Tapta Pani
The name Tapta Pani, translates to "Hot - Water" in local dialect.This is about half a square kilometer area on the banks of Satluj river with boiling hot Sulpher water springs. Bathing with this water is known to be good for skin.
Mashobra
Mashobra At 2149m, 12 km out of Shimla is this beautiful suburb, surrounded by a thick forest. From here, a pedestrian track leads down to Sipur. Which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. Steams of cool water gently divide it. Through thick woods, a side road leads to Bekhalty. The temples on the edge complete the pastoral picture. An annual fair is held at Sipur every April. A trek to the Shali peak - the highest in the area - can be made from Mashobra. Craignano with its rest house - and once the estate of an Italian confectioner is close to Mashobra.
Chail
Around 43 km away from Shimla and at an elevation of 2250 m is Chail, a small idyllic hill town. Chail shot into prominence when Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala was denied an entry into Shimla by the British. At that point of time Shimla was the summer capital of the British and a hot favorite with the Maharajas as well. However, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was not the one to accept defeat easily. He found a new summer capital for himself amidst scented forests of Chir pine and gigantic deodars in the village of Chail.
Naldera
At Naldera, 23 km beyond Shimla is one of the oldest golf courses in India. The British Viceroy, Lord Curzon who was so enchanted by the place that he gave his daughter Alexandra, ‘Naldera’ as her second name after the spot, originally designed the course, whose topography is absolutely natural. This is a par 68 nine-hole golf courses, which is regarded as one of the most challenging in the country. In the repeat nine, the yardage somewhat increases.
Kufri
If Shimla is the summer capital par excellence, Kufri is the winter sports capital; at an altitude of 2,622 metres (8,600 ft), it is ideal for skiing. The air is crisp, invigorating and the snow, warm-Kufri is agog with activity, tourists, in their thousands, have come from far and near to partake in the poetry of motion, skiing. Fun from the very beginning, the real sense of exhilaration in the joyous sport comes along with the sense of accomplishment that follows the first time one skis down a slope under total control. Then come the ethereal joys of the downhill, the exhilaration of speed and the intoxication of the control of ones nerves.
Fagu (2,509 m)
Just 6 km from Kufri, Fagu is a vantage point with panoramic views of the ranges and valleys. Picturesquely located amid forests and orchards, Fagu has a rest house and tourist bungalow overlooking the Giri Valley.
Tattapani
Tattapani is just 28 km from Naldehra, along a road winding through the scenic country side. The hot sulphur springs here, are hoted for their invigorating and curative powers (51 km).
Narkanda (2,708 m)
A hill road with superb views links Narkanda with Shimla Narkanda, located amidst fragrant pine forests is a ski resort in winter. It has a choice of slopes ranging from a beginners run and a slalom slope, to sharper descents for the experienced skier (64 km).
Hattu Peak (3,300 m)
Rising above forests of spruce, the Hattu Peak is a vantage point with spectacular views. (8 km). The pretty orchard country of Thanedar and Kotgarh - beautiful in spring - are not far away. Khadrala and Beghi with their dense forests and Kumarsain with an interesting wooden palace are also within easy reach of Narkanda.
Hatkati (1,100 m)
In the picturesque valley of the River Pabbar, about 104 km from Shimla, is noted for its historic temple dedicated to Durga. Enroute to Hatkoti is the village of Kotkhai, splendidly located among apple orchards - a village with fine traditional architecture. Jabbal, once the capital of a princely state with its impressive palace is also on the way.Beyond Hatkoti, 11 km away, is Rohru (1,149 m) on the River Pabbar - an excellent spot for angling, with fishing pools teeming with trout. The trout hatchery at Chirgaon, (15 km) upstream, ensures a well stocked river.
Rampur
Rampur was once the capital of the princely state of Bushair and a major centre on the old trade route into Tibet. The annual Lavi Fair, held in the second week of November, is still an important event for the inhabitants of the region. They gather to buy, sell and barter their produce - homespun blankets, shawls, wool and dry fruits - and to celebrate the event with music and dance. Rampur, on the banks of the Sutlej is on the N.H. 22 - the old Hindustan-Tibet Road that goes from Shimla into Kinnaur. The scenic village of Sarahan with its fascinating Bhimkali Temple is on this road beyound Rampur (140 km).
Colonial Architecture
Most of Shimla has diverse colonial forms culled from all over Europe.
English Renaissance
With a castle-like appearance is the former Viceregal Lodge which is now the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. This is surrounded by assorted cottages. English Home Counties Marketplace: The Mall.
Neo-Gothic
Gorton Castle now the office of the Accountant General and formerly the Imperial Civil Secretariat; the Secretariat of the Himachal Government at Ellerslie; and the Gaiety Theatre on the Mall.
Norman- Baronial
District Courts.
Swiss- Bavarian Chalets
The Chalet Day School and Cedar Lodge (Punjab Government Rest House).
Tudor
The Library on the Ridge and Barnes Court.
Churches
Christ Church, St. Andrew and the deconsecrated churches of St. Andrew’s (now, the Evening College) All Saints Chapel 9nearthe gates of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study).
Cemeteries
Adjoining Oakover, the residence of the Chief Minister of Himachal has the oldest one. The largest ‘old-one’ is below St. Edward’s school and is approached via the Potato Research Station. The one at Sanjauli also dates back to colonial times and is still in use.
Others
Yarrows, various schools and college and cottages all over town.
