Charming Kasauli

Day 1 May 26 Delhi to Kasauli 286 KM
Entering the town of Kasauli was my first encounter with narrow curving roads. This was a foreshadowing of the kind of roads we will encounter later on. As I hold on to Sandy, I can't believe how buses can even pass through here. It was clearly a one lane passage and vehicles on both side had to stop to let the other one go. As we continued to ride on the serpent-like curves of the road, I tried to sit very still and was almost holding my breath. But as soon we entered the town I relaxed and broke into a wide smile. I was immediately captivated. It was a charming place with lush pine trees everywhere. The change of weather was a pleasant surprise! Although a while ago Nadeem had said that it was raining in Delhi at that time, the summer heat over there was becoming unbearable so it was such a joy to be greeted by a crisp cool air! Even with tired legs I eagerly accompanied Sandy to scout for hotels after parking the bikes. Nadeem have to stay behind to look after the bags. I was like a child given a candy as we climb the stairs leading to the main town. Houses and hotels surrounded by pine trees line the road up to the market place. Roads are paved with cobblestones giving a very village kind of feeling to the place. Street food on carts littered the pavement, filling the place with exotic aroma. All kinds of native crafts were displayed in front of the stores. Looking gay and colorful.

As we walked around I noticed the strong presence of the military in the area. According to Sandy, Kasauli is a small cantonment area established by the British colonial as a hill station in 1842. It had become a popular vacation and retirement place for military personnel.