Enjoy the Paintings, Himachal Pradesh
Published on 21/08/2022
Comments 44

Road to Kali Ka Tibba Chail; One monsoon day around Shivalik Hills in Solan: A Photographic Essay

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Reaching Mother Kali’s abode in Chail was an experience earlier this month. She, the mother is regarded as the deity of time and change. And change was ongoing with the ones I was travelling with. My friend Pluto, with whom I had walked for days to find the Brahma Kamal in the Pandava Mountains last year. And his two beautiful mountain dogs Bhalu- the bear and Munkey were leaving the mountains where they had grown old with and lived all their lives. We four were on the road for five long days. But this story of those days needs rare care and more; more than I can give it now. And from here it must be kept for another rainy day.

When the migration ended. Pluto and I decided to spend our last day here. Walking for an hour or more admiring, gaping but reflecting what was there and all around us.

Pluto standing, looking may be at himself

Chail at an altitude of 2,250 meters is at a higher altitude than Shimla which is 2,213 meters above sea level. Shimla and Kasauli can be seen from Chail. Kali ka Tibba Temple is an ideal destination for those who are looking for a secluded destination away from tourist crowds. The best time to visit this place is when we were called. In the monsoons between August and November. Calling is important, as the thick forest cover around the temple can fill ones heart with chlorophyll itself.


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Thank you.


If today is the first time you have arrived on The Road to Nara, you are heartily welcome ~ Namaste


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I will take this opportunity to introduce you to About me and importantly;

As a co-traveller, my Ten Lessons from several years on the road, before you coarse on your own Road to Nara.



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Also, You will be to know about My Little School Project. If you wish to come over for a visit someday, that you must, you will be heartily welcome here

If you would like to contribute to my travels, you can please do so here


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If you have anything to share, or feel like saying a hello, please feel free to write to me at nara@road-to-nara.com

To visit other long-term photographic works, please visit here.


To follow my walks through the rural Indian Subcontinent, find me at 
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Hi, I am Narayan Kaudinya. And i welcome you on this journey, the Road to Nara ! I am an Ethnographer and a practicing Indologist. I did my masters in History and further learnt Sanskrit, Yoga and Nerve-therapy. At 24, pushing most academic sounding, office sitting works away, i felt compelled to know and understand the world and my country, Bharat/India. I travelled, and as it happened i took up teaching in Kashmir and further up in the remote villages of Baltistan in the foothills of Karakoram Ranges. For around three years and many states later there came a time when i felt that it was only while teaching i learnt how to laugh, to see, feel, breathe, love and cry -with children, and mostly resource-less parents in the harshest-freezing border conditions. I write, and work as a documentary photographer and Filmmaker, with numerous published, exhibited and some awarded stories. In my travels and life i have let nature lead me, the divine mother, and as a Yogin, my resolve here is to share my experiences and thoughts as honestly, and through them to blossom in everyone the power and possibility in pursuing your breath, that you seek your true nature with courage and curiosity. Here, on this road i will share my spirit, my love for nature, the elements of life that are us. And in doing so, i'll be happy to see you along.

44 Comments

  2. desilvasachitha says

    Great little post and an incredibly fascinating story Narayan, thanks for sharing this with us!

    Reminds me of wonderful time I had with my wife in a teeny tiny South Asian hidden gem of a country, Sri Lanka.

    It was an incredible experience from people to places to architecture to all the experiences that we’ve gathered, such a magnificent place to be and it was an one for the memory vaults.

    You can read the full story here,
    https://sachsattic.wordpress.com/2022/08/21/trincomalee-sri-lankas-hidden-gem/

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  3. gabychops says

    As with all of Narayan’s writing this fascinating account of his visit to Solan with his friend, Pluto, and two dogs, draws you to discover more, to learn more about his beloved country. I have a feeling that Narayan should be made the Minister for Tourism as his essays can persuade many to visit the places he so eloquently describes and professionally, as a known filmmaker, photographs.

    From his photos, you can see that a visit to Kali Ka Tibba temple is a must. The architecture is unique and different, surrounded by dense forest, and placed on a hill it offers a spectacular view over the mountains. Reading Narayan’s words you can smell the freshness of the unpolluted air. The Goddess, Kali, is presented as interesting as you would expect and one might even receive a blessing offered to the worshipers.

    An additional note worth knowing is that Solan gets its name from the Hindu goddess Shoolini Devi, much revered in this area.
    Also, Solan is known as the “mushroom city of India” as the largest producer of them in the country.
    The atmospheric photographs of the sky are Naraya’s specialty and could be framed and displayed at home.
    Thank you, Narayan, for another piece of the jigsaw that is Baharat.

    Joanna

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    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      haha.. most beautiful comment my dear Joanna. Thank you. But as with other adventures alongside, you should be made information minister of the new world as you would be perfect and extraordinary. Solan as you described is known for Shoolini Ma, also for mushrooms. Apart from hidden quaint coffee houses and eateries, Solan is also known for its beautiful Toy train station.

      It was the most beautiful place. And yes Kali as you know was the deity who blessed our beloved Swamiji.

      Thank you my dearest Joanna, for your beautiful, making smile words.

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    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      PS- Your new post on Ramanujan is sacred. It will need one’s whole devotion to immerse in his life and your words. Will do it soon.

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      • gabychops says

        Thank you, Narayan, for your beautiful comments but being busy with finishing Ramanujan’s first part post, I have missed your words of appreciation.

        Joanna

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  4. Yetismith says

    Wonderful photographs. I have been thinking about you since hearing of the floods. I hope you are not personally affected although it is always distressing to hear the misfortune of others.

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    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Dearest Caro, thank you for your caring words. I instantly felt you close, i should not but thank you. It feels well. Yes, floods, flash foods are a part of every monsoon here in India. Atleast for the ones living in Delhi, the flood is rare. And the things, calamities that are making news as fast and as many like trains after every other hour. It has become a highly unstable world and Life. Thanks again Caro for your support.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Rosaliene Bacchus says

    Thanks for photo essay. I could feel the humidity and can well imagine the sensation of “[filling] one’s heart with chlorophyll itself.” In my native land of Guyana, there is a region where an Indo-Guyanese community worships Mother Kali.

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  8. K.Hartless says

    I’m chlorophylled with envy just viewing it and wishing I too was adventuring abroad. Ah, will be an adventure anyways as I teach new students in the morning. Thank you for sharing.

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  9. Anonymous says

    your travelogues are always so welcoming and refreshing too…..@Road To Nara

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    • Narayan Kaudinya says

      Thank you so much Chaya Ji. I love seeing, within and outside and these are just a tribute to nature, to you and all, along the way of life. Thank you for your beautiful words. Shubh prabhatam to you.

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  13. KK says

    Excellent pics, Narayan ji. I kept looking at those pics, as if I was a part of your journey.

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  14. desertflower5 says

    Loved the pics. I am eager to put this place on one of my bucket list. I always admired how you blog about your travels. Thankyou for sharing Narayan

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