Travel Experiences of YASH PAREKH: Shimla – Naldhera – Kandaghat
One of the oldest civilisations in the world, India is a mosaic of multicultural experiences. With a rich heritage and myriad attractions, the country is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From the largest statue to the most sacred river in the world India comprises one of the oldest and unique culture. Then why do we Indians prefer travelling outside India?
“A good traveler has no fixed plans” and we were no exception to this. Deciding everything a week prior we were all geared up for the trip to Shimla, Naldehra and Kandaghat.
Himachal Pradesh is no less than a paradise – an ideal mixture of tradition, luxuries, architecture, history and irregular and beautiful landscape. Shimla is the largest and the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. The colonial architecture and churches, the temples and the natural environment of the city attracts tourists.
Mode of transport taken by us– Mumbai to Chandigarh flight (2.5 hours), internal travel by taxi or local bus.
Other Available mode of transport – Mumbai to Chandigarh train, and then take a narrow gauge Kalka mail from Kalka to Shimla (96 kms) or Mumbai – Chandigarh – Shimla flight ( this would be a bit expensive)
Naldhera
While waiting for the taxi outside the Chandigarh airport we could feel the cool breeze touching us. Temperature being around 9 degree Celsius we were forced to cover ourselves with layers of woollen jackets. On the way to Naldehra I recollected how dicey we were whether to go ahead with this trip or not because of the pandemic covid-19 virus spreading across the globe. Naldehra is nestled between the beautiful lofty ranges of Himalayas. It is no less than a picture perfect destination.
We were supposed to stay at Naldehra for five nights and three nights at Kandaghat both being a Club Mahindra property. The Pristine Peak of Club Mahindra had the best view in Naldehra. Naldehra was around 22kms far from one of the best hillstation of India – Shimla. On our special request we got the best room available through which we could have a glimpse of the beautiful Himalayan glaciers and the broad and thinly wooded valley of Shimla. Our hotel was 159 kms far from the busy Chandigarh city including an 80 km long steep roadway which almost made my mother feel giddy. After this tiresome and tedious journey we decided to spend the rest of the day at leisure.
My eyes opened looking at vagrant white clouds floating smoothly over the rocky ranges. I could never expect to have such a breathtaking view in the busy, polluted towns of Mumbai. After having that same boring South Indian breakfast at the hotel which I firmly refused to we clenched onto our hiking equipment and headed to Naldehra golf course for a trek. On reaching there we decided to have the glimpse of the entire golf course on a horse which charged Rs 500 per person. The horsemen showed us the place where Lord Curzon lived during his reign, one of Shimla’s most famous ‘Kali Mata’temple and various other interesting sightseeing spots. I was quite amazed when the horsemen told that the road on the opposite cliff led to China. This golf course is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Naldehra.
Later we decided to have our lunch at Naldehra’s most famous Dhaba which was few minutes away from our hotel. My father insisted to have Himachal’s local dish ‘Dham’ which was acknowledged by each and every Himachalite. The dish included ‘Dal, Kadhi, Corn paratha, Aloo mutter and Salad’. It was altogether a mouthwatering dish appreciated by all of us. The rest of the day was spent in Hotel’s play area. Playing table tennis, carom, chess, snooker and various other games the day ended. After having a delicious American breakfast at the hotel we headed towards Shimla. To make the trip more adventurous we preferred to travel via the local bus. It took us nearly forty five minutes to reach Shimla. We spent the entire day strolling about in Shimla’s famous Mall Road. Mall Road was quite popular forTibetian and Lakad Bazaar market where one could find stylish and eye-catchy products at a convenient rate. It was a very crowded place full of teenagers and youngsters desperate for shopping. Due to bad weather and the forcast of heavy rain we opted to return back early. That evening we decided to have traditional Gujarati food that is ‘Theplas and Khakhras’ which my mother had packed before we left Mumbai.
view from hotel 
Mall road, shimla 
view from Jakhoo temple
On the second last day in Naldehra we decided to visit various other tourist attractions in Shimla. First being the ancientJakhoo temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanumana. To reach there we had to use a cable car. The temple was situated at a height of 2445m above sea level. The view from the top was indeed breathtaking. Entire city of Shimla could be seen from the top. Next we visited Babu Bhalku Rail museum which was around 200m far from the Old bus stand. The museum had interesting collection of cutlery, glass equipment, vases, wall clocks, etc which were used by the British in railways. I was very enchanted to see the engine of the rail which was used during the 20th century. Next we decided to visit Viceregal Lodge which was located on an Observatory Hills of Shimla. I was wonderstruck to see some of the most ancient articles, historical sculptures, coins, paintings and photographs going back to the times of British rule in India. The museum also carried some of the famous architectural works in Jacobethan style depicting English Renaissance revival and resemblance of the fictional Hogwarts school of Harry Potter. We had planned to visit the Christ Church and the State Museum too, but due to lack of time we had to return back unwillingly. Having a full- fledged delectable dinner at the hotel the day ended blissfully.
As per the itinerary we were supposed to go to Kufri the next day. Kufri was a small hill station 20kms from Shimla. But due to heavy snowfall and temperature going below -8 degree Celsius we had to woefully call off the plan to Kufri. I was very elated to perceive the view of snow- capped mountains, and other nature parks and picnic spots for which it is admired. All of us being adventurous as well as reckless decided to go for a trek nearby. Due to light showers the scenary looked even more beautiful. It was the last day in Naldehra and nothing could make it even more better except sitting idle below the fluffy clouds, endure the cool and tender breeze touching us and lose ourselves to the eternal beauty of nature. After having an appetizing dinner at the hotel we soon dozed off with remarkable memories and charming moments spent in Naldehra.
KANDAGHAT
We wanted to make this trip a bit unique, so we preferred to stay in Kandaghat to luxuriate our tour and not make it hectic by regular sight-seeing which other people usually prefer. Kandaghat is a place most suitable for naturalists, located amid the lush green undulating peaks with light showers almost throughout the day. After a wearing journey of 1.5 hours from Naldehra we soon reached Kandaghat. The temperature in Kandaghat was pretty warm. Kandaghat is situated at a lower altitude, around 30kms far from the capital city- Shimla. Our hotel had a huge 16 acre property well furnished with sports equipment, entertainment facilities, magnificient dining area and a live barbeque counter. The view from our room was really astounding. Keeping aside the rest of the day for leisure and enjoying the property the day ended with a flavorful dinner.
We decided to spend the next day dawdling around near the large stretches of mustard, paddy, and green-peas farms. Those farms were owned by local people and extended beyond sight. It was a quite captivating view never experienced before. And yes we couldn’t find a better place to stare at the fading blue of the sky. I remembered the instruction I got upon my arrival at the resort – the sunsets are marvelous around this part of the country. It was a riot of colours. That evening it seemed that magenta was mother- nature’s choice.
The last day in Kandaghat was going to be pretty adventurous, kept aside for all audacious activities like rock climbing, zipline, rappling available inside the hotel. The zipline which was obtainable in the resort was the longest zipline in Himachal Pradesh. For the rush of adrenaline I couldn’t miss the commando net and paintball. Climbing up a 15 feet natural wall was also decently stunning. After all of this hardwork an exotic dinner was the only urge. On Saturday nights they have a special traditional Himachali dance performance called ‘Nati’ at the resort. The day would have remained incomplete if I had missed that graceful performance. It was the perfect way to end our trip.
Next morning with luggages increased from three to four, with mutual nostalgic memories and with pleasing pictures we took a deep breath of the fragrant, cool breeze of Himachal and settled ourselves in the taxi and paved our way to Chandigarh Airport.