There are very few sights more humbling than the view from atop the geological wonders of nature, the hills.

Peering at the valley, the vast tracts of land below, the steep descent, the lush greenery, the countless trees, the gushing streams of water with clouds dancing around your face is a sight to behold.

Its moments like these that open your eye to the immense power, breathtaking beauty, sheer enormity and mercy of – nature or the universe or the almighty – you take your pick.

***

You know you are in for an interesting vacation when your trip starts in the following manner.

Place : Railway Station, Kalka

Date : 20th June 2008

I was standing in the queue to get a refund for the narrow gauge train which links Kalka to Shimla as our wait-listed seats were not confirmed before departure.

I was standing behind,

A) A typical European tourist in India – Huge backpacks of luggage, cautious and apprehensive viz. a viz. Indian people and the vicinity – with a serious look about himself.

B) An excitable, smug, overtly helpful Indian tourist – Sunglasses on his head, hilarious looking shorts – he was probably Bengali.

The foreigner was filling in one of those ridiculously flimsy rail reservation forms, with the Indian meticulously studying every detail of his form.

Indian – Today eez 19 not 20th

Foreigner – Sorry?

Indian – Sign your phorm ! It is not signed. Going to Shimla? It is bherry crowded these days.

Foreigner – Huh?

Indian – Where are you from?

Foreigner – Scotland. I am Scottish.

Indian – O-ho, thats why, you don’t know English na ..

Indignant Scotsman – I do know English !!

I got my money back after a Rs.40 deduction (processing charges) and a good laugh.

Our trek up the hills began in the wee morning hours. I am not particularly fond of high altitudes. To be honest, I am petrified when on those narrow hill roads. In true mischievous spirit the forces contrived to make the route foggy in mid June ! Anyhow, the fog cleared up and we were driven up the winding roads with me clutching at the seat, ‘pushing’ the car left or right with my hands, ‘holding’ it up if we stopped for one of those large intimidating trucks to pass.

I tried the usual psychology and reverse psychology, looking up at the highest peeks or looking the ravines straight in the eye. I quickly settled for looking at the road only.

Our first stop was a temple which had an extremely steep climb of around 3km. The vehicle growled and grunted as we made the ascent. We were probably the first devotees of the day and place looked serene and peaceful sans the hustle and bustle of the tourists. I worked the camera, tried a few innovative angles and in general soaked in the calming environs. The world seemed to be at our feet, quite literally.

The next stop was the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (IIAS) – one of the two best places we visited. The institute occupied the premises of the once famous Viceregal Lodge.
For those of you who are interested, the Viceregal Lodge was the premises for a number of pacts and conferences during India’s freedom struggle and even after Independence. It was built in 1888 as the residence of Viceroy Lord Dufferin. Even in the year 1888 this Lodge had electric lighting, a first in Shimla. Most of the electrical fittings in the building date back to the year of its construction. The lodge is fitted with facilities one would consider luxuries in this day and age. Hey, how many buildings do you know that were built in the 19th century and had separate rooms of linen, china, glass, an enormous wine cellar have, indulge yourself, an indoor tennis court!

Now called Rashtrapati Niwas, the Lodge houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS). In 1965, then President of India, Dr. S Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru decided to convert the building into center for scholastic brilliance, a retreat, so to speak for the erudite.
Its importance reflects in the fact that it is the only building in Shimla that occupies an entire hill all by itself.
Before moving further we stopped for a very quick, yet large bite. We were fortunate enough to grab a few things from Pinjore/Panchkula before we began the upward journey. Appetites grow at higher altitudes. There were plenty of places to eat – good and inexpensive – so one needn’t necessarily lug food. Also, a healthy population of monkeys roam the hills, so you are better off eating where the masses eat.

P.s.

1) The Trip continues in another post.

2) The chap was probably Bengali because he was speaking the language, not because it is a jab/barb or because I want to hurt sentiments.

3) The trip was only two days long, haven’t been posting because of summer training and I have been under the weather lately. I have 5 drafts and 2 posts with ‘to be continued’ messages on them. Yes, I am lazy !!