One of the most popular tourist destinations in India is Shimla where thousands of people visit every year. The stunning hill station is often referred to as the queen of hills located in Himachal Pradesh and is a place surrounded by plenty of adventure activities and science view attractions. This hilly paradise is a treasure trove for its nature treasures and symbol of history. But there is one such place that draws attention is the charming little town of Mashobra, an offbeat place near Shimla. It’s a quiet and scenic town in Himachal which is often called ‘Quieter Shimla’.
Mashobra – Places to Visit & Things to Do, Budget details
Mashobra is a small-town slope station laid at an altitude of 7,041 feet, 11km from Shimla. The most interesting part is, it’s a famous building that houses one of the only two presidential retreats in India. At least once every year the president visits this tiny Himalayan hamlet and another retreat is Rashtrapati Nilayam in Secunderabad, Telangana.
Mashobra is an underrated spot and does not really get crowded compared to Shimla, though it is in proximity. So, if you wish to have a calm and peaceful vacation then visit the hidden gems near Shimla, Mashobra and it’s a place filled with beautiful views, untouched trails, mountains, fruit orchards, babbling streams, pine and oak jungles, green forests, temples, comfortable cottages, homestays and much to explore.
How to Reach Mashobra
Mashobra is a well-connected town and you can opt to travel by taking a train/ flight/ bus to the hill station, you will reach Shimla first and then Mashobra. But it is highly recommended to explore the mountain range by driving and the journey itself is a breathtaking experience.
By Air:
The closest airport is Jubbarhatti Airport, which is just 22 km away from Shimla and the next best alternative is Chandigarh airport. Both the airports are well connected to metropolitan cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Chandigarh, etc. From there take any public transportation to reach the hill station, 11km away from Shimla.
By Train:
The closest railway track is Shimla railway station, just 11km away from Mashobra. You need to board the famous toy train from Kalka to Shimla but first you need to catch a train from Delhi or Chandigarh to reach Kalka and then get on the Toy Train.
By Bus or By Road:
Whether you travel by flight, car or bus Shimla is your go to destination first. There are regular private and public bus (HRTC and HPTDC) services available to Shimla from various major cities. From there take any public transportation to reach the hill station, 11km away to Mashobra. The ideal means of travelling to the hill station is by hiring or self-driving a car where you get to explore and encounter the charming asset of nature and stunning hilly retreats all over.
MotorBike or Car Route: Delhi – Panipat – Karnal – Ambala – Zirakpur – Panchkula – Kandaghat – Shimla – Mashobra (around 350 km)
Distance From various Cities:
| City | Distance |
| Chandigarh to Mashobra | 117 km |
| Shimla to Mashobra | 12 km |
| Manali to Mashobra | 260 km |
| Solan to Mashobra | 44 km |
| Ludhiana to Mashobra | 189 km |
| Delhi to Mashobra | 345 km |
| Kullu to Mashobra | 210 km |
Suggested Read: Malana Village Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit Mashobra
Being a hill station most of the year Mashobra enjoys a humid and tropical climate and it’s a year-round destination. The best time to visit is during the months of April to June, when the climate is pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
During Monsoons it flourishes with greenery and winter is covered with snowy mountain ranges. It’s one of those places that keeps changing its shades and essence every season and looks eye appealing throughout the year.
Places to Visit in Mashobra
The hidden gem Mashobra is a perfect weekend retreat, and it is filled with a handful of attractions, some located within the area, and some are a few kilometers away from the town. In fact, the hill station itself is considered as one of the tourist places near Shimla.
Reserve Forest Sanctuary
This sanctuary is also referred to as Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary and is a main source of water supply to Shimla. It is one of Asia’s largest watersheds and an ideal spot for bird watching and photography. Travelers get to spot rare bird species and wild animals like Himalayan eagles, pheasants, Barking deer, partridges, leopards and chukars. Reserve Forest Sanctuary is a paradise for trekkers filled with an abundance of flora and fauna.
- Timing: 9am to 6pm
- Entry fee: INR 700 per person and require a prior permission from forest authorities
Wildflower Hall
It is a joint venture heritage hotel built by the Oberoi group of hotels and the state government on the peak top of Mahasu at a height of 2,500 meters but it’s a popular tourist attraction which has a great history. Initially, it was a Lord Ripon summer retreat place and the residence of Lord Kitchener of Khartoum but got burnt in 1993. Later rebuilt as a hotel with modern amenities like spa, yoga, fitness center, banquet etc.
