The mountains, when covered with dense forests may look similar, but
something is surely in the air. When it comes to driving nothing beats the
romance of snaking in the hills around Shimla. Is something actually in the air
of Shimla and surrounding places or it is just
the unparalleled beauty of this heavenly region...?
Outskirts of Shimla are the places which separates
visitors from explorers. If you ask people if they have visited Chail, Kufri,
Mashobra and Naldehra; there is good chance to hear that most of the people
would have ended on Kufri only. These four locations can be covered in a day if
you start from Shimla before the first ray of the sunlight. Though you may also
enjoy a night stay of perfect solitude at Chail or at Naldehra.
To explore these out of the world spots where blanket of Pine and Deodar trees grace the landscapes, this eternal vagabond started his early morning drive to Chail (51 km. from Shimla) to get an authentic morning mystic feel of the valleys. Till Kufri (20 Km. from Shimla) you will find many visitors. Once you will move ahead from Kufri, its only nature and yourself, enjoy the symphony of birds chirping, whistling of tree leaves and your camera clicks.
Praying to almighty for such a beautiful outing:
From Kali Mata temple, one can enjoy a magnificent 360-degree view of the surroundings. You, yourself and the unspoilt nature…
Kids will surely have a great time in company with Deer, Black Bear, Tibetan Wolf, Leopard, Sambhar, Barking Deer, Monal and lot of birds.
During the horse ride to Mahasu Peak, striking terrace farming is worth mentioning…
Try to get closer to these beautiful mountains, even the tress are too gorgeous...
Mahasu Peak is the highest point in Kufri. On a clear lucky day, you may enjoy snow covered Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges from Mahasu Peak.
There is also a small temple at the top, from where you can pray to the almighty Goddess and continue clicking breath taking views of the surroundings:
In winters this place is covered with snow. Coming back from Kufri a right turn will take you to Fagu village, from here one more beautiful view of the surroundings...
Going further ahead on the road to Fagu, you will reach New Kufri to indulge in some adventure sports.
It was late afternoon when we reached at Naldehra (26 km. from Shimla). Evening sunlight peeking from the trees make a perfect itinerary for a romantic walk in the woods. Major attraction at Naldehra is the swanky golf course, which is one of the oldest golf courses in India.
From the drop point one can either take a horse ride or can enjoy a relaxing cozy walk, surrounded by tall pine trees. With such panoramic settings, no surprise Naldehra is also one of the most preferred spot for film shootings. No one has stopped you from running around the trees and singing a song for your beloved and feel like a film star in these woodlands...
There is a passage road which divides this golf course into 2 parts and also serves as a passage to nearby villagers for their daily commuting to other side of Naldehra. Lucky are the people of that village who are entitled for such a daily walk/ ride from this wonderland.
