It’s GONNA hit you differently, when you’ll start exploring the ‘’IN and AROUNDS’’ of Shimla!

Nestled among the snow-crowned mountains and oak, pine, and rhododendron forests is the soft-focus hill station of Shimla. Away from the hustle clamor of the tumultuous city life, it is an ideal terminus for explorers looking for umpteen calm and isolation. Nonetheless, you may have seen this stupendous landscape in many hits like “Jab We Met” and ‘’3 Idiots’’. We recommend: get your tickets done and come to this place for an unutterable experience but this time you’ll experience something like chalk and cheese. 

How many times have you visited Shimla? Well, it must be one or two. Perhaps. Though, it’s just a guess, you’ve always ended up visiting The Mall Road, The Ridge, or The Jakhoo Temple, and that’s how everyone else summed up their Shimla trip. Thanks to the tourist hubs of Shimla. Don’t fret, on your next visit to Shimla the same won’t happen to you. So, relax, take a cuppa, and enjoy reading this heartfelt blog. Here we’re going to unravel some amazing places that you definitely want to see on your next trip. Come on and get along, you might find your perfect vacay right in here!

Top 7 Places in and Around Shimla

1. Naldehra
2. Kotgarh
3. Narkanda
4. Cheog
5. Kotkhai
6. Mashobra
7. Chail

1. Naldehra

If you’re the one who loves to go offbeat, this place certainly is for you fellow travelers. Naldehra has so many hidden gems that you might be interested in. So, without any further ado, let’s unravel them. Are you into sports? Well if you’re not. That’s totally ok because the Naldehra Golf Course is a perfect spot for spending a day amid the thick pine scented woods. You can roam around and see the lush green mountains together and those sounds in the backdrop are music to ears. Moreover, you go for a trek to Shaily Peak, it is 8 km from the base and you’ll end up seeing a lake and a temple. Trust us, this can be your great weekend getaway!

How to Reach Naldehra?

The total distance from Shimla is 23 km. It depends on how you’re going, if you’ve a car, simply follow google maps for directions. If you’re going by bus, it will take 1 hour to reach there. In case you hire a taxi the charges are 3000 INR.

2. Kotgarh

Well, don’t you think giving all the attention to those tourist hubs isn’t fair when we have so many villages that remain outshined. Kotgarh, a small village in Kumarsain subdivision of Shimla is reckoned in the top places to visit near Shimla has a lot in its pocket. Be it lakes, oodles of hikes and treks, and stunning mountains. So, in case the explorer’s impulse overhauls, you can try the fascinating one day expeditions like Tani Jubbar Lake, Hatu Peak, and soft treks like Mural Danda Trek, and Basleo Pass Trek, it’s all magical. Additionally, you’ll be lucky enough if you see an Upper Himachali Wedding, where the entire village comes together to sing folk music and enjoy their most beloved ‘’NATI’’. 

How to Reach Kotgarh?

Take a bus from Shimla to Thanedar, a lot of local as well as HRTC buses are available from ISBT Shimla. From Thanedar, Kotgarh is only 6 km which can be covered on foot or in a taxi. In case you’re taking a taxi, it’ll cost you around INR 1800-2200. Luckily, if going by your own vehicle, this ride will take you nearly 2-3 hours.

3. Narkanda

Known for its red apple orchards and snow, Narkanda counts among the best places to visit in Shimla. It receives a generous amount of snowfall, which makes it even more exciting. It’s great for skiing in winters and in summers it gives away all the beauty it can. An uphill trek through deodar woods leads to the Hatu Peak. It is a great place for those who are fond of hiking! The peak provides the best views of mountains including Pir Panjal. In the evening when the sun goes down it throws surprises at you. Yes, we mean the surreal sunset. The trek is 4 to 5 hour long. Furthermore, it is the Stokes farm which you may find interesting since the apple history of Himachal originated from here. So, to all the history buffs, treat yourself with some amazing facts of Himachal.

How to Reach Narkanda?

60 km from Shimla. You can take any bus from Shimla which is going to Kinnaur or Rampur, it will drop you off at Narkanda and the journey would take around 2 hours. By taxi it will cost 2500 INR and if you’ve never driven to this place before do follow the google maps for navigation.

