Chandrika's Dreamy Escape to Shimla and Manali with Thrillophilia
The sound of gushing water filled the air as we stood in front of the breathtaking Chadwick Waterfall in Shimla, lost in the beauty of the moment. The cascading water sparkled under the sunlight, sending a cool mist onto our faces.
We stood there quietly, the world around us fading away as the symphony of the waterfall played in the background. The lush greenery surrounding the falls added to the magic, making it feel like we had stumbled into a secret paradise.
Moments like these reminded me why this trip to Shimla was turning into the most memorable escape of our lives.
Stops Before the Showstopper!
Our trip started in Manali which felt like stepping into a dream. We visited the iconic Hadimba Devi Temple and the bustling Mall Road. The street was alive with the chatter of tourists, the aroma of freshly steamed momos, and the vibrant shops selling everything from woolen shawls to quirky souvenirs.
We also found a stall selling Himachali caps, and of course, we had to try them on. The moment we put them on, we couldn’t stop laughing at how ridiculous yet adorable we looked. A local shopkeeper, amused by our antics, even clicked a picture for us. By the end of our shopping spree, we were carrying bags full of souvenirs.
The next day, we made our way to Solang Valley, where the real thrill began. Snowboarding had always been on our bucket list, but attempting it for the first time was nothing short of hilarious.
I remember slipping and sliding down the slope, shrieking with laughter as he tried to help me up, only to fall himself. After a few wobbly attempts, we finally got the hang of it, and the rush of gliding down the snow-covered slopes was exhilarating. And then there was no stopping us- we were literally racing up and down the hills like some pros!
Kasol was our next destination, and the vibe of this little hamlet was unlike anything I had ever experienced. With just one day in Kasol, we were determined to taste every Israeli dish we could – because when else would we get the chance?
The shakshuka was a burst of flavors, and the hummus with pita bread was so good that we ordered it twice. After the meal, we went shopping- again! From funky jewelry to handmade soaps and dreamcatchers, every corner had something unique to offer. By the end of the day, our stomachs, bags and hearts were all overflowing!
SHIMLA - Definitely a Highlight!
Finally, we arrived in Shimla, the crown jewel of our trip, and it didn’t disappoint.
The Mall Road had a charm like the British colonial era with Victorian-style architecture. We couldn’t resist stopping at a little street vendor selling steaming momos. As we bit into the soft, flavourful dumplings, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment.
The Ridge, a wide-open space, offered some of the best panoramic views of the surrounding hills. It was alive with locals and tourists mingling, street performers adding to the vibrant atmosphere, and children running around.
We also got to visit the Christ Church, an iconic landmark of Shimla. The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the stained-glass windows. The quiet stillness of the church, combined with the vibrant colours of the glass, created an atmosphere of peace and awe.
We also wandered through Lakkar Bazaar, a quaint market famous for its wooden souvenirs. The narrow lanes were filled with colourful stalls, selling carved wooden figurines, handmade jewelry, and rustic home décor items. As we browsed, we found a beautiful hand-carved wall hanging that we knew would make the perfect keepsake from our trip. It now hangs in our living room, a constant reminder of the magical time we spent in Shimla.
The next day, we set off for Kufri, just a short drive from Shimla, but a world away in terms of its natural beauty. As we drove through the winding roads, the lush greenery of Green Valley and Fagu Valley took our breath away. The rolling hills, dotted with pine trees, seemed to stretch endlessly. The air was crisp, and the silence, broken only by the rustling of leaves, made it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the world.
One of the highlights of our visit to Kufri was the Himalayan Mini Zoo. Nestled in the midst of the valley, the zoo was home to some of the most fascinating animals of the region. We were thrilled to spot the elusive snow leopard, its sleek coat blending perfectly with the rocky terrain. The Himalayan monal, with its vibrant plumage, was another sight to behold.
And with that our amazing trip to Shimla ended perfectly. However, the echoes of our laughter, the romantic moments and the views of the mountains still lingers in our heart, making the memories alive all over again. Now we are back home, back to the daily grind, silently dreaming of our next adventure!
- So, if you were waiting for a sign, this is it! Just pack your bags, grab your partner, and set out!
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