Regional Horticultural Research Station is the main research station on temperate fruits since its start in 1953 under the department of agriculture and later named as Regional Fruit Research Station in 1958 and is playing an important role in research and transfer of technology on temperate horticulture. This station was inherited from an apple orchard planted by Mr. Alexander Coutts, a tailor to the then Viceroy of India Lord Dufferin who originally planted the orchard known as "Hillock's Head" in the year 1887 where apple, pear, plum and a number of exotic ornamental plants including many varieties of roses were planted. Later on, it was named as 'Coutt's Garden', where some of famous English varieties of apple such as Yellow Newton, King of Pippin and Granny Smith were also introduced. Since December 1, 1985 it is a leading Regional Horticultural Research Station of Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) and centre of excellence for sustainable apple production. Establishment of field gene bank of temperate fruits is also catering to needs of research, extension education and human resource development for Zone-III of the state. It has played a pivotal role in the horticultural development and bears the responsibility of solving the fundamental and applied problems of temperate fruit industry. It is the largest germplasm centre for apples, pear and cherries in India. At present, about 238 apples, 63 pears, 47 cherry and promising cultivars of hazelnut and walnut are there in the repository. This station has played a pivotal role to bring the name of Himachal as 'Apple state of India'. The fruit growers are relying on the recommendations and other advisory services of this station in their day to day orchard operations. The station is located at a distance of 16 kms from Shimla on Shimla- Tattapani- Mandi road. It is situated at 31.1o N latitude and 77.1o E longitude, North West of Shimla with an elevation of 2286 meters above mean sea level. The soil is clay loam to clay, fairly deep and slightly acidic in nature with a pH of 6.5. Annual rainfall of the area is 135 to 150 cm, most of which is received as monsoon rains during July to September. The highest temperature during the year does not ordinarily exceed 29.4o C in summers and the minimum does not go below - 4o C in winter months. It has an area of 64 acres. There are six disciplines of applied research in Pomology, Plant Nutrition, Floriculture, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Economics. RHRS has been honoured to welcome the visits of three Presidents of India namely; His Excellency Dr Rajendra Prasad, Shri V.V. Giri and Shri R. Venketraman and first Prime Minister of country Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru besides several Governors, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and Ministers of different states. In addition, foreign dignitaries particularly scientists, professors, eminent persons, farmers of all the states and tourists all over the world visit station to see fruits and flowers every year.

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

The Rashtrapati Niwas also known as the Viceregal Lodge is one of the historical monuments in Himachal Pradesh. It not only shows the history of the state but of the entire country. The Rashtrapati NIwas is situated on the Observatory Hills of Shimla and was the home of the Viceroy Of India during the colonial rule. It contains many historic and important artefacts, documents and photographs of the British rule. THis amazing piece of history was designed and made by an British architect named Henry Irwin. Location: Observatory Hill, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Naldehra is small yet mesmerizing hill station and one of the top tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, located just around 22 Km from Shimla, 2004 metre above sea level. It is a perfect heaven for tourists looking for natural scenic beauty and want to get away from the hectic city life. The tourist destination is famous for its greenery, Golf Course and plain view of the mountains filled with thousands of pine trees. Naldehra did not come to notice until the start of the 21st century when Lord Curzon, the British Viceroy of India, discovered the place and was completely mesmerized with its natural beauty. Tourists can enjoy a wonderful afternoon in the lush green Valley with clouds roaming on regular intervals or can take a horse ride to the Golf Course. Naldehra is certainly a must-visit destination for tourists visiting Shimla as it offers both peaceful and adventurous environment which is a memorable experience for the tourists.

A popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, Tattapani is a quaint village located 60 kms away from Shimla. Situated on the banks of river Sutlej, it treasures several attractions lying amid nature in its best form. It is famous for its Hot sulphur spring that is believed to have curative properties for health ailments like stress, joint pain, fatigue and other skin diseases. On asking the locals, you can always get to hear about the must-visit spots of the destination being - Shiva's Cave. Located 3.5 km from the town centre, Shiva's Caves are famous for its tales of miracles and fulfilment of vows and wishes of its devotees. You can also bask yourself in the adventurous sports of White River rafting, Zorbing, Skiing, Paragliding, Trekking and Camping in Tattapani.

Chail is a quiet hill station close to Shimla, known for the world's highest cricket ground and the heritage hotel, Chail Palace, in the midst of pine and deodar trees. Surrounded by lush greenery and mesmerizing views from such a great height, known as a hiker's paradise, Chail is bound to give a tourist a memorable travelling experience to a tourist. This place is famous for having the world's highest cricket and polo grounds and has a luxurious resort situated on three hilltops. Once the summer capital of theÊPatialaÊKings, the palace has now been converted into a hotel and a tourist destination. This is the quintessential destination for tourists looking for a calm and relaxed vacation away from the more bustling and crowded tourist destinations in this state. Being the summer capital of the majestic kings of Patiala, the most famous place to visit in Chail is their palace which has now been converted into a heritage hotel. One must also visit the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary and the famous cricket ground.

