HILLQUEEN SHIMLA :

For a change , I visited Shimla lastweek (21-27 SEPT'07 ). It was my fourth visit to Shimla in the last 5 years.There is not  much change out there. It's the beginning of winter there now. Mornings and evenings are cooler. But one change that I made this time was the travel by train from Shimla to Kalka while returning to Delhi . It was a very picturesque travel with mountains, tunnels, trees and natural sorroundings on the way. I started  from Shimla in the Deluxe Express at 5:40pm to reach Kalka at 10:25pm.The train provided tea and snacks at the start of the journey. Later, at around 8pm it provided dinner (Chicken for me).The ticket was reasonably priced (Rs.280).The train with five bogies had around 70 passengers in all. Each compartment had 18 seats  with  deluxe push back chairs.It had decent passengers mostly honeymooners or young couples / lovers  without kids.The travel this time was quite memorable.

If you are a member of Youth Hostel Association of India , you can stay in Satkar Hotel at Lakkad Bazaar near the Mall. It is opposite the Medical College there. Nearby Dhabas provide quite delicious food at reasonable rates. Although the local travel agents charge more for local travels , you can always bargain to see places of your interests. The places to see there are mainly  Kufri, Green Valley, Sankat moc-han Temple and Taptapani. The night view by train or bus from Shimla to Kalka is colourful especially around Solan with its lights that looks like a  Diwali festival  there.