Finding Home in the Beauty of Shimla: Chandrika’s Thrillophilia Review
Shimla ki tang galiyon mein
Kuch aisi uljhi ki,
Khatt ke sath-sath diil bhi teri chaukhat pe chor ayi…
The cool breeze brushed against my face as I stood on the ridge overlooking Shimla’s majestic mountains. A distant memory surfaced- the soft, melodic voice of a local reading out these lines, proudly during our brief stop in Shimla on the way to Spiti.
It had struck a chord deep within me, summing up the longing I felt for these mountains. Without realizing it, I found myself uttering the same words, my heart swelling with both nostalgia and contentment.
My husband joined me, gently nudging me out of my zone. "Lost again, Chandrika?" he teased. I smiled, looking at him and then back at the mountains. "Not lost. Found. Found like never before," I replied. This trip was special- Shimla wasn’t just a destination; it was a promise fulfilled to myself.
A Long-Awaited Reunion
Months earlier, we’d decided it was time to explore Himachal beyond Spiti. Our Spiti journey last year had been magical, but Shimla had left an imprint on me. As much as I adored Ladakh’s rugged beauty and Uttarakhand’s green valleys, something about Shimla’s quaint streets, pine-covered slopes, and colonial heritage felt different, somehow.
So, this time, we booked our package through Thrillophilia, ensuring a well-planned itinerary that gave us the freedom to soak in Himachal’s charm. After visiting Manali’s snow-covered landscapes, the adventure-filled Solang Valley, and the serene waters of Manikaran and Kasol, my heart eagerly awaited Shimla.
Walking Down the Familiar Streets
Not gonna lie, but arriving in Shimla felt like coming home. The air was crisp and filled with the scent of pine. The ever bustling Mall Road greeted us with its colorful shops and cafes, but it was the quieter paths of the Ridge and the view of the Christ Church against the amber sky that pulled me in.
In the evening, my husband and I walked into this cozy café tucked in a quiet corner of the Mall. It was run by an elderly couple who greeted us warmly. Over steaming cups of Pahadi chai and plates of freshly baked apple pie, they shared stories of Shimla’s history and their life in the hills. Their anecdotes made me see Shimla not just as a destination but as a living, breathing tapestry of stories and traditions.
A Snowy Wonderland
The next leg of our journey took us to Kufri, a mere 15 kilometers from Shimla but worlds apart in terms of ambience and vibe. The snow-covered slopes were a sight to behold. As we trudged through the thick blanket of snow, my husband couldn’t resist a playful snowball fight.
We met a local guide who took us to a vantage point accessible only on horseback. Along the way, he shared tales of Kufri’s lesser-known spots and the wildlife sanctuary nearby. "The mountains here have a way of making you forget the world and remember yourself," he said. His words resonated deeply with me.
At the top, we were greeted by panoramic views of the Himalayas, their peaks shimmering under the midday sun. The sheer grandeur left me speechless, while my husband stood at a distance trying to capture every bit of the beauty.
Small Moments, Big Memories
Our trip wasn’t just about grand vistas; it was the smaller moments that made it unforgettable. Like the time we stopped at a roadside stall for hot momos and found ourselves chatting with a group of school kids who were eager to practice their English. Or the evening we strolled through Lakkar Bazaar, hand in hand, looking at the wooden trinkets and laughing over my husband’s failed attempts at bargaining.
One particularly memorable moment was when we joined a group of locals in an impromptu dance around a bonfire in Kufri. The music was lively, the laughter infectious, and for those few hours, we were no longer travelers but a part of their close-knit community.
The Magic of Himachal’s Culture
What struck me most about this trip was the deep connection the people of Himachal had with their land. From the café owners in Shimla to the guide in Kufri and even the artisans at Lakkar Bazaar, everyone spoke of their mountains with a kind of passion and pride that was almost spiritual- not something you find in the metro cities.
Their warmth and hospitality made us feel like more than just visitors. They shared not only their stories but also a piece of their culture- whether it was the traditional Himachali cap my husband proudly wore for the rest of the trip or the recipe for siddu (a local delicacy) that an old woman shared with me in broken Hindi.
Saying Goodbye
On our last day in Shimla, I found myself back at the same spot where I stood the moment I stepped into the city looking out at the mountains. This time, though, it wasn’t just nostalgia I felt but a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the memories we’d made, the people we’d met, and the promise I had kept to myself.
Himachal had given us more than just a journey; it had given us a piece of its soul. And as we left, reciting the same words that had brought me back here, I knew that Shimla would always hold a special place in my heart.
Read More: Thrillophilia Shimla Reviews