Solo travel has a unique way of touching the depths of your soul, unlike anything that can match. It is hard to put in words. But it is a blend of freedom’s taste with anticipation and thrill. It feels akin to teetering on the edge of a mountain before taking the leap into uncertainty’s embrace. Perwanoo greeted me with open arms. As I set foot in this town nestled in the Himalayan foothills; my eagerness to embark on the unforgettable “Shimla Ropeway Parwanoo HP” experience was palpable. Before making my way to Shimla to visit the “Jakhu Temple Hanuman Statue,” I was asked to visit Parwanoo. It is a haven that felt like a treasure, setting the stage for what awaited me ahead on my journey. Thinking about exploring the secrets held within the buildings and ancient temples ignited a spark of inquisitiveness within me. It lead to unexpected discoveries not just about the charm of Himachal Pradesh but also about a whole different side of myself.
I chose Parwanoo for a reason—it’s lesser-known, quieter, and far from the typical tourist crowds. Following a journey along the twisting roads surrounded by mountains cloaked in vibrant greenery, I arrived at a peaceful hillside retreat. Stepping onto the balcony, I savored the breeze caressing my face. The breeze was carrying hints of pine and murmurs of excitement for what lay ahead. There was something soothing about the place—like the calm before a storm of excitement that was Shimla.
But first, I had a plan. How could I be in Parwanoo and not experience the “Shimla Ropeway Parwanoo HP?” Known for offering one of the most picturesque views. The ropeway here lifts you above the hills like a bird gliding through the skies. I hopped into the cabin as the cable car began its slow ascent, the ground beneath me started to disappear. And I was elevated into a canvas painted with emerald forests and sapphire skies. The sun filtered through the clouds like a celestial artist adding brushstrokes of gold to the hills below. It felt as if I was suspended between heaven and earth, and for a brief moment, time stood still.
After enjoying an evening in Parwanoo and waking up bright, I set off on the next part of my trip to Shimla. While winding through the mountain roads in the car, my anticipation mounted with the prospect of seeing Shimla. I wanted to see and admire well known British colonial architecture. The British had definitely left their influence on this location. I was excited to discover these traces of an era that had passed.
The first thing I noticed as I entered Shimla was the unmistakable charm of its colonial buildings. It was like stepping into a different time. I marveled at Christ Church, its yellowed walls standing tall as a sentinel from another era. Its spires pointed to the sky like fingers reaching for the heavens, and the stained-glass windows shimmered under the morning sun. The church had a stillness about it, a peaceful aura, as if it were the keeper of untold stories from the past. Walking through the old streets lined with colonial structures, it felt as though history was alive, whispering its secrets with every footstep I took.
But my inner adventurer wasn’t just content with strolling the streets. I wanted to see Shimla from above, to feel the rush of wind as I floated over this historic town. So, I headed straight for the “Gandola ride in Shimla.” This cable car painted in hues offers more than just a ride—it provides an unforgettable experience. As I gazed down upon the valleys and rooftops of Shimla from above, it seemed as though the town had unfolded itself like a map, revealing its beauty from every vantage point.
The views wer
e inspiring— majestic mountains stood tall in the distance while lush forests stretched endlessly into the horizon. My heart raced not with fear but with excitement. It was akin to soaring through the sky in a dream, feeling unbound and liberated.
After the thrill of the Gandola ride, I had one more place to visit that tugged at the strings of both my curiosity and my love for mythology—the “Jakhu Temple Hanuman Statue.” Set atop Jakhu Hill sits a temple devoted to Lord Hanuman—its history is truly captivating! According to legend, as Hanuman ventured to retrieve the Sanjeevani herb in the Ramayana battle saga, he paused at this spot for respite; hence the temples construction in commemoration of this momentous occasion! The monumental Hanuman statue within is truly a marvel to witness! The statue stands tall at 108 feet high. Overlooks the surrounding landscape, with its shadow stretching across the hills as if a powerful deity is keeping watch over Shimla.
The journey up to the temple was quite an adventure on its own! Monkeys were playfully running across the area around the mandir, and some flew past me as well. It added a touch to the surroundings. Upon reaching the Hanuman’s statue, I gazed up at it, and all my fatigue seemed to vanish in an instant. The grandeur and scale of the statue gave me a sense of insignificance. Almost as if I were in the presence of something other than myself. In that moment of awe and wonder, the tales of Hanuman leaping across mountains carrying burdens came vividly to life in my imagination. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of respect, and the aroma of incense enveloped me. I couldn’t shake off the feeling of being intertwined with tales. I will tell you it sent shivers down my spine. Even now I am reliving the moment, etched as a perfect memory.
The Jakhu Temple, believed to be as ancient as the Ramayana, stands at the highest point of Shimla and has long been a site of devotion and awe. Legend has it that the hill bent beneath Hanuman’s weight while he rested here and shaped the surrounding landscape, which grew around it over time. Due to the captivating tales of Hanuman’s exploits and the breathtaking views overlooking the valley below, the area has been a popular pilgrimage site for many years. They say that the temple exudes such an energy that one can almost sense Hanuman’s spirit in the refreshing mountain breeze.
As the sun started setting behind the mountains and bathed Shimla in a light I couldn’t. Ponder over the events of the day. There was a charm in how the old and new coexisted in this hill town. Be it the buildings that harked back to an era or the legends echoing through temples, like Jakhu Shimla, was where history intertwined seamlessly with folklore.
But my adventure wasn’t just about ticking off places from a list—it was about discovering the soul of Shimla. Each corner of this town had a story to tell, from the British-built structures to the ancient Hindu legends. As I sat there, gazing at the mountains with a cup of hot chai in hand, I realized that travel is much like mythology. It’s not just about the destination but about the journey and the stories you uncover along the way.
Shimla, with its mix of history, legend, and adventure, had imprinted itself on my heart. The “Jakhu Temple Hanuman Statue,” the “Gandola ride in Shimla,” and the “Shimla Ropeway Parwanoo HP”—each experience was like a thread in the grand tapestry of my adventure. And as I prepared to leave, I knew that this was not just a place I had visited; it was a place that had become a part of me, like a story I would carry forever.
