Shimla is no surprise a popular hilly destination in Himachal Pradesh that has always remained an apparent pick for vacationers during summer or winter break. This hilly paradise is a treasure trove of many intriguing travel spots that fuel excitement & thrill among the visitors, turning their visit into a beautiful album of beautiful memories. But there is a place with no dearth of natural scenic beauty & is an idyllic retreat for peace lovers. It is Mashobra near Shimla district.
You may or may not have yet become familiar with this quieter version of the hill capital of Himachal. Still, when you explore it once, you will love this place for its stockings of natural attractions, including mist-bathed hills, lush oak forests, babbling streams, fruit orchards, & waterfalls. All these captivating views may prompt you to revisit it once again. Today, in this blog, we bring you a Mashobra itinerary guide, where we will be listing the places that are worth visiting in this tiny hill retreat in Himachal Pradesh. But first, let us know about its past.
A glimpse into the brief history of Mashobra near Shimla
Not underestimating its true essence, Mashobra has always remained a top choice among prominent people from time to time, & still continues at present. Known to be one of the presidential retreats in India, this place is visited by the President of India once a year. It is when his office is relocated to Chharabra, which falls near this hilly town. Established in 1850, it was a residential stay of Lord Mountbatten & his wife, Lady Edwina, until they returned to London in 1948.
Referring to other historical facts, the Wildflower Hall in Chharabra was also a residential retreat for Lord Kitchener & Ripon during the British era. Craignano, a place 3 km from Mashobra, also served as a villa for Chevalier Federico Peliti, a photographer from Italy during the time of Queen Victoria.
Mashobra: A peaceful escape from crowded streets
Having served as a residential place for prominent people, the place must have been chosen due to its close distance to Shimla, & was tucked away from bustling city life. Due to significant tourist footfall in the hill capital city, it has always remained a less explored hill town. But there is one primary reason you may choose Mashobra over the latter hill town.
During the peak season, Shimla is thronged with tourist crowds, which may be inconvenient for those not used to travelling in crowded streets. In that case, Mashobra near Shimla is a better alternative as it is the least congested. Booking a luxury hotel here will benefit you in accessing the major tourist spots of Shimla.
Places to visit in Mashobra, a secret getaway from monotonous city life for a joyous weekend vacation
An offbeat place near Shimla, Mashobra is an ideal weekend escape to enjoy with your family, friends, or partner. Bestowed with natural beauty, this place makes a worthwhile visit to cradle in nature, & heaving fresh air in its pristine environment. It is 11 km from Shimla, 125 km from Chandigarh, & 355 km from Delhi. Now, let us bring down the list of places worth exploring in Mashobra near Shimla.
But hold on, before starting the list, let us tell you that if you are expecting to see the majority of places like Shimla, then sorry to say, Mashobra is not the ideal pick for you. This small hilly place does make a good choice with few areas of interest. It is mainly known for its natural charm & peaceful ambience that bring calmness to one’s mind. Here are some of the enchanting places to explore in Mashobra.
Tattapani River
Mashobra is one of the top hill stations near Delhi for a memorable vacation. Among its limited tourist attractions is the Tattapani River. If you are looking for adventure here, this is the right place to be. This is because here you can have a river rafting experience. Besides, Tattapani welcomes tourists to enjoy dipping in its hot water springs from the Satluj River side of the Tattapani river bed.
The Presidential Retreat
The Presidential Retreat is one of the major tourist places in Mashobra & is much acknowledged for its stupendous architectural marvel & picturesque surroundings. Located in Chharabra, it is known to be a residential retreat for the President of India. Sprawling at 10,000 sq.ft, this building features 16 rooms, & 300 acres of dense forests encircling it.
Craignano
Craignano is a villa built in Italian style by Chevalier Federico Pelite, a famed photographer. Set at a height of 7,700 above sea level, it was a tribute to his homeland, Italy. Built entirely in wood, Craignano attracts tourists’ attention with sparkling streams and cedar & pine trees. If you are seeking adventure fun in Mashobra, this villa welcomes adventure enthusiasts to experience fishing, rappelling, & rock climbing.
Reserve Forest Sanctuary
The Reserve Forest Sanctuary contributes to Shimla’s water supply and is also a place for birdwatchers. Chukars, pheasants, & Himalayan eagles are some bird species to spot here. Besides these, it is also the best place to indulge in trekking or camping amid scenic views of the Indus River and lush green covered with pine, cedar, & oak forests.
Where to stay in Mashobra near Shimla
Lying at the top of the foothills of the Himalayas in an area filled with fruit orchards, & lush oak forests is a luxury resort in Mashobra, jüSTa Cliffend Resort & Spa. It is the ideal escape for a family vacation & a lone traveller to escape from mundane city life. With its 28 spacious luxury rooms infused with spectacular wooden architecture, this resort is worth a stay for all kinds of travellers. Visitors can have a refreshing session with its spa & infinity outdoor heated pool.
The resort invites foodies to Sabor, one of the top restaurants in Mashobra near Shimla, serving all kinds of Himachali & regional cuisines. While enjoying your meal at this restaurant, you can enjoy the beautiful mountain view outside. The Kaafal Cafe here is an addition to complement your meal with your favourite cocktail/mocktail, with delectable dessert choices.
Conclusion
Mashobra is a peaceful retreat stocked with natural hill beauty & other attractions. Holding a historical background of being a retreat for British officers, it is significant as a travel destination. Even though there are few places to explore in Mashobra near Shimla, you can still make your journey filled with lasting memories.
