An unexpected call from the land of the vertical limits (Barot, Kasol, Manikaran- Himachal)

From our walk of life…..we slowly but wisely learn that “Not everything is destined to go as per your plan….you may have to revisit the things sometime”. However, Wiseman say in such an adverse situation you have to remain positive and find a way ahead somehow and believe that- Everything happens for a reason….and usually it is for the good in the long run.

We planned and landed at Manali (already dreamt ourselves amongst the snowfall) in end Dec-2016 to celebrate the year-end….but finding no snowfall & dry weather, only to reset the target instinctively. What lied ahead in coming few days was Jaw-dropping encounter with Barot valley & enthralling Kasol & the holy Manikaran.

Much water had flown under the bridge since we had our last adventurous journey into the mountains. It was close to a year when we walk around the Dalhousies, Khajjihars in Himachal last year. Felt like there was another call from the high lands when the idea of playing with snows at Manali came to our mind.

The Preparation:

With the 2016 year-end approaching, we (me & my wify) both had our last minute approval of our leaves from our respective organization. We were having a track for snowfall forecast in Himachal and were quite excited to see the prediction on 27^th & 28^th Dec-2016 at Manali. Our little pocket dynamite (son Jagrav) was ready to explode again with the snow.

Notably, this was our second trip to Manali, but first in the winters. As we usually do before any road trip, a quick vehicle servicing, woolens for the hills & checked out the beloved Shot Gun (SLR). Thanks to no thanks to Mr. Modiji, we somehow managed to gather some hard cash within the hovac of the demonetization period.

Day-1: (Noida/Delhi to Sundernagar-Himachal)

We started from our Noida residence at 6-30 AM. Expectation was to reach Kullu by the dying Sun. It was little foggy morning but visibility was decent. The first sign of unexpected! I tried to find my USB memory stick to live-up the car stereo. Then I realized I forgot to pick it after I loaded it. I enquired my wife if she had a one. She handed a memory stick filled with the Pink Floyds & the Scorpions. (She was finding some grooves with these evergreen bands of late).

Not bad at all! The first number came out of the stereo-Holiday (Scorpion). ”Let me take you far away you would like…. a Holiday”. It set the mood for the proceedings. May be after a break of 10 years, the Scorpions waved into my mind again. And then slowly but surely Pink Floyd effect (the Psychedelic delay tone) shown its impact in my driving too. We were in a very relaxed and enjoying state as we were surfing ups and downs with PFloyd numbers like Comfortably numb, Us & them, Another brick in the walls etc. etc. End-day result was- as the Sun was going down, we were another 90 odd kms away from our initial target Kullu. We decided for a night halt at Sundernagar. The day ended with a very good dinner experience with varieties of local pulses, green veggie recipes and hilly style Chilly chicken (spicy).

We heard from locals that there was a snowfall at Shimla region the previous day (X-mas day). So, we were pretty upbeat about getting such experience in Manali too, in coming days….woww.

Day-2: (Manali)

It was a freezy and a lazy morning for us! We started from the shelter at 9-00 AM. By the last night, I filled the memory stick with some available songs from my laptop….so the driving was back to my original style again in the hills (a decent speed with alertness required in the winding roads). A few in-between halts, finally we reached Manali by 1-30 PM. Search for a good hotel started. Honestly, we preferred to stay away from busy places like mall road and market areas. Last time, we had a very good experience to stay at a hotel by the Beas river. So, we checked out the options. We were lucky again to find a good accommodation at Hotel Lord Residency. The room was facing the Beas river and it was really pleasing and serene as the melody of the flowing water of the Beas reaching our ears.

As we had visited major spots during last tour of Manali (in 2012), so we were pre-decided this time only for a snowfall encounter. During evening hours, we had a walk around the Mall Road. It was full packed. New year’s eve, as expected. Further, it was stormed with loud disposable Bollywood music.

When you want to buy your piece of happiness, there is nothing more painful than spending your hard earned cash only to witness countless numbers of heads and lost in the crowd. However, our purpose was different! That was to play in the snowfall & we were waiting for that to happen as per forecasted.

But, Weather God had different plans! Forget snow, it was bright and sunny during the day, no fog, it was just little windy, that’s it. Believe us! Delhi/ Noida, from where we started was more freezing. Even locals said that it’s not been raining since last 4 months and no snowfall is anticipated in next few days. May be in the first week on the new year 2017! But our vacation was not going to be that long to sustain.

