Honeymoons are special. The nascent breeze of freshness cuddles several emotions. And the spirits soar while the temperature sips on Discovery. So guys, the news is that I tied the knot recently, and on my wife’s suggestion chose Shimla as the Place of togetherness away from the hussle- bussle of bristling relatives and overjoyed friends.
Now, let me tell you at the outset, that I am somebody who loves to internalise. And I don’t know If I can give you comprehensive dope on the place. But I shall try in my own way. In fact, my wife, a brilliant student of English Literature, feels that how do I manage to write such lovely poems when I lack the sense of adventure. I take it as a complement.
As many of you must be knowing, Toy Trains cover the distance between Kalka and Shimla. Really cute trains. On a track which was laid by the Britishers as Shimla used to be their summer capital. One of the popular Toy Train is Shivalik Express. Totally AC, neat music, good food and decent enough tea. The ticket costs Rs 280 per head.
Talking about the travelling aspect, then Shimla has an easy passage, and is very well connected. One can take Shatabdi Express, Kalka Mail and Pashchim Express to get here from Delhi. Raodways are a popular mode of transport as well. It takes less time as well. But chugging along on a dream-like track, crossing 108 tunnels and stop-overs at quaint stations is surely a Special Experience.
Another important aspect that you guys must be curious about is Accomodation. There’s no dearth of it. For tourism is the prime industry this capital of Himachal Pradesh thrives on. Though, we faced a slight tough situation and rectified it almost immediately as well.
I had booked an executive hotel suit in Hotel Wood Park from Mumbai through my Travel Agent. It was on the outskirts of the city in a place called Dhalli, 10 Kms away from Shimla.
A little bit of privacy and adventure is fine, but too much of it is certainly not advisable. The first day that we stayed over there, we realised, we couldn’t have stayed there for the entire trip.
We shifted to Hotel Crystal Plaza, just below the Mall, in the heart of the city. The costings were reasonable, though we realised that the rates hike up near the New Year’s eve. But the same day, we negotiated with the manager of another hotel, called Prashant, situated on the Mall. He agreed to settle for a much lower price once the city was bereft of the New Year’s excitement.
Now, his pricing coaxed us to negotiate with the staff of Crystal. We were in for a surprise as he dropped his price drastically. I shall recommend this hotel for its hospitality and professionalism. It is also having a very fine restaurant.
Talking about the city, then what I can tell you is that we roamed the Mall street every evening. Places to visit are the ’’Lakkar Bazaar’’, ’’The Ridge’’, ’’The Church’’, ’’Jakkoo Temple’’ and ’’The Academic Institute’’.
The only excursion that we went for was the one to Kufri, a place 16 kms away from Shimla. But situated on a high altitude. We captured a few vestiges of snow that we came across in the safe haven of our camera.
We had a pleasant stay. I am sure even you shall feel the same. But my advice to you is that plan your trip in such a way that if you are the adventurous sorts then stay in Shimla only for a couple of days and then move on. Kullu Manali, Dalhousie, Nahan may be a few other options you can rope in as well.
As for me, I am glad my wife’s faith in my poetic capabilities was reinstated again when I wrote a small poem. I shall share it with you guys. But, not before I wish you a very Happy New Year!
Shimla Morning
I hear a
Wilted Cry
From the
Valley of
Loneliness.
Togetherness
Ushers in a
New Morning.