Trip of Togetherness

                                          Trip of Togetherness 

It It has been almost a decade since I last visited Shimla for my M.Phil studies from H.P University @ Summer Hills. After 10 years, Shimla was entirely different when we talk in terms of weather. We headed for Chandigarh taking Duronto from Amritsar. Kids were over excited to meet queen of Hills for the very first time. We were also pleased for at least finding an escape from the scorching heat of Amritsar. It was all set & we were joined by another party from Phagwara. Here started the tummy full yummy meals leaks and it seemed as if we were owning the compartment. On reaching Chandigarh railway station, it was like a superlative degree when we talk in terms of cleanliness and I just wish that Plastic crushing machines may soon be installed in every hook corner of all cities. We took a tempo traveller to Kalka & reached hotel for only 3 hours sleep. In the wee hours we all got up to catch a TOY TRAIN to Shimla. 

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Toy Train was preferred so that kids could enjoy the thrill of 131 tunnels but on a sneakyloop, it meant to be such a long journey. Nevertheless, kids were enjoying & that's what matters the most.After 5 long hours, we finally stepped into the queen's abode.


But what surprised me was @ no longer chills & cosiness in the air as it used to be a decade ago when I was studying here. Sun was as if mocking on us. But we all hoped for a pleasant weather as you never know what way it turn around in an instant here in hills.

Our Chief of the group had prior bookings for Mint Resort, Chail. So we hired cabs and headed for our destination. As expected roads were flooded by tourists from plains. We all prayed for a cloudy weather until we reached Chail. It was a bit sunny there too. We all went to our rooms for a nap after a tiresome long journey. In the evening, it was totally a different weather outside. It was pouring & pouring. Cold chilly waves were welcoming us and there was much happiness on our faces. I truly felt jovial cos the real worth of carrying cardigans n jackets was gonna paid now. It was such a splendid scenery that rejoiced us all.

Seeing such a serenic atmosphere around, I was reminded of one of the beautiful poems written by Wordsworth: "Come forth into the light of things, Let Nature be your Teacher." This quote proved right as being there was like totally in the lap of nature. The smiling trees, the aroma of chilly waves, the calmness of Hills, the splendid scenery bumped our minds. Chail is indeed a must visit place, mark my words. The dome shaped built luxury rooms were an eyecatcher in the resort. For that you've to spend whole lot of bucks but as they say that "Shaunk da koi mull nahi".

And if punjabiz are there, with DJ services provided by Resort, every moment of your stay becomes memorable. Everyone shook their legs to dance on the tunes.

Early next morning we were all ready for departure from this mesmerising place. The Black Swaggers were eyepoppers all around.

Visiting Kaalighat Temple which is only a km away from Mint Resort was as enchanting as anything else could be. No words can describe its aura and beautification. It is situated on the top hill and give a glimpse of temples of Bollywood movies too(Even more than that). My words fall short in its appraisal.

The boys' enthralling poses made an impact on every onlooker there.


The place was like a replica of Paradise on Earth. Imagery around was breath taking as if blessed with a free ticket to Heavens being alive.



It was time to say Chail goodbye & being thankful all the same for giving a wonderful memorabilia to store in our hearts. Beauty of the place made me realised why CM of Punjab Capt. Amrinder Singh visits here in every summer break. We broke the jinx now.
Now was the time to spend rest of the time heading back to Hilly queen. The driver preferred less travelled road & on an isolated platform we stopped awhile to feel the calmness around.

Our stomachs were growling at this time & just a few kms as to reach Shimla, we preferred to have some snackytime @ Diamond restaurant. The food was so mouth watering that our appetite went green. Anyone who is searching for good food stuff in Shimla must visit here.

A bit of refurbishing and we were ready again to move to our way to Hotel @ Shimla. From the window of my room, one could get the whole scenario of Mall road and clocktower. From another room, there was glimpse of himachali wedding rituals going on. The people around were performing traditional himachali dance and we were trying to copy their synchronisation as if we were from the side of groom. (Lolz)

On next day, Denims, yellows & maroons were all set to visit Army Heritage Museum.

Army museum is a real worth of gallory and bravery. It had perfectly manicured lawns with gardens great for picture lovers. The best part was the museum, which housed many army medals, rich history, army uniforms, equipment, war fare guns and weapons. The glass house and golf court were amazing too.

Our next destination was All India Institute of Advanced Studies. But it was only a kind of visit and seeing huge rush, we preferred to remain outskirts for a few pictures.


From here our next and final destination was Ridge & The famous mall of Shimla. I was superexcited to visit this place cos as they say that old  memories  never fade away. Here we are!!!! Sun rays were glaring on us. We were startled to see such a huge rush on the Ridge.
Gandhi ji's statue was stooped a bit as if to say: You're here to breathe in fresh air, not to exhale your energy, dancing on all kinds of tunes under my nose.
Clock Tower was not keeping correct time, signing out or probably indicating that the right time of queen is getting over. We could not feel that cool breeze blowing that used to awake and freshen our minds. Since it was the first time for kids to visit there, they enjoyed Horse riding, skating & jeep riding.

We tried our level best to get clicked without the crowd being at the backstage, but could not get through it.

Shopping @ Mall road is what you look for next. Except Kullu shawls and some wooden products, each and everything is available in Amritsar. Even then that instinct to shop compels human nature to buy things just 4 memorabilia.

After spending a long, tiresome & ironically a sunny day in Shimla, we went back to our Hotel. And here while having dinner, we were in full swings to cheer for India by screaming, shouting & yelling for India's victory over Afghanistan. We were holding our nerves tight for such a close match. And on Shami's hat trick, our group shouted like we were the Apple of all eyes for onlookers. (Grrrr)

After India's victory we ate plentiful cos eating upto brim was never a worry as we were accompanied by two doctors from the family.

We all went back to our rooms to pack our bags for early morning departure. As we reached the station, coolies approached us to carry our luggage. But these sliding bags and suitcases with a raised platform have truly cut short the daily wages of these poor fellows whose only income of Living is in danger zone now.


Toy Train was on time. We packed our stuff with a lot of Eatables as we knew a long n tiresome journey was awaiting us.
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The hills were giving weary look saying,"Its good to be here in Chills only" and we were so tired looking at trees & it seems perhaps they were also giving us a tough look saying that "Queen needs some rest and please don't give frequent visits if you want her best"

It took almost 6 hours to reach Kalka carried over by stoppage at each platform, fight among kids, their screaming annoying the other passengers & what not.Finally, on reaching plains, it seemed like scorching heat was giving us a warm welcome too. Then started meeting and departing. The whole trip of Togetherness was leaving a message behind that exploring different locations is although always enchanting but that TOGETHERNESS brings the whole lot of best in you cos when you travel together, you have world of memories to gather.





















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