'Shimla – A Monsoon Epitome' by NISHA SHARMA


Shimla –a  word known for  a place in hills famous for its British architectural buildings, Supreme weather and of course the Historic Toy-Train (that runs on epic Kalka–Shimla Railway Line having 806 bridges and 103 tunnels, thus making it one of  India’s most  famous Railway Line)….To me Shimla means beauty reflecting from every nook and corners of it and is not restricted to must visit places.. On the more honest note, I haven’t been to its most popular  places as every time I found myself lost and surrendered  to it hence its less of the rushing to its popular places and more of just short walks, observing, resting and enjoying the peace .


My monsoon visit to Shimla is a potpourri of  Multiple purposeless strolls on Mall road, narrow paths near Kaali Bari Temple  and my personal favorite Tara Devi Temple. It’s just not enough of this place all the times that I decide to visit more and more of it next time.

 
Entry Gate to witness historic Toy-Train running on ‘Kalka–Shimla Railway Line’

There is an old saying that “Beauty cannot be described in words but can only be felt to its utmost”. The beautiful  things our heart captures is something that remains forever in it but the beauty captured by our eyes can be locked forever and can be saved as a precious part of our memory through a magnificent art called “Photography” (Heartiest thanks and a bow of 90 degrees to all the worthy personalities who have contributed in the great  invention of  this awe-inspiring  instrument which captures memories called “Camera”  )
 

 
People enjoying leisure time at The Ridge

The most awaited time to visit Shimla to me is during “Monsoons” as  it cannot be witnessed more beautiful than in monsoons with weather just perfectly cold yet warm, artistically wet and mistful  yet sun sprinkles its sunshine like an ornament sparks when a ray of light strikes it.
 

 
The Mall Road view when it’s about to pour

During my short trip to Shimla in mid of August, I had been strolling on the Mall Road most of the time. Be it a walk to reach few food points near Ridge or to reach taxi stand near Kaali Bari temple, Mall Road was trailed mostly. The less travelled roads and short-cuts turned out to be a delight to my eyes and can be considered as good option to explore this place during day time. Shimla has always been more about observation, relaxation,  serenity and blissful weather.
 

 
Monsoon clouds hovering over the green hills

I was fortunate to chance upon a visit to Tara Devi temple which is 11 km from Shimla old bus stand . Tara Devi hill has an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess of stars on top of the hill and  a newly constructed temple of Shiva and Durga which is on a few meters walk from main temple. Tara Devi temple and Jakhu Temple are the highest altitude temples of Shimla from where the panoramic view of entire city and surrounding peaks could be cherished. (A must-visit place in Shimla)

 
View from Tara Devi Temple

Don’t know why but when pictures are explained through words, I feel reluctant to do so. Perhaps I want pictures to be seen and felt as these are self-explanatory or otherwise purpose of clicking  is not achieved somewhere.

Here I take this opportunity to present few of my clicks of this splendid place expressed more through my eye and less through my words.

 

 
Another angle of admiration
 
A girl in pahadi cap, observing beautiful surroundings
 
A castle like building explored during the promenade

Comments

WordilyCravings said…
Ah Shimla! It continues to continue its love affair with lensmen and lenswomen alike :) Though, it might be unkind to pick a favorite, but the first one paints a picture of what the vintage Shimla could have looked like. Brilliant pics!
Beautiful captures along with very well described monsoon journey from Shimla ! Brilliant stuff !!!


Welcome to PHOTO JOURNEY family Nisha and look forward for many more Photo Journeys like this...
Unknown said…
Awesome words and great photography....
Great modifications of photoes..
Unknown said…
Cool pics with great description...

Journey begins..
jaspreet said…
tooo good!! super work :)
Unknown said…
Thank you all for beautiful comments!....
and special thanks to VJ for giving me this opportunity to ponder my heart to write for Photojourney!!
Keep Rocking VJ!!
Vibha said…
Nice, poetic write-up with wonderful images. Though most people find Shimla too "crowded" or "commercialized", I agree with you that there are enough treasures to explore on foot. Do keep writing!

Do give the post another read though...there are some glaring mistakes that you should be able to correct...
Unknown said…
Hi Vibha.....Thank you so much for the appreciation....I indeed was looking for such feedback and infact wud like to take ur suggestions on creative write-up and better way to my writing approach.
Shall get in touch with u....through mail as well (with all ur due permission :) )

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