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Narkanda
It is at an altitude of 2708 meters on the Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH 22) in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is about 65 km from Shimla and surrounded by the Shivalik Ranges that span a large part of Himachal Pradesh. It is a skiing resort in winter. It connects Shimla with Rampur and a detour also goes to Thanedhar, the prime apple belt of Himachal Pradesh where Satyananda Stokes started the apple culture.
Narkanda is located at 31.27°N 77.45°E.[1] It has an average elevation of 2621 metres (8599 feet). Hatu Peak which is at 11000 ft is 5 km from Narkanda. Kotgarh is 16 km from Narkanda and famous for apple orchards. Apples and cherries abound in the orchards near by at Kotgarh. Eight kms from Narkanda is the Hattu Peak, at a height of 3300 mts, which has several ski slopes – a beginner’s run, a slalom slope and a sharper descent for the seasoned skier.
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Chail
Chail is 44 km from Shimla. The Chail Palace is well known for its architecture, the palace was built as summer retreat by the Maharaja of Patiala during the British Raj. The cricket ground and a polo ground which is there at an altitude of 2,444 m was owned by erstwhile royal family of Patiala. It is the world’s highest cricket ground. Chail is also considered as the hiker’s paradise. The area is away from the bustling life of the state capital Shimla. The former capital of the Maharajah of Patiala, Chail is built on three hills and is about 45 kms from The Oberoi Cecil. The cricket pitch here is the highest in the world. The old palace and the polo grounds are worth a visit. It is an attractive tourist spot and an ideal place for picnics.
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Mashobra
Mashobra is notable for housing one of the only two Presidential retreats in India. The other retreat is Rashtrapati Nilayam in Secunderabad.The president visits Mashobra at least once every year, and during this time his or her core office shifts to the retreat at Chharabra, in the vicinity of Mashobra. The building housing the retreat is a completely wooden structure originally constructed in 1850 Easily accessible by road, Mashobra is twelve kilometers from Shimla. This quaint little town is a getaway to numerous walks into the forest where you can experience nature at its best.
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Kufri
Kufri has a Himalayan Wild Life Zoo which hosts rare Antelopes, Felines and Birds including Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh. During winter a meandering path through the potato plantations turns into a popular Ski track.
An inviting ski destination in Himachal Pradesh, Kufri has lured mountain lovers for decades. The slopes are not for professionals, but the short to advanced runs are tailor-made for the enthusiast. Yak rides for children are an added attraction.
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The Mall
Mall Road is the main street in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, India. Constructed during British colonial rule, the Mall road is located a level below the ridge.Automobiles, except emergency vehicles are not allowed on this road. For this reason, the locals — and tourists — are often found strolling on this road in the evenings. Mall road has a number of showrooms, department stores, shops, restaurants and cafes.
The Mall is Shimla’s main promenade. Here, contemporary commercial enterprises rub shoulders with stately colonial edifices, churches and other landmarks of the town. At one end of The Mall is the city’s colourful local market, called Lakkar Bazaar.