Stepping off the edge

Our hotel in Shimla hugs the side of the mountain like most buildings in this town.

We lingered over breakfast (I’ll write a blog about the food soon) by a window overlooking the hills, with the sun streaming in!

Our day started with a short train ride on the 2 ft 6 narrow-gauge (known as “toy train”) Kalka–Shimla Railway, that hugs the mountain side offering spectacular views.

From there our van maneuvered its way up a side of the mountain to the Viceregal Lodge,  formerly the residence of the British Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten being the last Viceroy.

It was here that meetings were held, on different occasions, to decide India’s independence which occurred in August, 1947.

The lodge has been mostly kept in its former grandeur with articles and photographs going back to the times of British rule in India. Now it is the Indian Institute of Advanced Study where doctoral students undertake self study in human and social sciences. Their dissertations, which were for sale, covered timely topics.

For those of you familiar with Hatley Castle in Victoria it is remarkably similar, but a grander version.

I joined a fellow traveller, Paul from Thailand, to hike 2 kms up the hill to the 108 foot tall idol of Monkey God. In Hindu mythology, Hanuman is known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama and his role in the Ramayana. 

We were warned about the Macaque Monkeys, though cute, they steal personal items, like glasses or hats, to barter for food. Paul and I were very careful however a large monkey, grabbed Paul’s leg. Paul hit him with his phone and then grabbed a stick to ward off further attacks.

The day ended on a wonderful note, dinner hosted by a local family. We were warmly greeted at the door and given a Tika (red dot or third eye), necklace of fresh marigolds, a hat and scarf with the Shimla traditional red coloured pattern.

A tour of their home, information about their lives and customs and delicious vegetarian Himachali or local food, made by his mother, was shared.

They are a lovely family with an adorable young son.

Sadly playgrounds aren’t safe from monkeys and sometimes their son can’t watch his shows because the monkeys climb and walk the internet wires and break them.

As you can see, we had an incredible time in Shimla, despite the monkeys!