Top 10 Offbeat Places Near Shimla: Unexplored Natural Wonders

Famous for its exquisite architecture, scenic beauty, and pleasant climate, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. While Shimla remains the hotspot amongst many tourists, there are a few offbeat places near Shimla that provide a mesmerising experience laced with their charm and peace bonafide abodes. These offbeat destinations around Shimla offer a perfect escape to nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and peace seekers. Here, we list the ten offbeat places near Shimla that offer the best experience amidst the immaculate beauty of the Himalayas.

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10 Offbeat Places Near Shimla

Discover these ten offbeat and charming places near Shimla that combine natural splendour and cultural richness for an exciting adventure:

1. Fagu

Fagu is an offbeat small village near Shimla where you can view the green pastures

Photo: Gunit Anand / Wikimedia Commons

Fagu is a small village near Shimla that is enveloped by apple orchards, terraced fields, and panoramic views of the surrounding hills. The town is quite cosy and offers a highly peaceful environment; it is actually an excellent place for everyone who wants to enjoy a quick getaway from the city and busy hill stations. One is able to relax in the green meadows, walk around the apple orchards, and take in the views of the mesmerising snow-clad peaks.

Distance From Shimla: 18 kms

2. Narkanda

Narkanda is a charming hill station that has a view of apple orchards and thick snow

Photo: Vaibhav Garg / Wikimedia Commons

Narkanda is a hill station situated along the Hindustan-Tibet Road, the abode of apple orchards on beautiful slopes, making up for one of the most amazing views of the Himalayas. This town is better known for the skiing and snowboarding opportunities it provides; Hatu Peak is an ideal place with thick slopes for these games. In summer, people can trek up to Hatu top on snow, through highly dense forests, and visit the sheltered Hatu Mata Temple. Narkanda’s natural scenic beauty and adventure sports spot offer a different dimension to the locales.

Distance From Shimla: 60 kms

3. Kotkhai

Kotkhai is a small town in Shimla with terraced fields and a serene environment

Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

A small town in the Shimla district, Kotkhai is known for its apple orchards and terraced fields that greet visitors with scenic beauty and an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. This town is enveloped with lush green forests that offer a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. Meander through the orchards, visit the ancient Kotkhai Palace or sit back and experience the serene environment. Kotkhai also serves as a good base for treks and nature excursions and, hence, is a heavenly opportunity to view the unexplored beauty of the region.

Distance From Shimla: 70 kms

4. Mashobra

Mashobra is a sleep offbeat place near Shimla that is nestled by thick forests and flowers

Photo: Supreet / Wikimedia Commons

A sleepy little hill station in Shimla’s suburbs, Mashobra enjoys its status as an excellent health resort with its myriad flowers, thick forests, and gentle slopes. The place is a silent retreat from the hustle bustle of Shimla, as the dense forests comprising oak and pine trees provide an excellent opportunity for nature walks and bird watching. The Reserve Forest Sanctuary is open for visitors to take a round of the region, including picnics on the banks of streams and visits to the ancient Mahasu Devta Temple.

Distance From Shimla: 12 kms

5. Chail

Visit the palace at Chail and experience the regal architecture and historic artefacts

Photo: Shubhankar Sakalkale / Wikimedia Commons

Chail is one of the tiny hill stations in Solan district, located about 46 kms from Shimla. Every tourist visits the place due to its beautiful location, pleasant climate, and historical importance. This place was founded by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, the Maharaja of Patiala. Chail houses the well-known Rajgarh Palace and the famous Chail Palace, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. One can go to the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, see the world’s highest cricket ground, and experience this town’s calm ambience. Chail is indeed one of the perfect offbeat destinations near Shimla.

Distance From Shimla: 45 kms

Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit Near Shimla

6. Kufri

Kufri has a pleasant climate and is a famous destination near Shimla for horse riding

Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmu / Wikimedia Commons

Kufri is a beautiful hill station located near Shimla. Along with beautiful landscapes, adventure activities, and a good climate, it is an excellent place for holidays. Tourists can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding hills, and the town is famous for skiing and snowboarding during winter. Visit the Himalayan Nature Park, enjoy horse rides to the Mahasu Peak, or explore the Kufri Fun World amusement park. Kufri is one of the ideal offbeat spots near Shimla, offering ample opportunity for natural beauty and adventure.

