Kalyani Helipad, Chharabra.

Kalyani Helipad, Chharabra,

India (+91)
Himachal Pradesh,
Shimla (171001),
Kufri (171012)

Distance & Time :-

Distance from Shimla Railway Station - 13(km) & (35min).

Distancefrom Shimla Airport - (33km) & (1:07hour).

Distancefrom Shimla Interstate Bus Terminal - (11km) & (30min).

Distance from Dhalli - (4.2 km) & (15min).

Distance from Kufri - (3 km) & (5min).

Introduction :-

Kalyani Helipad: There are views of the Himalayas, Shimla and the valley below from this point.

Chharabra, a small village situated approximately 8250 feet (2514 m) above sea level, 13 km from Shimla, India, on National Highway 22 (Hindustan-Tibet Road),, a five star luxury hotel, a boarding school, and a helipad even though the population would be less than 500 people (including students of boarding school, staff of the President's Retreat and Governor's house and the hotel). The village is surrounded by evergreen pine forests, and has views of the Himalayas.

Kalyani Helipad is a high security fully metalized helipad which caters to the VVIPs. But when the said VVIPs are not present, it becomes the regular haunt for local couples and tourists, who come here for the spectacular views. Enjoy a bird's eye view of the snow-capped Himalayas from this point while you soak in all the natural beauty that is spread across you!

The Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas at more than 19,000 feet (5,800 m) high, Deo Tibba at 19,687 feet (6,001 m), Chota Shali and Shali peaks, Bandar Poonch peak, Rakt Dhar at 20,100 feet (6,100 m), and Badrinath at 23,190 feet (7,070 m) are all visible from here. Even though Chharabra is a separate village, it is officially considered part of Mashobra, which is a suburb of Shimla.

About :-

Chharabra is situated on top of mountains which are a major watershed. One side of Chharabra is part of the catchment area for the Yamuna river while the other side is part of the catchment area for the Satluj river. The entire area around Chharabra is densely forested and is part of Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary and Catchment Area.

Chharabra is part of Shimla Reserve Forest sanctuary and catchment area. The natural vegetation comprises pine, oak, cedar or Himalayan deodar, and rhododendron, as well as maple and horse chestnut. The wildlife consists of jackals, kakkar (barking deer), and the occasional leopard, as well as numerous bird species such as the Himalayan eagle, pheasants, chikor and partridges. During monsoons, many wild flower species, wild strawberries and other berries can be found in forest.^[^{citation needed}^] Chharabra has good climate for apple cultivation and there are few apple orchards here. Cobra Plant is found in plentiful during monsoons. The Britishers introduced several trees and flowering plants notably Weeping Willows, Silver Oak, Chest Nut, etc. from other parts of the world that can be seen at Chharabra. The Retreat, Hem Kunj, Dukani, Kalyani House and Wild Flower Hall had weeping willows on their grounds.

Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary and Catchment Area is situated adjacent to National Highway 22. It starts right after Dhalli and extends beyond Kufri. The area under this sanctuary is 951ha. The altitude ranges from 1,900 m to 2,620 m. The sanctuary is connected by a forest corridor to Chail Sanctuary in the south. This catchment which is the main water supply for Simla. Nine perennial streams flow from this area, the main ones being Churat Nala and God Ki Nala. The sanctuary is closed to visitors. There is one rest house inside, and three outside the sanctuary.

Trekking around Chharabra :-

A route leads from Chharabra to Kufri. This route starts from Hotel Wild Flower Hall and this route leads through thick forests to Kufri Cantonment.

Second route is from Chharabra to Mashobrathrough apple orchards and pine forests. This is a very scenic route and one can have great view of Himalayas throughout the route. A metalled road leads to Presidential Retreat. Near the gate of Himalayan International School, a trail on right leads to Mashobra. Another route is to continue to the Presidential Retreat and a route leads to Mashobra from there.

Thirds route leads from Chharabra to Dhalli. After reaching Himalayan International School, take the route to the left. This route leads through thick pine forests to Dhalli. There is a school for physically handicapped children on the way. This school is run by Government of Himachal Pradesh. A diversion from this route leads to Kalyani Helipad.

History:-

This was originally the site of a two storied residential house called Dukani. Dukani was famous for its picnic grounds and terraced flower garden. The Striats Time reports of can competition called "Scents of Dukani" held here where the people were asked identify the smell of various flowers grown in the garden of Dukani.It was built by Lt. Col. Thomas David Colyear (died 8 August 1875) of 7th Bengal Cavalry. Amongst its famous occupants were Sir John Woodburn, Lt. Governor of Bengal Sir George Robertsoe, Lt. Governor of Bengal Sir George Charles River, etc. Other owners of Dukani included H.B.Goad and Maharaja of Alwar.^[This building was also owned by the late Sir Edward Buck, the author of "Simla, Past and Present".The house was surrounded by an apple orchard. After independence the property was taken over by the Government of India. The building was used by the State Horticulture Department until 1986 when it was razed to make way for the helipad.