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One of the ancient sites in Tirthan Valley, Raghupur Fort, offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar range and the surrounding greenery. Built-in the 17th century by the Mandi rulers, it served as a watchtower that remained unscathed by battles. The 3 km trek from Jalori Pass to reach the fort is an adventurous journey through enchanting oak and rhododendron forests. The historic and majestic ruins make it an ideal setting for photographers. The fort’s eerie beauty is visually amplified by the heavy mist that often shrouds the area, adding to the mystery of the place.
Location
Photo: Phototraveller1 / Wikimedia Commons
One of the forts in the Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh, India, is the Raghupur Fort, situated in a village named Raghupur, which is near the Naldehra region. It lies on a hill with meandering paths from which the valley and hills around are visible. The fort, lying in such a strategic position with picturesque landscapes all around, attracts visitors who go on to explore the region. It is about 22 km from Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, and Naldehra, a notable hill station known for its golf course.
Suggested Read: Top Offbeat Places In Himachal Pradesh For Fresh Mountain Air
How To Reach
Photo: Betelgeuse / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti Airport, about 22 kilometres away. From the airport, Visitors can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Shimla.
By Train: Shimla is well-connected by the railway from Kalka, which is about 96 kilometres away. The Kalka-Shimla train offers a scenic journey through the hills.
By Road: Shimla is connected by road to major cities like Delhi (approximately 350 kilometres) and Chandigarh (approximately 120 kilometres). Buses and taxis are available for this journey.
Places To Visit Around Raghupur Fort
1. Great Himalayan National Park
Photo: Photos Worldwide / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most outstanding Himachal Pradesh tourist places, the Great Himalayan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site sprawled over 1,171 square kilometres in the Tirthan Valley region. This vast nature park has fantastic biodiversity, varying from temperate lush green forests to alpine meadows. It is a habitat for many rare and endangered species, including the Himalayan tahr and snow leopard. It contains several treks with varied levels of difficulty, thus allowing all visitors to get a view of its magnificent beauty and wealth of wildlife.
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fees: ₹100 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Himachal Pradesh To Visit On Your Upcoming Trip
2. Jalori Pass
Photo: Sankara Subramanian / Wikimedia Commons
The Jalori Pass is a lovely high-altitude mountain pass located at about 3,120 metres, which connects the Tirthan Valley to the Kullu Valley. This picturesque pass must be on the top of your list of popular places to visit around the fort, as it offers a panoramic view of snow-capped peaks in every direction, lush green meadow valleys, and winding roads. The pass is accessible both via road and trekking. It is also known for its outstanding vistas and for its rugged Himalayan scenery.
Timings: Open 24*7
Entry Fees: N/A
3. Serolsar Lake
Photo: Sukhjiwan Singh / Unsplash
One of the premier places among Tirthan Valley tourist places is Serolsar Lake, a virgin high-altitude glacial lake and one of the most serene spots nestled at an altitude of about 3,100 metres in the Tirthan Valley. The expanse contains a picturesque environment amidst dense forests and towering peaks of the Himalayas. Its crystal blue waters mirror the snow-capped mountains sitting around it, forming completely breathtaking views. From here, one reaches the Serolsar Lake, ideal for nature enthusiasts and trekkers looking for a peaceful retreat deep into the Himalayas after a fabulous trek through green woodlands and attractive meadows.
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fees: N/A
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Tirthan Valley
4. Chhoie Waterfall
Photo: Jeffrey Workman / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Chhoie Waterfall is one of the wonders of nature, located in the Tirthan Valley. This stunning waterfall cascades from a height of about 50 metres into a clean pool surrounded by green. Being one of the most popular spots among places to visit around the fort, this waterfall presents a picture of the roaring water and serene surroundings. On the way to the Chhoie Waterfall, the hike winds through dense forests, making it beautiful and ideal for nature lovers or those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fees: N/A
Where To Stay
Photo: Nienke Witteveen / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Raghupur features a long array of accommodation facilities located near the Raghupur Fort, suiting different budgets and tastes. Some recommended places to stay here are Shringi Vatika Homestay, The Hotellers Shoja, Whoopers Resort, Club Mahindra Janjehli and Woodstock Resort. To have a good, hassle-free experience, ensure you book way in advance, consider proximity to the local attractions, dining options, and public transport, and check on travel websites or apps for current reviews.
Suggested Read: Your Ultimate Guide To Scenic Hill Stations Near Shimla
Where To Eat
Photo: Jannis Brandt / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Varieties of dining options are available at Raghupur Fort. The food is almost always provided by the local staff in the park and comes with almost every type of accommodation. Some local cafes and guesthouses are Reverberate Cafe, The Forest Bean Cafe, Great Himalayan Cafe, Openbook and Library, and The Pagadian Cafe. Chana Madra, Siddu, and Kadi are some of the local specialities.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Ruchit Darji / Unsplash
March to June and September to November are the best time to visit the fort, in Himachal Pradesh. Spring is an excellent time, with pleasant temperatures and clear skies, and the view of the lush green surroundings works out very best for exploration. Autumn makes it suitable for sightseeing and trekking due to the end of the monsoon season. Summer assures warmer temperatures, although the heavy rains and landslides may very well muddle your plans. Winter, from December to February, is the time for beautiful scenery but challenging conditions due to snowfall and slippery trails.
Suggested Read: Explore The Majestic Forts In Himachal Pradesh To Relive The History Again
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Rachel Claire / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The cost of a trip to Raghupur Fort in Himachal Pradesh varies based on factors like starting point, travel style, and duration of stay, Although there is no formal entry fee for the fort. Transportation costs range from ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 for round trips from Shimla to the fort and ₹2,500-₹5,000 for mid-range hotels. Accommodation would cost from ₹1,000-₹2,500 per night in Shimla/Naldehra, with varying prices for luxury hotels.
Tips For Travellers
- Wear warm clothing, sun protection, and comfortable shoes.
- Respect local customs and follow rules.
- Ensure travel insurance covers high-altitude travel and carry personal medications.
- Stay connected with mobile signals and inform someone of your travel plans.
- Carry cash and essentials for local expenses.
- Be environmentally conscious by leaving no trace and minimising your impact.
Raghupur Fort thus is an offbeat location waiting to be explored, be it an adventurous soul, a history enthusiast, or a person in search of serenity. So, pack your bags and head out to this charming destination. Plan a trip with TripXL and unlock the mystique of the Raghupur Fort. Let TripXL be your travel guide on your most unforgettable journey.
Cover Photo: KUSHAGRA DHALL / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