- Timing: Open 24 hours
- Entry fee: No fee
Mahasu Devta Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and every year during the third Tuesday of May, Mahasu Jatra festival is celebrated on a grand scale for 2 days. Travelers get to witness and take part in the festival, where people from nearby villages perform folk dances, sing folk songs, tribal dance of Natti, goat sacrifice, archery competition and various traditional rituals.
- Timings: 7 am to 7 pm each day
- Entry fee: No fee
Craignano
Craignano is an Italian style villa set built by photographer Chevalier Federico Pelite at an elevation of 7,700 ft and is named after his hometown. It is completely made of wood and is surrounded by oak and pine trees on all sides. This place is also popular for its water lift which is considered the highest in the world and the best spot for rappelling, rock climbing and fishing.
- Timings: Morning to evening
- Entry fee: No fee
The Presidential Retreat
Mashobra made a place on the tourist map only because of the presidential Retreat or Rashtrapati Niwas, a stunning building built in 1850 in an area of 10,000 square feet. Nested at Chharabra on the hilltop of Mashobra, it’s a famous building houses one of the only two presidential retreats in India and once every year the president of India visits this place and stays for at least 2 weeks in summer. The 174-year-old heritage symbol is built completely out of wood and consists of 16 rooms and 300 acres of dense forest.
- Timing: 10am to 6pm, closed on Monday and public holidays
- Entry fee: Differs on time of visit
Suggested Read: Kasol Travel Guide
Tattapani River
The River Tattapani is well known for its hot water springs originating out of the Sutlej River and adventure river rafting activity. Spring water is considered to have rich medicinal and healing powers so people can dip in the open riverbed or covered water beds to heal themselves.
- Timing:30 am to 6.30 pm each day
- Entry fee: No fee
Lakkar Bazaar
It is a colorful market arena which sells the finest wooden handcrafts and miniatures. Wooden handicrafts such as keychains, furniture, home decor, trucks, bicycles, souvenirs, Idols of gods etc. Travelers can also buy a variety of dry fruits, natural herbs and nearby there is a place named rink for skating, trying to visit as it attracts travelers with family and kids.
- Timing: Open till 9 pm each day
- Entry fee: No fee
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh During Winter
Jakhu Temple
This shrine is devoted to Lord Hanuman snuggled on the highest peak of Shimla at an altitude of 8500 feet, positioned within the lush forests of the Jakhu hills. It is believed that the temple has existed since the epic Ramayana and devotees need to do a small steep hike of 2 km to reach the shrine. The surprising part is, from various places in Shimla one gets to see the huge statuette of Lord Hanuman and is covered with the mesmerizing views of the Shivalik Mountains and the Sanjauli town.
- Timing: 5am to 12 pm and from 4pm to 9pm
- Entry Fee: No fee
Chadwick Falls
Chadwick Waterfall offers breathtaking views of crystal-clear water falling from a height of 86 meters located deep inside the dense Glen Forest. Same as other waterfalls, one needs to do a small hike through the forest to reach the water cascading and surrounded with pine and deodar trees. Chadwick Waterfall was originally called by another name “Chidku Jhaar”.
- Timing: open 24 hours
- Entry Fee: No fee
Accommodation in Mashobra
Hotels in Mashobra fit any budget as it has numerous options to choose your stay from budget friendly hotels to luxury resorts, hotels, lodges, treehouses, farm stays and cottages around the town.
Mashobra Budget details:
Total Estimated Budget for mashobra (for 2 people, 3 days):
- Budget Trip: ₹14,000 – ₹20,000
Conclusion
Apart from just lovely landscapes and nature, the hill station is a best spot for adventure explorers since it offers a great platform for thrilling sport activities like camping, trekking, mountain climbing, rappelling, fishing and many more. People who love to spend time and want to explore around the hills, then a trip to Mashobra is a must. This unexplored bliss that every tourist must explore on a trip to Mashobra and has an adequate mountainous topography which is ideal for an offbeat family getaway.
