“Do not wait for someone else to come and speak for you. It’s you who can change the world.”
As we huffed and puffed our way up a steep hillside, and Pushpa didi darted up like a squirrel on a tree, all I could think of was the courage she possessed that made her change her little world in Munsyari.
I am a planner. I love planning every detail of my life; especially trips. I spend hours poring through travel blogs, listicles and Lonely Planet guides, before I step out with my backpack.
But travel planning for most people can be a daunting task. Where do I begin? Where do I go? What should step one be? And step two? It can get immensely stressful. More so if you’re planning it for two or more people.
I scrambled up one of the hilly terrains of Kumaon. It was freezing, I couldn’t feel my fingers, I was constantly slipping on wet rocks and breathlessness was slowly creeping in. There was a sharp blast of cold air, and I couldn’t have been freezing any more than I already was.
And yet, I’d take all of this over beaches any day.
Look up from your Facebook screens and take a glance at the majestic mountains. Forget tweeting for a while; hear the birds chirp. Tune out the constant blabber, and hear yourself think.
It’s time to break the technological tether, and embark on a new adventure. So, whether you are looking to fan your curiosity about other cultures, have an affinity for learning about history, or are simply looking to disconnect, here is a list of some amazing luxury resorts tucked away in pristine corners of the country.
Rishikesh has always been THE place for spiritual seekers and yoga enthusiasts, with masses of ashrams and all kinds of meditation classes. But today, this religious town on the fast-flowing Ganges, surrounded by forested hills, is conducive to a lot more than just limb-twisting and praying.
Rishikesh has slowly emerged as a hub for white-water rafting, backpacking and a revered gateway to treks in the mighty Himalayas.
Nestled between the Himalayas and the Shivalik range, Dehradun is a place like no other. Dew-kissed mornings, nights on terraces watching the lights twinkle in Mussorie, breezy drives and big lawns in every house characterize this valley. No wonder then that one of India’s most beloved authors chose to make it his home. Ruskin Bond’s fascination with Dehradun stemmed from his trips to the famous Paltan Bazar, the lush litchi gardens in every backyard, panoramic tea estates and walks through Rajpur Road, which is now full of swanky malls.
My love affair with the mountains continues with Kausani, a tiny hamlet perched high on a forest-covered ridge.
The mist lifts to reveal panoramic views of multiple snow-capped peaks and teaches me about the joy of missing out. (more…)
We got off at the Haldwani bus stand at 3.30 in the morning to be welcomed by a harsh and cold wind and a multitude of taxi drivers. After some negotiating and waiting of about 30 minutes for other passengers, we hopped inside a cramped Alto to begin our 3-hour drive to Ranikhet. A network of tar roads that snakes through the mountains and soaring pine trees calmed our weary souls.
