A watershed wonder

Located just 13 kilometres from Shimla and strategically positioned on the Himalayan foothills, Mashobra, at an elevation of 7,700 feet, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. Although the town covers a small area, its impact on visitors is immeasurable. Mashobra is home to one of Asia’s largest watersheds, which supplies water to Shimla. Its vital role in maintaining Shimla’s water supply makes it a place of immense importance. As you wander through its pine-scented forests, remember that every drop you see originates from these pristine hills.

A presidential retreat

Mashobra is known for being the location of one of the two Presidential retreats in India. The other retreat is Rashtrapati Nilayam in Secunderabad. The president visits Mashobra at least once every year, and during this time, his or her main office moves to the retreat at Chharabra, near Mashobra. The building that houses the retreat is a completely wooden structure originally constructed in 1850. In May 1948, before returning to London at the end of his mission as viceroy and then governor-general of India, Lord Mountbatten and his wife, Lady Edwina, spent a few weeks in this retreat. The then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru paid them a visit, which is documented in the biographies of Lady Mountbatten.

Nature Shimla Mashobra Kufri Fago Valley

Timings

Opening time - Sunrise

Closing time - Sunset

Stroll through Mashobra’s hidden gems

Mashobra has a lot more hidden gems to discover! The Reserve Forest Sanctuary is perfect for birdwatchers with a variety of bird species. Craignano is a charming villa turned picnic spot, offering activities like rock climbing. Jakhu Temple has the world’s largest Hanuman statue and offers beautiful views of Shimla. Don't miss the vibrant fair at Mahasu Peak in May, celebrating Himachali culture with music, dance, and colourful stalls.

Nearby places of interest

Naldehra, well-known for its golf course, is located nearby. The vibrant greenery set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks creates a picturesque setting. Just a short distance away, Kufri offers snow-covered slopes for skiing and snowboarding. The Himalayan Nature Park in this area is home to exotic animals such as yaks and snow leopards.