Solace @ Shogi (Shimla)

Delhi is one of the worst locations you could find yourself in if it is a weekend break you are contemplating. You can take any of the 6 arterial roads to get out of the city and ride in your boxy car for over 300 Km and find nothing. When I say nothing, I obviously mean nothing. I mean if you are one of those folks who visit relatives for weekend breaks, you might get lucky but if you are looking for a romantic, cool getaway, you are out of your luck.

But this weekend after a really long time, we came across a spot near shimla where you can be among the wilderness and can enjoy a cold beer without worrying about your boss, office or any of those other trivial things that make life dull.

Shogi is a small village, about 90 Km from Kalka on kalka-shimla highway. Best way to reach shogi from Delhi is to travel via howrah kalka mail that leaves delhi at 9 50 PM and reaches kalka early in the morning. From there you can take a cab or a shimla bound bus to reach shogi.

Shogi doesn't offer a lot of options for the stay but parkwood and oakwood are 2 of the better resorts. our stay at parkwood was very peaceful with great food, snacks and drinks. This resort offers fantastic views of the valley below and provides almost every amenity you could ask for, right from comfortable beds and modern bathrooms to running hot water.

On the activity side, shogi offers the following activities -
1. Take a day off to relax amid the lush green surroundings
2. Just sit on the hilltop with your friends and do what the french do best, "parler de tout et de rien"(to speak of everything and nothing)
3. Enjoy a cold beer as mentioned earlier on a moonlit night
4. In case you really get time to move beyond these obvious and very appealing activities, you can take an obstacle course or go for a hike in the hills

Overall shogi is one place that is close enough to delhi and that offers great views, amazing scenaries and wonderful service for a 2-3 day trip if you are looking to run away from city life.