Kufri, Himachal Pradesh

Kufri, a charming hill station located in Himachal Pradesh, lies within the Himalayan ranges and is situated just 20 km away from Shimla. Its name is derived from the word “Kufr,” meaning lake. The British established the town in 1819, but it wasn’t until the last half-century that Kufri gained popularity as a tourist destination.

Kufri is particularly favored by trekkers, as many popular treks to locations such as Manali, Shimla, Rewalsar, and Fagu begin there. Together with Shimla and Chail, Kufri forms the Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh. Its salubrious climate and breathtaking natural beauty make Kufri an ideal summer escape. In addition, the town hosts an annual winter sports festival each February, which is a significant attraction for visitors. The festival, organized by the Himachal Pradesh travel and tourism department, features skiing competitions as its main event.

Aside from skiing, Kufri is known for other adventure activities such as tobogganing and go-karting. It boasts the oldest skiing slopes in Himachal Pradesh, and visitors can experience an adrenaline rush by taking fast cuts and turns on the go-karting circuit.

Nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers can explore the Himalayan Nature Park, which is located on the outskirts of town and is home to over 180 species of fauna. The history of Kufri remains somewhat of a mystery, but the region was once part of the Kingdom of Nepal until it was ceded to the British. However, Kufri itself did not become a bustling destination until after 1930 and only gained widespread recognition as a tourist spot after 1970.

Activities in Kufri

Kufri offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Some popular activities include:

Kufri, Shimla
  • Trekking and Hiking: Kufri is surrounded by beautiful trekking trails that lead to the Mahasu Peak and other nearby peaks. The trekking routes offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas and are a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area.
  • Skiing and Snowboarding: Kufri is known for its ski slopes and is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding during the winter months. Visitors can rent equipment and take lessons from experienced instructors.
  • Zorbing: The Kufri Fun World offers visitors the opportunity to experience the thrill of zorbing, which involves rolling down a hill inside a large inflatable ball.
  • Adventure sports: For the adventurous, there are several options for paragliding, rock climbing and zorbing, and other adventure sports.
  • Horse Riding: Visitors can go horse riding in the scenic surroundings of Kufri. Horse riding is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
  • Bird and Wildlife Watching: The Himalayan Nature Park is home to a wide variety of birds and animals, and visitors can spot different species on a nature trail.
  • Apple Orchard Visit: Kufri is famous for its apple orchards and visitors can take a stroll through the orchards to enjoy the beautiful landscape.
  • Temple and Monastery Visits: Kufri has a number of temples and monasteries that offer a peaceful retreat. The Indira Tourist Park and the Jakhu Temple are popular places to visit.
  • Photography: Kufri is a great place for photography enthusiasts. The stunning views of the Himalayas and the serene surroundings make for great photo opportunities.
  • Shopping: Visitors can buy traditional Himachali handicrafts, woolen clothes and other souvenirs from the local market.

Staying in Kufri

Kufri has a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Visitors can choose from luxury resorts, budget-friendly hotels, and homestays. Some popular options include:

  • Luxury Resorts: Kufri has a number of luxury resorts that offer high-end amenities and services. These resorts typically feature comfortable rooms, spas, and fine dining options.
  • Homestays: Homestays are a great option for those looking for a more authentic experience. They offer a chance to stay with local families and experience the culture and lifestyle of the region.
  • Budget-Friendly Hotels: There are also budget-friendly hotels in Kufri that offer comfortable accommodation at affordable prices. These hotels typically feature basic amenities and services.
  • Homestays: Homestays are a great option for visitors looking for a more authentic and local experience. Homestays in Kufri typically feature simple yet comfortable accommodation and offer visitors the opportunity to experience the local culture and way of life.
  • Camping: Kufri offers an option of camping which is an exciting way to experience the great outdoors. Visitors can set up their own tents or rent one.
  • Hostels: Kufri have few hostels available for backpackers and budget travelers. These hostels typically feature shared accommodation and common facilities like kitchens and lounges.

It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season, as accommodation can fill up quickly. Visitors should also check the availability of amenities and services before making a reservation.

