Our school organized a tour to Shimla during the summer vacation under the guidance of our physical education teacher. A group of twenty students left for Kalka by mail train. There is a meter gauge line from Kalka to Shimla. It is a hilly tract of sixty kilometres that the train covers in about eight hours. The train winds its way on the zigzag rails very slowly. It has a small engine and easily catches the running train. The mountains were bathed in the glory of the rising sun and everything looked majestic. The trees were so high that they seemed to be receiving messages straight from the heavens. There was greenery everywhere. We had left the scorching heat of the plains and felt like wearing woollen and warm clothes.
Shimla is one of the most beautiful hill stations and the British had made it the summer capital of the Government of India. The Governor’s Lodge has been converted into the Centre of Advanced Studies. Now, Shimla is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh. It has become overcrowded and one does not enjoy those lovely hours on the Scandal Point or on the ridge.
There is a steep height that takes us from the Ridge to Jakhu. It is a mountain peak surrounded by very tall trees. It is said that Hanuman had carried Sanjeevani for Lakshman from there. There is a skating rink on the Mall Road where young people enjoy skating. There are some places around Shimla that attract every tourist.
The day passed so fast that we forgot we had to go back. The manager of the hotel reminded us that our booking days were over. As we drove back to Kalka, we wished that we could have stayed there for a few days more.
Vocabulary
Guidance—advice
Steep—a sharp slope
