Our Noida and CDAC team was almost dispersed because of Diwali festivals and nobody from NCR was agreed to join for any trip. Ashutosh was busy for his upcoming marriage, Shivraj had his commitment to home, Chaitanya was nearly screwed-up with many chaotic sitiation, new joiner-Anurag was confused to set priority. In a nut-shell, nobody was agreed to make a plan for Diwali week-end. At-last me and Sanjat decided to move on. Sanjat got his new Canon-550D and was excited to take snaps.
I was also in ultimate dilemma because of availability of ticket, group.
Our other trip plans were cancelled because of all those. One was Patnitop-Sanasar , another was Dalhausie-Khajjiar-Chamba.....and there was almost no way to make any plan in one day for two days. Suddenly clicked the "Barog", my brother recommended once and some other bloggers also mentioned about that.
Let's start: As usual, I shall try to put all the information, without abundance of individual physiological thoughts and feelings, however, the necessary things will come in their normal way of relevance.
Reach Kalka:
Barog is a true week-end plan from NCR region. One day before we booked all the tickets, so, many of them was in Wait-List except the first one Kalka-Shatabdi (New-delhi to Kalka), infact we were two in our compartment and all others were empty, it was simply because of diwali. There are many trains passing through Delhi, catch the suitable one. You may be relaxed if you can reach the Kalka one day before of starting your journey. We reached Kalka at 9-15 pm on 3rd,Nov,13, the day of Diwali. Although there are plenty of hotels and motels are available, but many was semi-closed and we found one decent new hotel (just follow the rail-line side path right-side) approx 300 meters from Railstation named "Mangalam". They charged Rs 720 for double person per night. I am sure there are plenty availability of rooms and hotels in Kalka, hence dont be worried...and you may avoid on-lone booking until you are not coming with family or big group. I will tell about the best restaurant over Kalka station region later part of this blog, it deserves a separate paragraph.
Anyway, reaching Kalka is not a big deal, there are buses and nearest air-port at Chandigarh and I believe you already googled all those .
Get the right Toy:
Barog will be in Kalka-Shimla route. It will take two and half hours from Kalka. You can follow the toy-train or road route. I am recommending the train-route. However, If you are planning to stay in station campus only the follow the train route, otherwise, if you are planning to stay other hotel such as "The Pine wood" of HPDTC, follow the road route. My point is, just dont mix up two routes, particularly for Barog, because, it may be quite difficult to reach train station to road junction.
Well, follow the train route. There are many toy-trains going towards Shimla via Barog. Follow IRCTC and you may reserve your own as we did. Apart from reserved ticket, there are many passenger trains which are not listed in IRCTC and will cost 30-70 Rs as per your destination (exact amount needs to be verified). In IRCTC, there are many trains and all are not same !!! The Shivalik is best from luxurious decoration point of view and foods are served. The "Rail-motor" is unique and having only 15 seats and eventually booked it. It is just like a bus and you are sitting behind the driver. Also timing is another factor to consider. If it is winter, follow any trian, otherwise, follow the earliest train, otherwise, you may miss the beautiful sun-rise and the change of hue of color of sky.
Reach station early enough, dont hesitate to ask for the right train to anybody (preferably TTE or hawkers). The fun will be different if you ride through general compartment where you will get a full freedom to extend your hand and camera from the door.
In winter, its cold, follow the weather-channel and prepare your warm cloths accordingly.
Now relax to your seat, you may take a small nap for next half hour, although you can awake and observe the night view of gradually changing the valley, altitude, thousands of fireflies stuck at hills and mountain. Every evening, night and morning in mountain has a sustained hypnotizing view. Always. Look through the window, when there is any station, see the old but stable system of "token exchange" between toy train driver and station master. OK, enough...now see the east sky...the color and hue are changing rapidly... Oh. one thing, I might have missed: Try to get the seat at right side of your train direction to get more wide view.
....and after two hours, you will reach Barog. There will be a very big tunnel (1 Km), and just after crossing the tunnel, the Barog station. Dont worry, it will halt there 5-10 mins.
Barog, the station and the accommodation
Before stepping your foot in station, just keep two things in your mind, its serious.
1. Its a heritage spot, tremendously clean and dont throw any plastic etc and never, never smoke standing in platform.
2. The station master is Mr Dutta (Bengali, posted in Barog since 1983). Just avoid him. I know its impossible, still try to avoid from a long chat....otherwise, he is too famous for dry-cleaning of your brain.
