4-day walking tour of Shimla – on the British Raj
Fixed dates: Thursday, April 29 to Sunday May 2, 2010.
Group size 8-12 people
Travel & return to Delhi by the Kalka Shatabdi. Thereafter by taxi to Shimla (2-3 hours)
Our stay: 3 night stay in a peaceful family run guest house with a cozy ambience and a rustic decor far away from the crowds, but not far from the heart of Shimla. On Trip Advisor too.
Meeting & End point: New Delhi Railway St. Time of departure from Delhi is 740 am and arrival back is 10 pm.
| Details are as follows:- Day 1 Thursday – Arrival at hotel and lunch—Evening walk – 4: 00 or 5:00 PM to around 7:00 – 8:00PM Viceregal Lodge. Dinner at Hotel Viceregal Lodge – The former palace of the viceroys in Shimla. Great grounds and magnificent interior. A section of the interior is open for visitors. The building was completed in 1888 and is largely ‘Scottish Baronial’ in character. Within its walls were marked some of the most momentous events of Indian history. Day 2 Friday – Museum. Then the Mall and the Jakho round. Evening free on the Mall as we will return there.State Museum –Nothing on Shimla here, but covers Himachal quite well. Here Raaja explains the background of most the exhibits. |
Total walking – Around 12 kilometers on some level stretches and on slopes and inclines.
Start time 10:00 in the morning; finish around 6:00 in the evening.
Day 3 Saturday – the suburban walk, driving to the point where we start walking and driving back too.
This will be through the old Mahasu area; this walk starts near the gates of the Wildflower Hall in the village of Charabra. This walk goes past old colonial houses which were built by people who even in the days of the Raj preferred the quiet of these suburbs to the hectic social swirl of Shimla. The road the walk takes is narrow and shaded by deodar – Himalayan cedar – trees. The views around are spectacular – which was perhaps one reason why the area was first settled. Lots more _ .
| Drive starts at 9:30 in the morning and walk ends around 5:00 in the evening. Drive back from Naldehra to Shimla (drive of around 50 minutes). The total distance walked will be around 12 to 15 kilometers on level stretches and uphill and downhill paths. |
Day 4 Sun morning – (If you like) a short walk near the hotel, free time, lunch on yr own. Leave for railway station.
Suggestions – Comfortable walking shoes, a warm light jacket/ sweater for the evenings, sunscreen lotion, head-gear (cap). Carry your own snacks, drinking water with a small knapsack on your back. A reasonable fitness level of fitness is expected with age no bar. These are slow & brisk walking tours for people who enjoy walking for long hours on a hilly terrain. Children over 18 years who enjoy walking for 8-10 hours can join.
Charges: Rs 11,000 per person on a twin-sharing basis, Rs 12,500 per person for a single stay. Cancellation charge Rs 1000 non-refundable.
The charges includes: Raaja’s walk charges (cost effective for a group of 10-12 people), Train & taxi fares, most meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and board & lodging.
This does not include Tips, Sunday lunch and any other charges of personal nature at the home stay etc.
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Please confirm your participation by Friday, April 16 by sending a reply stating no. of people. On receiving a confirmation from 10-12 people, full payment will be required by Monday April 19 to book tickets, block rooms etc. Contact Surekha on surekhan@hotmail.com or 9811330098. |