source-https://travel.india.com/
I had spent three days exploring Shimla and a day trip to kufri. Eating at every recommended café possible and exploring every attraction on my list. Kufri is a small hill station 20 km away from Shimla. During the winters, the place remains covered with layers of snow. However, during the summers the place turns into an adventure park. I visited Shimla in October, the weather was still hot and so we got a chance to enjoy all the adventure activities. Kufri is best known as a ski destination. Adventure places to see in and around Kufri are touched by the glory of the high mountain peaks, and secluded romance.
Here I am going to tell you about my cool trip to Shimla where I did snow activities, adventurous activities, shopping on mall road, explored sightseeing, enjoyed maggi with hot tea and of course clicked a lot of pictures too.
My Package for Kufri
I have taken a 4 days and 3 nights package for Kufri which was about Rs.14,999 Approx. In this package some of the tourist places, some adventurous activities and some sightseeing were included.
First I reached Kalka by train from Delhi railway station, headed to my accommodation in Shimla. Stayed overnight in a hotel in Shimla. On the 2nd day I explored Shimla with some tourist places, sightseeing and shopping. On the 3rd day I left kufri for a day trip and on the 4th day At 7:30 AM I checked out from the hotel.
My Stay around the breathtaking views
There are many hotels available in kufri at cheap prices you can choose according to your budget. I have chosen The Haven of Himalayas for myselves, which is 148 Km away from Kufri. This 4-star hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. Each room is equipped with a balcony with views of the sea. It was 39 km from Shimla Airport.
The Haven of Himalayas
source-https://www.booking.com/
Price
1 night, 2 adults
Rs. 1,350 + Tax (Approx)
Facilities Included
Room service
Free parking
Non-smoking rooms
Free WiFi
Family rooms
Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
Breakfast
Rooms are availble with:
Terrace
Sea view
Landmark view
Garden view
Lake view-
River view
Mountain view
City view
Free private parking available at the hotel
Places I visited in Shimla
1. Jakhu Temple
source-https://shimlatourism.co.in/
Synonymous with the word “spiritually”, Jakhu temple is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Kufri. Possessing a massive deity of Lord Hanuman, which is one of the tallest statues, it invites devotees from each and every region.
Timings– 5 AM to 9 PM
2. Viceregal Lodge
source-https://shimlatourism.co.in/
The Rashtrapati Niwas formerly known as Viceregal Lodge, is located on the Observatory Hills of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. It was formerly the residence of the British Viceroy of India. It houses some of the most ancient articles and photographs going back to the times of the British rule in India.
Duration: 1-2 hrs
Entry fee- Rs.20 per person
Timings– 10 AM to 5 PM
Tips
- The attraction is 13 km away from Shoghi while the traveling time is 30 minutes
- The attraction is closed on Monday
- On other 6 days, it opens between 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- The entrance fee for Indian Nationals is INR 30, for foreigners it is 1$, there is also a guided tour that can clubbed with the ticket amount
- Do check out the souvenir shop attached to the ticket counter that showcases books, postcards etc
- There is wheelchair access for differently abled guests
3.Christ Church
In the heart of Shimla, on the famed Ridge Road, is an iconic church that is not only Shimla’s oldest church but also its most famous.
Christ Church, an architectural marvel built in 1857 that is so famous that locals often use it as a landmark to give directions to others. A visit to Christ Church promises to be an unforgettable excursion, offering a glimpse into Shimla’s storied past and enduring charm.
Timings– 10:30 AM to 1 PM, 2:15 to 5:30 PM(Sunday closed)
Entry fee– Free
4. The Ridge
source-https://shimlatourism.co.in/
The Ridge is a large open space in the center of Shimla.The Ridge is located in the center of Shimla, at the top of the mall. It is a hub for cultural activities. It’s situated
along Mall Road, Shimla It’s a popular tourist attraction with scenic views, photo opportunities, and easy access to shops and eateries.
Features:
- Views: The Ridge offers panoramic views of the city and the Himalayas
- Places to visit: The Ridge connects to major places in Shimla, including Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, and the Scandal Point
- Activities: The Ridge is a great place for people watching, taking photos, relaxing, and walking
- Attractions: The Ridge has a historical church, statues of Indian leaders, and an open-air theater
- Shopping: The Ridge has many offshoots that lead to local markets, including the Lakkar Bazaar
- Cafes: The Ridge has many trendy cafes
Timings– 8 AM to 6 PM
Entry fee– Free
What activities I have done in Shimla
Well I have covered some of them but if you have much time then you must visit all possible places becouse Kufri is Popular as the winter sports capital of Shimla, there is an endless list of things to do in Kufri, especially if you’re a nature lover. Ideal for skiing and tobogganing trips in the snowy valleys and mountains, Kufri is every adventurer’s paradise. Here is the list of things you can explore in Kufri.
1. Skiing
source-https://www.tourism-of-india.com/
Skiing is one of the most popular and obvious things to do in Kufri during winters. It is essentially the skiing capital of Shimla, owing to the beautiful slopes, the high altitude and snowy peaks that grace the landscape. Whether you’re an amateur or an experienced skier, Kufri has a variety of ski destinations to offer.
Timings– 9 AM–6 PM every day
Ticket Price– Approx 300 per person for 1 Hours.
2.Horse Riding
source-https://www.hindustantimes.com/
Kufri is a beautiful destination, and one of the most classic ways to explore its territory is on horseback. The excitement of horseback riding combined with the thirst for exploration makes the ride unforgettable. If you can brave the slightly rough terrain of the trails, a horse ride to Mahasu Peak is a must-try experience. It is very different from hiking and doesn’t take too long.
