Himachal is a beautiful place, nestled in the arms of the Himalayas. It has always been our go to weekend destination from Delhi, and my dad always preferred HPTDC(Govt.) hotels to stay in. It took me some time to realize that despite a plethora of private properties being available, HPTDC (Govt.) hotels have prime locations with the best views, homely food, decent rooms and are quite affordable as well.
So, here's my pick of the best HPTDC (Govt.) hotels in Himachal, that'll definitely make you fall in love with the state.
Note that all hotels can be booked directly from the HPTDC Website.
1. The Apple Blossom, Fagu
Fagu is a tiny hamlet around 20 km from Shimla. The Apple Blossom's location provides an unfettered 360 degree view of the landscape dipped in mist. The suites provide beautiful views of the sunrise and sunset from the rooms. It was one of my most memorable pit stops, because I could not get the spectacular views out of my mind!
Price: Starting from Rs. 2500 per day plus taxes for a double room
Address: The Apple Blossom, Fagu, Distt. Shimla (HP)
Tel: (01783) – 239469.
Email ID : fagu@hptdc.in
Major Distances:
Chandigarh to Fagu : 133 KM – Three hours drive
Shimla Airport to Fagu- 38 KM – One hour drive
Things to Do: Hikes, Skiing in Winters, Visit apple orchards, Sightseeing in Shimla and Kufri
2. The Golf Glade, Naldehra
Perched on the fringes of the Naldehra golf course, this hotel is a refreshing break from the touristy feel of Shimla. The golf course is a short 500m hike away. The hotel also has cottages at a slightly higher elevation.
Price: Starting from Rs. 2900 per day plus taxes for a double room
Address: Hotel Golf Glade, Naldehra, Distt. Shimla (HP)
Tel: (0177) – 2747739, 2747809.
Email ID: naldehra@hptdc.in
Major Distances:
Chandigarh to Naldehra : 138 KM – Three and half hours drive
Shimla to Naldehra – 23 KM – 40 minutes drive
Things to Do: Hikes, Visit Naldehra Golf Course & Craignano, Rafting in Tattapani(around 50 km away), Sightseeing in Shimla and Mashobra. Read about my experience here
3. The Hatu, Narkanda
Narkanda is a quaint village in the higher reaches of the Himalayas. It is known as winter skiing destination. It also serves as a stopover for those heading to Kinnaur, or Spiti Valley. The hotel's location makes it a vantage point for spectacular views of the orchards and the countryside. The Narkanda ski slopes are 1.5 km from the hotel.
Price: Starting from Rs. 3500 per day plus taxes(including breakfast) for a double room
Address: The Hatu, Narkanda, Dist. Shimla (H.P.)
Tel: (01782) – 242430, 242509.
Email ID: hatu@hptdc.in
Major Distances:
Chandigarh to Narkanda : 175 KM – Five hours drive
Shimla Airport to Narkanda- 80 KM – Two hours drive
Things to Do: Visit Hatu peak located 7km away(drive or trek), Tanni Jubbar Lake, Nature hikes, skiing in winters. Read about my experience here
4. The Bushehar Regency, Rampur Bushehar
Rampur Bushahr is the last capital of the Bushahr or Bashahr dynasty that ruled Shimla & Kinnaur regions. It is located along the Sutlej river, and has beautiful palaces and temples. The hotel is designed in a Pagoda style, reflecting the Kinnaur style of building. The rooms overlook the river Sutlej.
Price: Starting from Rs. 1600 per day plus taxes for a double room
Address: The Bushehar Regency, Rampur, Distt. Shimla (H.P.)
Tel: 01782-234103
Email ID: rampur@hptdc.in
Major Distances:
Chandigarh to Rampur: 240 KM – Seven hours drive
Shimla Airport to Rampur- 148 KM – Four hours drive
Things to Do: Visit Padam Palace, Bhimakali temple in Sarahan(40 km away)
5. The Renuka, Renuka Ji
Renuka Ji is a sacred town built along the fringes of the Renuka lake. The lake is considered sacred, and even boating is allowed only without footwear. The Renuka hotel is the only hotel in this tiny town, and it is built right across the lake. Being a sacred place, only vegetarian food is served. The rooms command beautiful views of the serene lake. The original wing is in the colonial style and the recently constructed one has all modern facilities.
Price: Starting from Rs. 2200 per day plus taxes for a double room
Address: The Renuka, Renukaji, Distt. Sirmour (H.P.)