Kufri in Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought after holiday destinations, and more so for couples, because of its proximity to Shimla and relatively higher altitude which makes it a place with snow all through the winters. Kufri is just about 10 km from Shimla and is quite a retreat if you're in Shimla and snow is something which excites you. While there's not much to see in Kufri as such, but the panoramic views and temples after a bit of trekking are worth the time. Kufri itself is mostly treated as a spot for the tourists visiting Shimla and it is advisable to club sightseeing in Shimla or nearby areas like Chail, Mashobra, Naldehra or Narkanda as well if you intend to visit Kufri. Also, Kufri is a relatively crowded and popular attraction as almost everyone visiting Shimla comes here.

There is no doubt that in Shimla, places to visit are endless. While the town has something for every type of traveler, its Himalayan Bird Park is an ideal attraction for nature and bird lovers. Open only during the summers, one can spot a variety of exotic and native birds here. It makes up for one of the greatest places to visit in Shimla in one day. Visiting Time: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (closed on every Monday) Best For: Birdwatching and photography

The Christ Church in Shimla is the second oldest church in entire northern India and is a site of pure devotion as well as architectural beauty. The church, which took 11 long years to complete, stands as a reminder of the British colonisation in India. There is something unique and exciting about the Shimla Christ Church that makes it the favourite destination of people of all age groups. At night, the church literally glows when it is lighted up, while in winters, it dons the look of a magnificent castle. The yellow building and its silhouette is visible from far across in the town of Shimla and is always full of architecture lovers, and devotees. The Shimla Christ Church is inspired by the neo-gothic style of architecture and is complete with a front porch, church bells and five stained glass windows that represent different virtues of Christianity. This is now the only place of religion that the Christians have and is open for service every day. Even with the hullaballoo outside at the Ridge, the Christ Church is peaceful and indeed removed from reality. This and the fact that this majestic church has appeared in a number of famous Bollywood movies, such as Black and 3 Idiots, makes it a popular tourist attraction that people love to visit.

The Mall Road in Shimla, located in the heart of the town, is the main street that is lined up with a myriad of restaurants, clubs, banks, shops, post offices and tourist offices. At the same time, the place boasts of the other exciting attractions that it houses, such as the Scandal Point and Kali Bari Temple. One of the busiest and more commercial areas of Shimla till date, this stretch is a mini-world in itself. The Shimla Mall Road is the one stretch, that truly celebrates the spirit of the hilltown, its tourist rush and valleys and hills covered with houses and hotels. The charm and beauty of the Mall Road can be enjoyed by groups of friends, families and honeymooners alike. The stores that are located on the Mall Road are famous for their woollen clothes and exclusively handcrafted works, apart from the usual books and jewellery. The wooden furniture shops are particularly well-known; so do not forget to buy some exquisite wooden articles, which look like antiques, when you shop from here. Vehicles, except emergency ones, are not allowed on this street, which not only makes the Mall Road in Shimla an ideal place to stroll around in the evenings, without being concerned about the traffic. Other than shopping, Shimla Mall Road is also famous for its variety of cafes and the delicious delicacies that they serve. In fact, people here are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a place to have a meal at. The numerous leisure activities that Mall Road offers ensure that you do not get bored.

At a distance of 5 km from Shimla Railway Station, Chadwick Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Shimla region and also one of the top tourist places to visit in Shimla. This is one of the top attractions you must include in Shimla packages. The Chadwick Falls is located at an altitude of 1586 m above sea level and the water cascades down a deep gorge at a height of 86 m. This fall can be approached through Summer Hill. Approach road is available and vehicles can get close to the entry point of waterfall from where about 10 minutes walk through thick vegitation will lead to the waterfalls.Trekking to the falls from Summer Hill is also an exciting experience. The water in Chadwick falls is very cold, chilly and refreshing as it flows down with forceful rapidness from the Himalayas. The best time to visit the Chadwick Falls is after monsoons during the months of July to October, when the water level is increased drastically. This is the time when the Chadwick Falls looks stunning like scattered crystals. The sight of this sparkling waterfall is a treat to the eyes. The fall is encircled with thick green wood and looks enchanting in the midst of steep hills of pine and deodar. This makes the fall more exotic and ravishing. The fall is also a source of water for the foresters and tribes. A walk to Chadwick falls is exciting because of the magnificent view of the snow capped mountains. Chadwick waterfalls are one of highest waterfalls in India that carry the chilled water of Himalayas. The waterfall does not carry much water in summer season and monsoon is the recommended season to visit this place.