Reaching at station, wait for the train to leave you and then proceed towards the station master. The station is too lonely, at morning you will get 5-6 people in the whole station (in fact all the day, you will never see more than 10-15 new faces). There are three types of accommodations available in Barog station :
1. Normal room for all- Rs 100/- per day[ 24 hrs time starts as per your booking time] It is connected with station. Three rooms are there. These are good just a little less specious. But absolutely fine if you are not a smoker or drinker, and dont worry, no train sound will bother you as there are only 4 to 5 trains in morning and evening and you will wait for their coming.
2. Room for Railway people (service or ex): Same as above.
3. Shivalik cottage- Rs 750/- per day. Its a nice place. In fact no body will directly notice you and stop you to smoke or drink. How can you stop yourself to feel high in this fucking mesmerizing place ? Well, there is only one room available in cottage. The room has non-working bath-tub, kitchen is in bad shape, but still, its clean and good.
So, options are at your hand. Book whatever you want. Remember, all bookings are on-the-fly, that is, no advance booking or on-line booking :). But , you can give a call to station master for status if you want. The Barog station number has changed. Previously it was 01792238814, and now it is: 01792204066.
We took Shivalik cottage, hopefully you people also will take this one. Try the Railway canteen (indeed you have not other better option) and they are really good. Cutlets, eggs are available in break-fast, non-veg are available for night. In lunch, you may expect veg-biriyani and roti/chapati. Tea-coffees are easily available. What else you need? Water bottles are available. Power supply is good. Ask the station manager for cottage water supply (it is often closed for two-three months).
So, till now its easy to reach Barog and to get one accommodation and food arrangement. Now the biggest question . What will you do there?
Make your Plan in Barog:
Hopefully, you are not 70s or earlier and have a strong heart to do something. Almost, in all forum, people will say, Brog is a place quiet place to take rest and to do nothing. Those are apparently true but not absolute. Let us make the day for you.
Wake-up early to see sun-rise (about 6 am) or when-ever at around 8 am (as we did). Taking the puff of smoke on such vivid-wild-nature is a real breath-taking experience. Are you a non-smoker?? Well, long living wishes but alas! you will miss the experience. Ok, enough, now come down to the station, take your break-fast. Its the same cutlet, eggs, coffee , but ok, it will not monotonous in two days.
Our destination is Old Barog tunnel, we did not get it, probably you also will not get it, but whats the problem to search it. As per some source, the GPS location is 30* 53’ 42.00” N, 77* 4’13.29” E. Let us try to validate it.
Take one bottle of water (one bottle per person), some snickers chocolate and your camera gears on shoulders and get ready. Walking stick will not be necessary, but fine if you can manage with your camera gears. Ask station master for timing of trains and cross the tunnel. It is not so horrible, but little bit terrific and the damping wall, flickering lamps will make the situation more dramatic. Be a little fast remembering the length of the tunnel- it is more than 1Km, and your walking speed will take more than 30 mins. By the way, if train comes, there are some places all over the tunnel to hide and protect yourself.
After crossing the tunnel you will be tired a bit, but not exhausted! take seat for a while.
And take the right way up-hill pakdandi (serpentine road) and just move on, move on...
And take the right way up-hill pakdandi (serpentine road) and just move on, move on...it will take one hour through local village to catch the by-pass of MDR-9. In the way, you will get the nature at your hand, legs, with every breath you take..
Take right path at the bypass. And definitely ask somebody to take another pakdandi to reach MDR-9. It will be another one hour to reach MDR9. The path will be quite hard and a true essence of trekking.
After reaching MDR9, very fast you will get the Barog city, many shops..take the tea, snacks as already you are tired enough after walking last three hours.
Take right side of road.....you will get the lavish Pinewood (HPDTC hotel), Barog bus-stand......cross all those...
Well, always turn on the GPS from not getting lost ! follow the smooth road with pine trees around the way...Remember, your destination is the "Old Barog tunnel" and the nearest way to go down-hill is another very small pakdandi near the hair-pin turn of MDR-9 something like below.
Follow the narrow pavement, traced, un-traced, the deep forest is enough to thrill your heart. At 1 pm, it was like a evening....anyway, feel it. And hopefully, you will not get scared and find the Tunnel. We failed !
Get back and take right way and follow your GPS to take another right turn to reach Barog station. We started our journey at 10 am, returned back at 3 pm with continuous walking.
Take the lunch at Railway Canteen and after that you cant stand except to sleep. [Here we suggest to start early at around 9 am and get back before 2pm]. Try to wake-up from afternoon nap before 5 pm.