Day-3: (Manali)

Waiting……waiting for the snow-flake! Still no signs! Again a rosy bright sunny, clear sky day. Where do go now? Sweet child o’mine? Even the road to the Rohtang pass was forced to close at a place called Gulaba. With nothing going as per plan, we decided- Lets move towards Rohtang road. May be we will get some snow from where road is closed. We reached Gulaba, it was very windy and we were informed that nearest snow point is around 1.5 kms walking distance away from the road. It was not appealing to us as we went there last time…moreover the walkway always remains slippery.

Then, during return to Manali, we turned towards the Solang valley. Its just a 13 kms away from Manali. OMG! It was horribly crowded with massive Traffic on the road. Some people were seen paragliding. It was dusty all around as the Tunnel work (which will be connecting to Spiti-Lahaul valley directly) was ongoing. The Tunnel is expected to be operational by 2018. This was very good news! Once the tunnel starts, Spiti-Lahaul valley will be accessible throughout the year. As of now, during winters, due to heavy snow fall at Rohtang pass it remains disconnected for few months in a year.

We were down and dusted! But, not out! Back to the hotel by afternoon- we put our minds together and tried to remodel the target. Finally, a quick blueprint was made as Plan-B, covering Kasol, Manikaran & Barot.

Day 4: (Kasol, Manikaran and Barot)

We had a bellyful breakfast and started for Kasol & Manikaran at 8-30 AM. We were required to come back to Kullu and from Kullu another road that diverts to Kasol (37 kms from Kullu). This area is also known as Parvati valley as the road moves along the river Parvati. The way itself is very scenic although in some patches the road is not well maintained. After Kasol, another 2 kms it is Manikaran. There is a Gurudwara at Manikaran. It is having Hot water springs. There is bathing arrangement too in the Gurudwara.

After spending the a few hours in the tiny Manikaran town & the Gurudwara, we headed towards Kasol.

Kasol is well known for Israeli tourists and a place for weed & Ganja lovers, as these are easily available. Even one can see these plants along the road. Hotels and restaurants also provide the option to serve you different Israeli cuisines. We tried a special cuisine called “Shakshuka” prepared with Eggs. Needless to say it was too delicious. Enjoy your weed & Ganja and relax here if you have ample time. A total disconnection from everything else.

Anyway, we wound up our date with Kasol by 4-30 PM. The target was to reach Barot. We had a rough idea that we are required to move through Mandi town. Difficulty in internet connectivity was not helping. At 6-00 PM, we were around Mandi, with the Sun going under the hilly blanket, the light was fading fast. I decided called up my collegue Anmol (who is also travel-choholic) to get the right road direction. Thanks to his quick backend support, we found the right direction to catch the road towards Jogindernagar. Barot was another 66 kms from Mandi. Before Jogindernagar, there is a place called Ghatasani, from where another road turns towards right to Barot (another 25 kms). But good part was, till Ghatasani the road was well maintained. However, the last 25 kms from thereon, was just pathetic but drivable.

On the way, we had a quick snack break at 7-00 pm before Ghatasani. We have to admire that these people were so adorable and affectionate. We were given Akhrut (Wall nut) free handedly, which would cost INR 500 for sure in Delhi, may be more. Also, unlike Delhi/ NCR, ATMs were not queued up, one can get cash so easily while it was war like scene (in current demonetization period) in the banks & ATMs at Delhi region.

Never the less, we were at Barot by 8-00 PM. Where to stay now? I heard about the rest House at Barot. It’s a British erected structure, more than 100+ years old. However, one needs to book it at PWD office-Mandi town. We had not time to book, also we crossed Mandi at 6-00 PM. So, no question of prior booking. Decided to try out our luck. Otherwise there are a few hotels around too.

For Prior booking one may try PWD office Mandi: EE Padhar Tel: 01905-222151 (ee-mandiv1-hp@nic.in). As per my information, booking can be done by phone also.

We approached the caretaker. There were two persons, who were busy cooking food for the guests in the nearby small hut. That is used as a kitchen. They were amused to see us so late in the evening. We were informed that there are 2 family suites in the main building and we can have one. The other one was already occupied.

What was the cost? I was enquired if I was a Govt. employee or from Himachal. I said neither! He said if it were the former case (Govt. employee or from Himachal) the rate would had been INR 350 per night. Now that we fall in the second, applicable rate will be higher…that is INR 450/ night. Whoaaaa! Voiiiila! I thought, if feasible I would have book it for 10 days….hahaha.

