We visited the following places in the order–
Day 1 – 14 April
GMVN Resort – GMVN stands for Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam. This was our stay for the first day. One look at this place, and I was in love with it. There is something about spacious places that seemingly increases space in my mind too :p. Everything about our rest house felt homely and welcoming. The room, the food, the people. The views from here were like painted on a canvas. The neighbourhood -- a military cantonment (Like it could get any better). I liked the place so much, I have stored it as a template for the kind of home I would build for me and my loved ones one day.
The night walk – At hill stations the day comes to an end early. By 9, the lights go out and the roads are deserted. My views about this lifestyle are split. Sometimes I feel the place should be lively 24-7. My once or twice -- chance night walks have been a pleasant experience. On the other hand, sleeping by 10, I can wake up by 6. And the morning air fills me up with a freshness that lasts all day. Since the ancient wisdom tilts towards early mornings I will be happy with the mountain life where day closes early and begins early.
So, when we went out for a night walk at 9, craving momos and some spicy food, we could not be sure we would get food. Therefore, we asked our GMVN chefs to prepare dinner too. We lost our way as soon as we stepped out. The roads were dark and confusing. After wandering around the same place for quite some time, we finally saw a soul -- a biker. He told us the way to the market. As expected, most places in the market were closed, out of food or short of staff. Finally we found a place that was open and had food and was full :p. We waited for an hour before we got some food. We quickly ate whatever was available, not very satisfied but at least full.
Late at night around 10 30, we trudged back to GMVN, hoping the chefs wouldn’t have prepared food for us or would have closed the kitchen or would have gone to sleep. But they were up for us and had our order ready.
I was 200% full. And couldn’t even make space for tasting the food. Khushbu and Prakhar did manage to taste the food and sadly give good reviews.
We had trekked out at night in the dark to eat food we didn't even like. To come back and realise the food we had taken for granted was actually far better.
We requested the chef bhaiya to keep the food in the fridge so we could have it in the morning. It was in the morning, after having this homely food, that I finally felt a little less stupid.
Day 2 – 15th April – Friday
After having breakfast, we booked a cab to take us to the famous spots. Our first stop was
Bhulla Tal
It is a park with a lake. I have no idea why it's called “Bhulla” Tal. It is a picturesque place with many activities. Swings, shooting range, beautiful sights and of course a lake. We walked around and took pictures. We also saw a house perched on the top of the hill and wondered when we would have enough money to buy a house like that. Then, we came across a kissing couple making people around them uncomfortable. -:p Not that public display of affection is illegal but definitely annoying and uncomfortable for the spectators.
Next we checked out the shooting range. And made a bet of losers to pay. Which I obviously won, even if it was by utter chance. But now I want to learn shooting. It is one thing that was not on my list before. I don't even know if there is any place where civilians are taught to shoot. Even if there is, would it be of some end use except shooting balloons for winning bets :D
Then we went on a swing hung by the branches of a tree. Finally a swing that did not threaten to fall down after we sat on it. All the garden swings have long abandoned us after we grew up. This swing was arguably the best part of Bhulla Tal. -:)
Last we went to the lake for boating. And paddled till we were all tired of paddling in the hot blazing sun.
Church
Next stop was a church. Its best part -- it was built in stone. Thick sturdy light whitish- greyish stone. It was beautiful and peaceful. Goes without saying, I took some pictures. Before the priest told me off for disturbing the peace of the holy place. I was making noise by taking pictures. -:(
He was right too. My camera shutter sound was the only source of noise in the pin drop silence there. Had I not been keen to save the place’s beauty for later, I would have enjoyed it much more in the present. Given that I love quiet serene places.
So, I took no more pictures inside. I took pictures outside the church after that. -:p
Santoshi Maata Mandir
Next we went to the Santoshi Maata Mandir. Not as magnificent as the church building, it was equally quiet and peaceful. Perched on the top of a hill, it had a charm of its own. We stayed there quietly for some time. Then clicked photographs- as many as we liked. No priest here to tell us off. :p
I tried some stunts of my own while coming down from the temple by taking the hilly forest path instead of the staircase.I did not slip or went rolling down, though there was one close call. *Touchwood* Again, no one to tell me off.. :p
Tip Top Point
Next stop- Tip Top point. It is the topmost point of Lansdowne. A ledge on the hilltop overlooking the forest. This I feel was overrated. :p We could see the same views from a lot of places. One thing we didn't get at all other places here was food and water. Which we badly needed that time. And this is definitely not overrated.
The Army museum
When we arrived here, some drill was going on. It is one thing to see army folks in uniform on TV, completely another to see them live! And even more extraordinary to see them In the making! From boys next door to soldiers.
What I was seeing in front of me was infantry training. Needless to say I was in awe. Fascinated by all the coordination and drills that were happening. Shocked to know they were doing these drills in the scorching hot day since 6 in the morning and now it was 4 in the day. Angry when they were getting belted and shouted at by their commander. But I knew for a fact that they didn’t mind being berated. -:p
Wondering how I knew what was going on. I had asked some army folks who were not participating in the drill but watching from a distance. I also asked them for pictures.
It is no news that I fancy the armed forces. And those who don that uniform – the simple minded folks wearing their heart on their sleeve.
Who would not fall for that discipline, that personality, that bravery, that class. I was lucky to speak to a few soldiers on duty.