Get ready with your monkey cap and follow the rail track towards Barog and dont forget to carry your Tripod (we forgot though :( ). We know, you missed the sun-rise, but you can get the opposite trail of sun-set. Follow the train route opposite of tunnel i.e. towards Solan. There will be some great turn with concrete stands at your right side. Pick a safe place and take seat. Wait the change the color, hue and the reflection of sun-ray at Solan valley [Well, the sun-set will be just opposite of Solan]. Remember to change the White-balance of your camera.
Setup your tripod and wait to wake-up the fireflies all over the mountain over Solan valley.
...wait, smoke till you are dare and come back then to station, the living ghost. Take the dinner. You can order chicken which are indeed good. Try to avoid Mr Dutta, the station master if you do not want to get fucking bore. Better take some snaps of lonely station and straight go to your cottage and open the cork :P
Wake-up early morning. Take tea, break-fast and open your lens cap to take a lot of picture of birds, flowers......and enjoy the whole morning.
Better, you can follow the route towards Solan to get the picturesque subjects and objects.....
If you can manage time, at early morning take a ride upto Solan, roam there and get back to Kalka to get the Shatabdi express which will drop you Delhi at around 10 pm.
Unfortunately we did some mess, and our Shatabdi ticket was not confirmed . We had no plan how to spend 7 hours to catch the Jammu mail at 12 am. After roaming the near-by nasty roads with our luggage and gears, at 6 pm we went to the restaurant named "Krishna Cafe". This paragraph is very worthy to write and mention the name of the restaurant. It was another amazing experience on that desert. Kalka is not at all a good picturesque place and thats why, it was unbelievable to get such restaurant at station road. We took Chinese noodles, Coffee and the taste is still alive. We came back again at 9 pm to take dinner. The Veg biriyani and egg curry was just awesome to mention. It is a family restaurant, fully AC. The price are under-priced and interesting point to be mentioned, the final bill is not with service tax or vat !!!!!!!!!! Its just total.
Well, you got a total view of Barog. Its a true definition of Week-end trip from Delhi with budget of less than 5K. If you can manage and plan properly it will be below 3K. There is a rough calculation for two person:
1. Delhi to Kalka (2 pax) : Rs 1000/-
2. Stay at Kalka : Rs 700/-
3. Kalka to Barog (2 pax): 300/-
4. Barog (1 night) : 750/-
5. Barog fooding : 500/-
6. Barog to Kalka : 300/-
7. Kalka to Delhi : 1000/-
You got a total of less than 5000 for two person.
Have a nice journey.
I was also in ultimate dilemma because of availability of ticket, group.
Our other trip plans were cancelled because of all those. One was Patnitop-Sanasar , another was Dalhausie-Khajjiar-Chamba.....and there was almost no way to make any plan in one day for two days. Suddenly clicked the "Barog", my brother recommended once and some other bloggers also mentioned about that.
Let's start: As usual, I shall try to put all the information, without abundance of individual physiological thoughts and feelings, however, the necessary things will come in their normal way of relevance.
Reach Kalka:
Barog is a true week-end plan from NCR region. One day before we booked all the tickets, so, many of them was in Wait-List except the first one Kalka-Shatabdi (New-delhi to Kalka), infact we were two in our compartment and all others were empty, it was simply because of diwali. There are many trains passing through Delhi, catch the suitable one. You may be relaxed if you can reach the Kalka one day before of starting your journey. We reached Kalka at 9-15 pm on 3rd,Nov,13, the day of Diwali. Although there are plenty of hotels and motels are available, but many was semi-closed and we found one decent new hotel (just follow the rail-line side path right-side) approx 300 meters from Railstation named "Mangalam". They charged Rs 720 for double person per night. I am sure there are plenty availability of rooms and hotels in Kalka, hence dont be worried...and you may avoid on-lone booking until you are not coming with family or big group. I will tell about the best restaurant over Kalka station region later part of this blog, it deserves a separate paragraph.
Anyway, reaching Kalka is not a big deal, there are buses and nearest air-port at Chandigarh and I believe you already googled all those .
Get the right Toy:
Barog will be in Kalka-Shimla route. It will take two and half hours from Kalka. You can follow the toy-train or road route. I am recommending the train-route. However, If you are planning to stay in station campus only the follow the train route, otherwise, if you are planning to stay other hotel such as "The Pine wood" of HPDTC, follow the road route. My point is, just dont mix up two routes, particularly for Barog, because, it may be quite difficult to reach train station to road junction.