We were advised to take food from a nearby Hotel as we were too late to arrive.

The Trout fish experience:

Barot is well known for its Trout fish culture. This once British brought fish is cultured here with the help of natural flowing water from the nearby river, the Uhl. The average size of a mature fish is around 300~350 gms. One can buy this fish from there (rate approx. INR 350/Kg) and get it cooked at Rest house or any hotel nearby.

We went to the hotel as advised and ordered a Trout fish recipe along with regular foods available. While we were exchanging our discussions with the other attendees in the hotels, food was ready within 30 mins.

People do love to shovel up hot food in cool winter and then show off their expertise on the bigger things happening around the globe….like American Presidency change, Demonetization, Global fuel price ups & downs and the very common & frequent barking like hell on the local Govt activities… Don’t they???

How could we be different!!!!

Day 5:

Good morning! After a blissful nap in the Royal suite, we woke up around 7-00 AM. The old man (Care taker) served us morning tea as per his commitment last night! We had the fresh cup of tea and then started exploring the beautiful cozy building. The Uhl river flows beside the building makes the ambience more scenic and romantic as well.

These moments certainly deserved poetic justice. Goodness me!! A Poem! I am no way close to it. Something remained with my mother exclusively, not passed on to me by GOD. Had he been here, Shakespeare would have crafted some more romantic poetry, there is no doubt.

There are a few waterfalls nearby as informed by the locals. We explored them too. After eventful few hours, we decided to return to Delhi. Although our minds were still hungry, but other things needed to be accounted too.

Time to bid adieu to the age-less beauty with a desire to date some another day. We left Barot around 11-30 AM for Delhi as we targeted to be at Home before 31^st-2016.

The Final inside out:

As we recollect the memories of this journey which is a distant ship smoke on the horizon by now. There were some good takeaways too.

It is not always possible to get what we wish for! It is rightly said- If one door is closed, there are many others that get opened. There is always a tomorrow to make it count!

An unplanned & unexpected event sometimes brings joy too. This exotic Barot thing would not have happened if we had found snowfall in Manali for sure!

We just can’t let the fear to overpower and stop us from doing things that we always wanted to do. We are the believer of-Do whatever you always once dreamt of as a child….taste the food you wanted to have, travel to the place that you always wanted to explore, play with the shallow-water in the wild river (but be careful)….climb a tree once-again because you did it long back….angle a fish to win a small battle….sky-up a kite cause you have never experienced it….dance like a crazy ‘cause you always wished to do….joke with your friends and belly-laugh till you can bear, because now is our time and it’s not gonna last forever.

Let us celebrate this event called life. Of course, you still ought to know where the brake paddle is! And being a mature human it is not that too difficult by now.

This rejuvenating little trip to Kasol, Manikaran & specially Barot will go down as yet another page in my book of life to keep it remained folded with a tag to revisit some another day.

 

 

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In search for the perfect Timing to chase a Dream….

We live for tomorrow but how often forget to live today…..???

I went to my native place to visit my parents last month. It was also a perfect opportunity to rub my shoulders with old pals Abhi & Ashim. In one of the evening hours, while three of us were dissolved in mind over matter casual talks, amidst we discussed our old wild dreams.

Abhi and me, we grew together from pre-college till our graduation having similar interest in music and we often dreamt of making it big someday.

However, destiny had some other ideas. While I had to leave my native place in pursue of my career, Abhi managed to climb to a govt. service locally. He was almost close to realization of his musical dream with his band muscled by the poetic creativity of Ashim but somehow failed to touch the finishing line due to misunderstanding among the members.

Before they could react and repair the leaking hole inside the boat to stop the sinking, some bigger things over shadowed and pushed their unconquered dream to a darkest corner. Came in some family priorities and followed marriage and then children, building their own house….once boys found their feet as MAN.

Our dreams keep on changing with age, but some dreams don’t. Life often gives second chance only to the lucky ones. I suggested, this might be the right time for you guys to get your teeth into. I urged them to break the shackle put together their resources and give it a final chase before anything come on the way as banana peel.

They both called me last week. It was really heartening to hear that the mind wheel started to roll again!

Dream it on Abhi…Dream on Ashim! Run for your dream!

Hang on guys!!….what is my dream….am I dreaming….where do I go now?

Delhi to Kashmir by Road: Chasing winter on the wheels….

