Category Archives: travelogue

The Fairy-tale connection between the Barog Tunnel, Himachal Pradesh, and Five Go Off to Camp by Enid Blyton… by Kamlesh Tripathi

July 21, 2026article, short story, story, travel, travelogue, Uncategorized1903, 1948, Baba Bhalku, Barog Tunnel, british government, colonel barog, enid blyton, fairy tale, Famous Five, five go off to camp, ghost train, Himachal Pradesh, hs harrington, kalka shimla railway, kamlesh tripathi, shivalik hills, shravan charity mission, solan, summer capital, tunnel no 33shravancharitymission

The Fairy-tale connection between the Barog Tunnel, Himachal Pradesh, and Five Go Off to Camp by Enid Blyton

Recently, I had an opportunity to visit the Barog Tunnel in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh. As I walked through the area, I was reminded of Five Go Off to Camp, the famous adventure novel by Enid Blyton. While the comparison is not exact, the atmosphere of the place instantly brought back memories of the Famous Five’s mysterious ghost train adventure. Quite coincidentally, there were five of us on the trip, our own “unfamous five.”

Our driver dropped us on the highway above the station, and we had to make a steep descent on foot to reach Barog Railway Station. With every step downhill, I felt myself travelling back in time to my childhood, when I had first read Blyton’s novel.

A major part of Five Go Off to Camp revolves around the mystery of a “ghost train” that is said to appear at night and disappear into the hills. The Famous Five initially dismiss the stories as mere superstition, but they eventually discover that the ghost train is linked to a network of abandoned tunnels and a criminal operation. Blyton’s vivid descriptions of the train moving silently through the darkness, the strange lights, and the underground passages make it one of the most atmospheric mysteries in the Famous Five series. The Barog Tunnel, however, bears no direct resemblance to the novel. The tunnel was completed in 1903, whereas the book was first published in 1948.

The Barog Tunnel, officially known as Tunnel No. 33, is one of India’s most remarkable engineering landmarks. Situated near Barog on the Kalka–Shimla railway line, it is the longest tunnel on this famous mountain railway. Apart from being an engineering marvel, it is also associated with one of India’s best-known railway legends.

During the late nineteenth century, the British government decided to construct a railway linking Kalka with Shimla, then the summer capital of British India. The line had to pass through the steep and rugged Shivalik Hills, presenting enormous engineering challenges. The route required more than a hundred tunnels, hundreds of bridges, and numerous sharp curves. Construction began in 1900 and demanded exceptional engineering skill and perseverance.

A British railway engineer, popularly known as Colonel Barog, was entrusted with constructing one of the longest tunnels on the route. To save time, he adopted a standard engineering method by excavating tunnels simultaneously from both ends of the mountain, expecting the two sections to meet precisely in the middle.

This technique required extremely accurate calculations. Unfortunately, an error occurred during the survey or alignment. As the excavation progressed, it became evident that the two ends would not meet correctly. The mistake meant that a substantial amount of work would have to be abandoned.

The failed alignment embarrassed the British administration. According to the popular account, Colonel Barog was officially reprimanded and fined one rupee, a symbolic rather than a financial punishment. However, for an engineer of his standing, the public humiliation proved deeply distressing.

Unable to bear the disgrace, he reportedly walked into the surrounding hills with his dog and took his own life by shooting himself. He was buried near the unfinished tunnel. Over time, the nearby settlement and railway station came to be known as Barog in his memory.

Modern historians, however, have questioned several aspects of this well-known story.

Research based on British engineering journals and newspapers from the early twentieth century suggests that the legend may have been embellished over time. Contemporary records describe difficult geological conditions, underground springs, and slow construction progress, but they do not clearly mention a disastrous surveying error or a major delay caused by incorrect alignment. Even more interestingly, historical documents indicate that the name “Barog” was already in use for the locality before the tunnel was completed, suggesting that the town may not have been named after the engineer. Thus, while the tragedy of Colonel Barog has become an enduring part of local folklore, some details remain historically uncertain.

