To Know..... How? :
It was always a dream to witness the snowflakes falling all over and enjoying the snowfall at large.
This Dream of mine was shattered last year as I met with an accident in 2019 but it never stopped me dreaming bout the snowfall.I was an anxious wait to witness the fall this year by hook or by crook.I wrote down my travel Itinerary (as i do everytime)again on my travel book.Then I discussed the plan with my buddies,they nodded YES.Then we met at neutral place for planning and it was all finalized including trains, flights, cab and locations (Hotels,we usually plan OTS with the help of our all time favorite and regular taxi driver for North , Mr. Rancho).
We reached Mumbai by boarding overnight fast train (Konkankanya Express-10112-Thivim(18:55 hrs) to Panvel (04:05 hrs)) from Goa.The train normally best in class for reaching on-time.Then from Panvel we Board a Local train around 4:15 am to reach Kurla station by 5:00 am, from where the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminal Airport is nearby.After the breakfast and chai at Kurla station,we then checked inn at airport by 7:oo am. Got freshened up in the lobby and boarded the flight for Delhi at around 11:00 am.We reached Delhi at around 1:30 pm where Mr. Rancho was waiting for pick up.Then we straight away headed to Kalka,Hariyana as we had book toy train To Shimla. Overnight stay in Kalka.
Finally, 2020 is on the calendar.We Goans, normally gets busy with Christmas to new year celebrations .I was also busy doing the same along with my backpacking.(As this time's backpack was unusual due to all precautionary and non routine clothing required for cold and snowfall).
The day finally arrived , the first week of 2020 and we were ready to chase our dream of witnessing the snowfall.As it was a peak tourist season across India flights availability as per our plan was not flexible and had to re-frame the itinerary with alternative travel plan by train.
Day # 1
Day # 2
Finally another long pending wish of travelling by Toy train came true,as we boarded (Shivalik Delux-52452- Kalka (05:45 am ) -Simla(10:35 am)) toy train in damn chilling morning of Kalka. During travel we were actually frozen as the temperature was around 4-5 deg.The said toy train is super-fast and has only one halt at Barog. We had delicious Cutlets and Hot tea and coffee at this picturesque halt of 5 mins.The train then reaches Shimla at around 10:30 am.One of the most fascinating toy train memories got engraved on my mind.
Then we immediately started our sightseeing as Mr. Rancho was waiting for us outside the station since we have loaded all our luggage at Kalka and asked him to collect us at Shimla Station.
We then headed to Kufri , one of the hightest point in Shimla and known for its snow activities.Mild snowfall had happened last night and there was much crowd so we returned back to town for Jhaku temple,Mall Road and Ridge.
Jhaku Temple is another beautiful place in Highlander Shimla. This place can be reached by lift till Ridge and then take a cab to reach the temple.It has got huge statue of Shree Hanumanji standing tall, can be viewed from the city.Temple vicinity is peaceful neat and clean.This is the place where Hanumanji halted for a while in search of Sanjeevani medicine mountain to cure injured Laxmana according to Hindu Mythology Ramayana.
Note: Beware of monkeys as they take away your belongings viz: bags , goggles,etc.
Then Visit the Mall road and The ridge.One can do shopping of antiques,winter clothing ,etc.There are several food courts, ice cream parlors and bakeries which serves delicious stuff.One should keep the Ridge visit in the evening as you will see the illuminated church(One of the oldest historical place at the times of British),Indian flag waving so high and the enlighten panoramic view of Shimla town from the top.We left Shimla to reach somewhere in the middle on the way to Manali so that the next day we can reach Manali by afternoon.
Day # 3
We left the hotel early morning, en-route Manali we witness the slight rain drizzles which is the sign of snowfall after they stops.We reached Manali via Kullu (We have not done river rafting as the atmos was superchilly, but one can do because it is the perfect time and place to do so)
As we reached the Upper Manali , rain stopped and the moment came,I was so emotional... infact we all became emotional and excited too,Finallllyyyy, the first snowflakes of the season started falling on us and as the day progressed got heavier and more heavier.We then enjoyed,played and clicked photos and videos in the maiden Snowfall. We then checked in the Hotel and booked rooms for two days (Advise :Book rooms with great balcony view)
Day # 4
We woke up and was shocked to see the Dense white Manali through our balcony, the hills, other day were lush green had turned whitish with thick snow layer overnight.
