Dedicated to Lord Shiva who is locally known as Mahasu Devta in the rural areas near Mashobra, Mahasu Devta temple is a popular shrine for the locals and a delight for travelers who come here to pay their respects. People derive immense pleasure by immersing in the peaceful aura of this holy sanctum. Another reason why it’s among the most popular places to visit in Mashobra is the two-day Mahasu Jatra festival which is held here on the third Tuesday of May every year to celebrate the shifting of Lord Shiva’s idol in the temple. The festival is marked by folk songs, the tribal dance of Natti, goat sacrifice, archery competition and various other rituals performed and enjoyed here at this time both by locals and travelers. If one wishes to witness the truest version of the Mahasu Jatra festival in India, they can only witness it in Mashobra during these two days when people from nearby villages flock to this town to be part of a traditional form of ‘pooja’ performed during the festival. Attending the festival is an absolute must for those who wish to explore the unexplored traditions, festivals, and religious practices of different communities of India in a vivid cultural mix. Location: Pauria Village, Chopal Post, Shimla Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM Entry fee: None

Mashobra is often called the birdwatcher’s delight, and for very good reasons! The Reserve Forest Sanctuary in Mashobra houses one of Asia’s largest watersheds which acts as the source of water for Shimla and is among the best places to visit in Mashobra. Apart from being an important contributor to Shimla’s abundant water supply, this watershed contributes to the marshy topography of the sanctuary, which, along with its lush coniferous cover and the year-round pleasant weather, attract a number of birds to this region. Some of the most common bird species one can spot here include Himalayan eagles, pheasants, partridges and chukars. Other than the birds, the park is a delight for trekkers and hikers who come here to camp under the lush covers of cedar, oak, and pine and amid scenic views of the Indus River. In fact, the forest reserve serves as an excellent unspoilt trekking and camping destination in Himachal