Considered one of the more challenging courses in
the country, the nine-hole par-68 course has four new greens and a host of tree hazards in
the back nine. Today Himachal Tourism maintains the links and it is possible to pay green
fees for the day or take temporary, annual and life membership. The course is open through
the year; the monsoon months between July and September are particularly good for golfing
since the highly watered turf becomes springy and the yardage increases.
Naldehra got its name from the Nag temple (or
Dehra of the god Nag) which lies bang in the centre of the course. Besides the glorious
golfing, you can go for long walks through the woods and picnics in the valley. Drive off
to the thick forests of Mashobra (12 km) or the hot sulphur springs of Tatapani (30 km).
This is just the ideal mountain break to lift your spirits.
Getting there: Naldehra is 22 km
from Shimla and 392 km from Delhi. The simplest way to get here is to drive from Delhi, a
journey of 10 hours via Chandigarh (139 km from Naldehra). The nearest airport is at
Chandigarh, and the closest railhead is at Shimla - a narrow gauge rail. Buses, luxury
coaches and tourist taxis ply between Delhi and Shimla and from there you can take a
connecting bus or taxi to Naldehra.
Best time: Naldehra is a year
round holiday destination. The summers are pleasantly cool with temperatures ranging from
15°C to 28°C - you can get by with cotton clothes, light woollens and an extra layer for
the evenings. The winters are very cold and the temperatures drop to -4°C, with a high of
7°C. Heavy woollens and snow protection are needed in winter.
