AroundUs

Most of our guests prefer to just laze around while at Woodstock but there are plenty of attractions in the vicinity. Shimla, being the summer capital during the British Raj, has an interesting legacy of churches, cemeteries and other historic buildings. A temple tour is also a must in this land of the Gods, quite appropriately called DevBhoomi. You can also make day trips to nearby tourist destinations such as Shimla, Kufri, Chail, Tattapani and Mashobra. There are many other scenic spots as well - waterfalls, glens, hilltops - both on and off the beaten track.

Shimla : The town of Shimla rose in the nineteenth century when the Gurkha Wars came to an end in 1815-16 and the victorious British decided to retain certain pockets as military outposts and sanitaria. In 1822 the most rigorous of dandies and the greatest of sticklers for form Captain Charles Pratt Kennedy, Political Agent to the Hill States directed that a house be built for him at the village whose name is variously reported as Sheyamalaya, Shumlah, Shimlu and Shemlah. Kennedy House led the vanguard of the hundred-odd houses that were to scatter themselves by 1841 over every level or gently inclining space. In 1864 the Viceroy, John Lawrence anointed Shimla – then spelt Simla, as the summer capital of British India.

The Viceregal Lodge : Built in 1888 by the British Viceroy Lord Dufferin, the premises also house a museum, and beautifully laid out gardens. Through its grand history, it has also been the RashtrapatiNiwas (The President's residence). Today, it houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.

Christ Church : The cornerstone of Christ Church, located on the Ridge in Shimla, was placed on 9 September 1844 and the building was opened by license for divine service on 11 October 1846, but the church was consecrated only on 10 January 1857 by Bishop Wilson of Calcutta. Today, Christ Church still tells the story of a part of the town’s rich history – and its pews still mark the seats of the Viceroy, the Commander-in-Chief and the Lieutenant-Governor of the Punjab, while the fascinating memorial tablets in brass and marble sound a roll call for some who shaped what was the British Empire.

The Mall : The Mall is Shimla's main promenade, offering one of the longest pedestrian shopping arcades in the worldHere, contemporary commercial enterprises rub shoulders with stately colonial edifices, churches and other landmarks of the town. Handicrafts, shawls and tweeds, fruit juice and jams, honey, quality woollens, silver jewellery, rare books and etchings, contemporary pahari miniature paintings, metalware, rugs and carpets, handmade footwear – everything is available here. At one end of The Mall is the city's colourful local market, called Lakkar Bazaar, primarily dealing in wooden handicrafts.

Jakhoo Hill : This is Shimla's highest point and is the geographical nucleus of the town. It has a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman as well as his statue. Deemed to be world's tallest statue at 108 feet at the highest altitude of over 8100 feet and constructed at a cost of Rs 15 million, it surpasses the current tallest statue of 'Christ the Redeemer', which measures at 98 feet and stands at an altitude of 2296 feet in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

SankatMochan : At present the temple complex facilitates the people to worship and pay their obeisance to different deities as the complex comprises of Lord Rama and Hanuman temple, Lord Shiva Temple , Navgrah Temple ,Baba NeebKaroriJiMaharaj Temple and a beautiful Ganesha Temple portraying the architecture of the south.

Tattapani / Shiv Goofa : The hot sulphur springs spread over one km along the Sutlej river are known for their therapeutic power. The spring water vanishes in the months of June and July but again becomes visible in the months of November and December.The Hindu temples as well as the Shiv Goofa (Shiva Caves) located at Saraur at a distance of four kilometers from there are also places of utmost interest. Tattapani is just 30 km from Naldehra .

Kufri : 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.

Mashobra : Easily accessible by road, Mashobra is 9 kms from Naldehra. This quaint little town is a gateway to numerous walks into the forest where you can experience nature at its best.

Craignanoo:Just 5 kilometers away from Woodstock is the biggest fruit Research centre of Northern India. Here there are breathtaking gardens with a large variety of apple trees. Craignanoo was the home of the Count of Craignanoo who lived in the Italian Alps & found the scenery of Mashobra & Naldhera so alike his country that he decided to make his home here.

Chail : The former capital of the Maharajah of Patiala, Chail is built on three hills. 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.

Naldehra Golf Course : It is at a stones throw from Woodstock. Viceroy Lord Curzon was so enchanted by this spot that he named his youngest daughter as Alexandra Naldehra. He also created India's first nine-hole golf course at this site. The 'Naldehra' name is supposed to have come from the temple of 'Nag Devta' serpent deity whose temple is situated inside the historic golf course. Himachal Tourism maintains the links and it is possible to pay green fees for the day or take temporary, annual and life membership. The course is open through the year; the monsoon months between July and September are particularly good for golfing since the highly watered turf becomes springy and the yardage increases.

Taradevi : Walk or drive up the ‘TaaravParvat’ to the over 250-year old temple of Goddess Tara, the family deity of Bengal’s Sen Dynasty. The ashtadhatu idol of Tara Devi was installed by King BalbirSen in 1825. One of his earlier ancestors, King BhupendraSen had installed a wooden idol and donated 10 acres of land on which the current temple stands. Do check out the Himachal Tourism website (www.himachaltourism.gov.in) for a ready referral