Following the failure, the project continued under the supervision of Chief Engineer H. S. Harrington. Local tradition holds that a village guide named Baba Bhalku helped the engineers identify the correct alignment through the mountains. Whether through remarkable local knowledge or extraordinary intuition, Baba Bhalku became closely associated with the successful completion of the railway. His contribution continues to be honoured today, and the railway museum in Shimla bears his name.

A new alignment was selected, and work resumed. The present Tunnel No. 33 was completed in 1903. It measures 1,143.61 metres (3,752 feet), making it the longest tunnel on the Kalka–Shimla Railway. Trains take approximately two and a half to three minutes to pass through it. In 2008, the railway was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Mountain Railways of India.

No account of Barog is complete without mentioning its famous ghost legend. Local residents believe that Colonel Barog’s spirit still wanders near the abandoned tunnel. Some visitors claim to have heard footsteps or whispers, while others report seeing a solitary figure dressed in old-fashioned clothes. Interestingly, many describe the ghost as friendly rather than frightening.

There is, however, no scientific evidence to support these paranormal claims. The tunnel’s haunted reputation survives largely through folklore, travel stories, and popular media rather than verified historical or scientific evidence.

The old abandoned tunnel, where the original excavation is said to have failed, still exists in the nearby forest. It has become a popular destination for trekkers, photographers, and history enthusiasts interested in the legend surrounding Colonel Barog.

Today, Barog is a peaceful hill station surrounded by pine and oak forests. The toy train continues to stop at Barog station, and travellers enjoy the dramatic experience of emerging from the long tunnel into the beautiful valley beyond. The station was once well known for serving leisurely lunches to British officials travelling between Kalka and Shimla.

The story of the Barog Tunnel remains memorable because it brings together several compelling themes: human ambition and engineering excellence, the consequences of a single mistake, the pressures of professional honour, the importance of local knowledge represented by Baba Bhalku, and the fascinating blend of history with folklore and ghost stories.

Whether every detail of Colonel Barog’s life is historically accurate or partly legendary, the Barog Tunnel remains one of India’s most remarkable railway monuments. It stands not only as an outstanding engineering achievement but also as a reminder that history often becomes richer when facts and folklore travel together.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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THE JOY OF MORNING WALK IN HAZRATGANJ

October 2, 2025article, travel, travelogue, Uncategorized2ND OCTOBER, cutting chai, fiction, hazratganj, history, IT COLLEGE, kamlesh tripathi, KHADI GRAM, KULHAD CHAI, LUCKNOW METRO, mahatma gandhi, mumbai, short story, shravan charity mission, SHUKLA TEA STALL, travel, UP CM, writing, yogi adityanathshravancharitymission

Every morning, I walk up to the IT College metro station from my house, which is about ten minutes, cutting across the sprawling Police Lines. Today was a similar drill. I took the metro from there to Hazratganj Station, which is just three stations away. And today, being a holiday, the metro was absolutely empty. In fact, I was the only chap, I think, who got down at the Hazratganj station. Even as I was returning, I was the only person who boarded from there.

In Hazratganj, I usually walk for about half an hour every day. But the air was heavy today, even when the roads and the footpath were empty. There was a heavy security deployment near the Khadi Gram showroom where Yogi ji, the Chief Minister of U.P., was to arrive to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, today being his birth anniversary. I continued walking till I arrived at my usual joint, The Shukla tea stall, on Church Road, Hazratganj, that serves tea and street food.