Distance From Shimla: 16 kms

7. Tattapani

Tattapani is one of the top tourist places near Shimla that has hot springs & breathtaking views

Photo: Jyotisainipawle / Wikimedia Commons

Tattapani is a calm village located on the banks of the Sutlej River. It is well known for its naturally available hot springs, breathtaking surrounding views, and adventurous activities. The village has a peaceful and quiet setting and has become an ideal location for tourists searching for a tranquil destination. The visitors can take hot springs baths or go river rafting on the Sutlej River. The place is marked with natural beauty and serene surroundings that make it a perfect offbeat location near Shimla.

Distance From Shimla: 51 kms

8. Sarahan

Sarahan is a scenic hamlet near Shimla that has a fresh and serene atmosphere

Photo: Vishesh luck / Wikimedia Commons

At around 5,000 feet above sea level, Sarahan is a beautiful hamlet located in the Sutlej Valley. The Bhimakali Temple, devoted to one of the forms of the goddess Bhimakali, is the main attraction in Sarahan. The small village features an appealing environment with apple orchards, fresh outdoors, and a serene atmosphere influenced by the surrounding Himalayas. Sarahan is a tremendous tourist place near Shimla due to the natural beauty it has to offer.

Distance From Shimla: 165 kms

9. Kiarighat

Kiarighat is one of the places to visit near Shimla with dense forests and a serene ambience

Photo: shalender kumar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Kiarighat is a silent village on the Shimla-Kalka Highway, known for its panoramic views, dense green forests, and peaceful ambience. This village offers a quiet escape from the hustle-bustle of the crowd, whereas the thick forests of pine and oak here provide the best opportunity to be in touch with the wilderness. Travellers can walk through its various nearby trails amidst scenic vistas of surrounding hills and the serene atmosphere of the village. Kiarighat is a perfect offbeat destination from Shimla, with its natural beauty and serene environment.

Distance From Shimla: 27 kms

10. Shoghi

Shoghi is one of the top offbeat tourist attractions near Shimla with trekking opportunities

Photo: Bikingdiaries / Wikimedia Commons

Shoghi is a quaint little hill station not too far from Shimla. It is the land of dense forests amidst incredible scenic landscapes. It harbours a very comfortable climate in the region. One can regard this town as an escape to a life of peaceful relaxation, as it offers excellent opportunities in the lush green surroundings for trekking, camping, and nature walks. Some of the attractions include the Tara Devi Temple, picnics alongside streams, and local fruit orchards. Shoghi is a place to be visited by people as an offbeat destination near Shimla.

Distance From Shimla: 15 kms

These enchanting, offbeat places near Shimla offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventurous experiences. Be it the tranquil environment of Fagu, the adventure activities at Narkanda, or the historical importance of Chail, every destination is known and, for sure, a unique experience. Explore TripXL to access your ideal itinerary for a fantastic journey and hassle-free vacation planning.

Cover Photo:atikumari / pxhere

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I enjoy a good meal in Shoghi?

You can try restaurants like Machaan, More Please, The Colonial, Aamod Resorts, and more.

Are there any chances of trekking in these offbeat places?

The famous treks you can try here are Hatu Peak in Narkanda, Mahasu Peak in Kufri, and trails in Mashobra and Shoghi.

What kind of activities can one look forward to at these offbeat places?

Some of the unique experiences include walking through ancient temples in Sarahan, indulging in loads of adventure sports in Kufri, taking a dip in the natural hot springs in Tattapani, and exploring the local Himachali food in traditional villages.

How does one reach these offbeat places from Shimla?

Most of these offbeat places are connected to Shimla by road. Shared jeeps and private taxis are available, along with a few bus services. Places like Fagu and Mashobra are an hour's drive, while others, like Sarahan, would require a much longer drive.

Which river is Tattapani on?

Tattapani is on the Sutlej river and is famous for its hot springs.

Top 10 Offbeat Places Near Shimla: Discover Hidden Gems For Your Next Adventure