4. Cheog

Close to Shimla lies a beautiful village, Cheog, which will become your favorite in no time! There are plenty of reasons to justify that. It has apple orchards, breathtaking views, pleasant weather, and birds chirping all day long. Aren’t these enough? Perhaps, yes. Cheog is indeed a place where you would want to spend a few comforting nights, relaxing and just being close to nature. There’s nothing much to do in this quaint village but that’s how it reflects its charisma. Except you can hike up to Tungesh and Dharech, two temples on peaks to see the sky turning red in the evening. Or you can ride on a horse with a villager and interact with them to know more about the place.

How to Reach Cheog?

Situated 25 km from Shimla, simply head to Fagu and then take the right turn and drive for 4 km, there you are. Via bus, take any outstation bus that will drop you at Fagu and then take a local cab to Cheog.

5. Kotkhai

If you ever crave for a place that is chock-full with culture and tradition look into this town of Himachal Pradesh, you’ll see what Himachal exactly is. Here you’ll meet people with strong beliefs and it’s so beautiful to see how they’re still holding their culture back. Speaking of the trek and trails, the peaks are no less. You can hike to Giri Ganga, which is the origin of a local river with a temple on the top giving beautiful views of the valley. A hike further up from Giri Ganga leads to the top of Kupar Peak, a great place to watch the sunset. Being a cultural town there are many wood and stone temples in this picturesque valley, one such is Hatkoti Temple. Do visit and take blessings. It is the best you can do here. 

How to Reach Kotkhai?

The journey is 60 km long. By bus it will take 2-3 hours, there are direct buses from Shimla to Kotkhai. Via taxi, the fare is 2500 INR. By car, drive on Shimla-Rohru Highway.

6. Mashobra

Settled in the lap of the Himalayas, Mashobra is a fascinating little hill retreat. It is among the most ideal places to visit near Shimla. Once you’re here do visit ‘Craignano’, a beguiling manor worked in Italian style of design. Set in a pleasant environment with alluring apple plantations, this place is not less than a perfect adventure. For some offbeat exploration, head to the famous and breathtakingly beautiful ‘Chadwick Waterfalls’ and spend some time relaxing in nature’s magnificent splendor. The lovely hill town is a spot that makes for an awe inspiring fascination for history buffs, otherworldly explorers, and culture searchers as well. Apparently, Mashobra is a spot wealthy in cultures and traditions. Those hoping to explore these mostly secret practices, should head here in the period of May when this little town ejects into festivities with the dynamic celebration of ‘Mahasu Jatara.’ 

How to Reach Mashobra?

Mashobra is 10 km from Shimla. Take Shimla to Mashobra cabs for a hassle-free trip and to have maximum enjoyment during the journey that will cost you around 1100 INR. Otherwise, buses are also available.

7. Chail

Barely two hours from Shimla, Chail is a peaceful and tranquil hill station encompassed with thick timberlands and grand environmental elements. There are many spots to visit in Chail for individuals who are hoping to get away from the psyche desensitizing unease of city life.  It is particularly popular for lodging the world’s most noteworthy cricket ground, and the legacy hotel the Chail Palace. On account of its quiet and peaceful climate, Chail was a previous summer retreat for the Maharaja of Patiala. When in Chail do visit the most popular religious and spiritual spots in Chail ‘’Kali Tibba’’. It is a temple of Kali situated on the top of a hill, surrounded by trees, and a perfect secluded spot for those who seek peace and tranquility.

How to Reach Chail?

This hill station is 45 km from Shimla. You can head via Kufri bypass or via Kandaghat Chail road. Hiring a taxi will cost you 1500 INR. Buses are not that frequent, taking a local cab is always helpful.

Exploration can swing our visions of the world, one another and even ourselves. Ok let us agree on this, planned holidays are cool but unplanned are SUPER DUPER fun. So, bid adieu to repetitive holidays and say hello to spontaneous actions that will help you craft memories. That is the best thing one can experience. So, pack your bags and set off to the ‘unknown pearls’ of Shimla. Hashtag NEVER STOP EXPLORING.