Located at a distance of 23 km from Naldehra, Shaily Peak is a popular attraction of this place. It is a steep peak, covered with forests and has rocky trails that are used by trekkers to reach the peak. One can also hire ponies to reach the top of the peak. Shaily Peak is situated among the Himalayan hills near Mahakali Lake. For those who are unable to trek, there is a motorable track to reach the peak. From the base of Khatnol, it is an 8 km climb to reach the peak

Set on the famous Mall Road of Shimla, State Museum is a colonial building which was built back in 1974. The museum is a major attraction of Shimla and is set at a distance of around 2.5 km from Scandal Point, which is another major attraction of the hill station. The main aim behind setting up the museum was to protect and preserve the cultural wealth of Himachal Pradesh. The museum houses a great collection of coins, photographs, artifacts and other art objects which pertain to archaeology and cultural anthropology of Himachal Pradesh. One can also find a wide collection of damaged sculptures which date back to the 8th century. The museum also has a doll gallery which has a collection of Himachali tribal and bride dolls. Apart from the doll gallery, there are many more galleries in the museum which exhibit different periods and eras. Other attractions of the museum include the collection of Pahari Miniature Paintings, Anthropological Monuments, Bronze artifacts, Rajasthan paintings, Contemporary Art and Wall Paintings.

Scandal Point is located to the western edge of Shimla where two of the city's most important roads, The Ridge and Mall Road, converge. This pleasant small square which is over looked by the mock-Tudor state post office has the bizarre name of Scandal Point and where there is an intriguing name there must be an equally gripping story, which sadly, can be only loosely based on facts. The tale of the Scandal Point involves the Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh who was regarded as a charismatic and charming character and the impressionable daughter of the British Viceroy. The young girl was forced to leave the comforts of England but once at Shimla fell for the charm of the Maharaja. The tale goes that the couple eloped together in 1892 after meeting at Scandal Point. More dramatic reincarnations of the story told by enthusiastic tour guides tell that the young women was kidnapped by the Maharaja from Scandal Point. This either kidnap or elope did not go unnoticed by the British Viceroy (Lord Kitchener) who with his power or influence could have had the Maharaja severely punished. The punishment he choose was only to expel the Maharaja of Patiala from Shimla, where upon the Maharaja constructed his summer capital 50miles away in Chail arts of the tale are true while others sadly are not. Bhupinder Singh became the central character to the tale as he had a justified reputation as a womanizer and extrovert who married many wives. It is also true that the Maharaja did infuriate and even enrage Lord Kitchener who forced him out of the summer capital of Shimla. In an act of defiance the Maharaja relocated his summer capital to the small town of Chail in 1891. There is doubt of Bhupinder Singh's age at the time of the scandal some records indicate that he was only a baby at the time of the kidnap. One interesting side note which is possibly the origins of the story is that Bhupinder Singh's father, Rajindra Singh, had an English wife. The place at Chail also has the inscriptions of RS indicating Rajindra Singh had the building constructed. The truth of the story has been lost over the time so all that remains is more scandal over Scandal Point.

The highest point of the city is Jakhoo Hill Shimla that is covered with Alpine trees. At the top of the flat hill is the colourful Jakhoo Temple and the newly constructed Hanuman statue. Jakhoo Hill Shimla is a favourite escape for visitors wanting peace and calm from the city far below. The walk up to the hill takes approximately 30 minutes and follows a pleasant route, just beware of the criminal minded monkeys that are waiting to rob tourist of food and shiny objects! The summit of Jakhoo Hill Shimla is 2,455m and approximately 200m higher than the central ridge of Shimla. The route to the summit follows a 2.5 km footpath with long sections of steps this walk is invigorating in the clean and crisp mountain air of spring and autumn but challenging during the height of summer. The monkeys of Shimla have learnt that tourists are easy pickings for food. Halfway up the path it is possible to rent sticks which are used to threaten the monkeys and prevent robbery. Visitors who do not possess a stick will have their pockets and bags rifled through on the hunt for food. It is very appropriate that Jakhoo Temple is dedicated to Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god, as the monkeys rule Jakhoo hill. The summit of Jakhoo Hill Shimla is flat, wide and cooling from the shade of the numerous tall pine trees that add to the tranquility atmosphere of the location. From the summit there are great views to the north over the Shivalik mountain range of the Himalayan foothills and west over Shimla. In Hindi mythology the flat summit of Jakhoo Hill Shimla was caused by lord Hanuman's sudden arrival while hunting for a special herb to save a Lakshmana priest during the battle of Ramayana. Legend tells that the monkey god flew from the sky from such a height and speed that the top of the mountain was obliterated and only a huge foot print remained. On top of the foot print the Jakhoo temple was constructed and the start of Shimla’s close religious following of Hanuman. The Temple itself is colourfully painted with images of Hanuman adorned to the outer walls of the temple. Inside the temple there is a statue of the monkey god along the religious smell of burning incense. On the outer wall of the temple is a lucky religious bell, if a visitor to the temple rings the bell the ringer will have good luck for the following 3 days. India wouldn't be India without an outlandish or garish monument to detract from the beautiful natural scenery and Jakhoo Hill is no exception. A newly constructed 33 meter statue of Lord Hanuman has been positioned next to the temple. The Hanuman statue has been painted a vivid orange colour and when viewed from Shimla this large statue can be seen towering above the natural greens of the pine tree canopy.