Shimla: The Romantic Hill Station of India where Nature Bloom at its Best

As the summer temperature of Delhi making new records everyday I with my two friends went to Shimla last  weekend to beat the scorching heat of Delhi. This is among most popular and conveniently located hill stations near to Delhi which is visited by scores of national as well as international tourists round the year. This land of enchanted beauty can be reached via rail, road or air but for us the overnight bus journey is the most convenient and reasonable one. On Friday night we boarded a luxury Volvo Bus and reached Shimla next morning.

Shimla - A Popular Hill Station of India

The cool and pleasant climate welcomes us the moment we reached this Capital City of Himachal Pradesh. When we step out from the bus we saw a hotel representative waiting for us with a placard of our name. He took us to Bridge View Hotel located at the Mall road. After check in we relaxed and refreshed for an hour before we embarked our Shimla exploration.

Shimla is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ which is situated in the north-west Himalayan region. It is the place which has been blessed with all the natural bounties that satisfies the temperament of every tourist. This place is located at an altitude of 2,128 meters above sea level and known for its magnificent hill slopes, green pastures, snow-capped peaks and Victorian architectural buildings.

As we stepped out of our hotel we were on a Mall Road which is the heart of the city and encompassed by several departmental stores, shops, showrooms and restaurants. This is also called lifeline of Shimla bustling with social life which fascinates most of visitors during their tour to this place. Fairly level meandering esplanade that runs along this place mesmerized us most during visit to this place. Apart from this the jovial crowd, youthful environ and scenic beauty around the road kept us busy till afternoon. After enjoying the scenic beauty of Mall we headed towards the Jakhu Temple.

This temple is situated on Jakhu Hill which is Shimla’s highest peak at a height of 2,455 meters above sea level. The temple is dedicated to lord Hanuman which is believed to be in existence from the time of Ramayana. Though the Jakhu temple is famous for its religious significance but scores of tourists visit this place because of 2 km trek through dense pine forests. The trek was very tiring but we enjoyed it as we get excellent views of the ethereal Himalayan Mountains and the town below the valley. We stayed at this place till evening so that we can enjoy the panoramic sunset.

While returning to hotel from this place we took delectable food in our dinner at road side restaurant. The taste was so good that it still lingering on my taste buds. The whole day Shimla excursion was good but exhaustive which made us tired.

Next morning when we wake up we saw heavy rain outside which disappointed us because we cant go out. But after an hour the rain stops and atmosphere became cloudy. The beauty of cloud over the hill slopes enthralled us most and soon whole Shimla was covered with cloud blanket. Without giving any second thought we rushed out from hotel to feel and touch the cloud. It is for the first time in my life when I was surrounded by clouds. We enjoyed the nature’s panorama at our best for 2 hours and after that the cloudy blanket disappeared and we return to our hotel for check out.

The Best Way to Reach Shimla

Shimla Tour

There are many things in our life which are destined and no one knows when and how it will get fulfilled. Same thing happened with me when I went to my friend’s engagement in Shimla. When his persuasion failed to convince me, he bribed me with a travel opportunity in Toy train from Kalka to Shimla. Since my childhood it was my dream to experience this riveting journey. Though I got several opportunities but somehow I missed all, why and how I don’t known. It was not destined that may be one of the reasons.

For me it’s not a bribe but he targeted on my Achilles’ heel and soon I headed for Delhi from Pune via flight. From here I boarded Howrah Delhi Kalka Mail and reached Kalka at around 5:00 in the morning. Kalka located on the foothills of Himalayas is an entry point to Himachal Pradesh. From here my long cherished journey started in a cozy seat of the Shivalik Deluxe Express. With smile on my face and joy in my heart I stepped inside the train.

It is a luxury train running between Kalka and Shimla. This train has only one stoppage at Barog that is why it is also called as ‘narrow gauge Shatabdi’. The train can accommodate 120 passengers at a time. There is a special tourist coach called 'Shivalik Palace’ attached to this train which is meant for elite tourists. Apart from this the Shivalik Express has individual posh cabins which are private compartments for couples or lovers. Some of the other distinctive features that impressed me most on board were the wall to wall carpet decorations, wide glass windows, reversible cushioned chairs, music system and microphone with an alarm bell for emergency communication. 

The slow and steady moving of the train over serpentine tracks, passing by charming hills, tunnels and bridges mesmerized me completely. The journey through green valleys, high mountains and steep slopes had left the impression of ecstasy and joy which will remain in my memory forever. Covering 96 km, the train passes through 919 curves, 20 railway stations, 103 tunnels and 969 bridges. 

The most fascinated duration of this expedition was when the train passed the longest tunnel at Barog. This tunnel is 1143.61-metre-long and the train passes through fissured sandstone. The train echo and darkness outside perplexed me and I got sacred for sometime. As soon as the train comes out of the tunnel, the spread over beauty of lush green natural ambiance is like a welcome sign of this bewitching land.

After 4:45 hours of this appealing journey the train reaches the beautiful hill station Shimla, where I saw my friends waiting for me. The moment I got down from the train two of my old friends hugged me and we all headed towards our friend’s house. 

It was really a memorable journey for me because not only it fulfilled my most cherished desire but also given me a chance to meet some of my old friends. After enjoying the company of natural vistas I spent quality time with my friends for two days which provided me a chance to enjoy everything at its best.