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Travel Guide » Asia » Shoghi
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Shoghi
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(Himachal Pradesh)


Go One Better

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.
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Getting There
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To See & Do
Shoghi is much more than just a cheap alternative to Shimla (which is just 25 minutes away) it's an ideal place to get away from it all. Learn (or re-learn) how to paint with watercolours; bring your camera (there are a few million photo-ops); read new books take up birdwatching; turn off your mobile and listen to the sounds of the forest. There are ample trekking grounds and clear streams that babble over beautifully coloured stones.

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Tara Devi Temple
  One of the significant temples of the area, the Tara Devi Temple is approximately 11 km south of Shimla but stands higher at 6,073 ft. As you drive through Shoghi (headed due north on NH22), the turn-off for Tara Devi is on the right, at the end of the town, across from the Minchy's Fruit Products stand. The ascent is simultaneously breathtaking and nerve-racking. The road is, thankfully, new. Various histories date the temple as either 200 or 500 years old. The story goes that a vision of Tara Devi appeared to the Raja of Junga on the mountain and he immediately built a temple on that spot. The upkeep of the temple is a personal project of one of the ranis. In the two main festival months, October and November, the temple is overcrowded; at all other times it makes for a peaceful visit. Photography is not permitted inside the main temple, but shooting from the temple grounds is not only allowed but encouraged ? the 360o views from the top are very rewarding to the camera lens.

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Local Temples
  The landscape around Shoghi is dotted with temples. Virtually every village in the region has one, each as exquisite as the next. Two temples stand out little gems that represent the best of local architecture and aesthetics. Approximately 6 km south-west of Shoghi, nestling in a valley of green trees and fields, is the village of Anji (population: 114). The recently renovated Hanuman Temple here stands right on the edge of the village. Look out for the beautiful wall paintings of mythological scenes on the three side-walls. Continue on from Anji to Kadaur (approximately 3 km west) to the Kali Temple. Situated atop a velvet-carpet knoll of green grass, kept judiciously manicured by the local bovine population, the temple presents two manifestations of Kali to humble and inspire you. It's also a great spot for a picnic!
Content Source: 
Outlook Traveller
Contributed by: 
Uzma Z Rizvi
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