We then headed to Solang valley, for snow adventure but the Solang had already shut due to heavy snowfall since last night and many travelers had stranded in the snow. So there was another local point where all skiing and other activities were going on, We borrowed the snow jackets and shoes and enjoyed the games.At the end of the day we then returned to our rooms as we were totally frozen.
Day # 5
We woke up with a bad news from the driver saying that the Manali is alerted with orange alert for heavy snowfall for next two days, as they said that, this was one of the heaviest snowfall of the decade.We immediately got ready as Mr.Rancho acted very smartly and waited for us out of the town where snowfall was less because the vehicle we were travelling in was not 4x4 coz in snowfall only 4x4 vehicle can sustain others will skit off the road and prone to accidents.It was the greatest escape after we got stucked in the immovable traffic on both side of upper and lower Manali for 3 hours.
We then headed to Dharamshala , The winter capital of Himachal and reached by 4 o clock ,Then we Visited the HPCA cricket stadium where there is free entry for the tourist to witness the beautiful International cricket ground with panaromic view of the great Himalayas in the background.Soon after we moved to Mc leodganj for Monastry Visit and Bhagsu Naag Temple and waterfall.We left Dharamshala to reach Pathankot for Overnight stay.
Day # 6
Our Next destination was in Punjab,The famous Golden temple and Beating retreat ceremony at Atari, Indo-Pak Wagah Border.We reached by afternoon and straight headed to Atari railway station, the famous last railway station on Indo-Pak border.The ceremony starts at 5 o clock everyday with packed house audiences on both side(India-Pakistan)and gives real goosebumps and makes u realize about the wearing the pride of being Indian.Then By evening we reached Golden Temple.
The temple vicinity is always busy with devotees across India.Night glittery view of temple is just eye soothing. One has to maintain the que to reach the main temple, seek blessings, sit for a while listening to the holy Bhajans and take Prasad and head towards the Food Court to Have Langar-the holy food.You can even help preparing and serving the langar .They called this as SevaBhav. Overnight stay In Amritsar.
Day # 7
Next Morning we visited the Jalianwala Baug (vicinity of the temple) and remembered the sacrifice of the martyrs of the historical Jalianwala Baug Massacre by General Dier. The Garden still have the evidence of bullet marks on the walls which are restored which were blindly fired on the people inside the Garden before freedom.Then we started our return journey to Delhi. En route, Mr. Rancho insisted us to visit his place the beautiful Village of Panipat called Jorasi,
We had a great time and lunch especially prepared for us along with mouth-watery Gaajar(carrot) Da Halwa. We were pleased by the hospitality of Mr.Rancho .
Finally We bundled up the beautiful memories to wind up the seven days long Himachal-Punjabwala tour.
Summary:
Best Time to Witness fresh snowfall of Shimla and Manali is the First,second Week of January and continues till February.
How to Reach Shimla,Manali, Dharmashala : All three are well connected by roadways and there are frequent private and govt buses from Delhi, Chandigarh,Haryana to Shimla-Manali.
Closest railway station to Shimla is Kalka-Operates toy trains at different intervals(4-5 trains daily) on prebooking basis through IRCTC.
Nearby airport to Shimla and Manali is Buntur but with limited flights(Ticket rates are high due to limited operation of flights), next closest is Chandigarh which is well connected with other major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai,etc.
Closest Railway station to Manali is Chandigarh (315 km) or Pathankot (290 km). You can make your travel bookings till either of these two cities and then take a prepaid bus or a cab till Manali.
Similarly Amritsar is well connected by roadways,railways and airways with other cities of India as it has dedicated airport and railway station.
All Pictures are taken By Me , Follow me on Instagram travel page @routecase