Naldehra | A Golfer’s Paradise

• Distance from Mall Road Shimla – 22Kms
• Distance from Chandigarh – 137kms
• Distance from New Delhi ISBT – 368kms
• Key Attraction – Wide open golf course and scenic green grounds that make for a perfect holiday spot for day hikes and family trips.

Surrounded by Himalayan deodar trees, Naldehra has perhaps the oldest and one of the most scenic golf courses in India. Designed over a long sloping glade the golf course is at a height of 2200m above sea level and is considered one of the most challenging by experts. The spot is 22 km from Shimla. It is a par 68, 18-hole course with 16 greens and 18 tees.

The golf course was laid out by the British Viceroy of India Lord Curzon. It is said he simply fell in love with the place. He would abandon his resplendent residence the Viceregal Lodge in Shimla and camp in the cedar woods of Naldehra. He was so enchanted by the spot that he often camped here for days on end and communicated with Viceregal Lodge at Shimla by means of a heliograph. So enchanted was he by the place he named his youngest daughter Alexandra ‘Naldehra’ as her middle name after this place. The golf course has been in existence since 1905.

The Golf Glade

Perched on the edge of the Golf Course at Naldehra, Himachal Tourism’s Hotel Golf Glade is an ideal retreat fron Shimla. Log Huts and a restaurant is also available. There are interesting picnic spots nearby. From Naldehra, trek or drive to Craignano (2279m) and Mashobra (2149m).

Craignano | A perfect picnic spot for family get-togethers

Craignano was first built by the celebrated Italian confectioner and photographer Chevalier Fredrico Peliti, the Viceroy’s chef. Peliti named the place after his native village in Italy. Craignano served as his residence. He was a brilliant confectioner and started Peliti’s restaurant in Shimla. Craignano is now with the Shimla Municipal Corporation.

The fruit research station is close to Craignano and has some unusual tree varieties. This building once belonged to Alexander Coults the Viceroy’s tailor. He introduced English apple varieties here.

The glade of Sipur lies below Mashobra and there is a beautiful wood and grey-slate temple on this idyllic spot. It is a venue for the annual spring fair. One can even attempt a trek to the Shalli peak which is at a height of 3000m the highest peak in the area. This trek could take an entire day.

From Mashobra one can trek to Wildflower Hall via the retreat a colonial era building and now the summer residence of the President of India.

Further up is the famous ski resort of Kufri. This place has long been known for its ski slopes and fine views. Here one can enjoy Horse rides, Yak rides and visit the Nature Park and other options for entertainment. Himachal Tourism’s café Lalit is available at Kufri.