Located at a short distance from Shimla, Kufri is a popular hill town located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Situated at an average elevation of 2,290 meters above sea level, Kufri is known for its pleasant climate during the summers and a winter sport hotspot during the winters.
The history of Kufri is entwined with the state capital Shimla and the complete region once came under the control of the Kingdom of Nepal. After the Anglo-Nepalese war between 1815 and 1816, the areas were ceded by the British East India Company and were developed as summer retreats of the British officials. The town was officially discovered by the British in 1819 and became a popular hill town due to its high elevation and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Climatic Conditions
Being a part of the Shimla district, Kufri experiences a similar temperate climate as Shimla. The months from April till June experience a slightly humid yet mild summer, with temperatures hardly exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. The months between July and September see the maximum rainfall and a considerable drop in temperature. The winters in Kufri start from late October and lasts till mid-February. The region can experience a huge drop in temperatures with occasional snow and temperatures that can drop below freezing due to the high altitude.
Best Time to Visit
Due to its high altitude amidst the Himalayan foothills, kufri can be visited all year round due to the various tourist attractions and activities offered here. The summers in Kufri are mild and the town is full of tourists seeking refuge from the heat of the lower plains. The monsoons are usually pleasant but chilly due to the high altitude. Winters are chilly and become a popular ground for skiing enthusiasts. The best time to visit the town is from late September till mid-November when the climate is the most pleasant with chilly winds and occasional showers.
Attractions/Things to Do
Unlike Shimla, Kufri is a sparsely populated tourist town which is known for its picturesque surroundings and colonial architecture. During the winters, the town becomes a common place for skiing. A hill side potato plantation gets entirely covered with snow during the winters and provides a picturesque spot for skiing and various other winter sports.
Mahasu Peak, Chini Bungalow, Kufri Fun World, Indira Tourist Park, Himalayan Wildlife Zoo and the Himalayan Nature Park etc. are the few most popular places for tourist to visit in Kufri.
How to Reach
Kufri is located within the Shimla district and is well connected with the surrounding towns and hill stations. The nearest airport is located in Chandigarh with connecting flights via Delhi and other major airports in India. The nearest railway station is Shimla and is best reached via the UNESCO world heritage Kalka-Shimla railway. Shimla is well connected with trains from all major cities via Delhi. The town is at a short distance from Shimla and is located at 30-40 minute drive. Buses and taxies can be availed from Shimla and Chandigarh if you plan to travel by road.
Distance from Major Cities
1. Shimla – 13 Kilometers
2. Solan – 62 Kilometers
3. Chandigarh – 133 Kilometers
4. Dehradun – 241 Kilometers
5. Manali – 246 Kilometers
6. Delhi – 374 Kilometers
7. Jaipur – 616 Kilometers
8. Lucknow – 789 Kilometers
9. Indore – 1,257 Kilometers
10. Ahmedabad – 1,282 Kilometers
11. Mumbai – 1,753 Kilometers
12. Kolkata – 1,827 Kilometers
13. Hyderabad – 1,908 Kilometers
14. Bangalore – 2,497 Kilometers
15. Chennai – 2,536 Kilometers
Accessibility and Accommodation
Shimla is a popular tourist destination with no dearth of accommodation facilities to suit all budgets. While, one can find several accommodation places in Kufri itself, its best to put up at Shimla and visit Kufri as the town can be covered in less than a day. Nevertheless, people who seek a place to relax and rejuvenate may find this town a perfect place for their vacations. Getting around in Kufri is either done by foot, of by riding a mule or a yak to reach the higher places such as the Mahasu Peak.
