If you’re looking to escape the crowds of Shimla without travelling too far, Naldehra is one of the best day trips you can take. Located just 22 km from Shimla, this peaceful hill station is surrounded by towering deodar forests, rolling meadows, scenic mountain views, and one of the oldest golf courses in India. Unlike Shimla’s busy Mall Road, Naldehra offers a slower pace where the journey itself is just as enjoyable as the destination.
Most visitors know Naldehra for its beautiful golf course, but there is much more to explore. You can take a leisurely walk through dense cedar forests, ride a horse along forest trails, visit the centuries-old Mahunag Temple, or simply relax while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. Whether you spend a few hours here or combine it with nearby attractions like Chail or Kufri, Naldehra offers a refreshing break from the usual tourist circuit.
Why Visit Naldehra?
Although Naldehra is often overshadowed by nearby Shimla, it has a unique charm that makes it worth visiting. Instead of bustling markets and crowded viewpoints, you’ll find peaceful walking trails, fresh mountain air, and beautiful landscapes that remain relatively untouched.
Some of the highlights of Naldehra include:
- One of the oldest and highest golf courses in India
- Scenic walking and horse-riding trails through towering deodar forests
- Beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Himalayan ranges
- Mahunag Temple, dedicated to the Serpent King
- Pleasant weather throughout most of the year
- A peaceful alternative to crowded Shimla
If you enjoy nature, photography, or simply spending time outdoors, Naldehra is easily one of the most relaxing places to visit near Shimla.
History of Naldehra
Although Naldehra is now known as a peaceful hill station, its popularity dates back to the British era.
The forests surrounding Naldehra first attracted the attention of Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, during one of his visits to Shimla in the early 1900s. Captivated by the lush deodar forests, rolling meadows, and panoramic mountain views, he envisioned transforming the area into a golf course similar to those found in Europe.
Under his guidance, the meadows were carefully levelled while preserving much of the natural landscape. The result was the Naldehra Golf Course, which opened in 1905 and continues to be one of India’s oldest golf courses. Even today, the fairways blend naturally with the surrounding cedar forests, giving the course a character unlike any other in the country.
Lord Curzon admired the place so much that he famously named one of his daughters Alexandra Naldehra, a story that locals continue to recount even today.
The name Naldehra itself has a much older origin. It is believed to be derived from two words—Nag (serpent) and Dehra (abode)—meaning “the abode of the Serpent King.” This name is closely associated with the ancient Mahunag Temple, which remains one of the region’s most important places of worship.
Today, while visitors primarily come for the scenery and golf course, the town still retains its historical charm and quiet atmosphere that first attracted both local rulers and British officials more than a century ago.
Naldehra Golf Course – One of the Oldest Golf Courses in India
The biggest attraction of Naldehra is undoubtedly its spectacular golf course. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,045 metres (6,700 feet) above sea level, it is often regarded as one of the oldest and most scenic golf courses in India.
Unlike modern golf courses that are built on flat terrain, the Naldehra Golf Course follows the natural contours of the hills. Tall deodar trees surround the fairways, while the snow-capped Himalayas provide a stunning backdrop during clear days. The combination of lush greenery and mountain scenery makes it one of the most photographed locations near Shimla.
The golf course consists of 18 holes and is managed by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). Golf enthusiasts can book tee times in advance, while casual visitors are free to admire the surroundings and walk around designated areas.
Even if you have never played golf, the course itself is worth visiting. The beautifully maintained greens, peaceful atmosphere, and fresh mountain air make it an ideal place to slow down and enjoy nature. It is also one of the main reasons why Naldehra remains one of the most popular day trips from Shimla.
Horse Ride or Walking Trail – Which One Should You Choose?
As you arrive at Naldehra, you’ll immediately notice several horse owners waiting near the entrance. Almost every visitor is offered a horse ride to explore the surrounding forests and viewpoints.
Most horse guides will tell you that the trail is long, steep, and difficult to walk. If you’re reasonably fit, don’t believe them completely.
I chose to walk the entire trail, and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable parts of visiting Naldehra.
The route is not a challenging trek. It is more of a leisurely forest walk that can comfortably be completed by most visitors. Since the trail passes through beautiful forests and open meadows, you’ll naturally stop frequently to admire the scenery or take photographs. The complete circuit usually takes around 1½ to 2 hours, depending on how often you stop along the way.
That said, horse rides can still be a good option for elderly visitors, families with very young children, or anyone who prefers not to walk.
For everyone else, walking allows you to appreciate the peaceful surroundings far better than riding past them.
Walking Through the Deodar Forest
The trail begins beneath a dense canopy of towering deodar (cedar) trees, one of the defining features of Naldehra. As you leave the entrance behind, the sounds of vehicles quickly disappear, replaced by birdsong and the gentle rustling of the forest.
The walk itself is easy, with mostly gentle slopes and wide paths. Throughout the trail, sunlight filters through the tall cedar trees, creating beautiful patterns on the ground and making the walk especially enjoyable during the morning hours.
Movie lovers may find this stretch familiar. Portions of the famous song “Gazab Ka Hai Din” from the Bollywood movie Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak were filmed in these forests, adding a touch of nostalgia to the experience.
