Kufri is a small but beautiful tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. It is a quaint hillside town located 20 km east of Shimla and north of Chail on Highway 22. It is the ideal place to visit if you like the natural beauty and majestic mountains of Himachal Pradesh but don’t want to stay in Shimla, which can be crowded and polluted.
Around Kufri, there are a lot of small and medium-sized destinations that are ideal for a summer retreat, a winter adventure, or a quick getaway. If you are in the region, you should travel around and check out all these places that are easy to cover by car. If you don’t find suitable accommodations in Kufri you can check out the neighboring towns to find something that you truly like.
Kufri has an interesting history. Located at an elevation of almost 3000 meters, it was earlier a part of the Kingdom of Nepal and fiercely defended by Gurkha Warriors until it fell to the British. Since then, it has been used as a retreat for British officers who found the hot summers in the north difficult to endure. Today, Kufri is a popular place with plenty of tourists coming in from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other cities in the north.
The geography and weather of Kufri are similar to northern England and Scotland, with chilly winds, dense fog, and plenty of rain, making it a suitable escape for officers of the Raj. Later, it became a famous satellite town for Shimla, which developed into a big city and was used as the summer capital of the country.
Kufri Himalayan Zoo: With a burgeoning population of interesting mammals, birds, and reptiles that are native to the Himalayan region, Kufri Zoo is a great place to visit, especially with children. Here, you can observe some of the strange creatures that inhabit this region and can also enjoy a day out in the great outdoors.
Mahasu Peak: The highest point in Kufri, Mahasu Peak offers great views of the lush green valleys around Kufri and the majestic peaks that surround it. People come here in droves to walk around, eat a picnic lunch, and watch the sun go down. The air is very clean here and the view is truly incredible as one can see a great distance from this vantage point.
Chini Bungalow: This is a famous landmark in Kufri that is fun and interesting to explore. The heritage property was built by the British from natural materials and exemplary architecture but has since evolved to incorporate stonewalls, cemented floors, and modern conveniences. The property is surrounded by manicured lawns and has interesting fixtures and artwork like statues and woodcarvings on display for tourists.
Kufri Fun Campus: This is a kind of mini amusement park that is a treat for children and adults alike. It has fun games, rides, activities, and a go-carting track that is famous for being the highest go-carting track in the world. The entire place has been meticulously made and is worth visiting for an evening of amusement.
Himalayan National Park: This is a protected natural reserve that is rich in biodiversity and home to many interesting species of flora and fauna. If you like nature and wildlife, you will love walking around this area to spot rare birds and big game. Antelopes, hogs, and deer are usually easy to spot while bog cats like cheetahs are also spotted sometimes.
Indira Tourist Park: Located close to the Himalayan National Park, this is a popular tourist destination where visitors are allowed to play games, organize picnics, and even make bonfires. Over the years, it has become a landmark and a convenient place to gather.
The best place to stay in the vicinity of Kufri is the Tarika Resort and Spa located in Chail. This is a tried and tested property that has long been the gold standard of exotic hill resorts near Shimla. The resort offers interesting accommodations such as family rooms, stand-alone cottages, and “Glass Cottages” that are ideal for those who want a great view of the natural beauty that surrounds this town.
The Tarika Resort is also known for its full-fledged spa, which provides incredibly restorative treatments including Ayurveda Treatments that are sure to rejuvenate guests and improve their health and wellness. Getting spa treatments at this amazing location is made even more pleasurable by the crisp mountain air, stunning views, and excellent hospitality.
Overall, the Tarika resort is one of the best places to stay in this region and provides the best of both worlds. It allows a peaceful and tranquil stay with easy access to a host of great tourist destinations.
