We landed in Delhi, with utmost surprise, our crew was whisked away by the custom's officers for a random enquiry. Upon knowing that all of us were educators much pleasanteries were exchanged, after all they were doing their duty. But it was still puzzling, why us, perhaps we looked kinda motley.
Our adventure only started at Shimla, we took a train from Delhi to Chandigarh and from they a Tempo Traveller to Shimla. Arrived pass 6.00pm, and were greeted to this nice cosy hotel, called Woodville Palace.
This property had served as the residence of 4 successive commanders in chief of the Indian Army during the British Raj. In 1926 the the Ruler of the Princely state of Gondal, Maharajah Sir Bhagvat Singh bought the property for his daughter Princess Leila Ba.
In 1977, the grandson of Raja Rana Sir Bhagat Chand's, Raj Kumar Udhay Singh of Jubbal converted this 31 bedroomed palace into a heritage hotel, which stands todate.
A quick shower and we were at the bar wanting a warmer before dinner. We met this cute barman who has been with the hotel for good many years.
Whilst at the bar, we chanced upon the current heir to the Palace, Prince Raj Kumar Jubbal. That is the Prince in the middle next to Greeja, in the photo below. A fine gentleman he is, went on to explain his illustrious family heritage. Currently the family had leased the property to a 3rd party to be managed as a hotel.
Waking up early in the morning, looking at a picturisc scene from our bedroom was a sight to behold. How I wished this would be an everyday scene from my bedroom at USJ.
The air was so fresh, and the greenery was so refreshing to the eye, that I felt rejuvenated instantly. Greeja and I went for a short walk around the property, soaking in, the early morning sight, and sounds from the valley. The temperature was slighly above 16 degrees C, perfect for a nice stroll.
After breakfast, our journey began, Greeja, Vijay, Baldev and me, got onto our Tempo Traveller, driven by Vicky our able driver. Thus began our seventeen days adventure spearheaded by Sifu Baldev.
Footnote on Shimla:
Shimla is a Hill Station situated 7238ft above sea level, and in 1864 it was helmed as the summer capital of British India. Situated in the foot of the Himalaya, and was named Shimla, dedicated to Goddess Shyamala Devi the preciding deity and an incarnation of Goddess Kali. I felt kinda sentimental and blessed knowing that we were beginning our journey from Shimla, with Goddess Shymala Devi as our patron.
ravivrammankkanniappan@11112006223.0567° N, 101.5851° E
