18 November,2010 06:14 AM IST | | Suparna Thombare
Walk into the romance of Shimla, one of India's most charming, quaint hill towns, for your slice of solitude, scenic splendour and unforgettable, snow-capped memories
The best way to explore the romance of a picturesque hill town like Shimla is to walk through its colonial heritage buildings, forests and the narrow lanes and by lanes, discovering its beauty. Spend quiet moments, walking hand-in-hand with your partner as you discover Alpine and Swiss Bavarian chalets and neo-Gothic structures of a town seeped in the romance of the British Raj.
Pine and cedar walk
Time: 2 hours
You could start exploring from the extended ridge Kaithu, chancing upon giant old cedar trees and many beautiful old houses including The Mythe, Firewood Cottage and Tara Hall. After a ten-minute stroll you get the first glimpse of the famous Annandale Ground, earlier used by the British as a gymkhana.
From here, you could climb down to pine-draped Tutikandi towards the exquisite temple of a local deity, Dhanu Defta at Bihargaon. If the two of you happen to be Rudyard Kipling fans, you could walk below the Fingask Estate to Northbank, the house where Rudyard Kipling lived.
Climb back under pine and cedar branches through the old cemetery dating back to the middle of the 19th century. A kilometre-long stretch of towering cedars will take you to an old house, now called Shimla British Resort where you can sip a cuppa in a deodar forest.u00a0
From here, you might end up experiencing one of the most romantic walks of your life. Take the old horse carriage road from where you follow a forest road. With weeds growing in the middle of the road and boulders of fallen tree branches, it feels like you are in an uninhabited place.
The road passes near the railway track and the last toy train tunnel passes below it. At this point, you can walk back to The Mall, Shimla's preserved heritage no-vehicle zone, a 2.5 km stretch, which has been designated as pedestrian area.
Sunset walk
Time: 1 hour
If you start climbing from the Ridge, a 1.5 km climb will take you to the forested hill of Jakhu (the highest point in Shimla at 2455m). On your way, you'll spot the landmark Rothney Castle, one-time residence of the Indian National Congress leader, AO Hume. Walk to the top at the time of sunset or sunrise and soak in a breathtaking spectacle, of the middle Himalayan ranges. It's worth the effort, you'll realise soon enough.
Heritage walk
Time: 2 hours
Start from the Anglican Church (the oldest in North India) and the State Library (Moc Tudor architecture) that stand beside each other. Here you'll find a cluster of architectural beauties -- the Bandstand -- a restaurant, the Norman-Gothic Gaiety Theatre, the Town Hall and the Scandal Point, associated with a fake story that the daughter of the Viceroy was abducted by an Indian Prince from Punjab.
From here, take the eastern fork and head towards the Shimla's Kirk -- the Union Church now a College and a Library, the Constantia (the oldest house in Shimla) and the Bantony -- an old English home. Descend to the Catholic Church made in grey Sand Stone and the Rosna Hall (a Norman Baronial style). Proceed towards Kali Bari Temple, the temple of Shayamla Devi from whom the town gets its name.
Here, you'll also spot the Railway Board Building -- a massive and marvellous example of British architecture. Gorton Castle in its Neo Gothic architecture is the next building, the second biggest house of Shimla after Viceregal Lodge. Beside it is the Kennedy House -- the first permanent British residence in Shimla.
A sharp climb from here takes you to the State Museum. A steep narrow descend from takes you to the Armsdale, Radio Station, Khud Cottage and Willy's Park. On the next hill is the Viceregal Lodge. Enter the Grand Gates called Gurkha Gate and a 300-meter climb takes you to the Shimla's biggest house -- the Institute of Advanced Study. After this you could walk towards the left of Inverarm Hill, where a forested path takes you to three old houses including the Yarrows -- once occupied by Pakistan's founding father, Muhammed Ali Jinnah.
What to see
>> The Ridge
>> Lower Bazaar
>> Viceregal Lodge
>> State Museum
>> Kalka-Shimla Mountain Railway
>> Town Hall
>> Christ Church
How to reach
>> Arrive in Delhi and then take a flight or bus (6 hours) from Delhi to Shimla
Where to shop
>> Mall: Tibetan handicrafts and woollen garments
>> Lakkar Bazaar: Antiques and wooden artefacts
Where to eat
>> Coffee House, the Mall: Great coffee and South Indian snacks
>> Balajee's, opposite Town Hall: Breakfast of omelettes and toast
>> CAFE SOL, in a glass bubble on the roof of the hotel
>> Combermere: Japanese, Thai and desserts
Where to stay
Comfort Homestay Tariff:u00a0 Rs 4000; Call: 011-26211786/7 brightland Hotel
Tariff: Rs 1,500-3000; Call: 0177-2658275, 2803812 Woodville Palace (heritage)
Tariff:u00a0 Rs 12,000-24,000 (3 days);
Call: 0177-2623919