The place is heavily crowded. Today was no different. I normally have a Kulhad chai there, which reminds me of the cutting Chai in Mumbai. While I was having Chai, two police motorcycles, blaring their sirens, landed at the tea stall. They started coaxing the drivers to remove their cars and scooters from there. It appeared as a special security drill on the 2nd of October. I was happy to note that I had landed in Hazratganj by metro and was on foot, so I didn’t have to bother about my car. I felt liberated. As a result, the tea tasted even sweeter, the weather even more pleasant, and the walk even more energising, and the mind relaxed. See what blaring sirens can do to you when you don’t have a car.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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Travelogue: Switzerland: The Scenic Mount Titlis and Lucerne by Kamlesh Tripathi

August 18, 2025article, travel, travelogue, Uncategorizedbern, bollywood, cable car, cantons, city of angels, dilwale dulhania le jayenge, engelberg, europe, glacier, hiking, interlaken, kamlesh tripathi, lion monument, lucerne, mount titlis, obwalden, seedamm plaza, shravan charity mission, stans, swiss alps, switzerland, titlis cliff walk, travel, trubsee, uri alpsshravancharitymission

With its breathtaking landscapes, Switzerland is a dream destination for travellers worldwide. On the 19th of August, our European tour peaked as we journeyed to Mount Titlis, one of Switzerland’s most iconic spots. Nestled in the Uri Alps, Titlis is a place that seamlessly blends natural beauty with adventure, offering an experience unlike any other.

We set out from our hotel at 8:30 AM and arrived in Engelberg, known as the “City of Angels,” by 10 AM. Engelberg serves as the base for the Titlis expedition and is renowned for its stunning views of the surrounding Alps. Mount Titlis rises up to 3,238 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the Western Alps, making it a truly captivating sight. Titlis straddles the cantons of Obwalden and Bern, with the summit divided into two peaks—Gross Titlis and Klein Titlis—both accessible by cable car.

As I stood atop the mountain, the scenes brought to mind both historical films set in these majestic surroundings and Bollywood classics like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, where the Alps became the backdrop to a romance that has remained etched in the hearts of many. The crisp, refreshing air at such a high altitude made the surroundings feel otherworldly, almost as though I had stepped into a postcard. The beauty of the place is a mystery that defies words or even technology, leaving one in awe of nature’s grandeur.

Reaching the summit, we were treated to unforgettable views. The illuminated glacier cave was a particular highlight, allowing us to step into the heart of a magnificent ice wonderland. The famous Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge, added an exhilarating twist to our adventure. As we walked across the bridge, we gazed out at the surrounding snow-covered peaks and glaciers far below, further enhancing the feeling of being on top of the world.

The journey to Titlis required two cable car rides: from Engelberg to Stans, and then from Stans to the summit. As we ascended, the views became even more spectacular, offering a 360-degree panorama of the Alps. At the top, we spent time exploring the shops, sampling Mövenpick ice cream, and simply soaking in the surrounding beauty. Paragliders soared gracefully through the crisp, clear sky, adding a sense of serenity to the scene.

The Ice Cave at Titlis was another must-see, with its incredible ice sculptures that seemed to defy the imagination. The Cliff Walk, with its dizzying heights and stunning vistas, provided the kind of thrill that only the Swiss Alps can offer. Though Titlis may be considered a more accessible option compared to Jungfraujoch for those seeking to explore the Swiss Alps, both are equally spectacular in their own ways.

By 1:15 PM, it was time to descend. We headed to Trubsee, where we were treated to a delicious Indian lunch featuring Pav-Bhaji, Dhokla, Gajar Halwa, Roti, and Rice. It was a welcome and flavorful meal after the exhilarating experience at the summit. After lunch, we made our way back to Engelberg before continuing our journey to Lucerne.

Lucerne, with its rich history and stunning architecture, was our next stop. Our visit began with the poignant Lion Monument, a tribute to Swiss mercenaries who lost their lives during the French Revolution. The monument, which depicts a dying lion, is a powerful symbol of bravery and sacrifice. Legend has it that the sculptor, frustrated with not being paid, subtly cursed the city by shaping the lion within the outline of a pig—a symbol of disrespect in the artist’s eyes.

Next, we visited Schwanenplatz, a bustling market area by the lake, where ducks leisurely lounged by the water’s edge. The market was a haven for souvenirs, with Swiss watches, knives, and chocolates in abundance. After exploring the market, we boarded a dinner cruise on Lake Lucerne. The cruise was a delightful experience, featuring Swiss folklore music and traditional instruments. The atmosphere was further enhanced by a Bollywood song and dance session on the upper deck, which added an unexpected touch of excitement to the evening.

