A Journey By Train

"Change is the law of nature." A journey by train is very pleasant if the berths are reserved before, but it is very uncomfortable if the berths are not reserved before. We should always plan our excursions and get our seats reserved before undertaking the journey.

During the last summer vacation, my father and I traveled from Ludhiana to Shimla by train. We got comfortable seats because we had got our seats reserved.

Our compartment was packed to the full. There were all sorts of people--rude, polite, shy, and talkative. Some passengers were playing cards.

Some were smoking cigarettes. Some were sitting quietly, while others were reading newspapers.

At Rajpura, a poor, blind beggar came into our compartment. He sang a very sweet song and begged for alms. Some kind people gave him a little money. Then a vendor came in. He sold some sweets, cold drinks, and other eatables.

I amused myself by looking out of the window. The scenery was very charming. There were green fields on either side. Here and there I saw boys playing and cattle grazing. At some places, farmers were plowing their fields.

We passed many stations on the way. After about three hours we reached Ambala Cantt. There the train stopped for about ten minutes. There was a great rush. The cries of the vendors were very amusing. We had some fruit and sweets by way of lunch. After about two hours the train reached Chandigarh. It was quite a big station.

Then the train started and entered the mountainous region and reached Kalka. At Kalka, we boarded a small train. Near it are the Shivalik hills. It passed through several tunnels in the hills. It went uphill in a zigzag way rising higher and higher. It was a lovely view. The green fur-clad hills in the distance looked very beautiful. This scenery was very charming. Every turn of the rail track revealed new views. My heart left with joy.

At last, the train reached Shimla and we got down and went straight to my uncle's house. It was a very pleasant journey.