Valparai is a sparsely populated hill station in Coimbatore that is a known and popular destination for anyone who enjoys relaxing in nature. And for us, that’s exactly what we needed. We wanted to leave our city lives and schedules behind and just simply wallow in nature. We needed that change, and we found it at Valparai, the beautiful land of nature.

Aliyar Dam

 The Aliyar Dam was our first stop on after we’d dumped our luggage at a pre-booked homestay.

The Aliyar Dam is a beautiful, large, irrigation dam that gives an absolutely fantastic view from the top. The dam also comes replete with a park and garden of its own, along with having a play area for children. Fried fish and other food items were available at the entrance of the Aliyar Dam. And we both had a great time clicking pictures of the beautiful views from out cameras. The aquarium park of the dam was really a beautiful experience and sight as well. And the stalls selling the catch of the day was all fresh, and absolutely delicious. My brother and I thus spent an utterly blissful day – meaning all day till evening – at Aliyar Dam.

Then we returned to our homestay, where we had a nice home cooked dinner.

Grass Hills 

The Grass Hills in Valpari is possibly the most treasured and most beautiful place at this hill station. It is relaxing, well-maintained, and a must-see for nature lovers. However, it’s pretty difficult to get access to this place, and one will need prior permission from Forest Department to actually enter here. My brother and I did so beforehand, so we were set and ready when we visited the Grass Hills of Valparai the next day.

The best time to visit the grass hills is possibly in the later mornings; for you’ll get a wonderful view without mist being a problem. The Grass Hills are home to a variety of species of animals, from wild elephants to the rare Nilgiri Pipet, and this is entirely their domain.

Balaji Temple

 Our final day in Valpari was spent walking through and taking in the sights of Balaji Temple. In keeping with the “nature” theme of this place, Balaji Temple too is a nature lover’s paradise. And it is surrounded by beautiful and fresh tea plantations. It’s a pretty steep walk as vehicles aren’t allowed inside the temple, but it is beautifully well-maintained and a lovely place for photographs and long walks.

All in all, my brother and I certainly satisfied our sorely neglected “nature-loving” bone on this trip.

It was a hill station in the Idukki district, Kerala. Situated 3000 feet above sea level, it was covered with tea plantations, pine forests, cardamom plantations, streams and hills all around. You can see many rare varieties of wild flowers growing in and around that region. I was completely blown away by the alluring charm of the hill station.

Valanjanganam waterfalls or Ninnumullippara falls from over a height of 75 feet is a main attraction of Kuttikkanam. It is usually covered in mist throughout the year. This place is as beautiful as a dream. Your visit to Kuttikkanam will remain incomplete if you don’t see this place.

The viewpoint at Panchalimedu offers a soul-captivating view that will leave you mesmerized. This place has a mythical significance too, as legend says Panchalimedu had served as a hiding spot for the Pandavas and their wife Panchali from the great epic Mahabharata. A pond named after Panchali can also be found there called the Panchalikkulam. The Makarajyoti or the divine flame lit during the pilgrimage season in Sabarimala can be seen from this pond.

We called it for the day and reached the homestay where we would be spending the night. My birthday ended with a sumptuous South Indian dinner which was delicious.

The next day, we visited Grampi, situated near Peerumedu. It is also known as Parunthupara or eagle rock because of the picturesque view from its high peaks. It is a rock sculpture about 3800 feet above sea level. The road to Grampi is flanked by unending stretches of coffee, tea and cardamom plantations. The view from above there is breathtaking. The beauty of this place is mainly due to the lush greenery, rocky plains, forests and trekking trails.

Peeru Hills, located 1 Km from Kuttikkanam, is a favourite amongst the trekkers. This hill site is an ideal place for picnics too. The views are spectacular and the ambience is soothing as well as relaxing. This hill is named after Peer Mohammed, the Sufi saint, who had spent his last days there.

Kuttikkanam trip was the best birthday gift till date. This place is a nature’s boon. It rejuvenates your mind and soul fully.

