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India.com
28-05-2025
- India.com
The Hidden Railway Stations Of Shimla City That Feel Frozen In Time
The town of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh rests among beautiful hill terrain. The mountain resort attracts large numbers of visitors with its characteristic colonial buildings and beautiful views of nature and its temperature refreshments compared to the flatlands. Shimla houses concealed railway stations which showcase the timeless atmosphere of a bygone era in addition to its vibrant marketplaces and famous sites. The railway stations from the Kalka-Shimla Railway comprise the UNESCO World Heritage properties that showcase the historic elegance along with railway foxing of the past. 1. A Journey Through History: The Kalka-Shimla Railway One of the greatest British-era achievements that still stands as India's remarkable engineering achievement is the Kalka-Shimla Railway which started operations in 1903. A total distance of 96 kilometers exists between Haryana's plains and Shimla's higher altitudes as the railway routes through multiple tunnels and bridges along with multiple sharp curves. The railway passed through the Himalayan foothills with engineers designing it using 102 tunnels and 919 curves and 864 bridges. Small stations across the railway route maintain their historical value but remain hidden from general tourist attention although they contain valuable historical significance. 2. Barog Station: A Tale of Love and Loss The town of Barog Station brings recognition to Colonel Barog because he directed the build of Tunnel No. 33 in the area. Local lore suggests that Colonel Barog took his life because he failed to match the tunnel ends properly thus Chief Engineer H.S. Harrington needed to take over. Today, Barog Station retains much of its original charm, with quaint wooden structures and lush green surroundings. The railway construction history memorializes the efforts of human survivors who forfeited their lives during these building endeavors. 3. Solan Station: Where Modernity Meets Tradition Solan presents visitors with yet another beautiful railroad station in its location which local residents affectionately call the 'Mushroom City of India.' Solan Station distinguishes itself through its architectural excellence while being situated near Asia's longest enduring brewery facility established during British rule in 1855. Its combination of historical elements with modern components distinguishes Solan Station from other stops. After exiting the train at this station passengers will find the Christ Church and Shoolini Temple within reach as they admire the peaceful environment. 4. Dagshai Station: Echoes of Colonial Legacy The Kalka-Shimla Railway stops at Dagshai station which offers visitors the experience of living in a British cantonment period. The station building exists modestly yet the historical context surrounding it runs deep through the area. The British colony at Dagshai gained notoriety for detaining freedom-fighting political prisoners from India between 1916 and 1964. Moreover, it served as a sanctuary for Irish activists who participated in the Easter Rising. The remaining sections of old barracks and cemetery found at Dagshai Station allow visitors to encounter the colonial history of India firsthand. 5. Kandaghat Station: Gateway to Nature's Bounty Travelers visiting Kandaghat Station experience magnificent mountain valleys and forest vistas from its 1,400 meter elevation. Unlike larger stations, Kandaghat retains its rustic appeal, with simple buildings and minimal commercialization. This railway station enables nature enthusiasts to explore hiking paths and establish picnics in its vicinity. People who want to disconnect from city commotion will find peace at this location where serenity prevails. 6. Tara Devi Station: A Scenic Retreat Tara Devi Station stands as one of the most beautiful railway stops located on the Kalka-Shimla Railway because it gets embraced by extensive pine forests. A temple located at a hilltop named Tara Devi Temple gives its name to the station while providing breathtaking lowland views. Small yet beautiful Tara Devi Station welcomes both religious travelers and hikers to its location. Throughout winter months the snow-covered peaks enhance Tara Devi Station's enchanting landscape which creates an unreal timelessness effect for people who visit this location. 7. Summer Hill Station: Close to Shimla's Heart Summer Hill Station lies directly adjacent to Shimla's lively Mall Road and functions as the last station before the actual destination. The borders of Shimla city enclose Summer Hill station yet this place maintains its tranquil atmosphere while other areas become more chaotic. As an important departure terminal for visitors to Shimla in the past, the station serves mostly the residents of the city and students commuting to educational facilities in the region. The walking paths together with nearby natural reserves create additional charm to the site. Conclusion: Preserving a Living Heritage Shimla possesses hidden railway stations which function beyond simple transit points because these sites maintain their original purpose as historical reminders about human innovation and cultural connectivity as well as wartime devotion. Travelers can discover different stories at each Kalka-Shimla Railway station since Barog shares dark legends while Dagshai reveals colonial past and Tara Devi shows its natural beauty. Tourism expansion in Shimla demands increased efforts to safeguard these stations together with their ecological environment for the welfare of forthcoming generations. Traveled vacationers who prioritize authenticity along with nostalgic trips will find their ideal journey among these authentic historical sites. Riding the toy train while visiting stations off the beaten path lets you combine traveling between locations with exploring the greatness of a past period through every sound of the train horn.