Unlike many crowded tourist attractions around Shimla, the trail rarely feels busy. Instead of rushing from one viewpoint to another, you’ll find yourself slowing down and simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
For me, this walk was actually more memorable than the golf course itself.
Mahunag Temple – The Sacred Heart of Naldehra
As the trail continues, you’ll eventually reach the Mahunag Temple, located in the middle of the golf course.
The temple is dedicated to Mahunag, the Serpent King, who is worshipped by local communities across this region of Himachal Pradesh. According to local belief, the name Naldehra itself is derived from Nag (serpent) and Dehra (abode), meaning “the abode of the Serpent King.”
Although relatively small in size, the temple has great religious significance for the locals. Golfers playing on the course often pass by the temple, creating an interesting contrast between one of India’s oldest golf courses and an ancient place of worship.
The peaceful surroundings make it an ideal place to pause before continuing your walk.
If you’re interested in local culture, this stop offers a glimpse into traditions that have existed here long before Naldehra became known as a tourist destination.
Scenic Viewpoints Around Naldehra
Beyond the Mahunag Temple, the trail becomes narrower as it skirts the edge of the hills. This section feels even quieter, with fewer visitors and uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.
After a short walk, the forest suddenly opens into large grassy clearings that overlook the distant Himalayan ranges.
These viewpoints are among the best places in Naldehra to simply sit down and relax.
On a clear day, you can enjoy panoramic views of rolling valleys, pine-covered hills, and snow-capped peaks stretching across the horizon. Unlike many viewpoints that require climbing steep hills, these are reached through a pleasant and relatively easy walk.
Many visitors spend considerable time here—some enjoying a picnic, others taking photographs, while children run around the open meadows.
The trail eventually loops back towards the main road, offering several more scenic stretches before returning to the starting point.
Looking back, the walk through the forests, temple, viewpoints, and open meadows forms a complete experience that perfectly captures the peaceful charm of Naldehra.
Is Naldehra Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
While Shimla attracts visitors with its colonial heritage, bustling Mall Road and lively atmosphere, Naldehra offers something completely different—peace, forests and open mountain landscapes.
If you enjoy nature walks, photography or simply want a quieter escape from Shimla’s crowds, Naldehra makes an excellent half-day excursion.
The combination of one of the world’s oldest golf courses, dense deodar forests, scenic viewpoints and the peaceful Mahunag Temple makes it one of the most relaxing places to visit around Shimla.
For travellers planning a Shimla itinerary, Naldehra pairs perfectly with Kufri, Chail, or Tattapani as part of a day trip into the surrounding hills.
How to Reach Naldehra
Naldehra is located around 22 km from Shimla and is one of the easiest day trips from the city.
By Road
The most convenient way to reach Naldehra is by road.
- From Shimla: 22 km (about 45–60 minutes)
- From Chandigarh: 135 km (around 4–5 hours)
- From Delhi: 360 km (around 8–9 hours)
Regular taxis are available from Shimla, and local buses also operate between Shimla and Naldehra.
If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions around Shimla, hiring a taxi for the day is often the most convenient option.
Timings and Entry Fee
- Golf Course Area: Open during daylight hours
- Horse Ride: Available throughout the day
- Entry Fee: Usually free for the walking trail (small charges may apply for entering specific golf course areas depending on local regulations)
- Horse Ride Charges: Vary depending on the route and season
As charges occasionally change, it is always a good idea to confirm the latest rates before your visit.
Best Time to Visit Naldehra
Naldehra is beautiful throughout the year, with every season offering a different experience.
March to June
Pleasant weather with lush green forests, making it ideal for walking and sightseeing.
July to September
The surrounding hills become greener after the monsoon, though occasional rain may interrupt outdoor plans.
October to November
One of the best seasons to visit. The skies are usually clear, temperatures remain comfortable, and the mountain views are often at their best.
December to February
Winter transforms Naldehra into a snowy landscape. If you’re lucky, the golf course and surrounding forests may be covered in snow, creating a completely different experience.
Nearby Places to Visit
If you’re exploring the Shimla region, Naldehra can easily be combined with several nearby attractions.
- Chail – A peaceful hill station known for the historic Chail Palace, the world’s highest cricket ground, and beautiful cedar forests.
- Kufri – One of the most popular tourist destinations near Shimla, famous for adventure activities, horse rides, and panoramic Himalayan views.
- Tattapani – A riverside destination known for its natural hot water springs and rafting on the Sutlej River.
- Shimla – Explore Mall Road, The Ridge, Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church, and the city’s colonial architecture.
Suggested Shimla Day Trip
One enjoyable day trip from Shimla can be planned as:
Shimla → Kufri → Naldehra → Chail → Shimla
If you have an extra day, extend the trip by including Tattapani, especially if you enjoy scenic drives and natural hot springs.
Planning a Himachal Pradesh Trip?
If you’re visiting Himachal Pradesh for several days, Naldehra works best as part of a broader Shimla itinerary.
You can combine it with destinations such as Shimla, Kufri, Chail, and Tattapani before continuing towards Manali, Spiti Valley, or Dharamshala, depending on the duration of your trip.
