Narkanda is a small township which is also the nagar panchayat in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Located at an altitude of 2708 meters, this place is 65 km from Shimla which shares a panoramic view of the Shivalik ranges at the background. Narkanda is mainly known as a sight for skiing which attracts the tourists from all over the world in the winter season. This connects Shimla with Rampur while a faction goes to Thanedar which is a popular belt for apple orchards. With some vibrant scenic beauties that surround the area, this place is considered as one of the most exciting and picturesque sites in India.
Geography of Narkanda
Narkanda is located between 31 degree and 16 minutes North and 77 degree and 27 minutes East with an average elevation of 2621 meters. It is surrounded with a number of mountain peaks among which the prominent one is Hatu peak which is 11,155 feet high located at a distance of 8 km from Narkanda.
Demography of Narkanda
Narkanda includes a population of 2712 as per the census of 2011. While the male population includes 62% of the population, the female population ranges up to 38% among the total population. Overall the area has 80% of literacy level with 85% male literacy and 72% of female literacy.
Economy in Narkanda
The place is popular for apple orchards which are located at Kotgarh which is 16 km from Shimla. Presently this place has been enlisted as one of the richest orchards of apple farming. Today it counts for the biggest source of economy for the state of Himachal Pradesh. Currently some people are also shifting to cherry cultivation.
Flora in Narkanda
The forest area of Narkanda is highly dominated by different kinds of species of plants among which the most common are Maple, Oak, Populus, Holly, Aesculus, Corylus, Hazelnut and Conifer. All these species are native plants of this area. Among the above ones, Conifer has different types of species of it growing in this region. The names of the different kinds of species of Conifer are Abies pindrow, Cedrus deodara, Cryptomeria japonica, Picea smithiana, Pinus Wallichiana, Taxus contorta etc. Apart from these, Berberis aristata, a kind of shrub species, and some flower plants are also growing in the forest area, which are often cleared for apple orchards.
Visiting Information to Narkanda
Narkanda can easily be reached from Shimla railway station. The place is also well connected to all major cities by regular bus routes. By flights, one can reach there from Bhuntar Airport in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.
