The fresh mountain breeze greeted me as I stepped out of my hotel room, at Dreamville Stays in Shimla before sunrise. The sky was still dark, with a light on the horizon. My friends, though sleepy, were thrilled as we gathered our backpacks for our hike to Chadwick Falls. There’s something about starting a journey in the dark, led by the excitement of whats to come. It feels like standing on the edge of discovery for the world to unveil its mysteries.
The path to the falls was peaceful, with the rustling of leaves beneath our feet and occasional night bird calls breaking the silence. I’ve always felt that mountains have a way of reminding us of our place in this world while connecting us to something. It was a reminiscence of my trip to Jakhu Temple on Jakhu Ropeway Shimla. I was planning to visit it later in the day. As we made our way, darkness gradually turned into dawn, revealing towering pine trees, like guardians watching over the forest.
As we neared Chadwick Falls, the sound of rushing water grew louder—a comforting melody that urged us onward.
I have visited Shimla several times. There’s a certain charm about Chadwick Falls that keeps pulling me back. It’s not the beauty of the waterfall itself which is truly awe inspiring—it’s the tranquility that envelops the place. It feels like time slows down in that corner of the world allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the moment.
On one occasion, we arrived at the falls just as the soft hues of dawn started painting streaks across the sky. The water flowed down gracefully, like a shimmering curtain, while the mist gently rose to meet the early morning light. The entire scene seemed to be drenched in shades of gold and silver, a masterpiece created by nature itself. I’ve always believed that sunrises symbolize hope—a reminder that no matter how dark things may seem, a new day will always dawn, offering a beginning.
We laid out a blanket on a rock nearby unpacked our simple breakfast of sandwiches and fruit and settled in to witness the day unfold before us. There’s a serenity, to dining outdoors surrounded by nature’s embrace.
The sound of the waterfall the breeze on my cheeks and the sun’s warmth slowly spreading across the sky—it all reminded me how beautiful life can be when we pause to cherish the moments.
That morning, we ventured towards Mall Road, Shimla’s hub. The street was awakening, with shop owners unlocking their doors and the scent of baked treats filling the air. Our first destination was Gaiety Theatre, a gem from times past that has hosted countless performances throughout its rich history.
There’s a feeling when you enter a place steeped in history, imagining the countless individuals who sat in those very seats and gazed upon the same stage long before us. As I savored a performance by a theater group, it struck me how life itself mirrors a theatrical production, with each of us playing our roles and contributing to the intricate fabric of time.
Subsequently, we meandered along Mall Road, uncovering its hidden nooks and charming boutiques. When hunger pangs hit, we stumbled upon a café that exuded an air of secrecy. We indulged in piping bowls of thukpa and plates of momos—soul-nourishing fare that warmed us to the core. Amidst bites, I glanced at my companions seated around the table, their faces illuminated by joy and satisfaction. It brought to mind something my father once shared: “Food is more than flavors; it’s about the bonds forged over shared meals.” His words rang true as we relished not only the dishes but also the shared laughter, conversations, and camaraderie that made our experience truly memorable.
The remainder of the afternoon drifted by with glimpses of window displays, street treats, and leisurely walks along the ridge.
As the day started to come to a close, I felt drawn towards Jakku Hill, a place I had heard of but never visited before. The thought of witnessing the sunset from its peak, wrapping up the day as we had begun it, surrounded by nature, felt just right. We arrived at the Jakku Hill ropeway just in time with the sky transitioning from blue to hues of orange and pink.
The ascent was peaceful as I leaned on the glass, observing Shimla town gradually shrinking below us, trees swaying gently in the breeze. There’s a quality to being suspended in mid-air like that, a tranquil moment between land and sky. Upon reaching the summit, my expectations were surpassed. The panoramic view was everything I had envisioned and more. The sun hung low in the horizon like a sphere, painting the world with colors. Against the backdrop stood Lord Hanuman’s statue tall and vigilant, overlooking the valley beneath.
Standing there as we watched the sun disappear below the skyline, a wave of tranquility washed over me. It felt like all worries and tensions had melted away, leaving the beauty of that moment. We said our prayers at the Jakku temple, each of us in our thoughts and reflections. Personally, it was a moment filled with gratitude – grateful for the shared experiences, the beauty we witnessed, and the simple joy of being alive.
As we descended down the hill with the sunlight transitioning into twilight, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that the day had unfolded perfectly. A sunrise, a day spent with dear friends, and a sunset signaling both an end and a new beginning. Shimla has always held a place in my heart, and this particular day from morning till night will forever be etched in my memories, a testament to the beauty found.
