Amidst the lush hills of Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the serene lap of nature, lies the picturesque town of Kasauli. It was on a balmy summer day, the 31st of May 2023, that my family embarked on an unforgettable journey to this quaint retreat.
As we traversed the meandering roads leading to our hotel, a particular steep slope brought with it a challenge, but the idyllic greenery and scenic vistas that greeted us made every twist and turn worthwhile.
As we reached our destination, we were welcomed by the soft pitter-patter of raindrops, a calming melody that seemed to harmonize with the beauty surrounding us.
Our stay in Kasauli was marked by moments of pure joy, awe and wonder. On the 1st of June, we explored a nearby garden, where the vibrant tones of blooming flowers left us enchanted. The symphony of nature swathed us, as we lounged in the serene ambiance, taking in the sweet-scented air and letting our spirits soar amidst the tranquility of nature.
The following day, we set out to explore the Kasauli Mall Road, a bustling street filled with zest and energy. As we walked down the cobblestone streets, we came across mischievous monkeys as their spirited antics added a touch of humour to our journey.
Amidst the local vendors, we indulged in the culinary specialities of the region, savouring delicacies like momos- steamed dumplings filled with vegetables/meat, herbs and spices, and thukpa, a warm, hearty soup that warmed our souls, alongside our stomachs.
Surrounded by the hustle- bustle of the market stalls, we encountered an adorable group of stray dogs, their wagging tails and sincere eyes captured our hearts in an instant as we shared our snacks with them, creating a bond that would last for the rest of our journey.
Our adventures then led us to the historic Christ Church, a spectacular testament to the town’s colonial history. The striking facade and detailed architecture spoke volumes of the bygone era, taking us back in time to a period of pure magnificence and glory. As we stood before the soaring clock tower, we were overcome by a sense of reverence and admiration.
As the hues of dusk painted the sky, we made our way to Monkey Point, a viewpoint that provided panoramic views of the landscape. While we watched the sun dip, we were filled with a sense of gratitude for the immense beauty that surrounded us.
The next day greeted us with the promise of adventure and excitement. We went on a trek along the breathtaking Gilbert Trail, our footsteps echoing through the lush forests as we immersed ourselves in nature’s serenity. With hearts full of euphoria, we went on the Timber Trail cable car ride, soaring into the clouds with each thrilling ascent. The scenic views stretched before us like a canvas painted by the gods.
The enchantment of Kasauli continued to captivate us on the next day as we took on a journey on the historic toy train. The rhythmic chug of the train echoed through the valleys as we travelled through the beautiful route from Dharampur to Barog Railway Station. Five hours of pure bliss unfolded before our eyes with each passing moment revealing new sites of heartwarming beauty.
As the day drew to its end, we sought calm and reflection at Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanakji. The peaceful ambiance enveloped us as we bowed our heads in respect in the serenity of the sacred space. Surrounded by the gentle prayers, we were reminded of the power of spirituality to heal and uplift one’s soul.
On our final day in Kasauli, as we bid farewell to this alluring paradise, our hearts were heavy with nostalgia. Over breakfast, we recognised the simple pleasures of life, indulging in our family ritual of enjoying pizza and waffles together, a symbol of love and togetherness.
As we reluctantly made our way back home, we carried with us memories that would last a lifetime. It was a vacation that had touched our hearts and enriched our meaning of life in ways we could never have imagined. In the embrace of nature with the misty mountains and picturesque valleys, we had found solace, familial bonding, and the true essence of what it means to be alive. Kasauli, with its evergreen beauty and charm, had left an indelible mark on our hearts, a memory that would forever have a special place in our minds.
By: Alayna Malhotra
Write and Win: Participate in Creative writing Contest & International Essay Contest and win fabulous prizes.
