Nature Rambles
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Day 01: For nature lovers and / or adventure seekers, there is nothing to compare with Parkwoods - 18 kms short of Shimla. Rustic, bamboo cottages and Swiss Tents with all modern facilities in the middle of a pine forest on a ridge. The locale is surrounded by untouched countryside with panoramic views, numerous village treks, jungle walks in pine, oak and rhododendron forests. Also on offer are numerous activities. A perfect juxtaposition of comfort, safety and serenity. After lunch, laze around in the hammocks or thatched sit-outs just taking in the splendor and beauty of nature all around – verdant forested valleys, emerald rolling meadows, misty mountains. Enjoy hot tea and cookies at Westend in Parkwoods from where you get to see mesmerizing sunsets with the sky a riot of blazing colors. |
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Our team of trained and certified adventure instructors lead you through interesting activities on the obstacle course like tyre web, tree bridge, burma bridge, commando net, rope walk, cat walk. Surprise yourself with how much more you can actually do than you ever imagined! Also surprise yourself by noticing how the pure mountain environment and the activities have almost doubled your appetite. After lunch, let the instructors make a mountaineer out of you. Reach for the heights! Rock climbing can be interesting and you start appreciating simple things like stairs, escalators and elevators so much more J. Somebody once said, “Climbing may be hard, but it's easier than growing up." Find out for yourself. Follow this with rappelling which brings back your self-esteem to respectable levels! Evenings are reserved for soulful songs with moonlight spreading radiance thru' pines adding to the inimitable ambience. Overnight at Hill Resort. After a leisurely breakfast, get your lunch packed and move out in a taxi (arranged by Parkwoods) on a full day sightseeing excursion to explore the surrounding areas. Drive 10 kms up to Tara Devi Mandir at 7000 feet; a 250 year old temple located on the hilltop of Tarav Parvat commanding splendid views of Shimla and the Himalayan Ranges to the north. From here, continue on the offbeat trail to Kufri climbing upto 8600 feet. As you approach the hamlet, do not miss the verdant deodar filled emerald forested slopes on the right. The helipad up from Wildflower Hall commands the best views of the countryside and of course Kufri with its pony rides and mini zoo (though crowded in season) is a must do! Enchanting views of the Himalayan ranges and snow capped peak on clear days. After lunch, move towards Shimla, stopping at the erstwhile Viceregal Lodge first. The imposing six-storey edifice, with its manicured gardens is today the Institute for Advanced Studies. There is also a small Peasantry and Bird Park nearby. The dose of British History over, move to the Mall Road for everything a typical hill-station offers. Walk upto the most happening place of Shimla – The Ridge, crossing the Scandal Point, the place with a century old gossip of the ruler of the former princely state of Patiala having "carried off the, British Commander-in-Chief's daughter from the spot. In the evening, back to Parkwoods. Retire after an early dinner today. Day 04: After a late breakfast, get your lunch packed for a river picnic. 10 kms from Parkwoods is the tributary to the River Gambhar, approached through terraced fields from the road-head. There is a quaint Shiv Temple almost in the middle of the river. Either you drive down in a taxi arranged by Parkwoods or if you are feeling more adventurous you take an interesting 6 km trek through the forest, fields and villages upto the River. You have the option of being driven back. In the evening, enjoy yourself either listening to soft music in the open or just enjoying the sounds of nature. Day 05: |