Craignano

Oak and pine jungles, apple orchards, royal architecture, sparkling streams, utter privacy, and pious temples – these are what you can expect while entering Mashobra. An important part of Shimla, this tiny hilly hamlet is known as the most serene retreat in the Himalayas especially for those who want to have a holiday destination in seclusion and serenity with a bit of historic touch to it. Craignano is only at a half an hour driving distance from Shimla, and it has everything to make your holiday memorable. Today, Craignano, Shimla is all about green meadows covered with flower beds, an appealing treehouse, an eco-friendly park dedicated for kids, undiscovered tracks…. And, tranquility!

Description:

Shimla is normally known as a summer retreat and during this season many tourists come to visit here from various parts of India. However, if you do not like crowds pushing your back while traveling, and want to enjoy a high-class green retreat even in the peak season of tourism, come to Craignano. It’s the ‘Wonderland’ garden for your little ‘Alice’.

Traveler Tips:

• This is an eco-friendly park and Himachal Government is very strict here following its rules to fight pollution. With the partnership of Rotary Club Shimla Midtown, Shimla Government offers rotary bags to every tourist visiting Craignano, Shimla.
• To get a re-usable jute bag, you need to pay Rs 100 as a security deposit. You can carry your foods, water bottles, etc. in it to keep the place litter-free.
• You need to get entry tickets for entering the premises of Craignano. Each ticket costs Rs 50.

• Carry your foods, drinks, and snacks with you as there is no cafeteria inside Craignano.

Things to Do:

This place is a beautiful picnic spot. The treehouse has pebble-laden trails where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine. Treehouse is definitely the major attraction here. Just sit there and the tranquillity of the place allows listening to the soul-refreshing chirping of the birds.
There is a small lake flowing beside it. Your kids can spot fish there and you all enjoy the serenity of the place by sitting on the adjacent wooden benches.
It’s a total kids’ play area and thus kids are not charged to enter this park. They can certainly run here and there, play hide and seeks in this nature’s playground. But the thrill of slides, swings, merry-go-round, and monkey-bars will surely make them amazed.
Try fishing, rock climbing, rappelling to have some enjoyment along with your kids.

History:

Today’s Craignano Eco Park on the peak of Mashobra hill was previously a famous summer resort of Craignano, who was originally the countess of Italy. Ultimately, it was turned into a dak bungalow, but that is demolished too recently. Now, tourists visit this place as a family entertainment hub all through the day. The Italian villa was constructed by a baker to the viceroy, Chevalier Peliti. Remember, it is a playground for wild animals like leopards and exotic birds like monal.
In fact, the famous Bollywood actress Wahida Rahman has a bungalow nearby it. Various popular film shoots happen here including 3 Idiots (Amir Khan), Black (Amitabh Bachhan), Kudrat (Hema Malini) and Tamasha (Ranbeer Kapoor).

Architecture:

Suspended at almost 7770 ft, Craignano Nature Park makes an assortment of oak and pine forests including some hilly flowers like asphodels, celandine, roses, daffodils, and hyacinths. The entire area is spread over almost 9.6 hector areas. You should visit here during spring to cherish the unviability of this place. About 4000 tulips of pink and red color bloom. On the backdrop, rhododendron trees blaze red curtains.

Best Time to Visit:

While it is an activity zone, you will best enjoy coming here during the winter. When it is cold, you will love indulging yourself in a number of mind-bending activities with your kids. Hence, October - November, and February – March is the best time to plan your visit.

How to Reach?

If you have a car, Shimla to Mashobra is almost 20-25 minutes drive. The best way to reach Craignano, Shimla is to have your own car and straight drive to the park. Otherwise, the cheapest medium to reach Mashobra is to ride on a local bus from Shimla. And, after that, you need to go 10-15 minutes uphill.

Interesting facts:

The place has the highest water lift in the world which is situated at an altitude of 7657 ft. It was built in British India, which is now used as a water supplying unit to the entire Shimla and its contiguous areas.

Nearby Attractions:
• The mall road
• The ridge
• Jakhoo temple
• Kamna Devi Temple, and many more

So, let’s hope that Craignao, Shimla becomes an inspiration for its clean touch. The meadows filled with purple and white flowers always greet its tourists.