Far from the madding crowd

History buffs, nature lovers, cosy couples, barog has something to offer to everyone

Far from the madding crowd

History buffs, nature lovers, cosy couples, barog has something to offer to everyone

Barog has something for every soul. Nature lovers, history buffs and all those who wish to enjoy a crowd-free vacation, this is the perfect getaway. It is a little town en route to Shimla, 10kms before Solan with plenty of accommodation options within the 20km radius. From spa resorts to pocket-friendly hotels -- there is something for every budget.

We put up at the pine hills eco camp run by former armymen Harwant Krishan and HS Nagra. There are no worldly influences once you are in the camp. Well-appointed camps with attached bathrooms and comfortable interiors make a perfect setting for reading, writing or just doing nothing.

We went for nature walks and trips to the orchards and plucked fresh fruits. Barog was named after a British engineer who was building the railway track in 1904. In spite of being advised not to do so, he started digging a tunnel near the railway station from both sides of the giant hill simultaneously. Alas the two sided did not meet, Barog was fined Re 1 for the blunder.

Later, another tunnel was built by HS Harrington. This is the longest operational tunnels on the Shimla-Kalka railway. Barog railway station is a treat by itself. A must visit for kids. Surrounded by pine forests, Barog alsou00a0 has someu00a0 rather interesting places to visit from Dolanji Bon Monastery on the Narang-Sarahan Road and of course a day trip to Kasauli ( which is only 20 kms from Barog).

For the spiritually inclined, there is the Karol Tibba, where Pandavas had stopped during their Agyatvas period. I guess these should be enough reasons to head there. For me, having our close friends living there is reason enough to pack my bags once again.

Where: Barog (1680m), is on the Kalka-Shimla Highway
How to get there: By air: Jubbar-Hatti airport (65km); By train: Barog; By road: Chandigarh (62km)
What to carry: Light woolens/cottons for summer; heavy woolens for winter when temperature drops near freezing point

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