Hills Queen is the perfect amalgamation of scenic beauty and architectural wonders. The buildings and lifestyle of people present reminiscent of the colonial era. Summer Capital of British Raj in India, Shimla is the perfect getaway for anyone from heat scorched states of Central and North India.
However, Shimla is crowded with tourists even in December and January to enjoy the mildly falling snow in winters and of course to visualize the Christmas and New Year celebrations infamous Christ Church and Ridge ground of Shimla.This year I was lucky enough that my cousin sister who is working in a bank in Shimla, invited me to spend Christmas holidays with her.
So I put on my boots and packed my warm furs. I started for Shimla on the morning of 24th from Chandigarh. I opted for road travel to enjoy the picturesque view all through the journey. My taxi driver told me there was more rush at this time due to the influx of tourists on Christmas. It took me about 4 hours to reach my cousins’ who lives in the main hustle of the city.
I could already see the ongoing Christmas preparations, the pine trees loaded with colorful lights, decorated shops and the tourists flooded in the narrow roads of Shimla. The Christ Church visible from most places in Shimla was beautifully decorated with lights. I got fresh at my cousin’s place nd then we left for a round in the evening.
Every traveler to Shimla would admit that its even more beautiful at night. The lights of the houses spread all over the seven hills of Shimla look like stars landed on the ground.We went to the Anglican Christ Church for Christmas eve’s prayer.The Church choir sang carols in Hindi and English with the organists. Despite of the rush, the visit was very peaceful and smooth.
Then we started on the famous Mall Road of Shimla. The air was chilly but the warmth of the spirit made a joyous atmosphere. People dressed as Santa could be seen distributing sweets and gifts. Late night DJ parties and exciting competitions were organized by hotels and resorts. The restaurants in Mall were serving delicious food. After the Mall road iteration, we left for my cousin’s Catholic friend who had organized a grand Christmas feast.
The family had beautifully decorated their house with colorful lights and red roses. Since it was my first Christmas feast with a Catholic family and I am a vegetarian, I had some doubts about the meal. But to my surprise, the feast had all traditional pahadi dishes with a grand Christmas cake. Wholemeal was cooked in the traditional pahadi chullas. It was a fantastic meal. Talking to them, we came to know how Shimla has not witnessed snowfall for Christmas from past few years. So I went to sleep on Christmas eve praying Santa for snowfall next morning.I woke up late next morning. Santa didn’t grant my wish. But still it was very beautiful morning.
I could already hear pipe organ being played in church. It was so peaceful. Even without snow, the serenity of this hill station won my heart. After straggling around for some more time, I had to return to Chandigarh by the same evening due to some urgent work.But this small break was perfect dose for my jaded daily routine and undoubtedly the best Christmas holiday.