Trip to Simla

Simla 1st Visit.

When my daughter was in first year of college, her friend whose family had moved to Chandigarh from Singapore invited Sonali to visit. 

We decided to make this family trip to Simla suggesting that she should also join us. 

We stayed at their home for two nights. Very friendly people. Her mother made sure to cook vegetarian food.

This was my first visit to Chandigarh, designed by famous Swiss-French architect, La Corbusier. Our friend took us around to see the New city.

Sightseeing in Chandigarh

It is a modern, carefully planned city, designed by the celebrated architect Le Corbusier. The Capitol Complex, with its monumental government buildings and the famous Open Hand Monument, represents his bold vision of a modern city. It is one of the most important architectural landmarks in India.

Its broad avenues, orderly sectors and generous green spaces give it a distinctive character. Even driving through Chandigarh is a form of sightseeing. Its sectors, wide roads, green spaces and carefully planned neighbourhoods reflect a very different approach to urban life from the crowded, organically developed cities of India.

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Among its attractions, the Rock Garden is particularly remarkable. Created by Nek Chand from discarded materials, it is a world of imaginative sculptures and unusual constructions, demonstrating how artistic vision can transform what others throw away.

Sukhna Lake, with the Shivalik hills in the distance, provides a quieter setting, while the Rose Garden adds colour to the city's landscape.

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Zakir Hussain Rose Garden - This extensive garden is known for its many varieties of roses and other medicinal plants. It is especially attractive during the flowering season. Set against the distant Shivalik hills, Sukhna Lake offers a peaceful setting for enjoying the water and surrounding landscape. It provides a welcome change from the city's geometric streets and imposing buildings. 

Chandigarh is not a city of ancient monuments, its interest lies in modern architecture, thoughtful planning and the creativity of its people.

Pinjore Gardens

During our Shimla trip around 1984, we missed visiting Pinjore Gardens. I had seen these garden earlier like a crowded with trees.  I had read about their development as a tourist attraction, and I have now been looking at what we missed. The historic Mughal-style gardens, with their descending terraces, fountains and pavilions, sound well worth a visit. It is worth knowing more about this place.

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The gardens were originally created in the 17th century by Nawab Fidai Khan, and later restored under Maharaja Yadavindra Singh of Patiala. They have seven descending terraces, historic pavilions and water channels, including fountains, lighting and facilities for visitors.

After enjoying our stay with the family, we took off to go to Simla. We had planned to stay at “ WILDFLOWER LODGE “. Unfortunately we did not get accomodation in the main building but in lovely wooden cottages which were placed in the garden. Our sight seeing here included a visit to the city  which was crowded. We just went to see the Church.

Next day we drove to Narkanda which is beyond Shimla, on the road towards Kufri and further into the mountains. It is known for its apple orchards, mountain scenery and views of the Himalayas.

After three days stay we went to a town at a lower level named NALDERA. Here we stayed on the premises of a golf  club. This reminded me of the days of “ British Raj ". 

This was followed by going further down the valley by bus. When we reached there it was unusually hot. Wanted to get back quickly but buses were crowded.

Simla - 2nd Visit.

It was a very short visit. Again we planned to stay at WILDFLOWER Lodge. It had completely changed - very modern multi-storey building. On this visit we two oldies hardly went to any place - just enjoyed the garden.

It was for children to enjoy activity on the premises. They were taken by a guide for a long walk and a short walk in different areas. Sonali accompanied them. We watched when they were taught shooting darts in the garden.