7 Fantastic Things To Do In Kufri

Confused about where to take off for the weekend trip or a staycation? When everyone is heading to Shimla or Manali, you can explore this offbeat travel destination which is quite near to both places but does not have the crowds like them. Wondering what place this is? Kufri. This little town of Himachal Pradesh is approximately 16 kilometres from Shimla and located at a height of around 2,510 meters above the sea level, surrounded by the Himalayan ranges. What’s special about Kufri? Everything from calm to adventure. 

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Want To Know About Things To Do In Kufri? You Will Have To Read On For That.

1. Do You Wanna Build A Snowman?

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The Himalayan ranges can be seen enveloped in a thick layer of snow during winters. The sight of snow-capped mountains is breathtaking, to say the least. Besides, India being a tropical country, snowfall and snowball fights have only been an activity enjoyed on screen for the majority of us who do not belong to the particular parts of northern India. Here, you can try building a snowman like Elsa and Anna or try snow trail camping. Oh yes, you heard us right. Snow camping is full of adventures and one of the most unforgettable experiences that you will have.

2. On Top Of The World

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You might not know this but Kufri is the base point for some beautiful and thrilling treks like Shimla, Manali, Mahasu Peak, Fagu, Khuwalia Peak, etc. Depending upon the season that you are travelling in, you can expect the landscape to blow your mind whether covered in snow or with its dense forestry. The higher you go, the more beautiful the view will get and it will leave you with a feeling of being just another inconspicuous being against the majestic and grand expanse of nature. Additionally, during your trekking and hiking expeditions, you will also come across flourishing wildlife in the form of flora and fauna. When you conquer the height and find yourself on the top, you will feel a little bit more proud of yourself and when you do, capture that sight and that feeling maybe through your camera or record it in your journal.

3. Yuck? No! Yak? Yes!

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With thick fur and the ability to survive in the harshest of cold weather up to minus 40 degrees, Yaks are a friendly guide and acquaintance for travellers and tourists visiting Kufri and other Himalayan locations. Unlike horses, these hunched-back and wonderful winter companions walk a bit slower but are sturdy for your ride through the Himalayas. Only in certain locations in India, especially in Kufri, you will you be able to witness a Yak. With shaggy fur, they have a different kind of charm. So when you are in Kufri maybe pet one of these hunch-backed and friendly beings or maybe get a selfie with them too.

4. Snowy Adventure

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Through all the sitcoms and movies you must have seen the magic of snow and how thrilling all the activities in it can be. At Kufri, you can take the leap of faith and try/ learn the adventure sports like Skiing, Tobogganing, Heli Skiing and Ice Skating. With protective layers of warm clothes and boots, you can give in to all these never-before experiences in the snow. The one lesson it will teach you most importantly is to never give up after a fall. For the first few times, you might struggle but when you learn, the magic will befall on you. Scream (or not) with pleasure as you glide through the snowy valleys and picturesque mountains. Do you know what is the absolute best? Moreover, most of these snow adventures and experiences do not make a hole in your pockets. The fees are nominal and reasonable for most of these activities.

5. Spot The Royalty

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Do you want to step in and explore the official retreat residence of the President of India? It is possible when you take a trip to Kufri. Built in 1850, Retreat Building has a European architectural style and is purely made out of wood with a dhajji wall construction. The President of India takes a retreat here for two weeks during summer and conducts official business. In short, with an area of 10,628 square feet and surrounded by lush greenery and mesmerizing views, Retreat Building is definitely one of the top tourist attractions in Kufri. Another architectural marvel you can find in Kufri is the Chini Bangla. The architectural style of Chini Bangla is British and has a beautiful lawn in front of the residence. The mountains with dense forests form the backdrop of this building. Exploring both these places is a must.

6. Roar A Bit Louder

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The Great Himalayan National Park located near Kufri is spread over approximately 905 sq km and houses 218 species of fish, 74 species of amphibians, 149 species of reptiles, 528 species of birds and 241 species of mammals. The richness of flora and fauna at Great Himalayan National Park will leave you enchanted. Therefore, the curious kid in you is going to have a lot of fun here. You can also find 7,020 different species of fungi, 1,159 species of lichen and 2,000 species of bryophytes (including mosses and worts), with the remainder ferns, angiosperms (flowering plants) and many more species. In case you are a Zoologist and/ or Botanist, this will be like stepping into heaven. Don't miss out on a tour of the Great Himalayan National Park.

7. Get, Set, GO!

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After all that adventure in the snow, you might be surprised to know that Kufri has more such activities to offer. From river rafting and paragliding to rock climbing and zip lining, you can bring your thrill-seeking side for a vacay here. In conclusion, with these activities in store, you can be assured that your adrenaline levels will always be high when you are in Kufri. So what are you waiting for? Start packing your bags already.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget to buy Saffron, Tibetan carpets and Pashmina shawls from the local markets.