Everybody considers Shimla to be a "tame" (and crowded) hill station, with not much to offer to the nature lover. However, a place called Kufri, close to Shimla is at an altitude of 2,510 m has many Himalayan flowers to offer. We found flowers like the Himalayan Columbine (Aquilegia pubiflora) and Nepal Cinquefoil (Potentilla nepalensis) there.

Have heard of some trekking areas near that too. Any information on that will be welcome.

even i will have a look at them ..... sounds interesting

Don't be fooled by Shimla's crowded town, as Tabish correctly observed, the surroundings of Shimla are a treasure trove of wild flowers. Adjacent to Kufri lies the Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary, a forest protected since the past 125 years and rich in various wildflower species. Not only do you find Potentillas and Columbines here, but also the Cranesbill, Roscoe, Knotweed, Lilly of the Valley, Sweet Snow, various Cobra Lillies, Anemones, Nepeta, Primula, Bergenia, Buttercup..the list goes on. A permit is required to visit this sanctuary from the Shimla MC Forest Division and is not too hard to get. Another trek that offers a smiliar variety of species is the Shalli Tibba Trek. Shali is the highest hill around Shimla and has a Kali temple perched on the top. It is a 3 hour climb from the nearest road head (a 90 minute drive from Shimla) and the peak is at 3100 mts..check it out on your next trip here

Manoj, welcome to the forum, and thanks for letting us know about the treasure trove that Himachal is. We will definitely plan a trip there in the future.

i have been to shimla in the past....... what a pity...what a pity i did not get to see these flowers....... i would go crazy i guess and start day dreaming............ thats what happens to me...