HOTEL CASTLE, NAGGAR, KULLU
horizontal mesh of timber sleepers, this medieval castle was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu
around 1460. Perched high on a cliff, this was the stronghold of the rulers of Kullu for over
two centuries till they moved down the valley. The hotel overlooks the Kullu valley and apart
from the spectacular view and superb locale, this has the flavour of authentic western Himalayan
architecture.
TARAGARH PALACE HOTEL, TARAGARH, PALAMPUR, KANGRA
Low rolling hills criss-crossed by narrow
fast-flowing streams, scores of tiny hamlets, lush tea gardens and paddy fields - with the
backdrop of the majestic Dhauladhar mountains - all combine to make Kangra one of Himachal's most
beautiful tracts. Here, built in 1931, by the 27 year old ruler of Bahawalpur, Nawab Sadiq
Mohammed Khan Bahadur is Al Hilal-'the Land of the Crescent Moon'. Now called Taragarh after
Maharani Tara Devi, of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, who became its subsequent owner,
this is a splendid art-deco mansion set amidst large grounds. Memorabilia of past adorns its
elegantly appointed rooms while the grounds host a 'jungle camp'.
HOTEL MOUNTVIEW, HOTEL GEETANJALI, HOTEL GRANDVIEW, HOTEL AROMA'N' CLAIRE AND SILVERTON, DALHOUSIE, CHAMBA
The town of Dalhousie swings around the
hills like a figure of eight. Along its roads andpaths are a variety of trees — pine, oak and
rhododendron. And nestling among them, are examples of fine colonial architecture. Having become
popular in the 'second string' of hill stations that the British built in the 19th century,
Dalhousie is still a popular holiday destination. Hotel Geetanjali is run by Himachal Tourism,
while Mountview, Grandview, Silverton and the Aroma'n' Claire are in the private sector. All date
back several years and have a long tradition of hospitality. Built in 1939, Silverton is a
modified bungalow in the heritage tradition, and is run as an exclusive guest house.
CLOUD'S END VILLA, DHARAMSALA, KANGRA
Placed in the upper reaches of the town -
and with a spectacular view that encompasses the hills and allows an unimpaired look towards the
plains, this is an attractive villa. With gracious hospitality, this is run by the erstwhile
ruling house of Kangra. The grounds have a 'Shikar Camp'.
THE JUDGE'S COURT, PRAGPUR, KANGRA :
The little village of Pragpur in Kangra's
sylvan tracts, has an endearing beauty. Narrow cobbled lanes flow past old houses, and flowering
Bougainvillaea drape their colours over pipul and banyan trees. And to the north, the snow clad
Dhauladhar ranges frame this picture of pastoral beauty. Completed in 1918, the Judge's Court
stands in a large orchard and here, the area's rural life goes easily by. Built in the 'haveli'
style, but with a largely European floor plan, the house has been meticulously restored. Just a
stone's throw away, is the 300 year old ancestral home that also offers the Court's hospitality.
ARKI FORT, ARKI, SOLAN
Once the capital of the princely state of
Baghal, Arki has witnessed a good measure of turbulence in this area. Arki became the stronghold
of an invading force of Gurkhas during the 'Gurkha Wars' that came to an end in 1815-16. About 18
50, Raja Kishen Chand had the fort decorated with fine murals executed in the Pahari style. Here
is a place packed with history and adomed with fine art.
Baghal, Arki has witnessed a good measure of turbulence in this area. Arki became the stronghold
of an invading force of Gurkhas during the 'Gurkha Wars' that came to an end in 1815-16. About 18
50, Raja Kishen Chand had the fort decorated with fine murals executed in the Pahari style. Here
is a place packed with history and adomed with fine art.
DAOJIDHAAR, MASHOBRA, SHIMLA
Quite different from the other heritage
places, this is a rural Himachali house that has been modified to accommodate a more modern
lifestyle. This is set in a large acreage, surrounded by forests - and has a stunning view
of the valleys and mountains.
SUJANPUR FORT, DISTRICT HAMIRPUR AND THE LAMBAGRAON PALACE, DISTRICT KANGRA
Close to the district border of Kangra, is the fort of Sujanpur.
Popularly known alongwith its twin title 'Tira', this was built by Raja Abhaya Chand of Kangra
in 1758. In the early nineteenth century this was the home of the famous Raja Sansar Chand -
renownded patron of the Kangra school of miniature paintings. The fort has a Barahdari Hall',
where Sansar Chand used to hold court, some shrines and excellent wall paintings. With the rise
of British power in the area, Lambagraon (Lambagaon) became the 'Jagir' village of the Kangra
family. By the waters of the Beas, this has a charming setting and the river stretch offers good
fishing.
SUJANPUR FORT, DISTRICT HAMIRPUR AND THE LAMBAGRAON PALACE, DISTRICT KANGRA
Within a short driving distance of both
Arki and Subathu - and barely an hour away from the Jubbarhatti (Shimla) airport - is the fort
of Kuthar. Its oldest sections are 800 years old while the most recent structures are barely
eight decades old. This is spread over a large area and fresh-water springs flow within its
confines. Close-by are several scenic attractions like Kunihar, the Gurkha fort of Subathu and
the hill station of Kasauli.
THE HOLME, SHIMLA
Within a short driving distance of both Arki and
Subathu - and barely an hour away from the Jubbarhatti (Shimla) airport - is the fort of Kuthar.
Its oldest sections are 800 years old while the most recent structures are barely eight decades
old. This is spread over a large area and fresh-water springs flow within its confines. Close-by
are several scenic attractions like Kunihar, the Gurkha fort of Subathu and the hill station of
Kasauli.
