Narkanda, a famous town surrounded by the Himalayan Range in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, situated at an elevation of 2708 m at around 65 km from Shimla on NH22, the Hindustan-Tibet Road in fir forest has always attracted thousands of tourists from far-flung areas for it'sit's Ancient temples, Apple orchards, Skiing, trekking and much more.
Narkanda is a connecting link between Shimla and Rampur with a detour going to Thanedhar, which is known for it's apple orchards and is the prime apple belt of Himachal Pradesh. Years back, Satyananda Stokes started the apple culture here that has revolutionized the apple production in Himachal Pradesh along with providing jobs to hundreds of local people there.
Main Tourist's Attractions At Narkanda?
1. Hatu Peak
2. Hatu Mata Temple
3. Stokes Farm
4. Mahamaya Temple
5. Tanni Jubbar Lake
6. Jau Baug
7. Kacheri
1. Hatu Peak
Hatu peak(11,150 ft), the highest place to visit in Narkanda with several apples and oak orchards, is the home of the Hatu Temple, the temple dedicated to Ravana's wife - Mandodari. It has many picturesque views that often attracts visitors and leave them spell-bind.
It provides an excellent opportunity for adventurous trekkers too. It is a beautiful 7 km up-trek right from the starting of the Narkanda that takes one to the peak while soaking the scenic surrounding beauties and trekking across Narkanda broad landscape in the pleasant hilly weather. The mesmerizing scenes from the peak are no doubt worth clicking with beautiful Apple Orchards and Oak trees, adding to the beauty of the serene surroundings.
2. Hatu Mata Temple
The Hatu Mata Temple is the wooden temple embellished with Chinese style cravings. It is considered as the ancient place where Pandavas cooked their food while they were going through their exile period, hiding from being identified. Renowned as Bheem Chullah, it still has two hearthstones there that authenticates the existing legend.
The temple also provides trekkers an opportunity to come here 7 km trekking on the twisting uphill trek from the base. Bikers often visit here to have a 360-degree view of surrounding Himalayan peaks.
The journey to be at the top itself provides the excitement one receives after reaching the top because of its panoramic surroundings and serene environment.
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3. Stokes Farm
Situated close to 14 km ahead of Narkanda, in a small hamlet known as Thanedar, is a widespread apple orchard painstakingly planted by Samuel Satyanand Stokes to cultivate apples at a larger scale. It is renowned as
Stokes Farm. It has drastically improvised the apple production at Narkanda and has provided many employments to the surrounding locals.
Besides cultivating apples, they do manufacture apple wine, sirka, and jam, which is usually supplied across pan India, bringing in lots of revenue.
Sprawling Stokes Farm provides stunning views of hundreds of apple trees loaded with thousands of colorful apples with several birds chirping and hovering over them.
4. Mahamaya Temple
Mahamaya temple is an ancient shrine of Goddess Kali, situated in Kacheri at an elevation of 5,500 ft, 7 km after Nakranda on NH-22. The temple is often visited for taking blessings of Maa Kali and provides amazing positive and meditative vibes to the visitors, which make them regularly visit here. The serenity and the nearby aura motivate hundreds of visitors to meditate here and lose themselves in nature to rejuvenate their body, soul, and mind. It has several exciting places worth clicking. Visitors often picnic in the Panoramic view spending several hours here.
During winters, it often gets covered under a heavy blanket of snow, further adding to its beautiful views.
5. Tanni Jubbar Lake
Tanni Jubbar Lake is an offbeat tourist place in Narkanda near Naag Devta temple, the shrine of the God of Snakes, in the near scenic vicinity of Thanedar near Narkanda.
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6. Jau Baug
Jau Baug presents numerous enigmatic lush meadows to leave visitors spell-bind for hours, tempting them to take as many clicks as they can. At a 15 minutes’ walk from Hatu Peak, it unfolds valley of meadows to mesmerize visitors, providing them amazing scenic beauties to click. The landscapes from this place are amazing and exciting as they are unique and soaked in the ultimate nature.
Pandavas, during their Vanya-Prastha, spend their time here while hiding from Kauravas. Visitors usually stroll here to soak in the serene surroundings of green meadows away from the noisy urban life.
7. Kacheri
Kacheri is known for it is ancient Mahamaya temple regularly visited by hoards of devotees round the year. It lies on NH-22 at around 7 km from Narkanda. Devotees often visit here to take the blessings of Goddess Maa Kali, who is revered for bestowing her kind blessings on her devotees whom so ever come and worship her here.
Kacheri, otherwise, is also famous for it is apple orchards, green vegetation, and scenic beauties.
How To Reach Narkanda?
One can conveniently reach Narkanda via Rail, Road, and Air.
By Rail
Kalka is the nearest railway head here, which is about 125 km away from Narkanda. From there, one can readily hire a cab or a taxi and reach here. Otherwise, on the Kalka-Shimla route Toy trains are also available that takes you to Narkanda.
By Road
Narakanda lies on NH22 and is easily approachable by road.
By Air
Bhuntar in Kullu district is the nearest airport to reach here. Many Private flight operators are operating in this region that can provide you flights as per convenience from Delhi.
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Conclusion
There is nothing better than visiting Narakanda in Himachal Pradesh, whether you are a nature lover, or an adventurer. It provides you with panoramic views of apple orchards on the one hand and a chance to enjoy the serene environment of hill stations.
Narkanda is a perfect paradise to enjoy the beautiful natural vistas and splendid panoramic views. It is best to explore it with spouse, family, or friends as you will not find such a pleasant place with chilled weather and serene environment anywhere else.
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