Looked like I travelled after eons and my collegemate inspired me to travel again to the mountains and I bet I dint regret wee bit.Away from the humdrum of everyday routine this travel was completely therapeutic. Mussoorie in the foothills of the himalayas is a breathtaking locale filled with amazing flora and fauna. The dense and lush green forests with constant chirping of unknown birds, the deep ravines, the wild floral fantasies the small but nevertheless alluring waterfalls which are made accessible through cable cars makes it a fascinating experience for life.
Now I could comprehend why people travel to the mystical himalayas. It is a completely elevating experience. Been to a small town called Landour which is nestled in the midst of dense jungles with some amazing cafes overlooking majestic peaks and this should be every mountain lovers dream. Another mountain town called Dhanoulti has some mind numbing temples situated at an altitude of 10000 ft in the midst of natural splendour and the views from this town are truly mesmersing to say the least . Was completely bowled over by Mussoorie replete with serpentine roads, some astounding treks and trails, the colonial bungalows, surreal eco parks which offers its visitors some superlative views with nature at its breathtaking best. This town is both for the adventure lovers and for those who want to just sit still, breathe in the pristine air and stare at the majestic himalayan ranges as time just freezes. Returning to the plains may seem to be an ordeal after you realise such places do exist in this planet and you pray that they always remain unexploited and stay protected from the dangers of commercialisation. Took a slight detour from the mountains to the plains and travelled to Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Was little perturbed by Rishikesh becoming more of a haven for bunjee jumping and rafting rather than for its historic temples but seeing the Ganga Arathi at Haridwar was definitely once in a life time experience. Just dipping your feet in the ganges was so exhilarating despite the surging and humongous crowds chanting the mantras in unison. With the cloud cover getting darker and the arathi at 7 pm for the sacred Ganges was a sight to behold and something to savour and cherish for life.
