations is strictly prohibited.

·         One should carry regular medicine for Diarrhoea, Gastric, Acidity, Headaches, Fever, Cold and Congestion.

Happy Journey!!

Mashobra – Himachal Pradesh

Mashobra – Himachal Pradesh

       Place of Unique Beauty

Mashobra surrounded by a frill of snow capped mountains, is situated at a height of 7500 ft above sea level at Himachal Pradesh. This place has a commanding splendid views and ringed by the peaks of the western Himalayas. Mashobra is well known as Asia's largest watershed with the water basins of the Indus on one side and the Ganges on the other.

Breathtaking Mashobra forms part of the Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary and is more thickly forested than Shimla. It  has numerous shady glades, cool streams and flowery glens, so its perfect destination for camping, picnics, trekking and river rafting. This forested hill has a salubrious climate, that it never gets bitterly cold. 

The entire valley is covered by dense woods of oaks and pines and is ideal for taking a pleasant walk in the midst of extremely soothing climate. If nature is your thing, Mashobra is an excellent destination to relax and rejuvenate you completely…

Fast Facts:

·         Location                                  Sivpur, Mashobra, near Shimla

·         Distance from Shimla             12 kms

·         Distance from Delhi                365 kms

·         Driving time from Delhi           9 hrs approx

Season:

·         Summer months: March to June

·         Rainy season: July to August

·         Pleasant and ideal time: September to November

·         Winter months: December to Feburary

Route Map:
View Larger Map

How to Reach:

Fly away :- The nearest airport to Mashobra is at Shimla, located around 10 kms away from Mashobra. 

On tracks :- The nearest railway station to Mashobra is at Shimla, located around 10 kms away from Mashobra. The station is well-connected to Mashobra as well as the other railway stations of India. 

On wheels :- Well connected to major cities of India such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi and Manali by a network of well- maintained roads, reaching Mashobra by road is one of the easiest ways of reaching the town. 

 Tourist Attractions in Mashobra:

Mahasu:

Mahasu is named after Lord Mahasu, the patron deity of this village. And the Mahasu Jatara is a popular fair organized in honour of the God. On the third Tuesday of May, people from far and wide, congregate for the two day festival held in front of the Durga Devi Temple. This is an ancient temple and every year, a local dance called the 'Natti'is performed here. Folk songs and games add to the melee. And the main attraction of the fair is an archery competition.

Kufri

Kufri is situated at an altitude of 8600 ft above sea level, is a site offering some famous hikes and wonderful snow for skiing in winters. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak, the highest point in Kufri. The Himalayan Nature Park here has a good collection of animals and birds found in the region. . When the sky’s a cloudless blue, watch for those inviting views of the snowy peaks of the Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges.

Fagu:

Fagu  Situated on Hindustan-Tibet Road at a height of 2,450m and is gifted with some enchanting views. Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel peach Blossom here.

Naldehra

Naldehra is the name for a stunning hill spur that overlooks a dense deodar grove. Earlier a camping ground for the British, Naldehra is famous for being the oldest and highest 9 hole golf course in the country. The course is covered with fine turf. This place is the venue for many high-profile competitions and is lauded for its great beauty. And there is a ancient temple named Nag Temple very near.

Reserve Forest Sanctuary:

Here you will find rare species of plant and animal life as well as a riveting view of the Himalayas. Mashobra's lush slopes are populated by monkeys, baboons, jackals, barking deer, leopards and myriad species of birds, including pheasants, Himalayan Eagles, chikor and partridges. The trees you will find here are of the pine, oak, deodar, maple, horse chestnut, cedar and rhododendron species.

If the weather if good, you'll actually be able to see the Pir Pinjal range of mountains all the way in Jammu and Kashmir. You could also trek your way to the many peaks that surround this place to catch some breathtaking views. . A trek to Shali Peak - the highest in the area, can be made from Mashobra.This place is also ideal for camping and picnics.

Bekhalti:

 The drive from Mashobra to Bekhalti is one of the prettiest in the region. The 18 km road meets Theog on the old Hindustan Tibet road.
Seog

Just towards the Kufri raod lies Seog, a reserve forest whose ancient cedar trees make you feel like a pygmy. A 7 km walk inside brings you to a water reservoir built in 1901. A well situated forest rest house is a welcome break for a cup of tea. Kept out of bounds for travelers for years, this jungle oasis has preserved an aastonishing variety of flora and fauna.
Wild Flower Hall:

On the Mahasu range, at Charabra, is the Wild Flower Hall situated at an altitude of 2,498 m. Nestling among picturesque sylvan surroundings, the Wild Flower Hall commands a breathtaking view of the snows. Serving as a hotel today, it attracts many tourists who wish to revisit the grandeur of a bygone era. 
Rampur:
Located on the Hindustan Tibet Road. The town is situated on the banks of Satluj river. The whole area is a maze of lanes, shops and temples. In the month of November, the Lavi Fair is organized here. Dumgir Buddhist Temple,  Padam Palace,  Raghunath Temple,  Ayodhya temple and Narsingh Temple, are worth visiting. Himachal Tourism runs a tourist Complex and air conditioned Cafe, Satluj.

Chail:

Chail  is a lush green setting and was the former capital of the Patiala State. It has the world’s highest cricket ground at a height of 2250 m, built in 1893. It is also a hiker’s paradise and there is a wildlife sanctuary at a distance of 3 km from here. Himachal Tourism runs the Palace Hotel (Earlier the Palace of Maharaja Of Patiala)

Glenn :
Its about 4 km walk from the Ridge through dense Forests, a sprightly stream flows through the Glen forests at an altitude of 1830 meters.It is a secluded picnic spot.
Narkanda:
Narkanda, offers wonderful slopes for skiing. At an elevation of 2708 m, it has dense pine forests. Hatu peak, 8 km from Narkanda, provides a striking panorama of the plains below. Narkanda offers spectacular views of snow ranges.  Ancient temple of Hatu Mata is alive with skiers. HPTDC runs Hotel Hatu and in winters short skiing courses are organised.

Sarahan :

On Hindustan Tibet Road beyond Rampur is a small village worth visiting. It provides a spectacular view of Shrikhand Mahadev (5227 m) and hiking opportunities to the nearby villages such as Ranwin and Bashal Peak. The Bhimakali temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is the finest example of Indo-Tibetan architecture. Saharan is the gateway to Kinnaur. A Pheasant Breading Centre and stadium are worth visiting. The area is a rich bowl of quality apples and other varieties of delicious fruits.

Tattapani :  This is a spot well known for hot sulfurous springs. Shiv Goofa at Saraur (4 Km) is also worth visiting. One can enjoy fishing.

Jakhu Temple :  Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple is at an altitude of 8048 feet above sea level,  near the highest point of Shimla ridge. It offers a panoramic view over the surrounding valleys , out to the snowcapped peaks, and over the town itself. The temple is a 45-minute walk from the Ridge, one can also hire pony or taxi to visit temple.. Jakhu is a vantage point for witnessing the changing skyline as the sun rises or sets. 


Accommodation and Lodging:

As Mashobra is quite a popular tourist destination, the hotels in Mashobra remain busy to serve guests almost all the year round. Some of the famous hotels are

Wild Flower Hall - Oberoi Group Hotel, Mashobra

Club Mahindra Whispering Pines

Mashobra Spa & Resort

The Chalets Naldhera, Mashobra

Gables Resorts, Mashobra

Golf King, Naldhera

Koti Resorts Baldeyan

Golf Glade - HP Tourism

Woodstock Resort

Wishing you a very Safe and Happy Journey!!