Kufri is a resort hill station in the district of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India discovered by the British in 1819, The name Kufri is derived from the word kufr meaning “lake” in the local language. It is located 20 km from the state capital Shimla on National Highway No. 22. The winter sports capital of the state, it is a picturesque town famous for its trekking and hiking trails. A winter sports festival is organized every year in the month of February in Kufri. There are direct cabs from Shimla to Kufri.
Unlike most towns surrounded by mountains, Kufri is fairly developed, and offers a range of sports and adventure opportunities for travelers. Adventure seekers throng Kufri in winters to enjoy skiing and tobogganing, gokarting and horse riding along its snow-covered slopes of the mountains that cover the town. Paragliding in Kufri becomes more special in winter for its beautiful views of the valleys. In summer season tourist can enjoy camping. The town is generally snow clad from October till March and even in early April. Kufri is also famous for its nature parks and picnic spots.
Nested at a height of 8000 ft above sea level, Kufri amazes tourists at every turn. This picturesque destination has various places of interest, each of which is worth visiting. On the Kufri Avenue, the main thoroughfare, boutiques and restaurants mix with Indian-style hotels and souvenir shops are to look for during a visit. Best time to visit Kufri s in winter and a weekend in Kufri alongside a week in Shimla is a perfect time spent. The best time to visit Kufri is in summers, between April and June.
Extremely popular among honeymoon couples and surrounded by Himalayan mountains, Kufri is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Boasting of a rich endemic wildlife, the Himalayan National Park in Kufri is a delight to wildlife enthusiasts as well as trekking lovers. Surrounded on three sides by snow-capped mountains, the National Park is home to 31 species of animals and over 150 species of birds. A perfect place for nature lovers, Green Valley boasts of stunning forests and a great population of birds, making it a birdwatchers paradise.
Tourism in Kufri is not just about skiing and strolling in Mall Road, other than that Kufri Fun Campus an amusement park is worth visiting. Trekkers can also trek to the Mahasu Peak- the highest peak in Kufri and visit the Nag temple. Tourist can also visit the Indira Tourist Park near Himalayan Nature Park that provides panoramic view of the locations around. Also worth visiting is Chini Bungalow, famous for its statues and architecture and the residence of the former prime minister of India, the late Ms. Indira Gandhi.
Tourist can also go for a walk on the banks of Tattapani river. Well connected by rail, road and air through Shimla, Tourist can also take a yak ride all the way up to the picturesque and pristine site of Fagu valley,6 km away from Kufri. Kufri is also the starting point of many popular treks. Kufri offers tourists the chance to connect with nature and spirituality at the same time. There are several hotels, resorts that provide mid range and budget accommodation. Restaurants are known to serve variety of Chinese, Tibetan, Mughlai and local Himachali dishes at reasonable prices. Kufri is an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of congested city life in Shimla.
