Mussoorie, Nainital & Haridwar
No mobile phone, no access to internet, no walk-man. We four, our luggage and car. That's it. I still remember the thrill. I am the first child of my parents, therefore the level of pampering has been a little higher. I never missed a friend in their company. In fact, you will be surprised to know that I still don't miss "the best friend". We were on wheels around 6 or 6.30 am in the month of June.
Breathtaking mountains of Mussoorie
After a mind blowing road trip, here we were in Mussoorie. Things change tremendously with time. Uttarakhand hadn't come in shape back then and Mussoorie was a part of Uttar Pradesh. I entered Garwhal Terrace, a decent looking UP Tourism hotel, with a grin and looked at my mom, she had a light smile too. I guess she was trying hard to hide the excitement of first trip to such a beautiful place, after a long period of pain. Paa didn't say anything, but I did notice peace on his face. He was more than happy. Yes, he was. Hehe! And guess, amidst all this what I bumped into. It was this fine sofa close to the window, which I immediately acquired and my brother don't know why, didn't fight me to book a place for himself. This idea of no fight was astonishing! :-)
Nevertheless, sunset was wonderful. Rays through the window were tenderly touching my face and I was welcoming all. Clouds were crossing the valley when the Sun was about to set. Soon after sunset, we all had snacks and went out for a walk to be one with this new destination. This holiday destination was indeed a pleasant gift for me and my family. My little brother was hopping. I was quiet as a child, as compared to my brother. He was stubborn as a kid whereas, I was patient. Random thoughts used to hover my mind. I vividly remember. Thoughts like how would it feel to avoid school, Had I been born in some other family, how things would have been etc. etc. And, I still can't control such thoughts. They keep coming. Only difference is, questions have changed with time.
Late 90s period was to some extent commercialized, however, travel was not much in vogue for a lot of people. There were photographs. Proper photographs. Less shots. More moments of togetherness. Less publicity. More privacy.
Next day, we shopped till we dropped and soon after, went to Kempty Falls. It is an amazing waterfall which is 13 km from Mussoorie. My eyes were glued to the falls. Water was biting cold. I wanted to bathe but could not. Mom also did not take any chance. But "here the two courageous boys jump into the water". Yes, I am talking about my father and naughty little brother. They had completely forgotten us for some time and stood right beneath the falls. We were stunned to notice that! I was a little jealous that moment as I wanted to have the same moments which they both were snatching from the cycle of time.
Har ki Pauri - Haridwar
In the evening, we left for Haridwar. We all were a little tired so were sleeping. Our driver drove smooth. I was having my Mom's shoulder for a nap. It was super relaxing. Well, my brother was munching and don't know why he was not sleeping. He wanted to notice everything, may be. He knew better. We didn't talk much and kept waiting for our next destination. It was Classic Residency, an elegant looking property. We had to stay here for a night and then leave the next day after paying an exciting visit to Har ki Pauri.
Our room was a bit small but it was well-furnished and I personally liked the decor. We had our dinner and I didn't like it much. Because, I wanted to eat something cooked by my mom. Simple. I didn't tell her this. We ate and slept for good six or seven hours. Har ki Pauri, when I had heard this name for the first time, I had found it strange, very strange. Nevertheless, when we reached Har ki Pauri, I accepted the place in its entirety. Though this place was not peaceful at all, but temples, saints and so many people from different places worshipping Ganga water was a beautiful sight. Their devotion for the place and holy river Ganga was a thing of contemplation for me. I won't dwell upon this "contemplation" part much as I am unable to recall each thought that must have crossed the lane of my mind, back then.
Naini Lake after drizzle
Wow, we were again in the mountains. I don't know why, but I have this very strong connection with mountains. All hill stations near Delhi like Dalhousie, Manali, Shimla, Chamba and many more give me immense pleasure and peace. Nainital is about 230 km away from Haridwar. Our third hotel of this memorable journey was not so good. We all were a little disappointed. My dad got furious but my mom took care of everything with patience like she always does. Hahhaha! My little champ was busy with his own little things. He did not pay heed to mom and dad's conversation and was running from one corner to another. I, as usual tried to bully him, but failed miserably this time.
Naini Lake is gorgeous. Our hotel was bang on the Mall Road so we reached the lake like in minutes. It was drizzling. Only those can paint the scene in their minds who have seen a lake when it drizzles. Those fine rain drops calmly kissing the lake body is one of the most beautiful sights one can ever have. This experience came to me and my family. WHAT A BLESSING!
"Beta idhar aao.. Boat mein baithna hai"? It was a real treat to my ears. A young boy kept on rowing the boat for us for good ten to fifteen minutes. I enjoyed the view of lofty mountains with clouds crossing all of them. Nature was at its best that day.
This entire trip is etched....!
