Lesser Travelled Shimla

It was one fine morning in March that I and my partner decided to take a trip to Shimla through the hills. And there we were with tickets in our hands at the Bangalore Airport we were checking into our flight to Chandigarh. I have always had a special connection with hills somehow I find immense peace when I am closer to them. Kalka is about 28 km by road from Chandigarh Airport.For anyone willing to travel Kalka to Shimla I end up suggesting the narrow gauge Kalka to Shimla Toy Train.Its probably my love for the trains and not to mention that its the UNESCO World Heritage Site that gives the grand and picturesque view of the pine covered hill tops and its many many tunnels.

So we took the Kalka to Shimla Toy Train early morning with the dawn breaking into the turns and curves of the hills and we are blessed with mountain rains which makes the lush green, greener.

As we reached Shimla close to the noon we checked into a resort in Kufri which is about 14 km by Road. Kufri is bit colder and calmer as it doesn't have the mad rush of tourists the city of Shimla has. The day went clicking pictures of the local and resting in the resort.

Early morning the next day our trip started through the road less travelled,on our rented Thunderbird 350 and if you want to explore there's nothing like the bike unless you are the relaxed type you can always opt for the car but I would always suggest drive yourself if exploring is in your mind. We rode straight to Narkanda about 65 kms and as you reach there the Shivalik is at the straight view there's nothing more peaceful than what you see in front of you. The Frozen tops of the mountains look like those yummy ice cream cones. If you dare to ride up you would reach the Hatu Peak about 12000 Ft above sea level and it is the highest summit in Shimla region of the Himachal. There you would find the small wooden Hatu Temple dedicated to Hatu Mata , Mandodari the wife Ravana. The Hatu Temple is a marvelous structure of carved wood. The summit is a treat to your eyes with the Shivalik ranges covered with greens of the Fir and spruce with smidgen of Pine and Aspen. A day well spent we headed back to resort. Our next day was a ride to picturesque Chail and Sadhupul. The ride to Chail is itself so fulfilling through the forests of the hills that it makes it worth reaching your destination. Chail is a paradise if you want to hike through the forests, hike to the Kali Temple up to the top. The entrance of the Temple is just the gates to the heaven itself with the blue space and the beautiful clouds. On our way back we rode to Sadhupul a small village with a stream of hill river Ashwini flowing through it. Little shacks serving tea and snacks and you have your feet dipped in the stream is just another place not to be missed. A visit to the Chadwick falls and the tiny village of Huen will complete your trip of Shimla the Queen of Hills (lesser known as it is :-) )