(A photographic journey through the heavenly valley of Jammu & Kashmir!!!)

Jan-2015: If you are an Indian, your Travel-list is gonna remain without the red cherry at the top until you put a tick mark on Kashmir valley. Time was high for us to fill that void and shift it from the wish-list to the accomplished one….to greet the brand new year 2015 in our own-way. Mission Kashmir by road from the capital city Delhi….Howzat sir???

Kashmir in extreme-winter!!! Could imagine some eyebrows going wider and some jaw-droppings too!! Oh Yes….there will be challenges ahead to face-off with….but then, where is the taste of success without the fear of failure….! With Destiny by your side you can tear the star from the sky and wear it at your forehead. Of course, you just can’t change what is written on the cards.

They say a bride look her best in bridal dress- Just could not agree more. Kashmir- A place to admire all seasons, however, looks beyond beauty in its milky white snowy-Lehenga during winters. Imaginations, hopes, dreams, curiosity together have the power to create some super unidirectional magnetic force and here, they resulted in me, an unquenchable desire to date with the dashing beauty in its most glamorous-outfit!

Of course, there is another option: Book a flight> Reach Srinagar> Acclimatize for 1-day>Book a taxi to visit major tourist locations> Return Flight. But as they say, you miss the ground reality when you fly over it.

Approx. 1000 kms drive one-side! You need some able partners for cheering up the mood throughout and set the ball rolling. Then, who will be the partners in this crime !!! We approached a few families, but some were reluctant, some were already planned and for some not possible…….So, after a few unsuccessful attempts…. no more search for the perfect strangers and decided to give a lonely shot this time.

The preparation:

We had already run through the internet few many times, going through various websites and blogs for gathering information on below:

 Statistical predictions of the weather.
 Route map information

(Photo courtesy: Google search)

Major places to cover (Patnitop, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam)
 Getting my car ready for the journey
 Actual Cost incurred: Fuel cost 10K, Accommodation 15 K INR for 6 nights.
 Medication (First-aid, some knowledge about AMS and carried a mini-oxy cylinder)

During our preparation, as I mentioned, we did analyze the statistical predictions of the weather. But the old saying, statistics are just like mini-skirts; they reveal the most and give you fair ideas but hide the most important part. There was certainly a big gap between what were forecasted and what we actually experienced…..at least -5 degrees in the down-side in Srinagar, enough to make you a fish out of water. However, with our contingency plan, we were able to stem the rot and we were gradually coping pretty well with the conditions….how it was done?….reveal you shortly.

Day-1

4-00 AM….It was ghostly dark outside, even if a thief slaps you, you won’t be able to locate where it came from. We were already packed up since last night, so just had to get out of the bed and hit the road. This little compromise to start early would help us to avoid traffic while crossing Delhi. Just had a cup of black tea with light snacks to break the dizziness and then twisted the ignition key. Our little pocket dynamite (4.5 years old son-Jagrav) was ready to explode…..as if his favorite character from the movie Toy Story hero- Woody says to his horse, “Run like the wind…. Bulls-eye”.

Target of the day was to reach Jammu before sunset. As usual, it was the typical North-Indian dense foggy winter morning, probably 10~20 meters of visibility. The need of the hour was to drive defensively, drive safely. 3.5 hrs of drive, surprisingly after Ambala, it was clear.

Approx 4 Hrs of driving, time for a little break. We had a halt for break-fast somewhere after entering Punjab. Cool weather with hot stuffed Paratha with warm-tea and omlet. Between the Alu-paratha till lunch, our target was to cover a distance of 200 odd kms. However, with clear weather and excellent road-way we managed to reach Jammu by 3-00 PM (which we expected to reach by 5-00 PM). We took lunch and revised our target to reach at Patnitop. And our 4-wheels keep on turning for another 3 hours to finally reach Patnitop at 6-30 PM. Stayed the night at a reasonable good hotel with warming facilities. After approx. 14 hours of drive (720 km)….very quickly surrendered to the night after dinner. So next day we have to cover only 180 kms to reach Srinagar, but most of the part will be at the hills.

Day-2

Good morning Patnitop!! We all had sound sleep till 8-00 AM. My wify and kid had light snacks while I extended my dreaming for another half an hour. By 9-00 AM we left the shelter. My morning break-fast was the song “Nothing else matters” by Metallica which warmed me up by few degrees.