Well, follow the train route. There are many toy-trains going towards Shimla via Barog. Follow IRCTC and you may reserve your own as we did. Apart from reserved ticket, there are many passenger trains which are not listed in IRCTC and will cost 30-70 Rs as per your destination (exact amount needs to be verified). In IRCTC, there are many trains and all are not same !!! The Shivalik is best from luxurious decoration point of view and foods are served. The "Rail-motor" is unique and having only 15 seats and eventually booked it. It is just like a bus and you are sitting behind the driver. Also timing is another factor to consider. If it is winter, follow any trian, otherwise, follow the earliest train, otherwise, you may miss the beautiful sun-rise and the change of hue of color of sky.
Reach station early enough, dont hesitate to ask for the right train to anybody (preferably TTE or hawkers). The fun will be different if you ride through general compartment where you will get a full freedom to extend your hand and camera from the door.
In winter, its cold, follow the weather-channel and prepare your warm cloths accordingly.
Now relax to your seat, you may take a small nap for next half hour, although you can awake and observe the night view of gradually changing the valley, altitude, thousands of fireflies stuck at hills and mountain. Every evening, night and morning in mountain has a sustained hypnotizing view. Always. Look through the window, when there is any station, see the old but stable system of "token exchange" between toy train driver and station master. OK, enough...now see the east sky...the color and hue are changing rapidly... Oh. one thing, I might have missed: Try to get the seat at right side of your train direction to get more wide view.
....and after two hours, you will reach Barog. There will be a very big tunnel (1 Km), and just after crossing the tunnel, the Barog station. Dont worry, it will halt there 5-10 mins.
Barog, the station and the accommodation
Before stepping your foot in station, just keep two things in your mind, its serious.
1. Its a heritage spot, tremendously clean and dont throw any plastic etc and never, never smoke standing in platform.
2. The station master is Mr Dutta (Bengali, posted in Barog since 1983). Just avoid him. I know its impossible, still try to avoid from a long chat....otherwise, he is too famous for dry-cleaning of your brain.
Reaching at station, wait for the train to leave you and then proceed towards the station master. The station is too lonely, at morning you will get 5-6 people in the whole station (in fact all the day, you will never see more than 10-15 new faces). There are three types of accommodations available in Barog station :
1. Normal room for all- Rs 100/- per day[ 24 hrs time starts as per your booking time] It is connected with station. Three rooms are there. These are good just a little less specious. But absolutely fine if you are not a smoker or drinker, and dont worry, no train sound will bother you as there are only 4 to 5 trains in morning and evening and you will wait for their coming.
2. Room for Railway people (service or ex): Same as above.
3. Shivalik cottage- Rs 750/- per day. Its a nice place. In fact no body will directly notice you and stop you to smoke or drink. How can you stop yourself to feel high in this fucking mesmerizing place ? Well, there is only one room available in cottage. The room has non-working bath-tub, kitchen is in bad shape, but still, its clean and good.
So, options are at your hand. Book whatever you want. Remember, all bookings are on-the-fly, that is, no advance booking or on-line booking :). But , you can give a call to station master for status if you want. The Barog station number has changed. Previously it was 01792238814, and now it is: 01792204066.
 |
| The Asst-station master and the giant train interlocking system. |
 |
| Station View from Shivalik Cottage |
 |
| Shivalik Cottage front view |
 |
| The Rly Canteen. Its actually good, really good. |
We took Shivalik cottage, hopefully you people also will take this one. Try the Railway canteen (indeed you have not other better option) and they are really good. Cutlets, eggs are available in break-fast, non-veg are available for night. In lunch, you may expect veg-biriyani and roti/chapati. Tea-coffees are easily available. What else you need? Water bottles are available. Power supply is good. Ask the station manager for cottage water supply (it is often closed for two-three months).
So, till now its easy to reach Barog and to get one accommodation and food arrangement. Now the biggest question . What will you do there?
Make your Plan in Barog:
Hopefully, you are not 70s or earlier and have a strong heart to do something. Almost, in all forum, people will say, Brog is a place quiet place to take rest and to do nothing. Those are apparently true but not absolute. Let us make the day for you.
Wake-up early to see sun-rise (about 6 am) or when-ever at around 8 am (as we did). Taking the puff of smoke on such vivid-wild-nature is a real breath-taking experience. Are you a non-smoker?? Well, long living wishes but alas! you will miss the experience. Ok, enough, now come down to the station, take your break-fast. Its the same cutlet, eggs, coffee , but ok, it will not monotonous in two days.
Our destination is Old Barog tunnel, we did not get it, probably you also will not get it, but whats the problem to search it. As per some source, the GPS location is 30* 53’ 42.00” N, 77* 4’13.29” E. Let us try to validate it.