Timing– 9 AM to 6:30 PM
Ticket Price– 400 Approx per person
3. Enjoy Tobogganing
source-https://kufri.org/
Another winter sport, besides skiing, that has been gaining quick popularity is tobogganing. With a relatively simple concept where you slide down snowy slopes on a sled, it is a truly exciting activity to engage in. Being reminiscent of elders’ simpler times, tobogganing literally brings out the child in you as you go shrieking down the hill.
Time Required- 1-2 hours
Pricing– Rs. 1000(Approx) per person for 7 Km.
Picture perfect Yak rides
source-https://travel.india.com/
That was my favorite moment when I rode the yak and I clicked so many pictures with Yak. One of the most unique and interesting things to do in Kufri is to take a yak ride, an experience entirely different from horseback rides. Kufri is one of the few places in India where yak rides are possible. Enjoy galloping through the beautiful mountain and forest trails on a yak, as the panoramic mountain ranges unfurl before you.
A bowl of maggi with Hot tea: Why this is a perfect combination in hills
source-www.indiantourister.com
The best thing about Kufri is Maggi with hot tea in snow all around you.
Served hot, plan or veggie and soupy bowl of Maggi in hills has a different charm altogether.
We crave for something hot in the cold weather, and in the Mountains, everyone prefers hot and quick food, which we can enjoy with the amazingly cold weather and beautiful view. Maggi is at its best when it is hot. That’s why Maggi tastes best in the mountains more than in any place. And we enjoy it alot.
Shopping on Mall Road
source-https://www.hellotravel.com/
If you want to do some shopping in Kufri then you must have to visit Mall road. As Kufri is so little, there is just one spot to go shopping, a long, straight road known as the Mall Road, much like in every other Indian hill station. Shopping and people-watching on Kufri’s mall road is a popular pastime for visitors. Kufris mall road can fulfill all you winter needs, Kufri sells a wide variety of products, from woollen shawls, hats, sweaters, etc. to basic necessities. You have to use your bargaining skills to grab the best deals and one more thing: Visit the mall road in the morning in order to avoid crowds and have a peaceful shopping experience.
Don’t miss out to visit Lakkar Market
source-https://shimlatourism.co.in/
Lakkar Bazar! Situated next to the Mall Road, Lakkar Bazar offers a delightful experience to all those who are interested in buying wooden decorative items on their Shimla tour. It is a common spot for locals to spend some leisure evenings and has become a go-to place for shopaholics.
One of the most popular places to visit in Shimla, Lakkar Bazar is home to numerous shops that are specialized in selling an array of antique works along with woollen garments, pashmina shawls, Himachali handicrafts and artificial jewellery.
Timings-9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on all days of the week.
Day trip to Kufri begins now
source-https://realhimachal.in/
After breakfast, I rushed to a day trip to Kufri. Kufri is a lovely hill station just 20 km from Shimla. Kufri is one the best ski points in winters and in summers, it turns into a famous tourist picnic spot., Known for its panoramic views and lush surroundings, Kufri attracts visitors with its tranquil environment and scenic beauty. Kufri is a dream destination for those who adore hill stations and adventure because of the breathtaking snowscapes it offers during the winter.Kufri is widely recognised as one of the most stunning hill stations in the country due to its stunning scenery and abundance of tourist attractions.I enjoyed lot of sightseeing and clicked lot of pictures.
Tips to remember
Here are some tips to remember before visiting Kufri
- Pack warm clothes: Temperatures can drop, especially at night.
- Bring comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring cash: It can be hard to find an ATM in Kufri.
- Be careful with children: The paths can be slippery when riding mules or horses.
- Check the local tourism website: You can find out what’s going on locally, including festivals.
- Protect your electronics: Make sure your electronic devices are waterproof or in plastic bags.
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun.
My way to reach Shimla
First I reached Kalka by train from Delhi railway station. Then head to my accommodation in Shimla by Volvo. Shimla is well-connected by roadways and can be reached via various modes of transportation. If you go from Delhi by road then you have 2 options to reach Shimla.
By Bus- Buses operated by Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private tour operators ply regularly between Delhi and Shimla, from where travelers can proceed to Kufri.
By Taxi- The distance from Delhi to Kufri is about 357 km and takes around 8 hours by cab. You may take small halts whenever you feel to further add to the comfort of your journey. Take Delhi to Kufri cabs for a hassle-free trip and to have maximum enjoyment during the journey like my trip.
Best time to visit Shimla
Well that was the best time when I visited Shimla in the month of October. Although, it depends on you what kind of wheater you want to experience in the hills. If you want to enjoy the snowfall then you must visit in winters. November to March is the peak tourist season, when Kufri receives the most snowfall and is ideal for skiing and other snow activities. October is a good time to visit because the crowds are smaller and there are discounted stays. In April to June, A shoulder season with pleasant weather and temperatures ranging from 12–19°C. This is a good time for outdoor activities and enjoying the hill station and In summer(July–September) The monsoon season, with moderate rainfall and cooler temperatures. This is a low season for tourism, but outdoor activities are still possible.
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Thankyou
This travel Blog is written by myself. I am a Content writer, Fiction Blogger, Travel Blogger and also ex banking professional. I started my career as a Banker. I often write short stories and poems which have been published in some magazines and newspapers. I like to go to beautiful destinations and capture their beauty. Writing a travel blog is my hobby. This Blog is on my Shimla visit. The amazing breathtaking views of Shimla inspired me to write a travel blog on it and share my own experience about that awesome hill station of Himachal pradesh.
I hope after reading this blog you will definitely visit Shimla once.
So have a happy visit to Shimla.