Saturday, May 29, 2010

Trekking in Shimla



Trekking in Shimla
The beautiful and mysterious ranges of the Himalayas are just the ideal sites for you to try your hand at the trekking sport in Simla. One of the most beautiful and sought after hill stations of India, Shimla is the ideal place to go trekking. In Shimla, trekking can be tried on many hills and undulating terrains. There are specialized authorities who provide tourists with the appropriate gear and equipment that is required for trekking.

The treks vary from each other and one can choose from short and long treks depending on one's capability and time available. On your route, you will find plenty of shelters and rest houses that have been set up for tourists and trekkers to rest and re-energize themselves. Some of popular routes for trekking are given here.
Shimla - Luhri - Ani - Khanag - Jalori Pass - Jibhit - Banjar
Shimla - Narkanda - Hattu Peak - Chaupal - Kedi - Halau - Kandol - Koti - Chakrata
Shimla - Narkanda - Khadrala - Sungri - Devidhar - Rohru - Shimla
Banjar - Bathad - Sarahan - Arsu - Rampur - Shimla

Skiing in Shimla



Skiing in Shimla
Shimla is known for its snow-capped peaks and smooth slopes. This is what makes it the ideal location for indulging in skiing in Shimla. The lofty ranges of Himalayas are the perfect place (after Swiss Alps!) to try out the skiing sport of Simla. There are many places in Shimla that offers skiing and tourists flock these places in winters to try out this exhilarating adventure sport. So when you visit Shimla, skiing should be on the top of your things-to-do list! Read on for further information.

Kufri
Known as the winter sport capital of Shimla, Kufri is located very close to Shimla. At a distance of 13 kilometers from Shimla and an altitude that reaches 2622 meters, Kufri is a skier's paradise. The skiing season lasts from January to March and many people flock at Kufri for trying out skiing. Otherwise a quiet little town, Kufri comes alive in its entire splendor once it starts to snow. This place attracts ski enthusiasts from all over the world during winters.

Mashobra
This place is located at a distance of 13 kilometers from Shimla and is a popular location for skiing. This place attracts many tourists and is covered in snow from December to March thus making it the ideal place to indulge in skiing and other winter adventure sports.

Narkanda
One of the oldest ski resorts of India, Narkanda is located at a distance of 60 kilometers from Shimla. It is less crowded and the slopes are virtually unexplored which is what makes Narkanda a haven for ardent skiers. This beautiful ski resort is located at a height of 8100 feet. The place is also famous for producing some of the most delicious apples and cherries.

Shimla Ice Skating



Shimla Ice Skating
Your visit to Shimla shall become even more enjoyable if you try your hand at ice-skating. The ice skating sport of Simla is one of the most sought after adventure sport in Shimla. Shimla has the largest ice skating rink in India. It is also the only natural ice skating rink of India. This largest open-air rink attracts many tourists and locals who enjoy ice-skating. Ice skating in Shimla is bound to make your trip fun with a hint of adventure.

The ice skating season usually begins in the start of December and goes on till the end of February. The cold weather and clear skies make sure that people have undisturbed sessions of ice-skating. The sessions take place every day, twice a day in morning and evening. The rink also provides membership on short and long term basis. Basic equipments like skates, cap, kneepads etc. are available at the rink.

Every winter, there is an ice skating festival that attracts a large number of tourists and locals. The place comes alive with festivities, feasts, carnivals and colorful fancy dress competitions for children. It is the time to enjoy the cold weather and indulge in not just sports but also sinful hogging! So if you ever happen to visit Shimla in December, get set to see Shimla alive in the most vibrant colors.

Paragliding in Shimla



Paragliding in Shimla
Though this sport has recently been introduced in Shimla, paragliding is fast catching up and emerging as one of the most sought after adventure sports in India. The undulating hills of Shimla provide the ideal location to try this sport. Para gliding is one sport that will set your adrenalin levels rushing and give you the exhilarating experience of a lifetime. Read on further to know more about paragliding sport in Shimla.

This exhilarating adventure sport is a skillful combination of parachuting and hang gliding. Some people think it its entirely parachuting, which is not correct. It is easily launched in lighter winds and needs less space to land. Most of the skills are learnt in air and a trainer during the practice session is hardly necessary. It is easier to rig and de-rig and the material used in the chute is of a very light weight.

