HILLQUEEN SHIMLA :
For a change , I visited Shimla lastweek (21-27 SEPT’07 ). It was my fourth visit to Shimla in the last 5 years.There is not much change out there. It’s the beginning of winter there now. Mornings and evenings are cooler. But one change that I made this time was the travel by train from Shimla to Kalka while returning to Delhi . It was a very picturesque travel with mountains, tunnels, trees and natural sorroundings on the way. I started from Shimla in the Deluxe Express at 5:40pm to reach Kalka at 10:25pm.The train provided tea and snacks at the start of the journey. Later, at around 8pm it provided dinner (Chicken for me).The ticket was reasonably priced (Rs.280).The train with five bogies had around 70 passengers in all. Each compartment had 18 seats with deluxe push back chairs.It had decent passengers mostly honeymooners or young couples / lovers without kids.The travel this time was quite memorable.
If you are a member of Youth Hostel Association of India , you can stay in Satkar Hotel at Lakkad Bazaar near the Mall. It is opposite the Medical College there. Nearby Dhabas provide quite delicious food at reasonable rates. Although the local travel agents charge more for local travels , you can always bargain to see places of your interests. The places to see there are mainly Kufri, Green Valley, Sankat moc-han Temple and Taptapani. The night view by train or bus from Shimla to Kalka is colourful especially around Solan with its lights that looks like a Diwali festival there.
i too have visited simla many times in my childhood…thanx for reminding
Alok, I have visited Shimla too - in 2005. It was the month of April. Lovely.
You remind me of a very pleasant experience.
nice experience.
Alok, I haave been to Shimla one and I really loved this place. I went from Kalka to Shimla by train. I am a member of Youth Hostel Association of India. The next time I make a visit there, I will stay at Hotel Satkar.
i myself imagine the experience
nice … i never visited any north indian places ….through ur discription i can get the view of shimla ….so definetly like to hav a visit very soon..
I remembered my trip on the train
WAADIYAAN MERA DAAMAN
Beautiful.
Beautiful description. It is typical of all north Indian hill stations. I saw the same view at when I was travelling from Darjeeling to Siliguri. The whole place looked as if the stars had come down on earth.
sweet place