A Serene Start to Our Shimla Adventure
Our long-awaited family vacation to Shimla finally began. After a bit of a hiccup due to dense fog, we managed to reach the beautiful hill station early morning on the 10th of January.
A Cozy Homestay
We checked into our pre-booked homestay, a quaint 1BHK nestled near the ISBT bus stand. The cozy and clean setup was the perfect retreat after our overnight journey. Given the long travel, we decided to relax for the first half of the day.
Exploring the Vibrant Mall Road
After a hearty lunch at a nearby restaurant, we embarked on our first exploration of Shimla. A taxi ride took us to the iconic Mall Road. We spent the afternoon strolling along the bustling street, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. We visited the Ridge, Christ Church, Lakkad Bazar, and the local market, marveling at the stunning views and unique local products. How can we forget having Samosa and tea in a small stall in Sabji Mandi.
A Peaceful Evening
As the day wound down, we returned to our homestay. We cooked a simple yet delicious dinner, enjoying the warmth of our cozy abode. The highlight of the evening was gazing out of our bedroom window. The clear night sky, the twinkling lights of the hill town, and the serene mountain views were simply breathtaking.
This was just the beginning of our Shimla adventure.
A Serene Morning Walk
We woke up early, eager to explore more of Shimla. While the kids were still cozy in bed, we decided to take a morning walk. The downhill walk was refreshing, with the cool mountain air and picturesque surroundings. The uphill climb back to the homestay, however, was a bit of a challenge but the beautiful views made it worthwhile.
A Cultural and Historical Tour
After breakfast, we set out to explore the cultural and historical sites of Shimla. We visited local temples, museums, and the Bird Park. The Zakhu Temple, perched atop a hill, offered stunning panoramic views of the city. We also explored historical monuments like the Viceregal Lodge and the Army Heritage Museum, gaining insights into the rich history of the region.
A Culinary Delight
To complete our day, we indulged in the local cuisine. From delicious momos to flavorful thukpa, we savored the unique flavors of Himachal Pradesh.
As the day drew to a close, we returned to our homestay, tired but satisfied. We spent the evening relaxing, reminiscing about the day's adventures, and planning for the next day's activities.
A Snowy Day in Kufri
Our third day in Shimla started with our usual morning walk, which had now become a routine. However, this time, the uphill walk seemed easier, perhaps due to the anticipation of the day's adventure.
We were eager to experience snowfall, and our wish was granted on the way to Kufri. As our taxi stopped at a roadside restaurant for breakfast, the sky began to sprinkle snow. The kids were overjoyed, their excitement palpable.
In Kufri, we indulged in thrilling activities like yak riding, horse riding, and zip-lining. The kids were particularly thrilled to visit the zoo, where they saw snow leopards, tigers, deer, and other fascinating animals. We also explored the beautiful Chini Bungalow, a historic colonial building.
As the day came to an end, a sense of nostalgia washed over us. We knew that our time in Shimla was drawing to a close. We spent our last night gazing at the starry sky and the twinkling lights of the hill town, making a promise to return to this beautiful place.