We started off with Imphal, the capital of Manipur. It is a beautiful city located at the center of the Manipur valley that has a spectacular view that is surrounded by hills, plains and dense forest on all sides. This lush greenery makes this place heaven on earth. This city reflects the rich tradition of the State.

Loktak lake is a must visit for its picturesque view. This is the largest fresh water lake in the entire North East. This place is about an hour’s drive from Imphal. The best way to enjoy this place is to first travel to the Sandra Park on a small hill top from where you can get a soul-captivating view of the city. There is a café over there which provides some lip- smacking delicacies, which are a must try. The bio diversity lake, Keibul Lamjao is the only floating wildlife sanctuary in the world. The lake has small islands like grasslands where people stay. These islands house a specific deer breed called the dancing deer and you also find colouful migratory birds here. This place is a nature’s wonder.

Another wonderful place is the Nillai Tea Estate located on the eastern hill called Nilai Kaphung in Talui village. This garden provides with a panoramic view of the entire village. The cultivation is spread on thousands of yards of picturesque steepe slopes. This provides the people of the village with a living and this spot is quite famous for picnics.

Our next destination was the Imphal War Cemetary, this place will remind you of the brave-hearts who had sacrificed their lives defending their Motherland. This place has a serene ambience and is a beautiful heritage monument for the soldiers of war. This memorial garden is very well maintained and is worth paying a visit.

Our last destination was the Kangla Fort, a great place for a walk. The place is very calm, clean and well maintained. The architectural work is brilliant here. This place has a museum which is a must visit , you get to see some huge boats there, which are used for boat races and there is an amazingly beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Pakhangba. The spot is of both historical and archaeological importance in Imphal.

We had an amazing experience with the local cuisine which was made of herbal plants available there. Although the food was pretty spicy but they make use of minimal oil. The dish which I loved the most was Singju, a salad prepared from banana stem, lotus stem & coriander leaves.

Manipur let your soul sway in harmony with nature.

We had pre-booked a homestay which was extremely beautiful. After reaching, Nisha took me to the upper part of the town to get a better view of the Nanda Devi Range. There is the Lakshmi Ashram above there, where Mahatma Gandhi had spend a month while penning down Anashakti Yog. The place is pretty well maintained and the serene ambience coupled with the picturesque view will make you experience heaven on earth. Inside the Ashram you will find pictures of the Great Leader, Mahatma Gandhi during different phases of his life. Another brilliant experience was the sunset from above there, which left me spell bound, especially with the change in colors as dusk was setting in.

Baijnath Temple was our next destination, this temple is an example of India’s rich heritage, with splendid architectural structures. Its location makes this place a must visit as with a splendid view of the Himalayas, you also get to see a holy river flowing beside the temple. There is a marvelous structure of Goddess Parvati sculpted using black stone which I liked the most. The place is clean and well maintained.

Rudradhari Fall and Caves is a place in Kausani, where you can satisfy your adventurous side, as trekking is the only option available to reach there. The waterfall was beautiful with pure indigo waters which was pristine clear. The atmosphere was really soothing. We also saw the small temple of Lord Shiva, the Rudradhari Temple. The trekking was extremely refreshing and with the meandering ways, it prevents you from getting lost. Our hosts at the homestay had mentioned that leopards come to drink water from this waterfall during the dawn.

Apart from the tourist spots, we also visited two more places, which were the shawl factory and the tea factory. At the Shawl Factory, we saw how the famous Kausani shawls are made using the age old techniques. It was really a learning experience. Kausani is pretty famous for tea and at the tea factory also, we witnessed the tea manufacturing process which starts from when the tea leaves are just brought in.

Though Kausani is a very simple place, it is the beauty and the serenity that lets you relax your mind and body. The cuisine is also very simple, but the local fruits like cherries are a must try.

This trip to Kausani provided us with the much needed soul pampering that not only rejuvenated us but also renewed our energies to be back to our normal schedule.

Looks like the heat had defeated his “cool-as -a-cucumber” attitude too. He showed great excitement during the planning and it was on his advice that we picked Kurseong, the lesser-known cousin of Darjeeling. So, this sleepy hill station was to be our holiday destination for three days for which we had booked a picturesque home stay. To reach there, we took the Toy Train from New Jalpaiguri that chugs along at a gentle pace, regaling you with splendid sights of the enchanting hill slopes.

