Simla- A Summer Capital Indeed

Simla- A Summer Capital Indeed



Simla, in the peak of the summer of 2012 was truly a treat. Although a summer capital during the British Raj, the weather, the place, the ambiance told me that the title holds true in today’s climatic conditions as well. Hence, escaping Delhi’s heat and the daily din was a delight.

As always an impromptu decision works wonders and we did just that. Although my friend and her parents had planned in advance, I decided to join them at the last moment. The early morning journey from New Delhi to Kalka by Kalka Shatabdi was spent in excited chatter and intermittent naps. Kalka was hotter than expected.  We quickly negotiated a taxi ride and set forth on the uphill drive to Simla.

After three hours of gradually cooling temperature, splendid scenic views and a lunch break, Simla welcomed us with its fresh and breezy climate. We were carried up with minimal luggage to the main mall via a pay lift from the parking lot on Cart Road. Heavier luggage was carried by porters on foot. Since vehicles are not allowed on the mall road, hence, the area remains devoid of much pollution. However, Simla was not as cool as anticipated, perhaps due to global warming.

 

Hotel Willow Bank is a five minute walk from the lift enclosure and has one of the best panoramic views of the sprawling 12km hill town strung along a ridge. Lunch and an afternoon power nap gave us the energy and enthusiasm for an evening exploration. The market was scanned for the local wares and food. The rest of the time was spent lazing below the floodlit Christ Church steeple, watching the people, drinking local tea and absorbing the pristine and relaxed environment far-far away from the clamour of the city. We could also view the jungle trail leading up to the Jhaku Temple and the gigantic image of Lord Hanuman. 

Panorama

We awoke to a warmer morning. However, that did not deter us from our planned trek to the Silma Kali Mandir via Scandal Point (central point of the ridge). The temple is ancient and beautiful and the faithful throng there in great numbers. We spent some quiet and peaceful moments there. Photography is not allowed inside the premises. However, we satisfied ourselves by clicking and posing against the natural surroundings. The trek back to the hotel left us exhausted and lunch was light and rejuvenating. In the evening I decided to take a walk alone as my friend was feeling a bit under the weather.

I had come to Simla in my childhood with my parents and noticed that the town of old had undergone great developments. Although the increase in the number of hotels and tourists had boosted the economy, the impact had surely made a dent on the climatic system. However, some of the old world charm was still intact. The Clarks Hotel maintained its regal space and customer base, some of the shops still stood the erosion of time and most of all Simla tried and continued to live up to its summer capital legacy. Even some old street signage or building names still brought in the retro feel.

My engaging chain of thoughts was broken by a vision of a most brilliant sunset. I quickly took a shot with my phone and ran back to the hotel for my camera realising that my very un-smart phone did not have enough memory. My friend’s Mother and I watched the sunset mesmerized and I do not remember how many photos I clicked. I even remember clicking a photo of the rising moon on the other side. It felt as if nature was my muse that day.

We spent much of our time the following days taking nature walks, tasting the food, shopping and simply being on a relaxed vacation. Although the mall road has its regular fanfare, the lower bazaars are equally attractive. The constant flow of local life, daily wares, and small shops selling hardware, stationery, fabric and spices added to the uniqueness of the whole place. In addition, the historic buildings with Tudor and Gothic style architecture, the newly reopened Victorian Gaiety Theatre, Himachal State Museum, the Visceral Lodge, The Town Hall etc. are within a couple of kilometers from the Scandal Point (central point)  helped us learn more about the old Simla.  

Getting Around

Although we did not venture out of the town, one can surely travel to nearby locales. Jhaku Temple, Kufri, Chail and Kasauli are beautiful places in the vicinity to enjoy the chill as well as the scenic beauty. The roads are often laced with orchards and winds through the undulating hills robed in pine and cedar forests. One can take yak rides as well. A day-long visit to these hamlets can be very therapeutic.  

Goodbye

The following day was our last day in Simla. We spent the morning collecting some memorabilia of local herbal and organic products for friends and family back home and for ourselves. We even clicked some photos to capture our vacation forever. The journey back was mostly silent. We had filled our luggage and hearts with happy memories to last us for a long time.  Although my friend's Father is no longer with us today, this last trip with him will remain a warm memory forever.