Kufri Protected Forest

A good night’s sleep at last due to my best friend Nytol- thank goodness.

Off into the taxis again up to the Kulfi region of Shimla. Shimla is in the northerly most province of India just 350 km from Tibet and not that far from the Pakistan border, hence the numerous military personnel, hospitals and establishments we have seen around here. Despite the overcrowded appearance of infrastructure on Shimla’s hillside only 20% of the province’s population live there whilst 80% live in the rural villages-15-20% on the mountainside terraces and the rest on the plains. The industries are agriculture and horticulture, the main crops being apples and other vegetables. An American missionary brought the sweet apple rootstocks here back in the day though they still have to import apples from other countries to satisfy their requirements. The healthcare and education infrastructures are good and all houses have electricity. Surplus hydroelectric power is sold to other regions of India.

Our first stopping point was at 8,200 feet above sea level in the Kulfi region and in the middle range of the Himalayas (which means Home of Snow). Indeed, although the winter weather has been unseasonably warm this year (warmest February since 1901), there were still traces of snow on the roadside and the snow capped Himalayas could be seen in the distance.

The usual photo opportunity was taken here along with a chance to use toilet facilities in the “glancing” tents where we were. The tents had 6 foot beds in them, faced a glorious view and western style “en-suite” facilities at the back (though the flushing system was not working 🫣 in the particular one I used!). No one was holidaying at that particular time but evidence of rubbish from other wild campers could be seen which was a bit shocking.

Onwards then to a lunch at Wildflower Hall, where Lord Kitchener used to holiday between 1902 -1909. He apparently loved it there. It is now an Oberoi hotel, the same chain as the one we are staying in. Mr. Oberoi started work as a bell boy, rose to become the owner of this prestigious chain and died in 2002 at the age of 103. Pictures were duly taken on and from the terrace then all back into the cars for the return to Shimla where Ted and I had a swim! Main luggage has to be outside our door by 7pm for the 6.30 am start tomorrow.Read more