Kufri Food Guide

Kufri is a small hill station in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and is not known to be a major food destination. However, if you’re looking for local Himachali cuisine, you can try dishes such as dham, sidu, and patande. These are traditional breads and dumplings that are often served with a side of lentil curry. You can also try traditional Himachali thali which is a platter of various dishes that includes rice, dal, vegetables, and meat or fish. It is usually served with achar (pickle) and chutney. Additionally, you can try some non-vegetarian dishes such as trout fish, and some local delicacies like chha Gosht (mutton cooked with yogurt) and Patande ke Kebab (a type of kebab made from mashed potatoes and meat).

Major Attractions in Kufri

Kufri is a small hill station in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh known for its scenic beauty and adventure sports. Some of the major attractions in Kufri include:

  • Kufri Fun World: An amusement park with a variety of rides and attractions for people of all ages.
  • Kufri Skiing: The ski slopes of Kufri are a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding during the winter months.
  • Kufri Nature Walk: A nature trail that takes visitors through the picturesque surroundings of Kufri, offering beautiful views of the Himalayas.
  • Mahasu Peak: The highest peak in Kufri, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Himalayan Nature Park: A wildlife sanctuary that is home to a variety of animals and birds, including the endangered snow leopard.
  • Indira Tourist Park: A popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Trekking and Hiking: The area around Kufri offers many opportunities for trekking and hiking, with a variety of trails to suit different levels of fitness and experience.
  • Kufri Temple: The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is considered one of the most ancient temples in the state.
  • Chini Bunglow: An old British bungalow, which gives a glimpse of the colonial past of the area and offers panoramic views of the surroundings.
  • Kufri Handicraft Centre: A good place to buy traditional Himachali handicrafts and souvenirs.

Kufri Highlights

  • Skiing and snowboarding in the winter
  • The Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri is a wildlife sanctuary
  • Kufri Temple and Chini Bunglow is an old British bungalow
  • Traditional Himachali dishes such as dham, sidu, and patande
  • Luxury resorts and hotels in Kufri
  • Traditional Himachali handicrafts and souvenirs

How To Get There

Kufri is located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and can be reached by various means of transportation. Below are a few options for reaching Kufri:

By Road

Kufri is well-connected by road to other parts of Himachal Pradesh and other nearby states. You can take a bus from Shimla, which is well connected by road to other parts of Himachal Pradesh and other nearby states.

By Rail

The nearest railway station to Kufri is Shimla Railway Station, which is located around 18 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Kufri.

By Air

The nearest airport to Kufri is the Shimla Airport, which is located around 20 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Kufri.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kufri

What is the best time to visit Kufri?

The best time to visit Kufri is from October to June, as the weather during this period is pleasant and conducive to sightseeing and other activities.

What are the major tourist attractions in Kufri?

Some of the major attractions in Kufri include the Kufri Fun World, Kufri Skiing, Kufri Nature Walk, Mahasu Peak, Himalayan Nature Park, Indira Tourist Park, Trekking and Hiking, Kufri Temple, Chini Bunglow, and Kufri Handicraft Centre.

How do I reach Kufri?

Kufri can be reached by air, train, bus, and car. The nearest airport to Kufri is the Shimla Airport, which is located around 20 kilometers away. The nearest railway station is Shimla Railway Station, which is located around 18 kilometers away. Kufri is well-connected by road to other parts of Himachal Pradesh and other nearby states.

What are the local delicacies in Kufri?

Some local delicacies in Kufri include trout fish, chha Gosht (mutton cooked with yogurt) and Patande ke Kebab (a type of kebab made from mashed potatoes and meat)

What are the adventure activities available in Kufri?

Adventure activities available in Kufri include skiing, trekking and hiking, nature walks, and wildlife spotting at the Himalayan Nature Park.

Are there any luxury resorts or hotels in Kufri?

There are a few luxury resorts and hotels in Kufri that offer comfortable accommodation and amenities such as spa, fitness center, and fine dining restaurants.

Is there an option for skiing in Kufri?

Yes, Kufri Skiing is a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding during the winter months.

Are there any temples or historical places to visit in Kufri?

Kufri Temple is one of the most ancient temple in the state and Chini Bunglow is an old British ungalow that gives a glimpse of the colonial past of the area.

Kufri Overview

  • 32.2496°N 76.3339°E
  • Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
  • Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
  • 3 – 5 Days
  • Trekking, Hiking, Skiing, Snowboarding, and Tobogganing