In Shimla, Kangra valley is considered to be the hub of all gliding activities. To enjoy both paragliding and hang gliding, head on to Bir and Billing in the Kangra valley. These two locations are supposed to be the hot spots of gliding in Shimla. Since 1984, the Billing peak has hosted three international and five national hang gliding and paragliding rallies. So rush to Kangra and get set to soar like a bird and fly gracefully in the high skies.

Mountaineering in Shimla



Mountaineering in Shimla
Mountaineering is a very popular adventure sport and mountaineering in Shimla has its own charm and magic. Many tourists and adventure seekers come here to try the mountain climbing sport of Simla. The lofty ranges of the Himalayas provide the ideal locale for indulging in mountaineering. Read on further to know more about the adventure sport of mountaineering.

There are certain precautions that should be kept in mind while embarking on mountaineering. Most accidents occur because of lack of safety equipments and precautionary measures. One has to be a very keen observer to look out for nooks and crannies to fix your grip on the face of the rocks. The only thing you can fall back on is the safety rope. In fact the Himalayan ranges in Shimla are called "Mountaineer's Paradise".

The diverse flora and fauna of Shimla is an additional boost for those who want to try their hand at mountaineering. The lush green landscapes, the tall pine trees, the snow blanketing the peaks, the fresh mountain air all make Himalayas an irresistible treat to mountaineers. Many devoted mountaineers and rock climbers do not leave even one opportunity to indulge in this exhilarating sport and come rushing to embark on yet another exciting expedition above the peaks.

To encourage mountaineering as a sport among the youth, Shimla has established an institution known as Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports at Manali. It also has a branch in Dharamshala. The courses that are provided here aim at initiating young people into the field of mountaineering. The institute has had its share of famous students who have conquered almost all ranges of the Himalayas.

Golfing in Shimla



Golfing in Shimla
Shimla used to be the summer capital of the British. No British township is complete without a golf course! Shimla is blessed with vast expanses of open land that is perfect for a golf course. Golf in Shimla has emerged as one of the most popular sports in the valley. Almost all tourists visiting India try their hand at golfing in Simla. The calm and serene atmosphere makes golf a more pleasurable sport. Shimla has beautiful golf courses that allow tourists to try their hand at golf. Read on further for more information on the same.

Naldehra
Located at a distance of around 22 kilometers from Shimla, Naldehra is one of the best and the oldest golf courses in India. Lord Curzon laid the foundation of this golf course in the year 1903, during the colonial rule in India. It is said that he was so mesmerized by the natural beauty of this place that he named his daughter "Naldera" after this place! Considered as one of the most challenging golf courses in the country, this is a par 68, nine-hole golf course.

Annadale
The Army manages this exquisite nine-hole golf course. There are several resorts and hotels available near this beautiful lush green golf course. Also, many resorts have come up with the concept of mini golf courses within the resort compound itself.

Fishing in Shimla



Fishing in Shimla
In Shimla, fishing is a very popular recreational sport. Since Shimla has many shallow streams scattered all over, it provides ample of opportunities for many to try the angling sport in Simla. In fact, Shimla is often known as "Angler's Paradise" as it is one of those very few places that allows tourists to indulge in fishing in India. There are many popular spots for indulging in fishing in Shimla. Read on further to know about these hotspots.

Shimla is known for its treasure of the world's best sport fish. The streams and shallow waters make this place the perfect location for fishing. One can indulge in fishing in the upstreams of Rohru situated in the Pabbar valley. There is a trout hatchery in Chirgaon where one can go fishing for trouts. The best sport fish in the world, Rainbow and Brown trouts are found here aplenty. Other good spots for fishing are Tikri, Sandsu, Dhamvari, Seema and Mandil. All these spots are within 20 kilometers of Rohru.

The Sangla Valley in Shimla is also well known for flourishing in trout population. One can go for fishing in Baspa River in Sangla. The Uhl River near Barot is also a popular point to go fishing. Places located near this spot that are popular fishing spots are Puran hatchery, Luhandi and Tikkar. So get set with your fishing gear and flaunt your prized catch to everyone!