Shimla with Friends? Try Something Different!

Distance from Delhi: 360 kilometres

The year had just begun and all of us were huddled at a friend's place, enjoying hot tikkas and watching a movie on the television. While chatting, one of my friends suggested a quick weekend break out of the city. All of us exchanged excited looks. Where to?

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To the Mountains

With the cruel weather, an overdose of malls, and the nerve-racking traffic, we felt that we deserved a break. Shimla was the easiest choice but we sought something different. Of course, there still were a few who thought otherwise but with some convincing, we agreed on Naldehra, an offbeat destination near Shimla.

Travel Tip: Never shy away from arm-twisting your friends. It works.

Paisa Vasool

Being slightly low on the financial aspect (why is pocket money never enough!), we decided that a train and taxi combo would be an economic way to travel. A direct Shatabdi to Kalka and a couple of hours drive uphill was the plan but we were far away from it after deboarding the train. The cab driver we hired didn’t have much faith in Google maps. He clearly believed that his instincts and the mountains would guide us to the destination. He was wrong. After having driven a few unnecessary kilometers and hassling folks for constant directions, we reached the hotel. Finally!

Travel Tip: Hire random cab at the railway station? Naah! Arrange for a pick-up by the hotel’s car instead.

Simply Beautiful

When picking an offbeat vacation spot, one isn’t always spoilt for choice. We didn’t have many options, but we picked what seemed the best. The Chalets Welcome Heritage is where we decided to spend our time off.  A quick description is essential because that place was breath-giving (literally, I could breathe properly there)!  A large property, extending from the thick forested mountain towards the deep valley, it did not have the usual hotel rooms. The simplicity of the place was most endearing. There wasn’t really much "to do" there but then again, that’s precisely why we were there.

Travel Tip: Pick the Finnish Log Cabins like we did. They are cozy and give a gorgeous view of the serene forest.

Golf, Treks and Instant Noodles

Being the laziest of the lot, I spent my first day lying in a hammock with some hot chocolate and a book. Clearly that didn’t go down well with the others and I was declared the official bore. A few name callings and arguments later, we decided to play some rounds of golf. By the by, the Naldehra Golf Course is pretty renowned and many prominent tournaments are held here!

Having an enthusiastic group of friends can be quite exasperating really because they’re always wanting to go for some adventure. So goodbye spa and therapeutic massages at the resort, and hello treks! Though I was arm-twisted in to joining my pals on this long trek in the deep Cedar forest, I figured it was actually a lot of fun. Tiring? Yes, but definitely an exciting experience in that chilly weather. We rested during the meals over games of Uno up on the mountains. Not sure of what to carry for these mountain ‘luncheons’, we settled for the typical hot Maggi noodles and pakoras from the dhaba.  It was easily the best picnic we had had.

Travel Tip: You can opt for a horse ride in case walking isn’t your steed.

Other Must-visits

The name Naldehra means ‘Abode of the King of Snakes’ in the local language. So, you can’t afford to miss the Mahunag Temple with Nag, the Serpent God, as its main deity. It is located inside the Golf Course.

You can also try river rafting along the enthralling River Sutlej at Chabba, a small hamlet nearby. We couldn’t for lack of time but definitely next time!

The fresh environment, the seclusion, the simple life. Is this the Para- para- paradise Coldplay so famously sings about?

Budget: Rs. 6,000 - 8,000 per person

Traveller Type: Families, Couples, With Friends

Distance from Delhi: 360 kilometres

To explore other exciting quick getaways across India, click here.