Keeping within its reach a treasure of scenic beauty, Narkanda is a picturesque town located in the Himachal Pradesh district of Shimla. Standing 60 km ahead of the city of Shimla, Narkanda draws crowds of visitors all year long. Set at an altitude of 2706 metres, this town has a calm atmosphere and a lush greenery to it. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the presence of apple and cherry orchards dotting its verdant hills makes it a favorite among landscape photographers. The main places of interest in Narkanda include a scenic lake called Tanni Jubbar Lake and Hatu Mata Mandir, a revered Hindu temple.
Only Narkanda is a good choice for those seeking adventure. If you’re crazy about trekking or skiing, this city offers great opportunities to satisfy the adrenaline junkie in you. A holiday in Narkanda gives trekking enthusiasts the opportunity to scale out the second highest mountain in Shimla district, Hatu Mountain, with an elevation of 3400 meters. There are also several vantage points that photo enthusiasts visit to catch the nature of Himachal Pradesh in image frames. All in all, with lots of thrilling adventure opportunities, sightseeing spots, lush greenery and luxurious vacation resorts, Narkanda is the ideal option for your next holiday in the mountains.
Places to Visit In Narkanda
Hatu Peak –
The Hatu Peak is the highest peak in the entire Shimla district, situated in Narkanda, rising at a dizzying height of almost 12,000 feet above sea level. Surrounded by magnificent mountains and shrouded in a thick green blanket of cedar and fir that touches the horizon, Hatu Peak might just be a heaven on earth. The forest is a mixed one that includes a diverse population of deodar, fir, spruce, cedar, and blue pine; but it is best known for its vibrant apple orchards. The Temple of Hatu Mata sits on top of the Hatu Peak hill and holds great religious significance for the locals. This temple is dedicated to King Ravana’s wife Mandodari.
The Hatu Peak is an all-in-one destination for anyone looking for a spiritual experience, an adventure packed excursion or some quiet quality time to spend with friends and family, offering a stunning view of the wonderful creations of nature and housing spots of religious and historical significance.
Skiing in Narkanda –
Narkanda is located on the Hindustan Tibet route, at an altitude of 2708 metres. It offers a beautiful view of the snow ranges. It is an perfect spot for visitors in the mountains looking to get quiet. It shows the line of snow, the welcoming apple orchards and the thick trees. Narkanda is well-known for skiing & winter sports. Waiting to be fully explored, Narkanda is among the oldest ski destinations in India with ondulating natural beauty. The slopes are getting alive with skiers during these days. The hill town’s slopes are ideal for beginner skills and experienced skiers alike.
Tannu Jubbar Lake –
A little bit of an ephemeral lake in the scenic vicinity of Thanedar near Narkanda- Tanni Jubbar Lake is one of Narkanda’s offbeat tourist spots. The barren placid lake lies near Naag Devta, a shrine dedicated to the god of snakes. The spectacular vegetation surrounding the lake gives nature photographers and peace-seekers an abundance of opportunity.
Stoke Farm –
The large Stokes farm is in a small hamlet named Thanedar, about 14 kilometers north of Narkanda. It is a major contributor to apple production in the state. The farm, painstakingly developed by Samuel Satyanand Stokes, is known for its extensive Apples cultivation. Not only does it improve the state-owned production of Apple, it also provides jobs for locals who work in the making of wine and jams and other sub-products along with sowing and harvesting.
Mahamaya Temple –
In Kacheri, at around 5500 feet above sea level, lies an ancient temple of Goddess Kali, famous as the Mahamaya Temple. The temple is situated in a beautiful scenic location that can be reached by driving past Narkanda on NH-22 7 kilometers away. The landscapes also include lumbering apple orchards during the winter season and layers of snow. The area is known mainly as a venue for picnics. The temple has a meditative feel, and it is worth clicking on the stunning view from the temple campus.