This is a travel newsletter where every week I help you discover two offbeat weekend getaways across India. So, you can escape the crowds and create unforgettable experiences.

Whenever we think about spending a lovely weekend, our minds usually go straight to places like Manali, Kasol, Gokarna, or Ooty.

But how about I show you some crowd-free alternatives instead, so you can truly relax and enjoy? 🙂

Whenever we hear Himachal, we often think of Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala, but like any other offbeat gateway, most tourists ignore Shoghi.

Shoghi is a small hill village located about 13 kilometres before Shimla on the Kalka–Shimla highway (NH 22). It is a scenic hill station situated at an approximate altitude of 1790 meters and is known for its temples, natural surroundings, and adventure activities.

Shoghi is offbeat because most people go to Shimla and do not stop here. It is quiet, green, and peaceful.

There are tall pine trees, small homestays, and friendly local people. You can walk around, visit temples, and enjoy simple home-cooked food. There are no crowds or traffic issues. Life moves slowly here, and that makes it special.

After you’re done with your office, leave around 7 or 8 pm and begin your journey. To reach Shoghi, you can take an overnight Volvo or private bus heading toward Shimla and get down at Shoghi early morning. If you prefer the train, board the Kalka–Shimla toy train and get off at Kaithlighat Station, which is the nearest stop to Shoghi. You can take an evening flight or train to Chandigarh or Kalka, then continue the rest of the journey by road or toy train. The total travel time is about 7 to 8 hours by road.

Eat something light before travelling, such as parathas and chai from a highway dhaba. Keep a light jacket ready as the weather turns cooler at night. Carry a small snack and a bottle of water since mountain roads can be long and winding. Try to rest on the way so you arrive fresh in the morning.

Reach Shoghi early in the morning and settle into your stay. Start your day with chai and local biscuits. Take a slow walk through the pine forest and breathe in the clean air. Then visit the Hanuman Temple on top of a small hill for wide views of the valley and a peaceful start to your day

For breakfast, eat aloo paratha with butter or siddu, the traditional steamed bread of Himachal. Visit the small Hanuman temple for a short hike and walk around the local market to taste homemade jam, pickle, and apple wine. Talk to the villagers and learn about their daily life in the hills.

Have lunch with a full pahadi thali of rajma, rice, ghee, and a simple vegetable dish. Rest for a while, read a book, or just enjoy the forest view from your room. Later, take a toy train ride between nearby hill stations to see tunnels and pine-covered slopes. And then visit the Tara Devi Temple.

In the evening, go to the sunset viewpoint near the forest. Eat hot pakoras with mountain tea and breathe in the fresh forest air. For dinner, enjoy makki ki roti with saag or a local-style chicken curry. Sit around a bonfire and enjoy. Sleep early so you can experience the sunrise.

Wake up early to watch the sunrise with a cup of chai. Take a short morning walk through the forest trails. For breakfast, eat siddu or bhature with spicy local chutney. Stop by a local family shop and buy fruit jam, pickle, or honey made from orchard fruits. Spend some time relaxing before you pack up. Visit a local orchard if you’re travelling in the winter. I mean this time

Eat a simple lunch of rajma rice and curd before leaving. Start your journey back in the early afternoon to avoid late-night driving. Stop on the way for roasted corn and a cup of chai while looking at the hills one last time. You will be home by late evening and recharged for the week ahead.

Safety tips

Travel (round trip), Overnight Volvo bus or shared cab = 2,000 – 2,500

Local transport, short cab rides and toy train tickets = 600 – 800

Stay (1 night), budget homestay or guesthouse = 3,000 – 4,000

Food, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, snacks, tea = 1,200 – 1,500

Sightseeing & entry, Small donations at temples, toy train, local shopping = 400 – 600

Miscellaneous, bottled water, tips = 300 – 500

Total estimated cost = ₹8,000 – ₹9,500 per person.

I hope I sorted out your plan for this weekend.

Thanks for reading.

Well, do let me know if you'd like me to find any particular state’s offbeat weekend travel spots.

I’ll see you on Sunday with another great spot.

See ya till then,

Anirban ‘helping you to experience Shoghi’ Das.