Our Great Rail Journeys trip to India really started off when we boarded an intercity high speed train that took us away from the chaos and heat of Delhi, via Kalka, where we changed to a narrow gauge train for the long climb into the foothills of the Himalaya's to Shimla. Some say you only do this train once and I kind of see why, but think I would do it again anyway, just for the views and experience! After a few hours of rattling along, tight turns, a couple of stops we arrived at the mountain station of Shimla and a welcome cooler calmer atmosphere.
Whilst here we enjoyed seeing the the Viceregal Lodge, views of the Himalaya's from Brocode View Point, high tea at Wild Flower Hall along with local walks around Shimla including the vibrant and busy street market.
Shimla itself is an interesting city, capital of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, in the Himalayan foothills. It location in the mountains and enjoying a cooler fresher climate made it popular with the British Raj who set up the capital administration here in summer escaping the heat in the cities on the plains of India.
I enjoyed the few days here, Shimla provided us an opportunity to adjust to India, learn some cultural ways and a few words and expressions to help us on the next legs of this trip.
The street market was a riot to the senses, colours, smells and activity as people jostled through the narrow street to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. It was interesting to stop a few times in the rare free space by a wall or doorway and just observe this daily life ritual. So glad we took the time to deviate from the tour and explore.
It wasn't long before a taxi ride to Chandigarh to board a train back to Delhi.
Trains to Shimla, leaving Delhi and some images grabbed from the mountain railway.
Images around Shimla including Christ Church and Street Market
Some images in and around Viceregal Lodge, out at Brocode View Point and at Wild Flower Hall
And return to Delhi via Chandigarh to board another high speed train back to Delhi. It was interesting to see the volume of goods being handled, including motorcycles, all managed by layers of paperwork and hard labour.
