Mahasu Peak: One can hike through thick forest around Kufri to the Mahasu Peak- the highest peak in Kufri. There is a small temple on the top of the hill and the 360 degree view from up here is just breathtaking.
Himalayan Nature Park: The Himalayan Nature Park, located next to the Indira tourist café is a 5 minute walk from the hotel and has a collection of birds and animals that can only be found in the higher reaches of the Himalayas. The Indira tourist park also has a small Tibetan market for variety of foreign goods including Tibetan handicrafts.
The Helipad:
Fagu: Picturesquely located amid forests and apple orchards on a pass between two valleys, fagu is a vantage point with panoramic views of the higher ranges and valleys. Just 6 km from Kufri and 22 km from Shimla Fagu is located at the height of 2509 meters. Fagu has a rest house and tourist bungalow overlooking the Giri valley.
Catchment area: Deep in the belly of the reserve forests below the wildflower hall is the catchment area, which feeds water to Shimla and its surroundings. A half hour mud track drive brings you to the spur where there is a large collection tank built by the Britishers in stone, surrounded by abundant open space. The place makes a extraordinary picnic spot. However in order to visit the area you require permission from the local forest office.
HALF/ FULL DAY EXCURSIONS
Institute of Advance Studies or formerly the Vice regal Lodge was originally built as a home for Lord Dufferin Viceroy of India from 1884-1888. Henry Irwin designed this Baronial style building on a 331-acre site that was leveled for the purpose. For its day, the Lodge had state-of-the-art technology. It had its own steam generator, and was the first building in Shimla to employ electric lighting. Indeed, Lady Dufferin is said to have first used an electric light switch here. The original light panel is still in place. Many historic decisions have been taken in the building during the Indian Independence movement. The Shimla conference was held here in 1945 and the decisions of creating Pakistan and East Pakistan were also made here in 1947. After India gained independence, the building was renamed Rashtrapati Niwas and was used as a summer retreat for the President of India. However, due to its neglect, Dr. S Radhakrishnan decided to turn it into a centre of higher learning. For more information on The Vice regal Lodge please visit http://victorianweb.org/history/empire/india/10.html
Jakhoo Hill the highest peak in Shimla, boasts commanding 360 degree views of the city, its surrounding hills and far away Himalayan ranges. It is 2,455 m above sea level. The almost vertical 2.5 km trek is not for everyone, but the breathtaking sunset and sunrise views from here make the arduous trek worth every step taken. Jakhoo is also famous for the ancient Hanuman temple atop the hill. Legend has it that Lord Hanuman rested here on his way back to Lanka after taking the miraculous herb, Sanjivani to treat Laxman, the younger brother of Lord Rama. Like many temples of Hanuman this temple is also a home to hundreds of monkeys. The monkeys here are pranksters playing tricks on the visitors to get the 'prasad' or food items from the visitors. They may take away one of your shoes, spectacles, cameras or handbags etc., but with no harm done for the 'prasad' offered by visitors the articles are returned. In rare cases you may have to engage the services of the head priest for this who unbelievably can order the monkeys to do so. But then "seeing is believing".
Tara Devi: Calm and tranquil, 11 km from the Shimla bus stand, Tara Devi has a temple dedicated to the Goddess of the Stars on top of a hill. Developed by the British, it holds the Military Dairy Farm, and the boy scout head-quarters. One can take the toy train to the foot of the Tara Devi Hill and reach the temple located on the hill top after an hour’s walk through a thick Rhododendron forest.
Chadwick: Falls Seven kilometers from Shimla and beyond Summer Hill are the silent Chadwick Falls. At an altitude of 1,586 meters, the 67 meters falls were best in the Monsoon. A deep gorge was finely carved out by the once flowing waters.
Naldhera: 22 kms from the resort and home to the oldest golf course in India. A nine hole par 68 course, it is considered one of the more challenging courses in the country. Lord Curzon, Governor General and Viceroy of India (1899-1905) had this course built at the turn of the 19th Century. The name 'Naldhera' is believed to have come from the temple of 'Nag Devta' or serpent God whose temple is situated in the midst of the the beautiful golf course.
Today Himachal Tourism maintains the links and it is possible to pay green fees for the day or take temporary, annual and life membership. The course is open through the year; the monsoon months between July and September are particularly good for golfing since the highly watered turf becomes springy and the yardage increases.
Chail: (former summer capital of Patiala) is 26 km from Kufri or an hour's drive though beautiful oak and pine forests. The Maharaja of Patiala built Chail as his summer retreat following a restriction on his entry to Shimla. The place is well known for the cricket ground and a polo ground, which is there at an altitude of 2,250m. The ground has the world's highest cricket pitch. Chail is also considered as the hiker's paradise. A dozen or so trek routes lead out of Chail including to Choor Peak and Shimla. You can also visit the Chail Sanctuary, home to leopards, Indian muntjac, Sambar, Goral, Barking deer, Himalayan Black Bear among other animals and birds. The best time to visit is from March to October.
The Glen: At 1830 m, this is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic spot near Shimla
Mashobra: At 2149 m, a thick forest surrounds this beautiful suburb. From here, a track leads down to Sipur which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. There are old temples on a side and a fair is held here every April.