Take one bottle of water (one bottle per person), some snickers chocolate and your camera gears on shoulders and get ready. Walking stick will not be necessary, but fine if you can manage with your camera gears. Ask station master for timing of trains and cross the tunnel. It is not so horrible, but little bit terrific and the damping wall, flickering lamps will make the situation more dramatic. Be a little fast remembering the length of the tunnel- it is more than 1Km, and your walking speed will take more than 30 mins. By the way, if train comes, there are some places all over the tunnel to hide and protect yourself.
After crossing the tunnel you will be tired a bit, but not exhausted! take seat for a while.
And take the right way up-hill pakdandi (serpentine road) and just move on, move on...
And take the right way up-hill pakdandi (serpentine road) and just move on, move on...it will take one hour through local village to catch the by-pass of MDR-9. In the way, you will get the nature at your hand, legs, with every breath you take..
Take right path at the bypass. And definitely ask somebody to take another pakdandi to reach MDR-9. It will be another one hour to reach MDR9. The path will be quite hard and a true essence of trekking.
After reaching MDR9, very fast you will get the Barog city, many shops..take the tea, snacks as already you are tired enough after walking last three hours.
Take right side of road.....you will get the lavish Pinewood (HPDTC hotel), Barog bus-stand......cross all those...
Well, always turn on the GPS from not getting lost ! follow the smooth road with pine trees around the way...Remember, your destination is the "Old Barog tunnel" and the nearest way to go down-hill is another very small pakdandi near the hair-pin turn of MDR-9 something like below.
Follow the narrow pavement, traced, un-traced, the deep forest is enough to thrill your heart. At 1 pm, it was like a evening....anyway, feel it. And hopefully, you will not get scared and find the Tunnel. We failed !
Get back and take right way and follow your GPS to take another right turn to reach Barog station. We started our journey at 10 am, returned back at 3 pm with continuous walking.
Take the lunch at Railway Canteen and after that you cant stand except to sleep. [Here we suggest to start early at around 9 am and get back before 2pm]. Try to wake-up from afternoon nap before 5 pm.
Get ready with your monkey cap and follow the rail track towards Barog and dont forget to carry your Tripod (we forgot though :( ). We know, you missed the sun-rise, but you can get the opposite trail of sun-set. Follow the train route opposite of tunnel i.e. towards Solan. There will be some great turn with concrete stands at your right side. Pick a safe place and take seat. Wait the change the color, hue and the reflection of sun-ray at Solan valley [Well, the sun-set will be just opposite of Solan]. Remember to change the White-balance of your camera.
Setup your tripod and wait to wake-up the fireflies all over the mountain over Solan valley.
...wait, smoke till you are dare and come back then to station, the living ghost. Take the dinner. You can order chicken which are indeed good. Try to avoid Mr Dutta, the station master if you do not want to get fucking bore. Better take some snaps of lonely station and straight go to your cottage and open the cork :P
Wake-up early morning. Take tea, break-fast and open your lens cap to take a lot of picture of birds, flowers......and enjoy the whole morning.
Better, you can follow the route towards Solan to get the picturesque subjects and objects.....
If you can manage time, at early morning take a ride upto Solan, roam there and get back to Kalka to get the Shatabdi express which will drop you Delhi at around 10 pm.
Unfortunately we did some mess, and our Shatabdi ticket was not confirmed . We had no plan how to spend 7 hours to catch the Jammu mail at 12 am. After roaming the near-by nasty roads with our luggage and gears, at 6 pm we went to the restaurant named "Krishna Cafe". This paragraph is very worthy to write and mention the name of the restaurant. It was another amazing experience on that desert. Kalka is not at all a good picturesque place and thats why, it was unbelievable to get such restaurant at station road. We took Chinese noodles, Coffee and the taste is still alive. We came back again at 9 pm to take dinner. The Veg biriyani and egg curry was just awesome to mention. It is a family restaurant, fully AC. The price are under-priced and interesting point to be mentioned, the final bill is not with service tax or vat !!!!!!!!!! Its just total.
Well, you got a total view of Barog. Its a true definition of Week-end trip from Delhi with budget of less than 5K. If you can manage and plan properly it will be below 3K. There is a rough calculation for two person:
1. Delhi to Kalka (2 pax) : Rs 1000/-
2. Stay at Kalka : Rs 700/-
3. Kalka to Barog (2 pax): 300/-
4. Barog (1 night) : 750/-
5. Barog fooding : 500/-
6. Barog to Kalka : 300/-
7. Kalka to Delhi : 1000/-
You got a total of less than 5000 for two person.
Have a nice journey.
