A Slow Travel Story in the Hills

Shimla Travel Diaries:

Foggy Mornings, View-Filled Walks & an Overnight Stay That Just Fit In
My recent Shimla trip was all about foggy mornings, colonial beauty, and view-filled hill walks. Getting an overnight stay that fit the mood wasn’t hard with CheQin.ai — it saved time and got me settled fast so I could concentrate on experiencing the best of Shimla.

I had always pictured Shimla as one of those postcard-perfect destinations where time slips away. This journey made that vision a reality in the most wonderful manner. The combination of crisp air, pine-shrouded slopes, and colonial buildings makes Shimla seem like a bygone era — tranquil, romantic, and yet very much alive.

First Breath of Hill Air

Having covered the long journey the previous night, entering Shimla was like opening a window to new thoughts. The fragrance of deodar trees and the gentle shiver in the air relaxed me the moment I arrived. Old bakeries dotted the roadsides, as did brightly colored shops and smiling faces. I came in early morning, and the town was yet to wake up. Seeing the mist slowly crawl away from over the rooftops was my initial serene moment amidst the hills.

What was impressive was the way this hill station clung to its serenity despite being a traveler’s favorite. Even in the peak season, Shimla did not feel crowded. Everyone moved at a slower pace, smiled more, and took time to appreciate the small things.

An Effortless Check-In

Reserving a place to stay can sometimes be the most infuriating aspect of a trip — too many choices, too little transparency. This time, I did something new. I had entered my stay requirements — neighborhood, room type, minimal comforts — on CheQin.ai before I arrived. In a matter of minutes, several local hotels replied with their best deals.

It wasn’t flashy deals; it was simply clear communication. I picked a quiet place not too close to Mall Road. The check-in was seamless, and the room had a warm atmosphere with wooden interiors and a small balcony overlooking the hills. That small balcony became my favorite corner of the trip.

Wandering Without a Map

Shimla is not a destination where you check off activities to do. It is enjoyed more by roaming without a set agenda. My initial walk led me to The Ridge, where tourists and locals sat beneath the open sky. The sight was breathtaking — the colorful rooftops of the town, surrounded by forested slopes.

From there, I walked along Mall Road, window-shopping in old bookshops, drinking hot chai, and stopping to watch the world pass by. There is something soothing about being somewhere where the tempo slows down.

Local Experiences That Left an Impression
Some experiences weren’t scripted but turned out to be the most memorable:

Rising to a foggy sunrise, snuggled under a blanket with a hot cup of tea in one’s hand.

Trying siddu, a Himachali steamed bread, served with ghee at a local café.

Chatting with an old shopkeeper, who told me about Shimla before the crowds arrived.

Watching school kids in uniform, laughing as they ran down steep alleys — reminding me how life here blends old and new.

One morning I hiked up to Jakhoo Temple — a short, steep climb that treats you to panoramic views and quiet. The giant Hanuman statue towers above, and monkeys eye your snacks curiously, but the best thing is just sitting on the steps and taking in the silence.

A Day Trip to Kufri

On the advice of a friend, I went to Kufri, which was within driving distance. While more touristy than Shimla itself, it was nice. Snow-covered hills, horse rides, and some amusement rides if you’re that way inclined. I liked the quieter areas — where the trees were tall and the wind carried the fragrance of pine and wet earth.

Reflections by the Fireplace

At night, I’d go back to my hotel, sit by the lobby fireplace, and jot down the day’s ideas. Not huge happenings or tales — just little things I didn’t want to lose. Such as the baker who gave me an extra bun for nothing, or the kid who waved from a window as our car went by.

That’s what you get with hill stations. They are not grand experiences. They are small moments that linger long after the holiday is over.

Final Thoughts

Shimla gave me more than I anticipated — not only in view but in tranquility. It taught me to take my time, to walk with no where to go, and to relish the little things — whether it’s the heat of a local dish or the sheer pleasure of seeing clouds drift by.

And when everything runs smoothly — such as my accommodation arrangement — it frees you to consider what counts: the experience. I didn’t have to deal with hotel calls or fret over last-minute cancellations. Everything happened naturally, as if the trip were destined to unfold in this manner.

For the person who simply wants to fill their lungs with fresh air, clear their mind, and simply appreciate the hills without a fixed agenda, Shimla is an idyllic retreat. Visit without preconceptions, take up residence wherever it suits, and allow the town to emerge one moment at a time.