The President of India visits Mashobra at least once every year. At this time his core office shifts to the Presidential Retreat at Chharabra, in the vicinity of Mashobra. The building housing the retreat is a completely wooden structure originally constructed in 1850. In May 1948, before returning to London at the end of his mission as Viceroy and then Governor General of India, Lord Mountbatten and his wife Lady Edwina spent a few weeks in this retreat. The then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru paid them a visit, which is documented in the biographies of Lady Mountbatten.

Just 3 kilometres from Mashobra is Carignano, a beautiful picnic spot and a lovely walk. This was once the villa of Chevalier Frederico Peliti, an Italian photographer in the times of Queen Victoria. He named the villa after his native town near Turin in Italy. The villa was converted to a weekend resort in 1920 and has a mention in a novel by Anita Desai.

The Mall Road is Simla’s main promenade where contemporary enterprises rub shoulders with stately, colonial edifices, churches and other landmarks. At one end of this road is Lakkar Bazaar – the colourful local market.

Located on the Observatory Hills, Simla, the Viceregal Lodge was built in 1888 by Lord Dufferin. The premise houses a museum and beautifully laid out gardens. Through its grand history it has also been the Rashtrapati Niwas (President’s residence) and today houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.

Located 51 kilometers from Simla, these hot sulphur springs known for their therapeutic power draw people from afar. The Hindu temples as well as the Shiv Goofa (Shiva Caves) located at Saraur at a distance of 4 kilometres from there are also worth visiting.

Sankat Mochan Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman (the Monkey God) is located amidst the lush green hills in Shimla and commands an excellent view of the town. The temple was built in the mid twentieth century and draws thousands of devotees as well as nature enthusiasts each year.

This is Simla’s highest point and offers a panoramic view of the the Shivalik Ranges and the town of Sanjauli. The Jakhoo Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman (the Monkey God) is located on top of this hill.

An inviting ski destination 13 kilometres from Simla, Kufri has lured mountain lovers for many decades. The slopes are not for professionals but the short runs are tailor made for the enthusiasts. Yak rides for children add to the attraction.

The former capital of the Maharajah of Patiala, Chail is built on 3 hills at a distance of 45 kilometres from Shimla. The old palace and polo grounds are worth visiting and the cricket pitch here is the highest in the world.tion.

Located a 20 minute drive from the hotel, this golf course was built under the supervision of Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India in the early 1900s. Captivated by the beauty of the place, he established what is today one of the oldest and most scenic golf courses in the country. In memory of his stay there he named his third daughter Alexandra Naldehra. Initially a 9 Hole Course, the Naldehra Golf Course was expanded to 18 holes, and further expansion has been planned to make the course at par with the best in the country.

A skiing resort in winter, Narkanda is located at an altitude of 2708 meters on the Hindustan-Tibet Road. It is about 65 km from Shimla and offers a panoramic view of the inner Himalayas. Apples and cherries abound in the nearby orchards of Kotgarh.

The ‘toy train’ from Simla will take you to Taradevi Station from where the trek up to the Taradevi Temple takes about 2 hours. The serene environment and magnificent view makes this a must see for visitors.