Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Shimla Trip

26-5-2019


Me Wife Son … Bangalore to Dehradun by air

On completion of formalities at the Counters, headed  straight to Lounge.  A best  place for a connoisseur of food.  The beauty is just for a meagre two rupees, you can have unlimited varieties.  But to the holders of certain Credit Cards only.  May be a business tie-up.  As usual my favs are hot crispy Vada Idli Pongal Dosa.

After 200 minutes from the take-off at Bangalore, landed smoothly at Dehradun.  

Hired a cab and heading to Haridwar.  Due to heavy inflow of tourists, traffic jams and snail movements.  Took almost six hours to reach Nagar Ji home.

Lounge at Kempegowda and my wife’s arrival at Jolly Grant Airport are depicted here.

27-5-2019 to 31-5-2019 


Heenu Wedding.  A separate Post on this.


1-6-2019


Me Wife Son Daughter-in-law Dinla Parents  …. Haridwar to Shimla

Took an Intercity Express at Haridwar to Ambala.  From Ambala to Shimla by road.

On a roadside Dabba near Panchkula, had food.   

Super road from Ambala to Panchkula.  Smooth ride.  Then upto Kalka, good road.  Then started the mountain climbing part till Shimla.  The cabbie doesn’t seems to be familiar with the route and besides a ‘fast and furious’ driver.  We held our lives in our hands till we safely reached the hotel at Shimla.  There were a lot of stomach to mouth situations.  A life thrilling journey.

Stayed at Southgate Hotel.  A decent 3-Star one.  Booked two suites.  As reached in the wee hours, and the hectic & tedious journey gave us a sound sleep till 9 in the morning.  Then complimentary breakfast.  The beauty is crispy Vada and tasty Masala Dosa are served.  Then took rest till 5 pm.  Meantime had lunch too.  

The hotel complex and our resting moments are pictured here.

Evening had been to The Ridge and Mall Road.

The Ridge is a wide open street located in the heart of the 'British Summer Capital'.  It has everything, from shops selling some exclusive artefacts to the spectacular view of the snow-capped mountain ranges set against an orangish hued sky. It is famous for shopping.  And it is the most recognised face of Shimla and in fact the most photographed part of the hill station covered with pine, firs, Himalayan Oak and Rhododendron trees.

Depiction are our moments in The Ridge and Mall Road.

2-6-2019

Green Valley


At the 26th KM on the way to Kufri from Shimla, there is a small area on road where we have to stop and view the Valley. The Green Valley is a beautiful and breathtaking mountain range that falls.  This spectacular valley is surrounded by verdant hills on all sides that are covered with thick forests of pine and deodar. The wonderful sightseeing is Yaks wandering and grazing around in the valley.  This lush green environs oozes beauty, magnificence and splendour.  It is one of the most beautiful natural picturesque dales in India.  The backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges and the verdant hills with the lush green forests make for one of the most beautiful snapshots. 


The mesmerizing sights of the nature, the criss-crossed snow mountains which has been blanketed under the carpet of green becomes one of the most beautiful memories of a lifetime.

Been to the Himalayan Wildlife Zoo which is located on a small hill in Kufri, near Shimla.  It showcases the biodiversity of Kufri.  The zoo covers thousands of square feet of area and is surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty.  Well-designed pathways and protection for animals and tourists make this place an ideal place to visit with family. 

3-6-2019

Jakhu Temple

Set amidst the lush green background of the Shivalik hill ranges on Jakhu Hill, the highest peak in Shimla (2.5KM from the ground level of the Ridge and at a height of 8054 feet above sea level), the Jakhu Temple is an ancient site shrouded in legends and offers a mystical vibe to visitors. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and it has the world's largest statue, a giant 108-feet high, which is visible from most parts of Shimla.  The amazing setting of the Temple in the thick of beautiful Deodar trees is complemented with an abundant monkey population in and around the Hill area.  This is attracting tourists and visitors of all ages and religions.  The temple is accessible by foot, horse and ropeway.  We availed ropeway.


The Epic Ramayan says “Hanuman stopped at this location to rest while searching for the Sanjivni Leaves  to revive Lakshman.”


Christ Church

The Christ Church in Shimla, built in the neo-Gothic-style in 1857,  is the second oldest church in entire northern India and is a site of pure devotion as well as architectural beauty.  The unique and exciting is that makes it the favourite destination of people of all age groups.  At night, the church literally glows when it is lighted up, while in winters, it dons the look of a magnificent castle.  The church contains five fine stained glass windows.  One represents the Christian virtues of Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience, and Humility.  The yellow building and its silhouette is visible from far across in Shimla and is always full of architecture lovers, and devotees.  There are a great collection of books and ancient scriptures.



To avoid the cab, took HSRTC bus from Shimla to Haridwar via Chandigarh, Ambala and Dehradun.  Almost 13 hours.  Reached 4th morning.  The bus’s stop over at Chandigarh Bus Station is depicted here.

4-6-2019


Spent time with all the relatives from Mrs & Mr Nagar Ji.  Had a very nice time, and of course delicious food.


5-6-2019


Me Wife two Sons & Daughters-in-law and Dinla Parents.  Haridwar to Dehradun Airport by cab.  Then to Bangalore by air.


First time in my air travel life, had a bitter experience today.  On sitting in the aircraft, air conditioning was not working and it went off for an hour but couldn’t restore it and we were sitting inside boiling as in furnace.  Then took us in bus to aerodrome but didn’t let us get out.  We were inside bus for 40 minutes.  Then an aircraft from Delhi came and we shifted to in it.  Because of two hour delay, couldn’t get landing slot in Bangalore and it was circling airport four times.  Added to it, lightning thunder raining.  Then at last we landed.


Back home, Sweet home.

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