Narkanda Cherry and Plum Orchards Shimla Hills

Narkanda area at 2700 metres in Shimla district is famous for producing sweet cherries and European plums of exceptional quality. The high elevation ensures cold winters meeting the chilling requirement for fruit bud break while cool summers prevent heat stress during development. Cherries (Santa Rosa and Bing varieties) ripen in June attracting urban visitors for cherry picking experiences. Traditional preservation methods including sun-drying plums into alu-bukhara and making cherry squash and plum pickle extend the season's value. Farmers practice mixed orcharding combining cherries, plums, apples, and apricots spreading harvest and income across the season. The scenic orchards with snow peaks as backdrop have become agro-tourism destinations supporting homestay accommodation.