From Delhi
The
rolling greens of Naldehra in Himachal Pradesh are par for the oldest golf course in
India. This is an unusual course, perched at a height of 2044 metres, strewn with
boulders, trees and little hillocks. Tall deodars flank the links making Naldehra a
wonderful sports venue in the midst of natural beauty.
At the
turn of the century, Naldehra was “discovered” by the British Viceroy, Lord
Curzon who was fascinated by the deodar forests and green-carpeted slopes. Curzon spent
many a happy hour romancing Naldehra’s cedar woods, communicating all the while with
the British summer capital at Shimla, 23 km away. The idea of laying a golf course on the
slopes of an enormous glade took root. The natural topography of the area was just right
for a nine-hole golf course, surrounded by deodar woods and a view of the mountains.
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. |