After reaching the homestay which was a cottage, we got down to decide the itinerary and it started with the charming Makaibari tea estate. The pleasant downhill walk gave us good views of the lofty mountains, Victorian era buildings and the lush greenery. We not only walked around the tea garden but also saw the processing in the factory that is open to visitors. The aroma was so potent that I could smell it even after coming to the Dow Hill, the highest point of the hill station. Veiled in mist, it invites you into its soothing folds and you just cannot say no.

At the Deer Park, which is an oasis of peace and bliss, you can feel one with nature. The tall pine trees wearing stoic silence inspire you to stay strong and the lovely chirping birds motivate you to stay carefree and cool. Dad was the happiest among us at the venue. The park matched his temperament perfectly. While we were busy in photo shoots, he was enjoying the company of the flying creatures and the trees.

At the St. Paul the Apostle Church, mom was the one who seemed to be lost in a trance. The colossal building with towering spires and serene surrounding can easily transport you to a world of meditation but the ultimate propitiation comes at Grotto. This holy shrine with a statue of Virgin Mary and natural spring waters, coming out of a cave, feels like heaven. Along the way we also got to see the famous Forest Rangers Training College, exuding majestic brilliance with its colossal colonial architecture.

Netaji Museum was home to the illustrious freedom fighter and where he was held under house arrest. A witness of his greatness, it gives you a good glimpse of the lives and times of the heroic figure. Last was the turn of the Buddhist Monastery, an enduring symbol of the Lepcha heritage, where we said our prayers and thanked the almighty from the bottom of our hearts for bestowing us with the gift of Kurseong.

On the first day of our trip, we went to the most talked about tourist spot, the St. Patrick’s Church on the Mall Road. It was a quiet and serene place that I immediately fell in love with it. This well maintained church had remarkable architectural works. There were paintings all over the church signifying the various stories associated with Jesus. St. Patrick’s Church is one of India’s ancient architecture, well planned and brilliantly designed. The adjoining lawns of this church is another unique feature that we saw. Since it was already past evening, we returned back to our homestay.

The next day we started early for the Sach Pass. The adventurous road trip had me sitting upright to catch a glimpse of the amazing landscape that included the snow-capped mountains, and mesmerizing waterfalls and I felt that I was in love with this place! The snow-capped mountains looked even more striking especially since it was sparkling under the rays of the sun. It was a great day that we ended with amazing Chinese food cooked by our hostess at the homestay.

Being in Dalhousie and not visiting the Chamera Lake, would have surely made our trip incomplete. This is exactly what we had in mind when we visited this beautiful lake. The speed boat ride was extremely thrilling, joyous and adventurous. It was a 7 minutes ride which left me amazed.

Our next destination was the Ganji Pahari. We sibling shave a special corner in our hearts for trekking and so we had to visit this place. The trek of approximately 2 kms was adventurous and thought the terrain was difficult to trek, the view from there made every second of the uphill task worth. The scenic beauty made me fall in love with Dalhousie all over again.

The last destination that we visited was the Daikund Peak, which gives a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Being the highest peak here, we got a breathtaking view of Dalhousie. Not only did we witness an incredible view, but were audience to some magical music too. Well, it was the cool breeze playing with the trees which had also earned this place the name of the singing hill. The Pholani Devi Temple is a beautiful temple with a serene ambience that we visited near the Army base.

Since the trip came to an end, I bid adieu to splendid Dalhousie and our hosts at the homestay with a heavy heart. And I also thanked my brother innumerable times for having be brought here to witness the beauty of nature.

Robber’s Cave: A Location that Stole Our Entire Day

Also known as “Gucchi Pani”, Robber’s Cave is one of those beautiful spots that you must visit and have a picnic in. It’s open throughout the year, and you can explore the caves and the surrounding foothills, and there’s a waterfall too. Plus, we also saw a lot of people enjoying picnics just like we were, and many others were splashing and playing in the shallow rivers that ran between and along the foothills. Robber’s Cave is a beautiful place and it is an enjoyable place to visit for any age group.

