Himachal …SOLO the way I love

Himachal  Pradesh…SOLO the way I love

I grew up on stories of Shimla, and many places of Himachal Pradesh, this all-time favorite Honeymoon destination for most, seemed to be another world back then.

My first Solo at Fifty

Today I am on my first solo trip, to the most desired and visited destinations SHIMLA, KULLU, AND MANALI. As a traveling Solo, I am on my own and have some prerequisites to follow. I took a flight from Mumbai to Chandigarh and spent a night in this structured city.

Chandigarh

I visited some iconic sites of the most planned city, the state capital of Punjab and Haryana. An escape, to the state of Himachal Pradesh, is known for its food and The GEDI culture (leisure drives), I like the planned alleys along the roads which bloomed with mangoes, giving shade and respite from the otherwise rising mercury.

Pinjore Garden. One more Mughal style architecture

Visiting the Pinjore, the rock and the rose garden in the blazing summers as a part of my touristy itinerary, every garden is beautiful and has significance in the History of Chandigarh. This Mughal style architectural garden took me back to Kashmir.
Pinjore garden dates back to the 17th Century, was constructed during the reign of Aurangzeb. Stretching over a massive 100 acres the terraced garden with seven levels, designed with a central channel for water, blooms with water fountains, and Flower beds making the place pleasant. The orchards around the gardens are a favorite of Bird lovers and host many festivals year-round.

The Rock Garden; an account of Dreams and passion

Every piece of this creative garden is a masterpiece of sheer perseverance, belief, and creativity. Nek Chand, the master architect, working tirelessly for over two decades on his creation from bangle pieces, broken tiles, and colorful stones to create this fantasy land, is just Commendable. While seeing these sculptures of the Rock garden in Chandigarh, I could feel his passion to pursue his dreams.

I am meant for the Mountains

Respite from the rising mercury I was the happiest leaving Chandigarh behind to cruise along the 119 km to Shimla. High on anticipation and excited to be in the mountains, as I gained height, the vegetation changed to Deodar, losing the kilometres faster than I thought. I get Goosebumps as the thrill was exhilarating, yes my first solo was in my fifties and am JUST LOVIN’ IT.

The Hyped destination

Nestled on seven hills, with subtropical highland climate year-round, the colorful multilayered settlements attracted me the most. Today’s Shimla is beautiful, the way I had grew upon but crowded with changed Demographics.
Being the summer capital of the Britishers, Shimla is host to colonial-style buildings and many attractions like the UNESCO listed Kalka Shimla rail take you through some stunning vistas before you reach Shimla. The temperature around the year is from freezing to pleasant. As the demographics changed so did the destination and most tourists today look beyond Shimla and I did too.

My salvation

It’s all about the landscape. Living in densely populated urban settlements, with many advantages but huge disadvantages, I crave to be among nature, to breathe in the fresh oxygen, solitude and to get lost in something less demanding.

Finally, I land in my element

Kullu was my first stop and every pore of my being was relieved seeing the BEAS flowing in full Glory in the backdrop of Pir Panjal and Himalayan ranges, heavily guarded by the Deodar, pine, and apple orchards. I was back in my element away from the Crowd.
From here on the rains took over and I had the most interesting travel, food and stay and though crowded and most doing only and all the touristy sights I enjoyed visiting the HIDIMBA temple, the hot water springs, the monastery, and then, of course, the Mall Road.

Where saints left their mark

Wandering in Manali, through the thick forestation of Deodar, I spent quiet time at the Pagoda style Hidimba Devi Temple which dates back to 1553, built by the Maharaja Bhadur Singh.

The State called the “God’s Land” has an unproven history of saints residing and has temples dedicated to many with age-old architectural styles. It’s great to listen to these stories and time travel to visualize the scenes in those centuries.
I did all that a normal suggested Manali itinerary, but I found my solace, peace, and tranquility in the many trails and rivers that make this region so very beautiful. The destinations being over popularized by Bollywood movies, had an economy boost but bear the brunt of over tourism. The happiness is in the small hamlets, villages and the beauty and simplicity they hold.

Finding a purpose

Sitting on the huge rock next to the Beas I found my purpose, sipping hot butter tea during a bout of rain while trailing to the Chandra Taal Lake, I found myself, staying out of my bag during these trails, I found I need only this much. Drinking from the cup and glass that I carried, I found how the region is trying to sustain itself by not using single-use plastic. I found myself in the moments which I spent talking to myself and aimlessly ogling the mountains and the rivers. I found myself to something which was not demanding at all and I am addicted.

Sensible and experiential travel

My journey from Shimla to Manali and Rohtang Pass is what I looked forward too and this journey has made me rich in ways which l treasure and I am more empathetic towards all the landscapes and suggest slow travel and with simplicity.
Himachal Pradesh today offers much more beyond Shimla and Manali. I found out my way in the slow travel and finding myself getting lost in the place and moments and not follow the strict itinerary. I haven’t looked back but divided my yearly trips between family, friends, and solo and I love Solo.

The changing mindset

I appreciate the changing way of travel among the youngsters and see a sea change in ways to travel and applaud the younger generation who take this step much earlier than waiting for fifties, as nature is the open canvas which helps you to curate you and your life. The teachings when amidst it keeps resonating back and makes you more patient and adjusting to everything.