After half an hour drive, we located a roadside tea stall and decided for a halt. It reminded me of our college days, where we used to have our morning-tea during break, at an Old man’s tea stall in front of the college main gate. I tried to emulate the same feeling by pouring the tea into the plate and then sipping in…..super pleasure!!! Felt like going back by 15 years…..Sweet 20 revisited.

Continuous driving on the hilly winding road….no inhabitation….occasional trucks crossing us….all alone….really was a tough testing time. My delicate-wall separating enjoyment and irritation was melting to thinner & thinner. Finally some respite came when John Bonjovi fittingly started in my stereo with his masculine baritone, “Nothing good come easy….every good thing takes some time”….one of my favorite number “Dry Country”. I just could not help but stepped up the volume by few decibels. There is always a divine power in music. It recharged me with the much needed high…..as R.Shambora screamed in with the high-voltage fast guitar-lead.

Two more hours of drive from Patnitop, we reached Jawahar tunnel (a 3.5 km long tunnel). We crossed the tunnel to reached the little famous “Titanic view point”. Suddenly the mountains made way to the valley below. As we had our first glimpse of the Himalayan valley from the “Titanic view point”, a shivering run-through my spine!!!….. Rising from the dust….a hail to the king of the mountains!!! The mighty Himalaya and the heavenly valley Kashmir started.

And then, our kiddo wished to get lighter. It was time to have a short juicy break. As they sipped in some pulpy fluid, I took the chance to burn the stick of slow death. We had the delicious maggy too at the cool breezy Titanic point.

As the landscape gradually started to change its color and contour….felt like the snaky highway wanted to say…follow me down to the valley below….

Reached Srinagar by 3-00 PM and just roamed around the Dal lake on the Boulevard road to find a suitable hotel. Finally, zeroed on a beautiful Hotel named “The Nehrus”. Tried hard with our negotiation skills and deal finalized for an executive-suit for INR 2600/night (felt good to run away with such a deal as this time of the year very less travel-traffic is around in Srinagar). A very rare win-win situation for both the parties.

After one hour of rest, we had the first trial Shikara side for ½ an hour in the beautiful Dal lake which spreads around 27 kms (INR 200 for ½ an hour). We had a short walk around the lake in the evening then back to the den and ordered for the dinner.

The mercury showed -6 degree. Needless to say, you ought to take support from the bacteria-fermented fluid to keep up the heat-on in those bone-chilling conditions. Of course, it also does help to get closer to your hopes & dreams…..We did warmed ourselves up with a few pegs of the Old Monk with Luke-warm water….before hitting the bedtime.

Day-3

There is a divine music in the drawn in early morning at Dal lake. We experienced the frozen Dal.

Target of the day was to explore Srinagar.

This wonderland’s allure lays in its beauty, culture, food and history. Let’s check it out. During our evening walk in the prior evening we met a Shikara boat rider and his warm hospitality and politeness impressed us. After a few casual talks, we decided to take him as our guide.
Apart from major places like a few Mughal gardens (Nishant Bagh, Shalimerbagh, Chashm-e-shahi etc), Hazratbal, the most interesting was when he invited us to his village located at an island in the Dal lake. It was certainly a bonus. Just unable to explain the experience….however, a picture can convey better than words…just check it out….

He then also took us to a restaurant named Shamyana for lunch where we tasted delicious Kashmere cuisine.

During the evening Shikara ride- The jaw-dropping views made us spell-bound for a while. A photographer enjoys and views by his lens just like a soldier lives and dies by the sword. The honey dipped sunset was just mesmerizing ….but the photographer in me said to me…. shutter speed 1/200 @ F 8.0.

It was end of day-3 already.

Day-4

Target of the day was Gulmarg. It is just 56 kms from Srinagar, hence decided to make a day trip. We reached Gulmarg at around 10-30 AM.

Oh’dear! I am running out of superlatives to describe you the unparallel majestic divine beauty. If the snow blanket around is not sufficient to push your adrenaline to flow out then, the frozen water streams and white painted sky kissing pines by its side could be more than enough to put the switch on though.

I love to let the flow of thoughts and emotions to take over the rest and drive the lead while I convert our experiences and encounters into ink….just to give you a first-hand kick-up.

Anyway, snow and snow all around…. Wooohooo! We can’t wait any longer….

We decided to try out some skating and sledging. We were very enthusiastic…..tried and failed several times and same with others around. It looked little embarrassing though. However, significant improvement after few more tries; Impressive!!!….and then we left it to the professionals to explore further.

