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Shimla Beyond The Crowds: Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is one India’s most celebrated hill stations known for its architectural grandeur, bustling bazaars and scenes. However, beyond these frequented paths on Mall Road and the Ridge exists a world of hidden gems that provide special experiences and deeper bonding with this magical town. Here is a guide to lesser-known attractions in Shimla ensuring peace, adventure and something extraordinary.
Shimla Beyond The Crowds
1.The Quaint Hamlet of Mashobra
Shimla Beyond The Crowds: Mashobra, just a little drive from Shimla, is a tranquil village which offers respite from crowds of tourists. Nestled among thick oak and pine woods, Mashobra provides an ideal environment for nature walks, picnics in nature’s lap. Craignano Nature Park in this region is a lovely place with well-manicured gardens, apple orchards and charming pathways which are great for strolling.
2.The Mystical Glen Forest
For those within the city who want a feel of nature, Glen Forest is another hidden jewel. This thick wood area located approximately 4 kilometers away from Shimla provides solace and tranquility in plenty. During your walk through forest trails you will pass grand deodars as well as pines accompanied by soft sounds from streams flowing close by. Glen Forest is perfect for hikers or bird watchers or even just having lunch privately inside the field.
3.Heritage Walks through Shimla’s Architectural Marvels
Shimla Beyond The Crowds: Shimla has had an illustrious colonial past that has left behind many architectural masterpieces off the beaten tracks.Your quest to find these untold treasures starts with taking Heritage Walks around them all.Others include Viceregal Lodge (now Indian Institute of Advanced Studies), which sprawls across extensive grounds exemplifying British architecture.The nearby State Museum fills you in on the heritage and culture of Shimla.
The other Gorton Castle, a huge building showing an English architectural style. It is not open to the public, but its exterior is worth looking at. These are just a few examples of colonial structures that show how Shimla evolved over time like Barnes Court and Ellerslie (the current Secretariat).
4.The Secluded Chadwick Falls
This Chadwick Falls is one of Shimla’s least known locations, hidden away in Glen Forest. This astounding waterfall plunges from a height of about 86 meters into what can only be described as an awe-inspiring sight especially in monsoons. Located amidst thick vegetation, the place seems secluded and virgin. Trekking to Chadwick falls is actually an adventure itself offering amazing views along with chances to observe flora and fauna characteristic of Shimla.
5.The Enigmatic Tara Devi Temple
The Tara Devi Temple on top of this hill not only provides sanctuary for those seeking spiritual solace but also gives panoramic views across Shimla and its nearby valleys. It is less crowded than Jakhoo Temple because it does not attract many visitors.The road leading up to Tara Devi offers scenic beauty with much winding through pine forests where patches of snow-capped summits come into view . With its calmness, it offers great opportunities for meditation.
6.The Charming Village of Shoghi
A small village, Shoghi, lies about 13 kilometers from Shimla and is a great opportunity to experience Himachal Pradesh. Shoghi has beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities that make it an ideal destination for those wishing to escape the city’s confusion. Camping, trekking and bird watching are some of the things to do in Shoghi. Another serene place is Kali Temple where you can experience peace with natural views.
7.The Picturesque Naldehra
Shimla Beyond The Crowds, Naldehra, located around 22 kilometers away from Shimla, is a secret spot for tourists because it contains one of India’s oldest picturesque golf courses. It is surrounded by thick deodar forests. Tourists who come here enjoy breathtaking sights on the Naldehra Golf Course that offers a calm atmosphere at all times of the year. Horse riding and nature walking are also available in Tattapani Hot Springs which are found nearby.
8.The Quaint Town of Kotgarh
Kotgarh is a hidden gem approximately 80 kilometers from Shimla which many people have not yet discovered as yet if they are willing to go little more far than others would dare or wish hence to know about it.Being famous due to apple orchards set against its stunning landscapes that helps Kotgarh offer rural Himachal at its best. A stay here provides homestay options where visitors can taste fresh farm-grown apples while living amidst nature and everyday life in villages.The other point worth mentioning in this section is the historic St. Mary’s Church displaying colonial architecture amid tranquil environment.
9.The Serene Annandale
Annandale was once a flat stretch of land surrounded by thick deodar forests but now used by the Indian Army; about four kilometers away from Ridge.This area has a very good golf course plus cactus museum and helipad among other facilities.Its green landscape and the sound of silence around make it a perfect place for a quiet afternoon. Another attraction here is the Army Heritage Museum which offers insights about how the Indian army was formed.
10.The Hidden Retreat of Summer Hill
Summer Hill, one of Shimla’s seven hills, is a quiet place far from busy center of town.Summer Hill cradles Himachal Pradesh University campus in more greenery and provides breathtaking views over the surrounding valleys.The other thing that might interest you is Manorville Mansion where Mahatma Gandhi stayed while in Shimla. It feels good to take walks along the shaded trails at summer hill with sounds from chirping birds as well as swaying leaves.
Shimla Beyond The Crowds: This small city has more than what can be seen in its popular tourist spots which boasts antique colonial era, natural beauty and cultural heritage. By exploring these hidden gems tourists witness another secret side of this hill station. Mashobra and Naldehra’s serene landscapes, Andretta’s cultural depth or Tara Devi Temple and Summer Hill’s peaceful retreats are some of many lesser known attractions across Shimla that will make your trip unforgettable. In fact, those who would like to explore beyond the usual tourist circuits will find an invitation to discover the real beauty of Shimla within its hidden treasures.
(Disclaimer: The information given here is based on general information. Before adopting it, definitely take medical advice. THE MONK does not confirm this.)