By 9 PM, we returned to our hotel at Seedamm Plaza, reflecting on the many unforgettable experiences of the day. Mount Titlis, Lucerne’s Lion Monument, and the dinner cruise had truly marked the climax of our tour. An unexpected highlight was learning that Switzerland had honored Indian film producer Yash Chopra with a bust in Interlaken, acknowledging his contribution to promoting the country’s stunning landscapes in his films.

Our trip to Switzerland was nothing short of a magical spell. Whether it was the majestic views from Mount Titlis, the historical significance of Lucerne’s monuments, or the cultural richness of the Swiss folklore music, Switzerland proved to be a destination that offers something for everyone. It was a journey filled with adventure, history, and warmth, one that we will cherish forever.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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TRAVELOGUE: LONDON EYE TO EIFFEL TOWER,

July 13, 2025article, travel, travelogue, Uncategorizedeiffel tower, eiffel-tower, europe, france, heathrow, hyde park, kamlesh tripathi, london eye, national history museum, paris, shravan charity mission, trafalgar square, travel, victoria and albert museumshravancharitymission

We landed at Heathrow, London, Terminal 4 at 2.30 pm London time. By the time we left the airport, it was six. The group arrived at the Holiday Inn Express Terminal 5 hotel at 7:00. Our check-in was followed by a continental dinner. The daylight in London lasted till nine. As a result, one felt one had eaten lunch instead of dinner.

The following day, we departed for London sightseeing after an English breakfast. We travelled to London City Centre, crossing zones 3, 2 and 1. Our travel guide was Sari, and the coach driver was Sam. We first visited the Natural History Museum, followed by the Victoria and Albert Museum. There were brick-laden houses on the way. We passed through the Piccadilly Circus, Hyde Park, Hyde Park Corner, the statue of the Duke of Wellington on his horse, the Fountain of Opera, Trafalgar Square—Nelson’s Column and its four lions, considered zero miles for London, where Bollywood movies are shot. We attended the ‘Change of Guard’ ceremony at Buckingham Palace, held every other day. It’s a royal ceremony that we were able to shoot. The royal guards change shifts in a formal ceremony, accompanied by the marching band. Next was the Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square and 10 Downing Street.

We crossed the Thames riverfront humming an old classic, ‘Scarborough Fair’. The symbol of the two dragons, indicating you’re in London, was superb. The city of London is colloquially known as the Square Mile.

The ‘London Eye’ (Ferris Wheel) gave a panoramic view of the city of London. It has 32 capsules. It takes 32 minutes for a circle with 32 people, reminding you of the 32 boroughs of London. One capsule represents one borough.

The next was the Phantom of the Opera, the Tower Bridge on the left of the London Bridge. We drove past the London Bridge and the fire monument of the 16^th century. We also had a bite and a stroll on Oxford Street, followed by dinner at the Hot Plate Restaurant.

The following morning, we were up at three to board the famous Eurostar train to Paris from St. Pancras International Station, London. The train was at 7.01 am. We left the hotel at 4.30 in a coach to reach the station by five. The security check at the railway station was tedious because of the luggage. After security, one technically leaves the territory of the U.K. and enters Europe on a Schengen visa after immigration. Twenty minutes before departure, we were informed of our gate number. We sat in bogies 12 and 13 after walking past gate 10. Soon, the Eurostar train 9004 to Paris left platform 10 from St Pancras Railway Station. After a point, it entered Europe, leaving behind the U.K. It took 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Paris. We were there at 10.20 am, exactly two hours and twenty minutes of travel time, but by the clock, it was three hours and twenty minutes because the continent of Europe is one hour ahead of the U.K. time. There are breathtaking tunnels under the English Channel. The train crosses them in about 35 minutes on the way to Paris-Gare-du-Nord railway station. The local tour guide in Paris was Senthil, an Indian expat. He began with a Vannakam—Tamil Namaste. The tour commenced with the Opera House and the Greek Church, rich in Greek architecture. Next was the Golden Flame and the bridge where Lady Diana died in a car accident. Then followed the Place De La Concorde, Macaline, Shawn Elizey, and the famous Eiffel Tower.