Tel: 01702-267339
Email ID: renukaji@hptdc.in
Major Distances:
Chandigarh to Renukaji : 130 KM – Three hours drive
Kalka Railway Station to Renukaji – 136 KM – 3 hours drive
Dehradun to Renukaji : 100 KM – Two and half hours drive
Things to Do: Boating in Renuka Lake, Visit Renuka Mata Temple, Haripurdhar temple(50 km away). Read about my experience here
6. The Chail Palace, Chail
Chail is a hamlet surrounded by tall pine and deodar trees. The Chail Palace was built in 1891 by the Maharaja of Patiala. It is set in approximately 75 acres with a regal setting and spectacular views.
Price: Starting from Rs. 5200 per day plus taxes(including breakfast) for a double room
Address: The Palace, Chail Distt. Solan (H.P.)
Tel: (01792) – 248141, 248143
Email ID: palace@hptdc.in
Major Distances:
Chandigarh to Chail: 108 KM – Three hours drive
Kalka Railway Station to Chail- 82 KM – Two and half hour drive
Shimla to Chail : 50 KM – One and half hours drive
Shimla Airport to Chail – 72 KM – Two hours drive
Things to Do: Visit Sidh Baba ka Mandir, Chail Cricket Ground, take a tour of the palace, visit the wildlife sanctuary. Read more on Tripoto
7. The Kinner Kailash, Kalpa
Kalpa is the gateway to the Kinnaur Valley. The Kinner Kailash Hotel is situated at a location which offers picture perfect views of the surrounding mountains. The design of the hotel has been inspired by the traditional architecture of the area. The hotel is strategically located for visiting Kinnaur or traveling ahead to Spiti.
Price: Starting from Rs. 2500 per day plus taxes for a double room
Address: The Kinner Kailash, Kalpa (H.P.)
Tel:(01786) – 226159
Email ID: kalpa@hptdc.in
Major Distances:
Chandigarh to Kalpa: 338 KM – 11 hours drive
Shimla to Kalpa- 222 KM – Eight hours drive
Things to Do: Suicide Point, Kinner Kailash Trek, Monasteries
8. The Castle, Naggar
Naggar is an ancient town in the Kullu district. It houses the medieval Naggar Castle which was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu around 1460 A.D. The hotel overlooks the Kullu Valley and apart from the spectacular view and superb location this has a flavour of authentic western Himalayan(Kathkuni) architecture. Here, a gallery houses the paintings of the Russian artist Nicholas Roerich.
Price: Starting from Rs. 1400 per day plus taxes for a double room
Address: The Castle, Naggar, Distt. Kullu (H.P.)
Tel:(01902) 248316
Email ID: naggar@hptdc.in
Major Distances:
Shimla to Naggar: 238 KM – Six hours drive
Chandigarh to Naggar: 398 KM – Eight hours drive
Bhuntar Airport to Hotel Castle Naggar: 55 KM – One hour drive
Things to Do: Take a tour of the castle, enjoy trekking and fishing, go on a temple tour around town.
9. The Khajji Cottage(Devdar Hotel), Khajjiar
Khajjiar, located close to Dalhousie, is known as the Mini Switzerland of India. The Khajji Cottage, sheltered by pines and spruce, is located on a hill, at the edge of a meadow. The Khajji Cottage offers a panoramic view of the meadow and surrounding forest. It is a haven for solitude seekers.
Price: Starting from Rs. 2800 per day plus taxes for a double room
Address: The Khajji Cottage, Khajjiar (H.P.)
Tel: (01899) 236334, 9418002306
Email ID: khajjiar@hptdc.in
Major Distances:
Pathankot Cantt. Station to Khajjiar: 99 KM – Three hours drive
Things to Do: Visit Khajjiar lake and valley, Kalatop sanctuary, Dalhousie
10. The New Ros Common, Kasauli
Kasauli is a small cantonment town located near Kalka. The Ros Common hotel was developed by an Irish gentleman, and named after a place in Ireland that remains green throughout the year. This hotel is newly built and has 32 luxuriously furnished rooms with mesmerizing views of the mountains.
Price: Starting from Rs. 7400 per day plus taxes(inclusive of breakfast) for a double room
Address: The New Ros Common, Kasauli (H.P.)
Tel: (0792) – 272006, 272007
Email ID: kasauli@hptdc.in
Major Distances:
Chandigarh to Kasauli: 57 KM – one hour drive
Kalka Railway Station to Kasauli: 25 KM – 40 minutes drive
Things to Do: Visit Monkey Point, Mall Road, Sunset Point, Christ Church, Go for hikes and relax.
The above list does not include hotels at the most popular locations like Shimla and Manali. If you are looking to beat the heat by planning a trip to Himachal, but looking for an offbeat getaway, one of the above could definitely be your next destination!
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