For many, special occasions call for lavish dinners, crowds of guests, flowing champagne, and towering cakes. But for Manav Mander and her husband, true joy lies in an uphill drive, a quaint cottage, and the taste of local food. Their wedding anniversary in November found them setting out for Himachal Pradesh without a second thought, deciding on Barog—a quiet town tucked in the Shivaliks—en route.
Evening Arrival and Warm Hospitality
After a three-hour drive accompanied by music amidst the mountains, the couple arrived at a charming Airbnb cottage. The caretakers welcomed them with a steaming cup of tea. As evening turned to night, a bonfire was arranged, with a promise to serve the best pahadi chicken from their chullah. As the night deepened, songs mingled with the mountain chill, and the smoky, spiced chicken became one of the finest meals they had ever savoured. These evenings, wrapped in warmth and laughter amidst the hills, remain their favourite way to celebrate any special occasion.
Morning Serenity and Colonial Legacy
Morning brought another delight: coffee on the cottage lawn overlooking Barog’s sleepy townscape, where time seemed to have paused. After a hearty but simple breakfast, the couple began their return journey, stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage Kalka-Shimla toy train route. The famed Barog Tunnel, 1.14 km long and the straightest on the narrow-gauge line, stands as a reminder of the skill of British engineer Colonel Barog, whose grave lies nearby. Barog, with its colonial charm, has become a forever memory etched in their hearts.