Later, we visited Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb in Les Invalides. At 2 pm, after lunch at ‘Welcome India’, we left for the Eiffel Tower. It was jam-packed with umpteen souvenir shops. The names of French authors Jules Verne and Victor Hugo graced many shops and public spaces in Paris. It reminded me of the statue of Sherlock Holmes in Baker Street. It took an hour to get across the security gate and reach the summit level of the Eiffel Tower. The aerial view of Paris from there was splendid. The summit level was earlier closed. Later, they opened it. We were lucky to get the tickets. We had a drink in the Champagne bar. The Eiffel Tower has three floors: the first, the second, and the summit level. The pillar elevators and the stairs take you to the first and second levels. To reach the top of the Tower from the second level, one needs to locate a separate elevator meant for it. In the same sequence, one can come down. After beholding the Eiffel Tower, we undertook a river cruise on the Seine River.

We reached our hotel at eight. After some free time, we drove down to ‘The Champs-Élysées’, the main street of Paris. We had a photo session there under the glittering lights. Thereafter, we went to the Eiffel Tower again. It was an amazing sight to see it lit up Eiffel Tower at eleven at night. It was the longest day of our tour—from 3 am to midnight and from London to Paris.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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TRAVELOGUE: ROAD TRIP: BELGIUM AND THE NETHERLANDS

July 3, 2025article, travel, travelogue, Uncategorizedamedia hotel, amsterdam, atomium, belgium, brussels, canal cruise, canals, dakota aeroplane, europe, european union, france, grand place, kamlesh tripathi, lovers canal cruise, madurodam, mannekin pis statue, michele, netherlands, paris, rangoli restaurant, road trip.Belgium, shravan charity mission, the netherlands, town hall, travel, valenciennes, windmillsshravancharitymission

We departed from the hotel at 8:00 am after a sumptuous continental breakfast. Soon, our coach was navigating the wide and shimmering roads of France. Today, we were to travel from Paris to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and also the capital of the European Union. From there, we were to proceed to the Netherlands. We realised Europe was so unique. We had breakfast in France, lunch was in Belgium, and dinner was in the Netherlands. It took us three and a half hours from Paris to Brussels. The drive was picturesque, with the ever-changing green landscape and flowing rivers. Notably, there was no honking. The drivers in Europe were disciplined and maintained their lanes, a truly commendable trait.

Our coach driver, Michele, hailed from Italy. As we drove along, we passed both small and large villages, each neatly maintained and typically featuring a church tower. The verdant surroundings and the occasional river added charm to the journey. Before Belgium, we stopped to enjoy a hearty lunch at the Wonders Restaurant.

After lunch, we visited the city centre of Brussels, known as the Grand Place. It is a beautiful square that houses the Town Hall, several Gilded Age buildings, and a circular monument. A popular landmark here is the Mannekin Pis Statue, also known as the ‘Peeing Boy Statue’, located right in the heart of the square. According to an old folktale, it holds historical significance and continues to attract visitors from all over. The square was bustling with shoppers and tourists. We made the most of the vibrant atmosphere, capturing several photographs and enjoying delicious ice cream.

By 4:00 pm, we departed for our next attraction, the Atomium. It took about an hour to get there. The Atomium is a striking historical monument, built in 1957, featuring nine massive spheres connected by 21 tubes. It represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times and is considered a national icon of Belgium. It was another excellent photo opportunity, steeped in architectural and scientific heritage.

After visiting the Atomium, we resumed our journey to Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. From Brussels we crossed over to Valenciennes, a border town in France and then circled back to Antwerp, a town in Belgium, well-known for its diamond market. In and around Antwerp, we saw many windmills, canals, lakes, and quaint village houses. My spouse and I were thrilled to witness this exquisite blend of nature and culture. Finally, we entered the Netherlands via the Hazeldonk, on the Belgium-Netherlands border and then reached the town of Breda and then Amsterdam. Our dinner was at an Indian restaurant called ‘Bollywood’, located in Amsterdam. After enjoying a good meal, we checked into the Amedia Hotel, Amsterdam by 9:00 pm, ready to rest for the night.

