Parwanoo: Along the National Highway No.22, as one cross the state border of Haryana into Himachal, there comes the town of Parwanoo. A couple of decades ago, this was a sleepy little village but today, it is a pulsating industrial town. Fruit based products, plastics, motor parts and watch components roll out of Parwanoo's factories. For a tourist, Parwanoo is a convenient base station to see and visit a number of nearby areas.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS:

Renuka (132-km): With a circumference of roughly 2.5-kms, this is the largest lake in Himachal. Fed by underground springs, it is shaped like the profile of a reclining woman and is regarded to be the embodiment of the Goddess Renuka.

Dagshai (28-km): A one time British cantonment, this small town is surrounded by pine trees and also has an old church.

Subathu (16-km): Still a cantonment, it has also got the remains of a Gurkha Fort.

Pinjore (10-km): Parwanoo is an excellent base to visit the famed Mughal style gardens at Pinjore.

Kasauli (37-km): A charming hill station with lots of 'old world' charm.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Air: The closest airport is at Chandigarh, 22-km away.

Rail: The nearest broad gauge railhead is at Kalka, only 4-km away.

Road: Regular buses and taxis are available from both Chandigarh and Kalka.

Mashobra (2149 m) : Noted for its apple orchards and thick woods of oak and pine, Mashobra is a sylvan retreat with pretty walks and picnic spots .A little track leads down to Sipur a grassy glade with a stream wandering through it . Excursions are possible to Shali Peak- the highest point in the area or to Cragnano (3 km) with its elegant guest house set in a delightful flower-filled garden. (9.6 Kms).

Barog : It is a bautiful place, just 37 km. from Kalka and 5 km. from Solan. It was an important stop on the railway line in the early part of the century. The hill train halted for an hour here, while the travelers indulged in a lavish lunch. Today, this little town with refreshing air and fine views, is a little holiday destination in itself. It is well surrounded by Pine forests.

Nalagarh : It is 45 km. from Pinjore in Haryana and the half-way point on the road to Swarghat. Nalagarh was the capital of princey with the same.

Kasauli : 77 km. from Kalka, at an altitude of 2,107 metres. Kasauli is a charming and quiet place for relaxation. It is a little town with dainty English Cottages set in gardens spilling with flowers, easy and beautiful paths and old fashioned shops. This town seems frozen in time. This pretty hill resort is a prefect picture of tranquil surroundings, soaked in the charm of chir pines, firs, rhododendrons, oaks and willows. It is a famous hill resort and attracts a lot of tourists. It is also called lesser Shimla.

Arki : It is the sub-division headquarter and is situated at 39 km. from Shimla and 7 km. from Shalaghat on Shimla-Bilaspur road. It was the capital of Parmar Dynasty in ancient time. The King's palace is an example of the ancient art. The peaceful surrounding and the beautiful King's palace makes this place worth a visit. Suitable for those looking to spend some offbeat time.

Chail : An ideal resort surrounded by scented Pine and Deodar forests. It was once the summer resort of the Maharaja of Patiala. It is located on a wooded spur and it overlooks the Satluj Valley. Shimla and Kasauli are also visible and at night the scene of twinkling lights of Shimla looks charming and seems like the part of the starlit sky.