Pappi Da Dhaba – Famous Dhaba at Sanjauli

• • Himachal Pradesh, Shimla
Pappi Da Dhaba – Famous Dhaba at Sanjauli

We started our journey from Chandigarh at 6 am and decided to stop only at Pappi Da Dhaba at Sanjauli near Shimla for breakfast. Pappi Da Dhaba is approx. 5 km from Shimla town. We reached the Dhaba at 9:40 am and were welcomed with a smile by Rajendar Singh, the owner of the Dhaba.

We requested Aalu paratha. Cost – Rs. 35 and a cup of tea – cost Rs. 10.

Upon query, Rajendar Singh said – Dhaba has been since 1980 and is visited by many prominent personalities, including Preity Zinta – a famous Bollywood actress, Kalyan Singh – former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Rocky and Mayur from NDTV, and many others.

The paratha was delicious and large enough to have only one.

A must-visit Dhaba (opp. police chowki) for sure, especially if the owner is very friendly, welcoming guests with a smile.

Bihari Lal Sharma – Serving Fruit Chat Since 1948 in Shimla

• • Himachal Pradesh, Shimla
Bihari Lal Sharma – Serving Fruit Chat Since 1948 in Shimla

Bihari Lal Sharma’s at Takka Bench is – The first fruit chat seller in Shimla (Himachal Pradesh). Serving since 1948 – proudly written at his stall. Bihari Lal Sharma was the man who started selling fruit chat and bhel puri for the first time in Shimla. Now his son Ram Pal Sharma has been taking care of the business of chat since 30-32 years. His stall is at the entrance of Jakhu Road. If you are walking to Jakhu Temple near Christ Church in Shimla, the very first stall of fruit chat is Bihari Lal Sharma’s stall.

Upon query about the Takka bench, Ram Pal Sharma enhanced our knowledge – earlier, there was one Takka fee to enter a park nearby, thus, the area is known as the Takka bench.

We requested a plate of fruit chat. Rs. 30/- the charges and taste – delicious.

Best Chilled Rice Kheer at Verka Mohali Dairy

• • Chandigarh, Kullu, Mohali, Punjab • Tags:
Best Chilled Rice Kheer at Verka Mohali Dairy

I often stop to have it. Yes, Best Chilled Rice Kheer is available at the Verka Mohali Dairy, Sector 56, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali), Punjab. If you are driving via National Highway 21, don’t forget to stop at the Verka plant to have delicious kheer. The plant is on the right-hand side if you are driving from Chandigarh and on the left-hand side if you are coming from Manali.

Verka Kheer price is Rs. 15/- only for 200 gm

Timings: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm

Chandigarh Derives its Name from Chandi Temple

• • Chandigarh, Haryana, Panchkula
Chandigarh Derives its Name from Chandi Temple

Chandi Temple is approx. 7 km from Panchkula and approx. 21 km from Chandigarh.

The Goddess Chandi slayed Mahisasura at this spot over 5000 years ago. This temple is also visited by the Pandavas.

In the year 1953, the temple was visited by the President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, along with Sir C.P.N. Singh, Governor of Punjab, and Sh. K.N. Katju – the Defence Minister of India. They offer prayers and were so much impressed with the ancient past of the temple that they named the local police station, railway station, and the adjoining village ‘Chandi Mandir’. They also wish to name the city in the name of Chandi Mata.

A Trip to Shoolini Mata Temple from Chandigarh

• • Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Solan

We started the Royal Enfield Thunderbird motorbike at 8:15 am from Chandigarh and reached Shoolini Mata Temple, Solan at 10:30 am.

Directions from Chandigarh to Shoolini Mata temple, Solan

Chandigarh > Pinjore (27 km)

Pinjore > Dharampur (30 km)

Dharampur > Solan (18 km)

Solan > Shoolini Mata Temple (3 km)

The total distance from Chandigarh to Solan is 75 km approx.

Shoolini Mata Temple is 3 km from National Highway 22 at Solan.

We offered prayers and visited the nearby house of the temple priest to learn The History of the Temple.

History as narrated by Ram Swaroop, priest of the temple:

Shoolini Mata Temple is a 200-250 years old temple and one of the prime attractions of Solan. The city of Solan derives its name from the Goddess Shoolini Devi.

Earlier, there was Baghat State in Solan. A King came here from Dharanagri and established himself at Solan. He brought some idols which were installed in this temple.

This temple attracts a huge crowd during festival days, especially during the Shoolini Fair. In the last week of June month (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), three days of festivals are held at Solan. It begins with the worship of the goddess Shoolini Mata. The Festival started with a colorful Shobha Yatra (procession) of Goddess Shoolini, taken out from the temple in a palanquin. The procession visits all over Solan city.

Shoolini Mata stays for two days at a temple nearby, which is known as her sister’s place, and on the third day returns to her own temple. Shoolini Mata has five sisters.

The wrestling competition held at Thodo Ground is one of the major attractions of the festival.
Note: Every second and fourth Sunday, there is a Bhandara at the temple premises starting from 12 noon.

Thank you – said I to the temple priest, and we restarted our journey towards Jatoli Shiv Temple and then to Bon Monastery.

Nothing Found?