15-05-2018, 1345 hours, IIAS, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India:

Today while taking a walk from Deodi to Summerhill, I decided to take the old Squire’s Hall Road route (which is an offshoot on the right from the main road to the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) from its main gate). I don’t know much about the old-style building except that it used to be known as the Himkreet hostel earlier, but it sure catches one’s attention as soon you step inside the IIAS main gate and it comes into view from its perch above your eye-level on your left. The building was part of the erstwhile Viceregal Estate and it is built in a similar architectural style (built in wood and stone) and is restored and well maintained till date.

The main entrance gate to the Indian Institute of Advance Study; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

Siddharth Vihar Complex erstwhile Himkreet hostel near IIAS Main Gate; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

Olden-era lamp-posts with Rhododendron and Oak trees in the background; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

The Fork: Left you go to the Institute, Right you go to Summerhill; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

As one passes the structure, the road starts climbing at a steeper incline and the air tends to get even fresher and cooler. It’s probably because very few cars are allowed beyond the gate. Though the view towards the north is obscured by the haze and the clouds that have accumulated in the atmosphere, it still felt great to walk through the mainly Doedar forest, with the cool fresh air and the occasional chirping of birds and the racket of crickets echoing though the forest as one enters the road towards Squire’s Hall. As not many people use this road to commute, the walk through this particular road is very peaceful as it snakes through the Oak and Rhododendron forest eventually ending at Squire’s Hall at Summerhill from where one gets connected to the main road again.

Main Road to IIAS; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

Road to Squire’s Hall; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

A walk to cherish; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal

Squire’s Hall, Summerhill; Photo: Abhinav Kaushal