Overview
Kufri: Winter Wonderland of Himachal Pradesh
"Snow was falling, so much like stars, filling the dark trees that one could easily imagine its reason for being was nothing more than prettiness." – Mary Oliver
Kufri, a quaint hill station in Himachal Pradesh, is celebrated as the best skiing resort in India. Located in the Shimla district, Kufri derives its name from "Kufr," meaning lake in the local dialect. Kufri Tourism offers a rare chance to explore a natural winter wonderland with skiing slopes that are among the oldest in Himachal Pradesh.
Though its history is brief, Kufri was part of the Kingdom of Nepal before being ceded to the British under the Sugauli Treaty. Popularized as a tourist destination post-1970, Kufri is ideal for trekking, yak rides, and weekend getaways.
Main travel attractions of Kufri:
Mahasu Peak: The highest peak in Kufri offering panoramic views. On clear days, the Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges are visible. Trekking through deodar forests to the peak is a thrilling experience.
Fagu: Nestled between two valleys and surrounded by apple orchards, Fagu is perfect for winter skiing and summer picnics. It overlooks the Giri Valley and has a tourist bungalow at the top.
Kufri Fun World: An amusement park featuring joy rides for kids and the world’s highest go-kart track. Snacks and refreshments are available on-site.
The Himalayan Nature Park: Spread over 90 hectares, this park hosts exotic flora and fauna, including snow leopards, Hangul, musk deer, brown bears, and 180+ bird species. It is also an excellent vantage point for views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks.
Indira Tourist Park: Near the Himalayan Nature Park, this park offers a panoramic view of the landscape, a video games parlour, a beer bar, and an ice-cream parlour. Visitors can take photos in ethnic Himachali attire.
Bhimakali Mata Temple: A revered temple on the site of Lake Kufr, attracting both locals and tourists.
Kufri Main Bazaar: The town’s main market, featuring eateries, hotels, resorts, shops, and the Potato Research Institute at the end of the road.
Chini Bungalow: Known for its statues and architecture, the bungalow has a legend of important Indo-Chinese meetings. Locals also link it to a military leader with a Chinese wife, giving it its name.
Excursions from Kufri: Nearby attractions include Shimla (10 km) and Chail (28 km).
Shopping in Kufri: Woollens, hand-knitted sweaters, scarves, overcoats, and mufflers are popular purchases.
When to Reach: March to November is ideal. The Annual Winter Sports Festival in February is also a great time to visit.
How to Reach:
Air: Shimla Airport, 15 km away, with flights to Delhi and Kullu.
Rail: Narrow gauge line from Shimla; Kalka (100 km away) connects Kufri to major cities.
Road: Public and private buses operate from Shimla, Nartanda, and Ranpur.
For adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty, Kufri Tourism offers an unforgettable experience with winter sports, cultural charm, and rejuvenating landscapes.
