Himalayan Holiday. Review on Shimla

E decided to beat the Mumbai heat and head for the mountains. Having been around all the hill stations around Mumbai, we planned to head northwards keeping Shimla, Manali, Kullu in mind. I had information that these places are fairly crowded, but took a chance so that we can see them before they cease to be hill stations.

I normally prefer driving on my own comfortable Baleno car during my holidays, but then I decided against it as I was not entirely familiar with the terrain and did not want to be stuck with a flat tyre or breakdown somewhere in the Himalayas with my family.

We flew down to Delhi by Indigo Air as the tariff was very competitive, we had arranged for a car from Delhi for the entire tour. From Delhi we headed towards Chandigarh, which is about 6 hours ( 240 kms) away. Stopped by for lunch at Suhkdev Dhabha on the Delhi Chandigarh highway, about 2 hrs drive from Delhi. The place is pretty neat with decently maintained toilets. The food is pertty good and served fresh.

Stayed overnight at Hotel Sunpark on the Chandigarh- Shimla Highway. The A/C rooms are good and they serve decent food. I was told theat hotels within Chandigarh are petty expensive and best avoided for enroute stops.

In the morning we did local sightseeing in Chandigarh which included the Rock Garden, Lake and the Rose Garden. Around 10.30 am we headed to Manali which is a 11- 12 hrs drive from Chandigarh. Actually the distance is about 340 kms but since the drive is thru hilly terrain it takes much time. We did make it a point to take breaks enroute for tea and lunch at a local dhabha, whose name I do not recollect. We visted Kullu on the way which is 40 kms short of Manali. Kullu has some wonderful water rafting options but since the water flow was not too much we avoided it. Kullu has some wonderful shawl factories where purchases can be made at resonable costs.The drive between Kullu and Manali is beautiful with Beas river flowing all the way.

We reached Manali at 9.30 p.m and stayed at Nishita Resort , which is 3 kms from the main town. We chose this place because of its views and the fact that it was a little away from the main town which is crowded. The food here is fabulous and rates very reasonable. This place has a lot of opportunities to go for morning walks without traffic on the route.

One can take a walk to town in the mornings it you want to do local shopping. The places to visit are Tibetian Monastry at the marketplace, Hidimba Temple, which is an ancient temple, admist giant deodhar trees, Manu temple and Vashist Temple ( it has hot water springs).

Rohtang Pass is about 50 kms approx from Manali, where one can experience the snow, nice place to go to till 15th June after which the snow cover receedes considerably and whatver snow remains is patchy. Rohtang is a 4 hr drive from Manali. One can pick up snow garments, gloves & shoes on rent on the way to Rohtang. Rohtang is a memeorable place to visit when it has snow cover. One should start early say 5 am and come back by 2 pm. If you stay on at Rohtang after 4 pm you will caught in a massive traffic jam on the way back. It is better to take rest for the remaining part of the day after visiting Rohtang.

We stayed for 4 days at Manali and the experience was pretty good.

The drive from Manali to Shimla is about 10 hours as the hilly roads are difficult to navigate.

On the way we did visit Manikaran , which has a Gurudhwara. along with some hot water springs , the route is about 75 kms offset ( back & forth incl ) from the main Manali - Shimla route but worth it . If you are a non sikh please carry along some handkerchief / dupatta( for ladies) as head gear for the for the visit to the Gurudhwara

Start at around 7 am and your are sure to reach Shimla around 6.30 pm. We stayed at Hotel Sukh Sagar which is about 3 kms from the Mall. We chose this place as it was away from the maddening crowd and the rooms had a beautiful view. The food served is also reasonably good. There is a 15 minute short cut walk from the from the hotel to the Mall.

It rains occasionally in Summers at Shimla and it helps if you carry an umbrella along.

We stayed at Shimla for two days. Local sightseeing included a visit to the Mall, Jakku Temple ( careful about monkeys) and Kufri ( Shimla's highest point) about 16 kms from Shimla. While at Kufri make it a point to visit the Nature Park and Chini Garden which is walking distance from the car park.

Overall Shimla is a nice place to stay if you want to chill out.

Avoid taking your vehicle to Shimla / Manali market place if you do not have a driver as there there is actute shortage of parking space.

We travelled to Ambala from Shimla, which is a 7 hour approx hour drive from Shimla. On the way we visited Timbertrail at Purwanoo, which has a cable car ride to the top of a hill has a resturant and fun ride centre with a lot of games.

On the way to Ambala do make it a point to visit Pinjoor garders (of Moughal Raj fame). The 7 level terrace gardens are really good, without the usual clutter !!

From Ambala we returned to Mumbai by train on holiday special. Thse holiday specials have the least priority and are usaully late. So plans to chill out on the way back with snack etc..... The route reminds you of th movie JAB WE MET with Ratlam Station on the route. Pick up some Ramlami Sev @ Ralam Station which is good.

If you have any plans to visit this part of the country do it now.... as time is running out. Trees are being cut big time and 90% of Himalayas denuded. ( actually !!)

Two to three years from now it will be too commercial to visit as a hill station. Too late, friends to chill out .......... ( sigh )