After the whole days of fun, we returned back to Srinagar.

Day-5

We checked out from the hotel at 9-30 AM to date with another hilly beauty- Pahalgam (Approx. 95 kms from Srinagar). On the way, we noticed a chain of cricket bat factories. We curiously went inside in one of them.

Opportunity comes with an unseen lady called Luck. My wify spotted a lady. We were little hesitant in the unfamiliar terrain & people…but warm welcome broke the ice and we had a nice session with the willow shapers. We ended up buying one of the finest straight-grained bat for INR 1200. (Would cost around INR 15~20K in retail market).

Reached Pahalgam around 12-30 PM. Checked in a reasonable good hotel with warming facilities. After having lunch, we went exploring the town and also went to famous points like Betaab valley and Chandanbari (starting point for Amarnath yatra).

Day-6

Time and river waits for none. We are on the day 6 already. Time to bid adieu Kashmir valley. Target of the day was to reach early at Patnitop and explore. We checked out at 8-30 AM. After a drive of 5 hrs, via Anantnag we reached Patnitop at 2-00 PM. Checked in hotel and then explored the little hill top.

Day-7

Back to where we started. We began at 8-30 Am and reached Delhi at 11-30 PM.

So……Kashmir…..A heaven on earth….yet dented by terrorism and recent natural disaster. With our first hand experience we can say that they see tourist as their cultivation as whole system dependent on tourism. These warm-hearted bunches of people have clawed back to their life against all odds and need our love. You just can’t question their honesty (although may be a few bad elements has given a bad name).

Also on a different note-Kashmir is the land with most political turmoil with each inch of land dearer for both the countries. Peace on Sale, but who is buying? Some people believe that justice lie in the barrel of an AK47….This is nonsense! Utter nonsense….strange illusion, isn’t it?

The Final inside-out

If really a seventh heaven or a cloud nine exist we don’t know…..but if they do….we are pretty sure, we were not far away from them being here in this heavenly valley. Now, we could safely say….we lived yet another dream once we dreamt together while our little emotional bubble bursted.

As we drove through the heavenly valley of Jammu & Kashmir, through the lush green meadows with sky kissing pines, ice creamed mountains, aquamarine-sky, winding rivers, white snow blankets, deserted mountains and honey dipped sunsets, apart from my wife & our son Jagrav (& also our maid) another two companions made this expedition more memorable.…Thank you my trusted Honda for being our chariot and thank you my Nikon for holding those memories.

Like the Holy Geeta says, “everything that has a beginning has an end”. Finally by the grace of Almighty, we are back at home safe and sound. A few more days required to soak in what we experienced in last 7 days. And then as I am jotting down our enjoyments & encounters in black & white, but somewhere deep down I know, conversion of feelings into ink has its own limitations.

You just can’t have it all!!! Due to various factors and circumstances we missed several things….A visit to Sonamarg, a ride in the gondola at Gulmarg, the floating vegetable market or may be something more….But we understand-“You just can’t have it all”! ….May be…Destiny might have made us miss the gold to reward the platinum someday.

 

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Tiger Falls, Chakrata, A lesser known Crowning Beauty….

Chakrata….what is that? where it is? Wondered, my friend Rajat and my sister when I proposed it for our next tour destination. It took nearly more than an hour to convince the team while I explained with my limited information collected. However, I was multiplying things with my imagination for selling the idea, which later I found that I was actually picking some small pebbles out of its vast oceanic beauty.

A lesser known destination, Chakrata is a hidden jewel on the Dev Bhumi of Uttrakhand. Few people know that it has got one of India’s best kept secret of nature. The majestic Tiger Falls….the second highest fall of India, but the information is spreading as fast as it gets, thanks to the modern generation info-wonder the internet. If you have a zeal for adventure and thrill for mountains and seeking for an escape to the lap of Mother Nature, this is the place you have thrive for. Chakrata has mastered seduction on its own way. These mountains with daunting cliff, jaw-dropping scenery will always beg you for an exploring. Dramatic peaks, natural untouched beauty at its best will keep your adrenaline flowing. You will feel like a pioneer while you will have an enthralling session with the crowning beauty of the Tiger falls.

Chakrata is a place where only Indian identities can have a trip. It is Indian army’s mountain training centre. Due to this it, is not being promoted like other commercial hill stations. People say ex-LTTE chief V. Prabhakaran honed his mountain-battle skills here as a part of Indian army. During Dec~Jan it experiences snow, while July~Sep it changes to its lush green designer suit. It is just 90 odd km away from Dehradun.

