Shimla- A Honeymooners Delight

Time files when you reach Shimla. A small city in the heart of Himachal, you would find so many things to explore here. The plan we chalked out was a simple one. The bus from Chandigarh seemed ideal, cheap and would make us reach pretty soon too. But the bus was getting unusually late and we were waiting for it to start for more than an hour now. We were almost taking a cab when a young couple asked us to share the expense with them. It seemed best then. He was just dropping his girlfriend home and we would get a ride for 500 bucks. Hitchhiking couldn't get more easier. We booked the Holiday Resort which had the best location so far. In fact we walked up to the Mall road, taking those uneven steps. The enormous elevator that took us to the Mall road was great too. But we preferred to walk here. If you just want to explore the town then you could actually walk and take in the sights, But if you are a serious tourist and want to make the most out of the place than hire a cab for an entire day. They will take you to all the view points and important places.

The View from Kufri Holiday Resort

The Mall Road

The shops have interesting things to sell and you could just window shop if you are not much into spending and lugging a heavy suitcase around. But you could discover some good woolen clothes to take back home. And fake branded shoes if you want to walk and tear it out in Shimla. I had the misfortune of carry only boots which became a pain in the end and ended up buying sneakers for 500 bucks again. It made my ride so smooth. So don't get too much into the style thing and carry sensible shoes in the end. And a good coat will ensure that you do look good in your pictures. There is also a theater that shows all the new movies, you could always get here if walking tires you out.

Food is good in most of the places here. After all its north India, they thrive on tourists here and you can get delicious delicacies- hot and fresh.



Indian Institute of Advanced Study

One of the photographs in IIAS

The summer houses at the time when British invaded India, this building has been converted into an institute for Phd studies. The beautiful architecture and the gallery that leave a mark of who has been living in this palatial house some ages ago. It has a positive vibe about it inside and the woodwork is so beautifully maintained that you would want to live here. If you are an aspiring student then maybe you could apply here. You could get in if you are really brilliant. The souvenir shop has some interesting books on the history of the place. Do pick it up.

Kufri

The perfect place to ride up on the mule and see a little snow. Although the summers are a little harsh here and the snow will be visibly invisible, you could just get a few pictures done by the local photographers and wear the traditional dress of Himachal. Get quirky with them and take some not so innocent pictures. You can even get a Yak ride and hold a python, if you are that brave. It's a busy place and the tourists really can crowd the place but don't be discouraged and do go on this ride.

The Ice-skating

You can hire the skates but the sizes are sadly unavailable. If you are an ice skate enthusiast then carry a pair from home. You will see children gliding on the snow, putting some adults to shame. But since you will be a beginner, no one will actually notice.

These are some of the place that I have been to and I really enjoyed the place despite the bad reviews I got from many. Yes, Shimla is crowded but you can never get enough of it.