Shimla is a popular hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh and allures visitors from far and nearby its distinct character. Abounding in natural beauty, the town has retained its colonial charm. With smatterings of a colonial past still events amidst lush surroundings of pine and oak forests, Shimla’s rich heritage and natural beauty make it a popular holiday stations.
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Kufri is another picturesque hill station near the majestic hill stations Shimla which is known for its trekking and hiking trails. The executive nature parks and scenic spots are the prime attractions of this hill stations.
This new year we enjoyed in Kufri and Shimla. I planned a trip along with my three friends to celebrate the New Year’s Eve in the lap of majestic hill stations which welcomed us with an open arm. After all, Pahari hospitality is famous worldwide. We had a great plan, a great destination and a glorious celebration ahead. The amazing trip of us started on 31st December. We left Karnal (Haryana) at 6:00 a.m. in the morning in our car. Kufri is just at a distance of 258 km from Karnal. We traveled by the route of Kurukshetra to Ambala to Chandigarh to reach Kufri. During the travel, we stopped our car at only one place to have our breakfast. There we had enjoyed the yummy Maggi together. I love Maggi and the ‘Paharo ki Maggi’ is my love. We reached Kufri at around 2:00 p.m. in our own car after a long exhausting journey. After reaching, we visited the Hip-Hip Hurray Amusement Park and the famous horse-riding point.
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Hip-Hip-Hurray Amusement Park is an excellent hideaway for competing for entertainment and matchless fun time with thrilling rides, bumping boats, virtual reality games along with fine dining and lots and lots of fun activities. It is nestled in the laps of snow clad mountains and the weather at the time we visit there was so freezing. All the mountains were covered with snow and it felt like heaven there. The park has been spread over an area of 5000 square meters amidst lush green trees and a pollution free environment. It features various rides, along with bumper cars, gondola wheel, kiddies helicopters, and double swing.
The only means of travel in the inhospitable terrain of Kufri is horse riding. It was a fun and exciting thing to do. The Mahasu park is the highest peak in Kufri which is accessible only by horse/mule. The muddy road is best traversed on horseback which makes for an interesting experience.
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After visiting these two places we were in a mood to stay in Kufri for one day. So, we had a chat with a local man that we want to celebrate a new year with the local crowd in Kufri, where we can celebrate the new year here. He informed us that, “You guys are at a wrong place. No one celebrates New Year here. Here, all people celebrate a new year in their hotels, bars, and pubs.” But, we guys want to celebrate the new year with the crowd. So, after taking our lunch in Kufri, we left for Shimla. Shimla is just 13 km away from Kufri. We reached Shimla at around 6:00 p.m. Shimla is very crowded at the time of new year. We have to roam here and there for about one and a half hour just to park our car. Finally, after so much jam we parked our car for 24 hours at Rs.200. Some parking guards were also asking for Rs.600, Rs.1000 for parking as every parking places were full. After parking our car at around 7:00 p.m. we had some snacks.
And then, we purchased lift tickets to reach upper mall road. The ticket pricing was just about Rs. 10 per person. Then, we have had dinner at the Punjabi Dhaba at Mall Road.
The Mall Road is a fully crowded place. There were so many shops and hotels at Mall road. Walking on Mall Road seems like walking in a luxury place. After roaming on the Mall road, we reached “The Ridge” at around 9:30 p.m. to celebrate a new year.
The Ridge is a large open space in the heart of Mall Road that provides an excellent view of the mountain ranges engulfed in the beauty of nature. The place offers a panoramic view of the snowy mountains of Shimla. It is the hub of all the cultural activities such as fair, government functions, celebrations etc. The most famous landmark of the Ridge is the Christ Church which is constructed in Neo-Gothic style of architecture.
It was too cold at the upper mall road around The Ridge. Upper Mall Road was too crowdy than lower mall road (Around Parking). All the peoples were dancing like they are rock stars. News Nation and News 18 guys were also present there to cover Shimla’ New year celebration. After continuously enjoying for two hours, we just see our clocks and it was 12:00. The new year has arrived:-). Then the DJ’s also announced the time, “Guys it’s 12:00” Happy New Year to all. At sharp 12:00, the Shimla Tourism Management Team were out to firecrackers and celebrate with their tourists. We enjoyed there till 1:00 a.m.
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After then we bid adieu to the place and left for Karnal with lots of amazing memories in our mind along with the photographs. It was an amazing and wonderful journey. In this way, we have the best new year celebration till the date.
Note: If you are planning to visit Shimla in a peak season, please book your hotels in advance, because hotels get sold out and prices tend to rise.
