Day -1 - Shimla-Sarahan

The Volvo reached Shimla on time at around 6'o clock in the morning. We got freshened at the bus-stand and thought of having a chai, but heard that the bus to Kalpa is leaving. We didnt want to waste any time as its better to travel in morning when its pleasant. So got into the bus and took tickets till Jeori. Below is the bus which proves that - No (Back) Pain, No Gain. The bus stopped at a place near Narkanda for Tea. After that it reached Rampur by around 11:00 am, i.e around 5 hours for Shimla-Rampur. Below are some pics we clicked near Rampur bus-stand. After that by around 12:00 we reached Jeori.





At Jeori we had to wait for around 1 hour for another bus. The auto guys were asking for around 250/, but again we didnt feel like spending money. The bus was completely packed and i just dozed off, dont know how i fell asleep with so much sweat.

Sarahan:
1. As we enter the village, all the pain is gone with the sight of the 800 year old Bhimkali temple. Its just amazing. We checked into the HPTDC hotel - Srikhand which is just 100 metres from temple.
2. Finished our bath and then had our lunch at Srikhand. Tasted their special dessert - Srikhand Kheer made from Corn, Cashew, Bread, biscuits and milk.
3. Started trekking to the Bird Pheasantry (Chidiya Ghar) which is on a small hill. Not only we get amazing views of the temple from this place, but we can see the beautiful bird 'Monal', which is Himachal's state bird. Dont think its just another chidiya ghar and give it a miss. The trek is very simple and to and fro you can do in 1 hour along with plenty of time for photography.
4. After coming back, we went into the temple and i soaked myself in the temple surroundings and savoured it to the fullest. The next day is Janmasthami and there was decoration going on. Its an amazing feeling climbing those stairs of the temple. We attended the Aarti also and then had Momo, Thumpka at the small Tibetan eatery near the temple. Below are the beautiful pics of Bhimkali temple and the HPTDC Srikhand hotel.