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A Journey across India: The call to Adventure

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An easy, practical and in-sequence itinerary planner I have travelled the length and breadth of India, and am truly proud of its rich and varied heritage. I am amazed by the tradition and values, the people, festivals, celebrations and the changing landscape. Have you wondered if it's possible to travel across India completely? Most foreigners arriving in India, land in Delhi and then travel the Golden Triangle route first- which is a good decision incase you have limited time at hand and want to make the most of it. The Golden Triangle- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur includes the much hyped Taj Mahal which invariably is part of a tourist's bucket list. This blog on the other hand- is a sequential strategy and detailed 'been there done that' itinerary plan starting from Mumbai. I am sure as we go through this Journey you will understand India better. My experiences are based from the perspective of a - digital nomad, budget backpacker and from a local standpoint. Each Itinerar
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DAGSHAI V/z KASAULI: Offbeat Himachal Explorations

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Closer to the Punjab Plains and south of SHIMLA, are the twin hill stations of DAGSHAI & KASAULI~ the latter better known than the other. A curious traveller such as me is undeterred by the dilemma of a choice, and is likely to visit both places. But, should the situation arise and you have to make a choice- then choose Unexplored DAGSHAI. 

Previous blog- 8 days in Lahaul & Spiti

lady walking through the wooded paths of DAGSHAI hills in Himachal Pradesh

The good old days of men and their mules

At a time when the road and railway from Kalka to Shimla wasn't yet built, folks made the journey uphill by mules. The Ghats enroute served as overnight halts where they could get the much needed break~ Kiari Ghat, Vakna Ghat, Kaithli Ghat and Kandaghat are familiar names enroute Shimla. Here travellers bought their provisions such as rice, atta, cooking oil, onions, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, stationery, running cloth for stitching garments etc. Shop owners extended their courtesy to the weary travellers by hosting them and providing food.

Old b/w pic of the trail from Kalka to Shimla. Those days goods used to be carried by mules
Old b/w pic of the trail from Kalka to Shimla. Those days goods used to be carried by mules 

Dagshai & Kasauli~ two quaint military cantonment towns from the British era

In India, the stations at which British units were garrisoned permanently were termed 'Cantonments'. Shimla was the summer capital of the British era. Shimla district (the same name as the city) was part of the Punjab province which had contonments, such as~ Ambala cantonment, Shimla, Dagshai and Kasauli. The judicial authority for criminal cases within these cantonment areas rested with the military authorities. 

1- an authentic 19th ce British army bench at Dagshai. 2- Jail. 3- a painted of officers belonging to a British army regiment.
1- an authentic 19th ce British army bench at Dagshai. 2- Jail. 3- a painting of officers belonging to a British army regiment. 

Jail cell at DAGSHAI where Nathuram Godse was kept for 1 night

Dagshai also has a Cellular Jail (built 1849) where Nathuram Godse spent a night in transit before being transferred to Shimla police custody. 

How to reach KASAULI 
Take the Kalka-Shimla road to Dharampur junction (31 kms/ 1 hr). From here take the left road going to KASAULI (15 kms/ 30 mins). Public transport- all buses to Shimla/ Solan stop at Dharampur. There are also buses from Dharampur to Kasauli. Bus fare approx ₹300/ to & fro pp
 
How to reach DAGSHAI 
Take the Kalka-Shimla road to Kumahartti-Dagshai. Bus fare ₹200/ to & fro pp

In both above cases, one can also travel by the heritage train, although the timings are specific and the journey longer. 


Leisure Hiking Trails amidst forests of horse chestnut and Himalayan oak trees

Kasauli and Dagshai's hiking trails are lined with spruce pines, Himalayan oak and aged chestnut trees make them a Nature lover's haunt. A few of these hiking paths are~

🥾 Sonawar hill Chestnut 🌰 trail 5½ km - KASAULI 

Horse chestnut trees in a forest with heavy mist

In certain areas, British officers had to trek through the wooded hills to get to their cantonment. The rugged paths along Sonawar hill trail are lined with glorious chestnut trees. These walks can be especially enchanting when these horse chestnut trees are in bloom (April to June). The lemony chestnut blossoms are a visual treat and their scent clings to the fresh mountain air. Make the best of this hike by carrying a picnic basket to soak in all at leisure. When done wind your way down to Dharampur (12 km) via SONAWAR school.

🥾 Gilbert Nature Trail, KASAULI- 4 kms 

Also popular with adventure seekers is Gilbert Nature Trail in KASAULI. It was past noon when a thick blanket of mist showed signs of approaching showers making the hike exciting, but also worrisome. I had no idea how far the trail would lead and thought it a good idea to abandon the hike. Just then I spotted another guy going that way. Found out he was a mountain guide with aspirations of climbing great heights.  

Nature shots of Gilbert trail hike, Kasauli
Nature shots of Gilbert trail hike, Kasauli

The best part of this trail is the abundant variety of wild flowers making the hike a Nature lover's delight. The trail was buzzing with the sound of bees as they went about pollinating the flowers🌹 🌺. 

A bee pollinating a wild flower
A bee pollinating a wildflower 


Time to end the day with a flourish 

Mountain guide was such a sport; I couldn't have done this hike without him. So we ended the day over a drink and a taco bowl. 

A drink, cocktails

A mixed taco bowl with plenty of jalapenos
A mixed taco bowl with plenty of jalapenos 

Friends, if you enjoyed reading this blog post, do explore this blog. You can do so by using the search 🔍, select the 'Label' of your choice for articles in the same category or follow my journey. 🙏


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