Embarking on a Journey of Shimla: The Queen of Hills- A Journey Through Timeless Beauty
Nestled in the bosom of the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh’s capital, Shimla, is a quaint hill station attracting tourists for years. Who would not want to be called the “Queen of Hills?” The haven also caters to nature lovers, historians, and adventure seekers. Be it a quiet retreat in the pines or an adventure experience into the hills, you can find your something here.
I recently visited Shimla, and what I experienced during my stay in the hill station was an enchanting mixture of landscape splendor, a thrown back colonial time, and the magic silences of nature-a sorely needed refuge from the after-the-hornet-life bustle of the city. It is going to be an itinerary of where I shall take you through those beautiful landscapes: busy bazaars and clamor, full of the past of Shimla tourism.
Arrival: A Gateway Into the Hills
The journey to Shimla starts with the preparations to go. As my train huffed and puffed between Kalka and Shimla, the stunning sight for which I had long waited unfolded before my eyes. The UNESCO World Heritage toy train chugs its way through hills and offers splendid glimpses of valleys, woods, and waterfalls. With the gentle bobbing of the train, and the rolling landscape of green hills and fog-wrapped mountains, the journey to Shimla was as thrilling as the destination itself.
When I stepped into Shimla, I breathed the mountain air that immediately hit with its freshness, and the colonial houses of the town welcomed me in that initial moment with a hint of a forgotten past. Immediately, the city with its old houses, narrow streets, and scenic location seemed an immediate flashback to the past.
Mall Road: The Heartbeat of Shimla
No Shimla trip is complete without a work out on Mall Road-the Main Road leading to town. Mall Road is the throbbing heartbeat and energy of Shimla. Old colonial buildings, vintage shops, trendy cafes, and bustling markets surround it and make it the perfect street to absorb local culture, sample some local cuisine, and get a few souvenirs.
As I walked along Mall Road, what lured me to it were the variety of handicrafts offered in the wee markets. Bring wooden toys, in-ornate jewelry, and handlooms. To walk on such cobbled ways, inhale the clear air, and watch the world go by is something very magical.
For the gourmands, the Mall Road of Shimla has around a dozen cafes and restaurants indulging all tastes, from Hamachi to continental. I relished a delectable portion of Chana Madre (that is Himachalane chickpea curry), and as an after-course, Shimla tourism I savored a piping hot glass of Kull’s apple cider: a refreshing drink made from the famous apples grown in this region.
The Ridge: Place to Breathe and Contemplate
An easy walk from Mall Road brings the visitor to The Ridge-an open area boasting a breathtaking view of Shimla and the surrounding mountains. Most major events and cultural functions of the town’s year will be conducted here.
