Escaping to Shimla

My journey to Shimla began in Dehradun. I had an urgent work to attend to on Monday, so I decided to travel one day before to explore the place. Since it was almost 7 hours journey, I decided to take a night bus to save my time.
I took a Volvo bus from Dehradun ISBT at 10 p.m. so as to reach Shimla at the break of dawn. The cosy bus seats offered comfort, but it was the promise of the scenic route ahead that truly excited me - to enjoy work travel my way.

With the sun breaking the colours in the sky, I arrived in Shimla. The lively atmosphere at the bus station was a stark contrast to the tranquillity we had left behind in Dehradun. A short walk took me to my hotel, conveniently located near Mall Road. After reaching the hotel, I quickly got freshened up to start my day of adventure.

Mall Road, a bustling hub of activity, beckoned me. I strolled along this charming street, drawn in by the aroma of local delicacies and the vibrant ambience. The Victorian architecture added an old-world charm that made me feel like I had stepped into a bygone era.
In the afternoon, I decided to visit the Christ Church, nestled on the Ridge. Stepping inside, I was transported back in time by the stunning stained glass windows and the tranquillity of this historic place of worship.

After spending some time there, I decided to visit the famous Indian Coffee House. Although it was jam-packed, the meal was average, but I was hungry. After having my meal, I decided to walk around exploring the area and the markets near the Mall Road. I bought many locally made stuff, and among them, I found a Gryffindor scarf as well that I bought without skipping a beat. I also bought many wooden toys and show pieces for friends and family as souvenirs.

As evening descended, I returned to the Ridge, Shimla's main promenade, for a magical sunset. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, the iconic landmarks silhouetted against the backdrop, and the cool mountain breeze created a moment of pure enchantment.
Dinner came with a view – I chose a café that overlooked the starry valley, making my meal taste even more delicious.

After a day filled with exploration, I returned to my hotel room - a cosy space with a view that beckoned me to relax and savour the peaceful moments and to have a good night's sleep.

The next day, I visited the local train station and nearby areas as I had to attend to my work in the afternoon.
After that, I had a memorable dinner at a local restaurant, savouring Himachali cuisine that danced on my taste buds.

At night, I had to head back to Dehradun, but Shimla had woven its magic, leaving us yearning for more adventures in the future.