If you're one of those travellers engaged in a constant search for that secluded spot of paradise in Himachal's hills, the Greek myth of Sisyphus should speak to you. Roll a rock to the top of one of the mountains; find hundreds of people already there and the rock rolls right back down to the dusty plains again...
Familiar dreary story Try Shoghi and the small hamlets that surround it, and put an end to the endlessly rolling stone. Once you get to the top of this hill, you can relax and revel in the knowledge that you are experiencing a small, unassuming piece of heaven. The town of Shoghi is, at most, a 2-km stretch of road whose highlights are the people, their hospitality and the natural beauty they are surrounded by.
The only problem with the stairway to heaven is, well, the roads. Not made to withstand the monsoons, they are in constant danger of being washed away. But that's a small price to pay for salvation so pack comfortable clothes, shoes and an adventurous spirit, and prepare to enjoy Shoghi and its peace.
NH22 to Shoghi via Zirakpur, Panchkula, Kalka and Kandaghat.
How to Reach
Road:
Get on to NH1 till Ambala. From here take NH22 to Dharampur and on to Shoghi, 15 km short of Shimla.
En route halts Sagar Ratna near the Karnal Bypass.
Rail:
Nearest railhead: Kalka ( 87 km/ 2 hrs) Best option TO Howrah-Delhi-Kalka Mail (dep: Old Delhi 10.50 pm; arr: Kalka 5 am). Taxi fare is Rs 150 for shared cab for a drop to Shoghi Best option FROM Kalka Mail (dep: Kalka 11.45 pm; arr: Old Delhi 6.25 am).