Mashobra, a quaint little hill retreat located in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh is sometimes called ‘Quiet Shimla’. Located in the proximity of tourist favourite Shimla city, a number of tourist attractions including old colonial buildings, forest reserves & sanctuaries, ancient temples and shrines. Less crowded than Shimla, Mashobra is a nature lovers delight, as well as for adventure seekers, spiritual travellers and holiday makers.
Located just 30 minutes or 11 kms east of Shimla, Mashobra is on the Chandigarh to Kalka Road on NH22. Drive to Dhalli and then take left downhill 3 kilometers to Mashobra. Nestled in the Himalayas, at an altitude of 2246 meters, Mashobra is own for its gurgling streams, captivating fruit orchards and lush oak forests. Mashobra is known for its scenic locales, flora and fauna ideal for people looking for solitude and peace away from the crowd. The town has a few hotels, cottages, homestays as places to stay.
Known for its tranquil environment the town attracts history buffs also, as Mashobra is hosts one of the two Presidential retreats in India, the other Rashtrapati Nilayam in Bolaram, Secunderabad. The President of India, visits Mashobra at least once every year, and during this time President’s office shifts to Chharabra, in the vicinity of Mashobra. The building is a completely wooden structure originally constructed in 1850 by Lord Dalhousie. In May 1948, before returning to London the last viceroy and then governor general of India, Lord Mountbatten and his wife Lady Edwina spent a few weeks in this retreat.
Mashobra, is a birdwatchers’ paradise thanks to the famous Mashobra Reserve Forest Sanctuary that houses many rare and indigenous bird species. Birdwatchers can walk through the sanctuary’s hidden trails and many bird species flocking around like Himalayan Eagles, Partridges, Pheasants and Chikors. The sanctuary is part of Shimla Water Catchmentanct Wildlife Sanctuary. The forests around the town are full of pine, oak, cedar or Himalayan deodar, rhododendron, maple and horse chestnut trees. The forests are also abundant in wildlife such as jackals, kakkar (barking deer), monkeys, Langurs, and even the occasional leopard.
An alternative to crowded Shimla, Mashobra is heaven for thrill and adventure seekers who can indulge in various adrenaline pumping activities. not just summers, winters are also great in Mashobra as the town experiences heavy snowfall every year making it perfect f skiing during winter season. Adventure seekers can embark on a quad bike ride the town road or go on trekking expedition to nearby ‘Shali Tibba’ or ‘Chharabra Village’ or mountains. he interested can try river rafting in the chilling waters of Tattapani river. Thrill seekers may also try rappling and rock climbing,
The town also provides excellent opportunity for paragliders with many mountain slopes ideal for such activities. tourist can also try out night camping in grasslands in the midst of oaks, pines and deodar trees. There are numerous places worth visiting in and around the town besides The Presidential Retreat and Reserve Forest Sanctuary. Besides visiting The Mall Road in Shimla which is just 30 minutes away, tourist can visit Craignano Villa. Mahasu Devta Temple, Wild Flower Hall building at Chharabra, Lakkar Bazaar, and Jakhu Temple. no visit to Mashobra is complete without a walk on the banks of Tattapani river.
Craignano Villa, a picnic spot that was once a villa of Chevalier Federico Peliti, an Italian photographer who lived in India around turn of 20th century and named it for his native town Carignano near Turin, Italy. The villa was transformed to a weekend resort in 1920 and sibnce independence is being used as a picnic spot. The town is a favourite haunt for many celebrities. It is also a favourite romantic getaway for couples and honeymooners wanting to spend a quiet time together.
Mashobra is the staging point to visit the famous ‘Chadwick Waterfalls’. Needless to say, Mashobra is a beautiful picture postcard place rich in cultures and traditions. Those interested in traditions, Mashobra is a must visit in the month of May, when the vibrant festival of ‘Mahasu Jatara’ is celebrated in the town. The festival is known for its Folk dances and music; archery competitions; and animal sacrifices.
A visit to Mashobra is incomplete without indulging in shopping. The ‘Tibetan Handicraft Market’ is known for selling fancy and beautifully crafted Tibetan jewellery, as well as woollens/pullovers at affordable prices. Tourist can also buy variety of souvenirs to take back home. Mashobra as a hill station in the Himalayas, has remained untouched from over exposure suffered by Shimla. Whether you are looking for a secluded holiday, a romantic getaway, action-packed vacation, savour the beauty of nature, you wont be disappointed in Mashobra.
