Ruchira takes us on a tour of beauteous Kasauli, exclusively for Different Truths.

A famous British poet had written,

“What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

Well really, if you plan to do this, i.e., face life at an easy pace albeit for a short while, I suggest you head to Kasauli, a pretty but sleepy little hill station in Himachal Pradesh, not quite far from Shimla the capital.  The town is as sleepy as sleepy can be.

During an October weekend, exactly nineteen years ago, I headed for Kasauli. No, not with family (for a change) but three office colleagues

During an October weekend, exactly nineteen years ago, I headed for Kasauli. No, not with family (for a change) but three office colleagues; two bachelor youths and a bachelor a girl to be precise. In fact, her parents assigned me the task of chaperoning her during the entire trip.

Back to the story, the four of us reached Chandigarh the very same night after a five-hour trip. Much to our chagrin we discovered that our booking at a guest house (done in advance by another colleague) had been bungled and consequently was defunct. Fortunately, we managed to check into decent lodge nearby. The rest of the night was uneventful.

The following morning, we set off early and motored our way up to Kasauli. We entered the town a little past midday. I confess the journey was tedious further aggravated by a rickety old bus that trundled along at a snail’s pace.

The following morning, we set off early and motored our way up to Kasauli. We entered the town a little past midday. I confess the journey was tedious further aggravated by a rickety old bus that trundled along at a snail’s pace. Blame it on our shoestring budget. The youngsters were unwilling to stretch it further whatever it takes. I may sound snobbish but if I am travelling with my parents or spouse it is far more comfortable. Period.

Nonetheless, after checking into moderate but spick & span lodge, followed by lunch at a wayside eatery we set off to visit Monkey Point (aka Man ki Point for the locals). Possibly the highest peak in Kasauli it is located in the Air Force Station, close to the Lower Mall.  It offers fabulous views of Chandigarh – the city beautiful and pride of India – and the Sutlej River that flows through the area. In fact, the monkey motif is predominant here. Legends say while Hanuman was on his southward journey from the Himalayas after procuring the lifesaving herb ‘Sanjivani Booti’, he had touched down briefly in the area where the town stands now. A shrine dedicated to the deity stands in the vicinity. There are many more temples and British-era churches dotting the town. We stayed on to watch a picturesque sunset from Monkey Point and then walked back to our lodgings.

For retired individuals and elderly couples, there are many strategic spots where they can rest awhile and drink in the natural beauty to their hearts’ content.

A word of advice to the readers: joggers and walking enthusiasts will find Kasauli a fascinating place where one can simply walk on for miles without any hindrances, crazy traffic, honking vehicles, humans jostling with stray animals, whatsoever. For retired individuals and elderly couples, there are many strategic spots where they can rest awhile and drink in the natural beauty to their hearts’ content.

That evening, after an early dinner, the foursome decided to treat ourselves to more charming views from the hillsides. Once the darkness settled in properly, and the lights came on, the townships and human habitations sprawling far below us lay glittering like a bejewelled necklace. The sight was enchanting.

We also went ambling around the town, indulged in window shopping, chatting with a few locals, picking up a few knick-knacks to carry back home with us.

Photos from the Internet