Ever since I had a bookish encounter with the Legendary Sinbad the sailor, i was really thrilled to search for such kind of experience. Being at the capital city of Delhi does help as you are very close to the affordable driving distance from the mighty Himalaya and its far spreading ranges. We have been to several points of this range and each destination is unique within it-self and carries its own charming stories.

It was somewhere mid June-2009, with the mercury rising to its peak at Delhi- right time for the work hard party harder guys like us for a break to recharge the our batteries.

The team consisted of the DINK families (as they say Double Income No Kid) at that time-Sis family, Rajat family with his bro and uncle, mine one and one common friend Puneet & cousin Pankaj.

Day 1:

The Route: Approx 330 kms (Delhi>>Shaharanpur>>Herbertpur>>Vikasnagar>>Kalsi>>Chakrata)

Approx journey time: 7.5 hrs, including lunch breaks & tea breaks etc.

Vehicle: Two Innova arranged at a very competitive rate by Rajat (courtesy: His office)

Accommodation: We booked 3 suites at hotel –Snow view (a British made old structure)

We started early in the morning with an intention to avoid traffic at Delhi. However, being the summer vacation month in school, we came across so many DL –registered vehicle going for their hilltop. We were sure most of them were heading for Shimla, Nainital and Manali etc. The hills welcome you after Vikasnagar. By approx 3-00pm we were at our destination- Snow view hotel. After long patch of journey, the time was perfect for refreshment and relaxes.

Day 2: Target of the day was Tiger Falls. We decided to explore some local offerings nearby instead of our Hotel services for the break-fast while we started early for the Tiger falls.

A few minutes of drive, we spotted a roadside tea-point. Mild rain and cool wind was blowing across; all we needed was a little warmth. Hot soupy Maggy noodles cooked with fresh tomatoes, finely chopped onions, green sillies, coriander leaves and the aroma of those Smokey vapors over it, with warm black tea served in a commonly found vintage glass, on a cool hill-top, add our empty belly. Oye Hye….you could not ask for more. I (guess all) cleaned up till the last noodle. Oh Boy!! Last thing I wanted a smooth glide of my tongue over the soupy layer on the plate to complete the satisfaction. Should I….shouldn’t I….!!! Somehow I managed to stop the boyish thing respecting to the situation. (O really….Not at all, I actually did that while my back protecting the view from others).

Interestingly, that was the point, where four wheels can help you, beyond you have to use your own god given moving sticks. Words from the locals at the tea shop encouraged us as they said it is a very easy track of 25 mins to reach the fall.

We started our track through the bushes with an inner feeling of a pioneer, 15 min gone…no sign of any water fall. We wondered “are we at the right path”. Never mind, the scenic panorama around was mind blowing enough to keep our adrenaline flowing. Another, 10 min of walk we started to hear the music of water hitting the ground, however unable to locate from where it was coming. We saw a wall of hill on the way and as we just pepped by its side our jaw dropped to see the roaring Tiger.

It was indeed a heavenly feeling to find this virgin beauty, a tall beautiful water fall. It was all we we and we…..It remind me of the famous advertisement of Liril soap where a beautiful lady was enjoying a fall-bath with greenery all around.

We did all possible crazy things like getting directly under the falling water, going behind the falling water, some attempting swimming. Shallow and cool water with natural music on the back ground made the whole environment dramatic and add some young wild free people. The party lasted for around two hours. Our minds were still strong enough to continue but body was not backing up, hence time for the return. End of fun time with a wish to appointment for another day another time.

We returned back to the hotel, ordered for the Dinner (which is common practice in semi-commercial hills where food arrangements takes time). We had nice outing in the evening around the small market area. We spotted an army uniform shop and curiously went inside and ended up buying caps, belts etc as a souvenirs.

Time and river wait for none. It was end of day 2 already. We had our dinner early in the evening before surrendering to the cool night.

Day 3: So, time for the return journey. We took a different route through a place called Yamunaghat. This route was more picturesque than the one through which we invaded.

Though the rainy season made this path terrible, in some places we encountered mini water streams across the road. We halted near the Yamuna river. Took some snaps by the river-side, while a few tried their hand in angling.

We reached Delhi in the evening. End of a beautiful voyage and sweet memories with near and dear ones…..a spark that will keep powering us for rest of our life journey.

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