After a refreshing night, local sightseeing was to follow in Amsterdam during the day. Later, our group was scheduled to travel to Germany the same day. But first, at 9:00 am, we set out to visit Madurodam, a miniature park in Amsterdam, often called ‘Mini Amsterdam.’

After a refreshing night, local sightseeing was to follow in Amsterdam during the day. Later, or group was scheduled to travel to Germany the same day. But first, at 9:00 am, we set out to visit Madurodam, a miniature park in Amsterdam, often called ‘Mini Amsterdam.’

There was so much to see in the park. The landscaping was phenomenal, and the level of detailing in the miniature replicas was truly mind-blowing. Whoever designed the park must have been a genius. Among the many attractions, there was a fascinating 3D flight simulation inside a stationary Dakota aeroplane, complete with realistic sound effects.

There was so much to photograph there, like the verdant garden with miniature canals, boats, luxury liners and the drawbridges that lifted when the toy ships passed through. It was a real delight not only for children but even adults. The landscaping was just awesome with miniature hills, forests, rural homes, and the modelling of canals, windmills, and rural houses was amazing. The souvenir shops within the park were so well laid out and with so much merchandise that it could have tempted anyone to buy in droves. As noon approached, we were supposed to leave the park for lunch, but on that day, our appointed Guru Restaurant caught fire, and we were accommodated in Rangoli Restaurant instead. It’s so nice to see Indian cuisine reaching the nooks and corners of Europe, but you need to book it in advance because the capacities are still low. The change of venue turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The Rangoli Restaurant was just a five-minute walk from the Lovers Canal Cruise Station, so we were able to meet our schedule. We reached the Restaurant at 1:00 pm. After a quick bite, we were on the Lovers Canal Cruise for a boat ride at 1.45 pm. The canals reminded me of the last scene (a motorboat chase) of Alistair Maclean’s famous movie ‘The Puppet on a Chain.’ It was truly the best of both worlds, a satisfying Indian lunch and a relaxing canal cruise through one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Australia: Klook Sydney Attraction Pass

June 27, 2025travel, travelogue, Uncategorizedaustralia, jet boat, kamlesh tripathi, klook sydney, madame tussauds, shravan charity missionshravancharitymission

Enjoy the beauty of Sydney while in Australia.

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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Australia: Sydney harbour

June 27, 2025travel, travelogue, Uncategorizedaustralia, kamlesh tripathi, Latin Fiesta, lunch cruise, Retro Boat Party, shravan charity mission, sydney harbourshravancharitymission

Don’t miss the Sydney Harbour while in Australia.

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Travelogue: Road Trip: Belgium And The Netherlands

June 27, 2025article, storytelling, travel, travelogue, Uncategorizedamsterdam, atomium, belgium, breda, brussels, europe, european union, france, hazeldonk, kamlesh tripathi, madurodam, manneken pis statue, michele, mini amsterdam, netherlands, paris, peeing boy statue, shravan charity mission, travelshravancharitymission

After lunch, we visited the city centre of Brussels, known as the Grand Place. It is a beautiful square that houses the Town Hall, several Gilded Age buildings, and a circular monument. A popular landmark here is the Manneken Pis Statue, also known as the ‘Peeing Boy Statue’, located right in the heart of the square. According to an old folktale, it holds historical significance and continues to attract visitors from all over. The square was bustling with shoppers and tourists. We made the most of the vibrant atmosphere, capturing several photographs and enjoying delicious ice cream.

Madurodam Park offers a fantastic overview of Dutch architecture and culture, all recreated in miniature. Amsterdam is known as the city of bicycles, canals, and rivers. It draws parallels to Venice in some ways, and gets its water from the North Sea. We entered the park at 9:45 am and were to stay there until noon.

Written and posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

Author, Poet, & Columnist

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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