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Himachal's Kasauli –Come Revive the Memories
The scintillating drive from Chandigarh to Himachal Pradesh is a familiar sight for many people who have visited the hill station of Kasauli on numerous holiday seasons. The curvy road and the pine-clad mountainous view is a delight for the visitors en route to Kasauli. The plains keep company till you pass Kalka, just after Kalka you enter the sanctum lands of Himachal from Parwanoo. The scenic beauty of the hilly terrains and flower-filled areas is worth the drive. There are numerous dhabas and drink bars that offer tasty food and cool juices alongside the hilly roads. For all picnic-lovers, this driveway is filled with many an enjoyable spot right for a good picnic lunch and the clear streams provide you with natural sweet water to quench your thirst.
The final climb from Garkhal to Kasauli is filled with pretty little Bungalows of the pre-Independence era. These British houses are grand and done in good style. All the names of the quaint little cottages and bungalows are old-fashioned with a hint of an English charm. But the Himalayan valleys are fast becoming victims of deforestation and soil erosions. In these areas wood is still the major source for cooking food and cutting of trees is a daily activity, even though it is a punishable act under Indian Law. Many areas in the foothills have been spared due to the presence of the Indian army. Students of Lawrence school in Sanawar are given social awareness projects for campaigning against the deforestation. And many of their sincere efforts from past 30 years have given fruitful results in the surrounding areas. Some places that still remain green and forested are Kasauli, Sabathu, Dharamsala, Shimla and Dalhousie.
As you enter the serene hilly wonderland-Kasauli, you will be greeted by two road ways-the upper and the lower mall. Both are equipped with lodges and cottages for tourist stay. This unique township has an old bazaar, which is house to many old tradesmen and retail merchants. You may prefer the Kasauli Club; you may avail the temporary membership for a short period and take advantage of all the facilities of the Club. Other tourist haunts are Himachal Pradesh Tourist Hotel and the Alasia Hotel.
Kasauli is known as the queen of hills and you may enjoy a quiet little walk to drink the nectar of this queen land. The British Bungalows; their amazing stories and historical past may enthrall you. The Local photo studio may help you in this matter, as it stores all the historical documents of Kasauli and Sanawar. Kasauli is witness to many parties and gala events. There are 2 main social events in Kasauli. The first one is conducted in the last week of June month and is known as the Kasauli week. A lot of social get together and fun parties are arranged during this season. The Club members and Army personnel organize it. Many colorful programmes and dance parties are held on final stages of the event. The second main event is held during the first week of October month, as a respect to the Founders of Sanawar. Many old residents and parents participate in this function.
But many may choose to avoid the seasons when these gala events take place, as the silence and the ambience of the town is lost in the merrymaking spirit of unruly guys who risk their lives as well as others by their haphazard driving in the hills. It is also crowded to capacity to enjoy the natural beauty of the hilly township.
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