But they refused to take pictures. This broke my heart more than when the priest told me off for taking pictures. These people who are the real heroes don't even have the luxury of pictures with admirers. I couldn't ask again because my friend pulled me away. Probably he was scared of us getting scolded by them. Church ke priest se I didn't mind being told off. If these army folks would have talked to me at so much as a higher pitch, I would definitely have gotten hurt.
Thankfully, they had just politely refused for pictures. And said, you can take pictures of the museum. When I glanced back at them, it looked like they were sad too for saying no to me. Or so I fantasised. :p
Later Prakhar told me, it was obviously protocol that they aren’t allowed pictures with civilians. Probably because of honey traps. But I wasn’t trapping them. I was just a fan.
Inside the museum, I saw one of the same guys I had spoken to outside about the drills and training at the ticket counter. While giving tickets he was talking over the phone to his son. And it struck me how very human they too are.
Then we saw the museum. Inside there were some coffee table books on Garhwal Rifles, actual rifles, medals, uniforms and stories of valour. I took some pictures before I saw signs saying photography prohibited inside the museum.
Returning back, the person at the ticket counter asked me if I had taken any pictures. He had seen me taking pictures. I said yes. He gave me some look but then said – Okay, koi baat nahi and we left.
I deleted the pictures as I came out except the one I took outside. Some things should just stay as memories and feelings and smiles. Surely, I will forget their faces and what I saw inside the museum in a few days. But I will not forget the feeling I had, and the pride I felt while being at this place, in their presence.
And then the best part was the parade. We had to do the same in school and it used to be a torture. But seeing them do it was scenic – as beautiful as the views of the mountains.
Day 3 - 16 April - Saturday
We had a different hotel for our remaining stay. Our new hotel stood nowhere in front of the amazing GMVN. It was like all other hotels, which I have no idea why people like!
But then we also had a pool here. To make us feel better
Pool Time–
This pool was on the 5th floor. By the time we reached up here, we were already drained out. But once inside the pool, we were suddenly recharged. Cold water and the beautiful landscape, it was absolute fun. Realising I had not forgotten to swim the tiny bit I could before lifted my spirits. Also, since Prakhar who could swim much better than me, catalysed the mood further.
I could only do freestyle a little, whereas he could dive and do all the different strokes. Not that I could learn them all in a few minutes but I did at least try a few.
Our Khushbu, on the other hand, is a novice and fearful of water, did make it inside the pool after our multiple requests and had fun. The funny part was her reluctance to put her face inside water as such but for pictures she was more than excited to do it. The love for pictures, kya nahi karaa sakta insaan se :P
Inside the pool for an hour or so – added many shades on us despite the sunscreen. It was especially terrible for me! Imagine, darker shades on the top of my already dusky complexion. -:P . Looked like the cold water had ended up burning my face. I did mind that but given the fun I had, not so much.
The day ahead
Although horrified by my tanned face, I still managed to get ready for the day ahead. To top it up, the only T shirt I had left was black. :p Today we only had one stop, Tarkeshwar temple. We called for our cab and started out.
We had lunch at a small shop that the cab driver suggested. It was amazing –light and homely food like GMVN. And extremely pocket friendly. Full lunch and drinks came for less than 300 bucks for 3 of us. This shop was like the hidden gem places that are nowhere on Google, the ones only the locals know.
Tarkeshwar Temple
Sandhi-vichhed of its name – Tadka + eshwar. So probably this temple was dedicated to father or brother of Tadka.
Later we came to know it was a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Why he is called Tarkeshwar, we forgot to ask the priest.
We had to follow a downhill stone trail to reach the temple. It had a rustic vibe about it, more so because it was located in the midst of forests. The one thing I enjoyed doing here was breaking the coconut on the stone. I didn’t know you had to break it so that the water doesn't drain out. That is supposed to be our prasad.
After visiting the temple, we spent some time in the forests. By the time we got up to go back, there was still light but no person in sight. Just the three of us, we started climbing uphill to our cab. It was then that devotees of Bajrang Bali, some monkeys cornered us. They just scared us with their antics and looks. Khusbhu gave them the prasad as a peace offering. Satisfied with their loot, they allowed us to go back in one piece!
Day 4 – Return Trip
The next day was our to return to Delhi. Our train was for 3 pm. We had breakfast and then chilled a bit. Then got ready for our cab and train. Our train to Delhi was to leave at 3. On the way we realised it was scheduled to leave at 3 50. We had one spare hour and the cab driver recommended stopping by at Sidhbali temple that was on our way.
Sidhbali temple
Like most of the spots– Bhulla Tal, Tarkeshwar Temple, we couldn’t make out what this temple’s name meant. We asked the priest this time. And guess what, this time Sandhi-vichhed would have worked. Sidh(Baba) + Bali (Lord Hanuman). This temple was built at the spot where Hanuman ji met Sidd Baba, hence Sidhbali temple.
Here people tied chunnis for their wishes. There was also a bhandara organised. Even though this was Hanuman ji’s temple, thankfully there were no monkeys to snatch our prasad here.
This temple visit was a pleasant experience and as Prakhar later pointed out, probably written in our journey. Because we visited it without planning. All the things just led to it. We were early for our train and the cab driver told us about it. We took a U-turn and came back to visit it.
Maybe some things are written.
Not just the visit to Sidhbali temple, even us going on this trip was written. After so many places we could have gone to, after so many hurdles with planning and bookings, we finally did make it to Lansdowne.
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