Shoghi

Looking for an offbeat hill station with the allure of the Himalayan foothills? Check out the places to visit in Shoghi in Himachal Pradesh. This small hilly town is an unspoilt tourist destination. It is surrounded by rhododendrons and conifers and flaunts quaint winding hilly roads and meadows. Shoghi has a historical significance dating to the pre-independence era. In the 19^th century, the Gurkhas were defeated by the Chieftains and the British, made to sign the Treaty of Sanjauli and asked to give up their control. Later, the area went to Maharaja of Patiala for his services to the British. Some of the buildings and places to visit in Shoghi retain symbols of this past. Of these, the Viceregal Lodge Rashtrapati Niwas is a must-visit.

Shoghi Overview

When to Visit Shoghi

The best time to visit Shoghi is the summertime. Comfortably warm days and cool nights make this season convenient for the less tolerant traveller. In the summer months of March to June, Shoghi temperature ranges between 15-27 degrees. This is just right for all the sightseeing you would do from morning to night. The winter months from September to February see snowfall and sub-zero temperatures. At this time Shoghi weather is icy cold and the places to visit in Shoghi turn frosty white. During monsoons, the place turns verdant green and beautiful, but the movements are restricted. There are chances of landslides, heavy rains, slippery rocks etc. But this off-season period offers fewer crowds in the places to visit in Shoghi as well as some discount deals.

How to Reach Shoghi?

When you have taken note of the best time to visit Shoghi, it is time to book the travel tickets. The domestic airport in Shimla, Jubbarhatti Airport, is the nearest one, located 33 km away. The next best option is Chandigarh Airport, more than 100 km away. There are buses and cars from both airports to go to Shoghi. You can also avail yourself a railway journey for your trip to the places to visit in Shoghi. Kalka railway junction, which is 90 km away, is the nearest railway station. Take cabs or buses from there. Places to visit in Shoghi are well connected by roads. Utilise state and private buses, cabs and cars to reach Shoghi from any of the cities.

What are the Things to See & do in Shoghi?

The places to visit in Shoghi offer you the chance to indulge in various activities. Shoghi has temples - Tara Devi Temple, Hanuman Temple, Kali Temple and many more. Spend quiet time in these temples to attain spiritual bliss away from your busy life. With various hilltops and trails, trekking is an activity you wouldnt want to miss. The places to visit in Shoghi boast of incredible natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy bird watching, long walks and forest camps to take it all in. Hiking around the town and shopping are great activities too. If it snows or you visit during the winter season, you can ski as well.

Places to visit in Shoghi

Chadwick Falls Lying at a height of 1550 m and cascading down 86 m is the breathtaking Chadwick Falls. With greenery bordering its sides and snow-capped mountains in the background, this is one of the popular places to visit in Shoghi. Since it is situated inside Glen forest, you would need to walk to the waterfall to view it.

Tara Devi Temple On top of the Tara Parvat hill is the 250-year-old Tara Devi Temple. The wooden idol of Tara Devi was brought by the Sen dynasty from West Bengal. Tara Devi is believed to be a sister of Goddess Durga and holds significance for Tibetans. Tara Devi Temple is one of the most revered places to visit in Shoghi.

Viceregal Lodge-Rashtrapati Niwas This magnificent, castle-like building is a relic of the pre-independence era. Viceregal Lodge-Rashtrapati Niwas sits on the same estate as the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. Viceregal Lodge was the old name and Rashtrapati Niwas is the new one. One of the important places to visit in Shoghi, this grand structure hosted the Shimla conference. You can see the room where it was held as you tour the inside of the building.

Chail Sanctuary Chail Sanctuary was a hunters paradise. In 1976, it was declared a sanctuary to protect the numerous species of wildlife found in this habitat. A must-see among the places to visit in Shoghi for photographers, this place is amusing for kids too. Click pictures or just admire the wide range of flora and fauna visible here.

Gilbert's Trail A delight for an adventurous tourist, Gilberts Trail is a trekking path almost 1.5 km long. This picturesque trail starts from Kasauli club and leads to the Air Force Station. You get to admire the scenic surroundings and indulge in bird watching on this trail. Mark this trail as one of the top places to visit in Shoghi.

Food to try in Shoghi

Shoghi does not have a typical cuisine of its own. It offers most of the North Indian cuisine, some Continental and some Chinese cuisines to its visitors. You may find Himachali food items in home kitchens and small stalls. Rajma, chana masala and palak paneer are popular items offered here accompanied by flatbreads tandoori roti, roomali roti, naan and parathas. People touring places to visit in Shoghi, prefer to eat on the go. Roadside Dhabas and stalls are good options for freshly prepared simple fare. After exploring places to visit in Shoghi, do try the Himachali Dham. Look for this in Shoghi or nearby Shimla.

Things to Buy in Shoghi

When you are sightseeing in places to visit in Shoghi, it would be wise to pick up interesting knick-knacks. Shoghi does not have a proper market for tourists to buy souvenirs. There are small shops in the centre of the town and near places to visit in Shoghi. Look for designer keychains, designer cards, other stationery items, home décor artefacts, ceramic pieces etc. Shoghi is known for fruit preserves, juices, syrups, jellies and jams. It is a good idea to buy these for family and friends. Another great idea is to look for good quality woollens, particularly if you live in the plains and down south. Pick out some wooden items too such as walking sticks, carved miniatures and other decorative items. You may find some interesting Tibetan crafts too around the places to visit in Shoghi.

Here are a few quick facts to make your travel safe and easy to Shoghi. Shoghi is a Hills & Mountains destination. The best time to visit Shoghi is March, April, May and June. Since this is the peak season expect a little crowd during this time. September, October, November, December, January and February period experiences moderate weather. So, you can easily avoid facing a large gathering.

In peak season the weather is cool weather in peak summer with warm days and cool nights, whereas in off-season the weather is torrential Downpour with a potential landslide. Weather in moderate season is extremely cold days and nights packed in woolens. During Tara Devi Festival, Rasa Dance, a large number of tourists flock together. The festivals are celebrated in the month of October, Seasonal/According to the Hindu Calender,... consecutively. So, if you are fond of bustling streets and localities, choose this time of the year to travel.

If your travel seems incomplete without getting into some fun activities then you will love to get indulged in exploring the outdoorsy attractions. In moderate season you will love to get indulged in a spectacle of snowy peaks and indulging in snow sports.

Conclusion

Shoghi is a surprisingly refreshing hill station near Shimla. With interesting places to visit in Shoghi, your vacation is going to turn exciting and full of vigour. There are a number of temples for the devotee to seek divine blessings. Stimulating trekking trails, eye-pleasing views and period buildings will make Shoghi a worthy trip. Trekking, hiking, mountain biking, skiing etc, are high-intensity activities, so build stamina for them. Do not forget to pack appropriate clothing and keep cash with you. All the places to visit in Shoghi can be covered within the approximate period of 7 days. Visit Shoghi in different seasons to appreciate the different aspects of this hill station.