The Hills are Alive…in Mashobra

By Neha Kirpal

Think lush green vegetation, pure fresh air, and clear blue skies…Think Mashobra…

About a three hour drive from Chandigarh and 14 km northeast of Shimla, lies this idyllic little locale of untouched natural beauty that falls somewhere between a village and a small town. Perched at a height of 7,700 feet, Mashobra is away from all the touristy hustle-bustle of Shimla and the perfect excuse to get away from it all.

So what makes Mashobra such an attractive hideout for Dilliwalas? If you’re looking to escape the unpredictable weather, the noise, and the pollution over a long weekend, this could be the ideal spot. No wonder so many stressed out city dwellers have invested in little therapeutic summer retreats here, where they run to every time they need to recuperate, perhaps introspect, slow down their fast-paced lives, or simply soothe their wearied nerves.

I spent a relatively sleepy weekend here recently, and figured that it had all the necessary ingredients: misty windows, heavenly sunsets, cups of steaming hot tea, samosas, and jalebis from the neighboring dhaba, delicious apples, cozy bonfires amidst tunes from the local radio, languorous cream puffs, and thick wool sweaters – sometimes that’s all you need!

There isn’t a whole lot to do except to absorb the town’s charm, complete with its strolls overlooking pretty old houses, monkeys swinging from tree to tree in the beautiful deodar forests, or the numerous walking trails and romantic drives. You know you’re in the hills when the sound of buzzing cicada insects – nature’s very own background music – is all that surrounds you …

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Notes in our Little Black Book |

{ Sightseeing highlights }

Bekhalti | One of the most picturesque drives or walks in the area, this 18 km long level road is laced with the occasional waterfall that springs out of nowhere.

Craignano | About 3 km from Mashobra, a meandering path leads up to this beautiful spot amid groves of trees and wild flowers – ideal for picnics and camping.

Naldhera | The highlight here is an 18-hole golf course that’s said to be the country’s oldest.

St. Crispin’s church | Atop Mashobra, on a small hill among a copse of trees, is this church that’s now been converted into a dormitory by the YMCA.

Col Grover’s fruit pickle outlet | Located on the main road, this is your stop for some of the yummiest jams, pickles, and squashes this side of town. Don’t forget to take home some lip-smacking mushroom pickle!

Shivalik Food Products | Run by Mrs Jain, you’ll find this eatery on taking a left turn from Mashobra’s bazaar. It has some of the finest fresh fruit, ice cream, and fruit juices. The strawberry jam was my favorite!

{ Where to stay }

Wildflower Hall | The castle-like ambience of this hotel is every bit elegant and tasteful, and likely to remain with you long after you’ve checked out.

Club Mahindra’s Whispering Pines Resort (Gables hotel) | A perfect place for families to stay, with fun activities and animation for everyone.

Garden Resort | Well located within the Sabina Orchards, this residential complex offers five lovely furnished apartments with kitchens for rent.