Mashobra
Mashobra is situated at an altitude of about 2,146 mtrs .Mashobra is a less known hill station surrounded by dense forests, snow covered slopes , oak and pine trees all around enhances its beauty. Mashobra is also known for the wide range of flora and fauna, apple orchards. This place has its old world charm , and has grand houses named after fruits and flowers. Mashobra is one of the two Presidential retreats in India. The other retreat is Rashtrapati Nilayam in Secunderabad. The president visits Mashobra at least once every year and it was constructed in the year 1850. The retreat consists of 16 rooms and it stands on a 300 acre forest compound. The President occupies it only for two weeks in a year during summer and is mostly used by the Government of India to house foreign VIPs who are visiting to Shimla.
This place is well connected to Shimla via Hindustan-Tibet road which was constructed by Lord Dalhousie in the year 1850.Mashobra is a part of Shimla Water Catchmentanct Wildlife Sanctuary. The wildlife consists of monkeys, Langurs, jackals, kakkar (barking deer), and the occasional leopard, as well as numerous bird species such as the Himalayan eagle, pheasants, chikor and partridges. Himalayan International School at Chharabra is a major inhabited school in Mashobra.
How to Reach Us
By Air Shimla is the nearest Airport, it is about 45 minutes away from Mashobra. Alternative is International Airport Chandigarh which is around 66 kms , about 3 hours away from Mashobra and is well connected to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai stc.. Cabs/Taxis are available from Airport.
By Rail is the nearest Railway Station from Mashobra which is about 11 kms away. Alternatively Chandigarh is also the nearest other Railway Station. Cabs/Taxis are available from Railway Station.
By Road Himachal Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (HPSRTC) provides regular buses to and from Himachal cities from all major cities inside and outside Himachal.
Best Season To Visit Mashobra
Summer Summer (April-June) The temperature ranges from 8 to 30 degrees.
Monsoon ( July-September) It is better to avoid Mashobra during the monsoon season.The frequent and unexpected showers of rain may affect your trip.
Winter (October-March) The temperature may fall as low as 0 degrees and does not rise above 10 degrees.
Foods
There is no special cuisine , you can get the variety as lots of dhabas are available.One can also eat in Hotels and resorts where they are staying .
Restaurants
Kennedy House
The Pines Paradise Restaurant
Attractions
Craignano
Craignani is located at a distance of about 7700 feet . This is a sports adventurous lovers place and attracts maximum crowd of tourists every year. Adventurous activities like climbing, rappelling are available. Italian Villa is the attraction of this place, constructed out of wood and covered with oaks and pines trees all around.
Wild Flower Hall Hotel
This building was originally built as a residence of Lord kitchener of Khartoum and it is one of favourite retreat of Lord Ripon. The building got burnt in 1993 and then built as a hotel in a joint venture between HP government and Oberoi groups of hotels and named as a Wildflower Hall Hotel.
Reserve Forest Sanctuary
It is one of the Asia largest watersheds supplying in Shimla. This place is a must to visit place covered with lush greenery and dense forest has vast varities of flora and fauna and can spot the famed pheasants, partridges and chikors here. The weather is always pleasant here, one can carry the camping bag with themselves .
Mahasu Peak and Fair
If you want to know about the traditions and festivals of this place , then you can visit this place in the month of May. You can notice the culture of this place such as goat sacrificing, archery competitions, traditional dances and folk music.The festival, known as Mahasu Jatara, falls on the third Tuesday of May, celebrates the shifting of the idol of the chief deity Lord Mahasu.