India.com
27-05-2025
- India.com
Experience The Thrill: Top 5 Paranormal Tours In Shimla
Shimla the Queen of Hills is more than a beautiful place to escape but a hive of ghost stories and spooky experiences. Underneath its peaceful calm are the dark stories of hauntings, mystery and unreal demons that fascinate both skeptics and the atheist. If you're looking for a frightful experience, Shimla has a couple of haunted walks and paranormal tours that will have you questioning the thin line between reality and the paranormal. So, let's have a look at seven of the most haunted attractions in Shimla! 1. Charleville Mansion The Charleville Mansion, set amidst the green hills of Shimla, is no stranger to ghosts. It's a British-built colonial bungalow, with a tense history of baffling experiences. Previously the home of a British officer, it had gained popularity following allegations of a poltergeist running rampant within the premises. The mansion has undergone a series of restorations, yet witnesses say it is haunted. Located in – Strawberry Hill, Shimla Original haunting – Early 20th century. Favs – A British ghost haunting the corridors. Fact – The mansion was the subject of a number of ghost-hunting films. 2. The Haunted Walk Through the Tunnel No. 33 This tunnel, called the Barog Tunnel, is renowned for its tragic history. Named for Colonel Barog, the man in charge of building it, the tunnel symbolised desolation when he took his own life due to an error in alignment. People still say his ghost is found wandering the tunnel and greeting locals casually, but the environment is dark. Location – Near Barog station, on the way to Shimla. Year of tragedy – 1903 Habitual experiences – Sounds, shadows, high temperatures. Remarks – It's the straightest tunnel in town, and, ironically, also the most unnerving. 3. The Cursed Viceregal Lodge Grounds The Viceregal Lodge, a palace constructed by the British, is said to be haunted. Majestic by day, but reputedly haunting at night. Ghostly figures dressed in old British clothing and cold blustery wind have made it an established haunt among psychics. Address – Observatory Hill, Shimla Built in – 1888 Known for – Suspicious appearances of British agents. Tips from the inside – Tourists have described feeling 'spied upon' as they roam the lodge gardens. 4. The Legendary Chudail Baudi (Witch's Well) Chudail Baudi, a part of the road along the Shimla highway, is renowned for its spooky occurrences. Every visitor will describe the eerie moment they met a woman in white asking for a ride. People who pull over are said to be stuck with their car broke down or their car won't start until the sun comes up. Location – Shimla-Kalka Highway Tops of the game – midnight-3 am. Legends – The soul of a woman on the prowl for vengeance. A note – Drive slowly and don't stop if you're scared of heights. 5. The Haunted Cemetery Walk In Shimla, the ancient British tombs are as eerie as they are historical. Walking among the tombstones, some have railed against the uncomfortable feeling of being tracked or hearing voices. Some dingy, dusty graves are believed to be the haunted houses of wandering souls. Seek – Visit Sanjauli Cemetery and Kanlog Cemetery Routine sights – Flashing lights, strange noises. Local history – Burial site for a number of British officers and their families. Tip – Come at twilight to experience it all (if you can) Bonus Tips for Ghost Hunters For the next time, you visit Shimla's haunted walks here are a few suggestions to improve the experience Use a trusted hotel – Make sure that your hotel doesn't have any paranormal claims (unless you're interested) Go with a crowd – Going alone is risky and nerve-racking. Keep essentials handy – You can pack a flashlight, water and snacks for nocturnal hikes. Don't disrespect the people – Most of these are culturally and historically significant. Capture your journey – Carry a camera or recorder and record inexplicable moments Shimla's ghost tours and haunted walks are an incomparable combination of history, mystery and adventure. Whether you're a history buff or an adventurer, these dark stories about the mountains will leave you shaken.


India.com
05-05-2025
- India.com
9 Oldest And Iconic Railway Stations In India
Opened in 1853, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai is the oldest railway station in India. The first ever train in South India started its journey from Royapuram Railway Station in the monsoon of 1856. Opened in 1872, it is also the oldest station in Agra that serves over 80 thousand passengers daily through its 4 platforms. Built in the late 1880s, Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi Junction, popularly known as Jhansi Junction Railway Station is one of the oldest railway stations in India, in the Bundelkhand region. Opened in 1854, Howrah junction is not only one of the busiest railway stations in India but also in the world. Opened in 1864 and renovated in its present form in 1903, the Old Delhi Railway Station is the oldest railway station in India serving the national capital. Built in 1914, the Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station is one of the most beautiful oldest railway stations in India. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Barog Railway Station was inaugurated in 1903 and named after Colonel Barog. Opened in 1925 in its present form, Nagpur Junction is one of the oldest railway stations in the state of Maharashtra. Read Next Story