Rain kissed roads, rainbows in raindrops and puddles, mist that leads you to a walk in the clouds and a beckoning green that comforts in its lushness and purity. While most people find rainy days gloomy, I just love the monsoon rains!
Raindrops on a calandula flower, Image credit: Himanshu Khagta
I prefer rain to hot humid cloudy days that foretell rain yet cover the sky in unshed forbidding fury.
Clouds, Image credit: Dazzler
As the monsoons hit the hill station, they considerably bring down the mercury by several degrees below normal, forcing many to pull out their woolens.
Secretariat bridge looking eerie yet compelling in the fog, Image credit: Himanshu Khagta
Seasonal springs seem to crop up just about everywhere, consider the enchanting road that leads to the Taradevi temple from Simla, or the road beyond Simla, towards Fagu.
Near the streams the rocks seem to glisten like gold, the moss turns greenest ever and the vegetation becomes a thicket.
Navbahar, Image credit: Himanshu Khagta
If the mist and fog is not enveloping all, one can see across the valley as the rain moves from one part of the valley to another and sometimes engulf whole of your side while there is sun shine on the far side of the slopes.
Naldera huts, Image credit: Himanshu Khagta
However, heavy rains have their drawbacks. They loosen the mud and bring forth landslides. Some result in torrents in gentle swaying streams. The blustery winds rock the tinned roofs of temporary homes. Even solid roofs leak and the doggie always carries the muddy mush inside the house.
Kregnanu Flowers, Image credit: Himanshu Khagta
Rains bring havoc especially around roads where the soil seems to have been weakened. Do they however keep the same in mind while building roads? Roads seem to brutally dissect the once pristine, tree-clad slopes. Have they ever wondered what is likely to happen if a major earthquake hits the area?
Pouring on the mall, Image credit: dazzlr
Then there is the ever-present threat of sprays from other vehicles. The lechery looks of gawky boys, if you’re caught in a shower without an umbrella.
Trees and mist, Image credit: Dazzler
Then again their remain other pleasures: cozying up in bed with a good book, steaming coffee and hot delicious pakodas. Simla is a picturesque all-year-round destination, here even the rains can hold a memorable time for you.
Image credit for first Image: Himanshu Khagta
Comments
Shimla does become exceedingly beautiful in the monsoons with abundance of that green cover around. Such greenery is pleasing to the eye but what hurts after such rains is the state of the roads. The muddy splashy is a common routine if you walk on the main highways. Enjoying the rain is one thing but that feeling gets marred by that splash. When the monsoon retreats, we have to be ready for some real good ’talcum powder’ that makes us look like ghosts, especially when commuting using two-wheelers