We along with Mr Gopal Singh's family,  visited shimla during october 2010 as a part of pleasure trip to Delhi-Shimla-Manali. Shimla’s known for the handicraft shops that line the mall, a pedestrian avenue, as well as the lakkar bazaar, a market specializing in wooden toys and crafts. The most exciting travel was by toy train from kalka to shimla. Came to know that this track was built in 1903 during british regime.

This beautiful hill station derives its name from "goddess shyamla", who is supposed to be an avatar of goddess kali.

This lovely hill station was discovered' by the british who immediately fell in love with this place. Infact, they went to the extent of declaring shimla as their summer capital. Read about shimla tourism and know more about simla travel. Shimla abounds in natural bounty and looks picture perfect. The small hill station amidst the lofty snow-clad himalayan ranges, surrounded by lakes and lush green pastures look as though an artist has painted them. The unique thing about shimla is that it still retains its colonial charm and this creates an ambience that is not found anywhere else in India.

Shimla is one tourist destination that can be visited any time during the year. Summers are warm with cool and pleasant evenings while winters are bone chilling and the temperatures can fall below zero. But this difference is what makes shimla all the more special! We were there during winter and it was chilling experience all the time.

After two days stay at Shimla, we travelled to Manali. It was very exciting to travel on road from Shimla to Manali in the midst of snow mountains. Manali is a small

town located in the Kullu district which is about 270 KM from Shimla. It is a beautiful hill station nestled in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. The climate in Manali is very cool and temperatures range from 4 degrees to 20 degrees.

Manali is often referred to as the Valley of Gods. It is regarded as the changed name of Manu-Alaya which means the abode of "Manu".

After travelling on Ghat roads while enjoying the beauty of mountains, valleys and beautiful water-falls on the way we reached Manali and stayed in a pre-booked Hotel by name " Honey-moon Inn". The hotel was awesome and the rooms were big and it looked a best place for stay. We had a package deal and there were many things free in that.

When we had gone out for the day, while walking down the streets it was most delightful to see so many attractive places temples, shops along side the road. We had to face street vendors, almost followed us in an attempt to make their sales. From most of the vendors, we found one thing common to ask us was "Sir Chingu Chahiye?!" " Madam, Chingu Chahiye?! 

When heard first few times we didn't understand what it could be. Was guessing it could be an eatable item or a small garment!!. Finally we found it's a bunch of Blankets on a special offer price around Rs7000 to Rs.10,000/-. Initially, we denied the offer but later Mr Gopal was convinced to place an Order so that the package would be transported to the destination in a week days.

On the day we were fortunate to reach Rohtang Pass, after travelled on ghat road with so many curves (looking fearsome). Total distance of travel was on Ghat road only. Rohtang Pass's  known to be big tourist place situated about 40 KM away from Manali where it could be sighted snow fall from the mountains and the sorrounding areas would be totally covered with Snow especially during the Winter. We did not see anything as expected as the day we went there was no snow sliding.

Overall trip to Shimla-Manali was most enjoyful. We have brought some of memories to stay with us for ever in the form of the following photographs: