| Koti
was an erstwhile princely state of India. It extended from Shimla
Ridge to beyond the Golf course of Naldhera, which was designed by
Lord Curzon in 1905. To commemorate its centenary Koti Golf Cup
will be held in October 2005.
The state extended beyond the
famous tourist destination of Kufri where the original capital of
the state was established at Mool Koti which is north east of
Kufri.
The main tourist attraction of today i.e. The Ridge, Naldhera Golf
Ground, Mashobra, Charabra (Wild flower Hall) part of Kufri, The
Retreat of The President of India, were all part of the Koti
State.
Places Around
Naldhera – A Viceroy’s Delight: Originally called Nal
Deo, the golf course made under the instructions of Lord Curzon
was once the world’s highest golf course. Crowned by the
magnificent deodhar forest, Naldhera is carpeted with a springing
turf. It is said that Lord Curzon was so much taken in by the
beauty of the place that he named his daughter after it. A special
event called The Koti Golf Cup is hosted every year by the
descendants of the late Rana of Koti in the month of October /
November.
Tattapani:
Another 28 km from Naldhera is Tattapani, where the Satluj flows.
The sulphur springs found here are said to be invigorating. A
little way down the stream {one could try a hand at fishing}. From
this season onwards the management of Koti Resort is tying up with
a professional team to conduct River Rafting tours in the river.
Craignanoo:
Just a kilometer away from Koti Resort is the biggest fruit
Research centre of Northern India. Here there are breathtaking
gardens with a large variety of apple trees. Craignanoo was the
home of the Count of Craignanoo who lived in the Italian Alps
& found the scenery of Mashobra & Naldhera so alike his
country that he decided to make his home here.
Wild Flower Hall:
Originally built by Lord Kitchener the Commander – in – Chief
of the British Indian forces to rival the viceregal lodge of Lord
Curzon was burnt to ashes & has now been revived by the Oberoi
group as one of its prime properties. This also falls in the old
Koti state & is just 9 km from Craignanoo.
Kufri:
Once famous for its Ski slopes is 12km from the Resort. Kufri
which was once a quiet getaway now gets crowded with tourist
during the season and is losing the sheen it once had.
Chail: A little higher than Shimla & 43 km away, Chail
was created by the Late Maharaja of Patiala as an act of defiance
against the Britishers. A small town with a few shops, its a nice
drive for a days outing or picnic. It has the highest cricket
pitch in the world.
Other places of interest at a days driving distance are Narkanda
which is 65 km on the Hindustan Tibet road, set amidst apple
orchards. Further up, 140 km from Shimla is Rampur the erstwhile
capital of Raja of Bushair. Famous for its exquisitely designed
wooden palace, Rampur is also the place where the famous trade
fair of Lavi has been held since decades. It’s where Tibetans
would come from across the border & the Indian merchants from
the plains to sell their goods.
Sarahan 44km beyond Rampur is the abode of goddess
Bhimakali. The temple mixture Hindu & Buddhist architecture
also houses a small museum. Sarahan dates back to the puranic
times when Usha the daughter of Banasur fell in love with Anirudha
the grandson of Lord Krishna. The ancient temple of Usha at Nichar
a nearby place bears testimony to this legend. It was here that
Lord Krishna is said to have fought a battle with Banasur.
Sangla Valley one of the most
beautiful valleys of India just a half days drive from Sarahan is
Sangla on the bank of the river a trek to the Chitkul glacier is
an envigorating experience.
A kilometer or so above Sangla valley stands the fort of Kamru the
original seat of the Rajas of Bushair. Down this Shimla Leh road
which runs close to the Tibet border are many monasteries like
Taboo, Dhankar, Kye & also the highest inhabitated village of
Khibber. The second highest motor able pass in the world also is
on this route.
Koti Adventure, a sister concern of
Koti Resort, conducts Jeep safaris along this route. They have
also conducted horse safaris for big travel agencies of India like
Travel House.
|