narkanda

Situated at an altitude of 2708 mtrs, Narkanda once was a small staging post along the old Hindustan Tibet Road (NH22). It led the vehicular traffic from Parwanoo to the Tibetan border. The credit of this town’s coming into existence goes to Lord Dalhousie. 65 Kms. From Shimla, this sleepy town is devoid of the frills and fancies of a regular holiday spot.

Narkanda with its fir and spruce forests and snow covered peaks was our destination for a quiet and rejuvenating weekend.  It caters to varied tastes.  If you are a nature lover then you have the breathtaking view of the snow clad Shivalik Ranges right from the verandah of your cottage. Sports enthusiasts must experience the Narkanda winter skiing. Besides soaking ourselves in the enchanting beauty of this tranquil hamlet we manged to do some sightseeing before we moved on.

8Km from Narkanda  surrounded by pine and spruce trees is Hatu Peak and ancient Hatu Temple having its roots in Pandavas vanya Prastha.  First six Kms was in the 4x4 but the remaining 2Kms. was a trek. It was worth the effort since the entire Himalayan range snow clad mountains seemed at arm’s length. After spending couple of quiet and peaceful hours at Tannu Jubbar Lake, we headed towards Shimla, but not via the route we had come.We were in the process of forming a perfect “Kreis”.  From Shimla to Kufri-Fagu-Theg-Narkanda on to the state highway to Rampur- Tattapani, Naldehra, Mashobra and finally Shimla to Delhi.The drive from Narkanda to Tattapani was a memorable one . Coursing our way along the Satluj on our right we witnessed many facets of this ancient river. At certain places its flow was the epitome of youth exuberance and at some places it acted mature having very small rapids. Tattapani is renowned for its hot water springs. It is located on the banks of Satluj.After feeling the hotness of Tattapani and chill of Satluj water we headed towards Naldehra., the site of the oldest golf course  in India, the brainchild of Lord Curzon. Sitting amidst the tall Deodar trees and facing the lush green golf course we devoured heaps of onion-tomato noodles and soda lime before hitting the road for Mashobra, our final halt en route Shimla. Mashobra is part of Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary and catchment area. The flora comprising of pine, Oak and cedar along with the fauna boosting of monkeys,baboons, jackal; make the area worth a halt.

To summarise I would say that it was a pleasant  long- drive from Delhi - Narkanda-Delhi.