Kufri - Chail - Kasauli
An exotica of nature - KUFRI as a place surrounded by dense forest and snow-capped mountain is also known as Switzerland of India. Amidst virgin peaks and nature's flora and fauna, where one can completely relax and tune oneself to natural beauty.It is at an altitude of about 8500 feet from the sea level. It is at 30 minutes drive from both from Shimal & Chail.Kufri is the best known ski resort in Himachal Pradesh. The skiing seasons is at its peak in January and February but the snow cover can sometimes be problematical. An annual winter sports festival is usually held the first week of February .If you'd like to try skiing in India,equipment can be rented very cheaply. The Indira Rest House is two km from kufri, or there's the more up market Kufri Holiday Resort.
CHAIL was once the summer capital of the princely state of Patalia.Today the old palace is a luxurious hotel. Chail is 45 km from Shimla via kufri ,or you can reach it via kandaghat on the shimla to kalka road or narrow-gauge rail line.
Chail ,at an altitude of 2250metress, is built on three hills, on of which is topped by the chail palace ,and one by the ancient sikh Temple .Chail also boasts a temple of quite another religion- cricket .Here you will find the highest cricket pitch in the world.
About 12 kms from the Shimla on Shimla-Kalka road , at a height of 1927 mtrs.,is a charming little town called KASAULI (300 kms from Delhi). It's an interesting 15-km trek from Kalka to Kasauli,or you can get there from Dharampur, which is on the kalka to Shimla railway line.It is a pleasant alternative to staying in Shimla; it is devoid of its crowds and is still close enough. There are numerous lovely walks around Kasauli and one can enjoy the beauty of the hills and the riot of colour of the wild flowers that grow in profusion along the hill slopes. Only four km from Kasauli is Monkey Point , a picnic spot and lookout with a very fine view over the plains to the south and to the mountains in the north.Sabathu,38km from Kasauli ,has a 19th- century Gurkha built fortress.
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