The Forest Research Institute with the Sprawling Campus

A green, sprawling campus and a beautifully well-maintained structure is what greeted us when we visited the famous Forest Research Institute in Dehradun. The building in itself seemed like something out of a book, strongly reminding us of British Universities with its architectural style. And the best part was how beautifully the structure had been maintained. The large campus was equally well-maintained, and the greenery contributed to a peacefully cool atmosphere. There was a museum nearby full of scientific exhibits that we spent some time in perusing. And later, we just spent time just strolling through the walkways, taking in the dimming sky and approaching twilight before we languidly made our way to the homestay.

Mindrolling Monastery is Aptly Named

We first did a double-take when we first saw the name, half-thinking that we read it wrong or that is was some kind of nickname. But, puns about the alliteration and meaning aside, our minds did in fact spin a little when we visited this monastery. It was like heaven on earth and we were struck by the beauty of this place. The architecture and layout was a combination of traditional styles as well as urban appeal. There is a modest market complex here, as well as residential buildings that housed the students and teachers – aside from one Tibetan Temple and a statue of Buddha.

Apart from the tourist’s attractions, the scenic beauty of the landscape and the cool atmosphere is something that is thrilling and sure to give you a break from the daily routine. Dehradun is a place where the entire family can enjoy something or the other just as we did.

My soul was longing for a quiet retreat to the hills and none could provide a better option than Ranikhet. The vintage cantonment town in Almora, Uttarakhand, is not crowded like Shimla and Manali; the first choice for most vacation seekers. Its untouched ambience, salubrious mountain air and pleasant setting give you plenty of solitude to ruminate and meditate. The moment I stepped into the home stay, I knew I had made the right choice. It offered a scenic view of the green hills and the first thing I did was order a cup of tea and sipped it leisurely, sitting in the balcony.

After bath and snacks, it was time to walk on the quaint Mall Road and take in the beautiful sights. The town has a compelling old world charm, what with the Victorian era buildings and cottages, dotting the landscape. You do not feel tired despite being unused to the stiff terrain because the natural beauty keeps you rejuvenated every second. The tall pine trees, oaks and deodars appear as though they are lost in penance, passing some of the effect on you as well.

For most part of the stay I was occupied with walks but Ranikhet has a good deal of sightseeing stuff too. Like the Army Museum, renowned for inspiring patriotic feelings in every viewer’s heart. The valor and sacrifice of the soldiers has been well preserved in the form of captured weapons, flags of enemies and pictures. You are bound to be moved after taking the tour.

Filled with patriotic sentiments, now it was time to pay obeisance at the Jhula Devi Temple. Ensconced in complete calmness, it catches instant attention with the numerous bells hanging over the walls that are a symbol of the gratitude of pilgrims who offer a bell to the goddess after their wish is fulfilled. I too said my wish and then headed to the Rama Mandir nearby that houses a monastery where students are taught Vedas. Exuding a strong spiritual aura, they are sure to give you a new-found strength and energy.

After the spiritual trek, it was the turn of Chaubatia Gardens, 10 km from town, where you are welcomed by fruit trees and apple orchards. Redolent with rich Himalayan flora, it also gives you a fabulous view of the snow-capped Himalayas. I spent hours here, imbibing as much natural energy as I could.

And when it was time to bid goodbye, my soul was full of bliss and peace.

Now, for most residents of India, snow during winter might be the rarest kind of climate they’ve seen. And if anyone wishes for a skiing trip, their usual bet is that they might only find such experiences abroad. Well, I thought like that too – until I discovered Auli in Garhwali, Uttarakhand, which actually offers a resort for skiing!

Skiing had been on mine and my cousins’ bucket lists for “skills we must learn” for a very, very long time. But we’d also believed for a long time that we would have to search outside India for the lessons. And then one of our brothers mentioned – oh-so-innocently, mind you – that we could actually go to Auli for skiing lessons.

Needless to say, we sorted out our schedules and ran rampant booking tickets and reserving rooms at a homestay after adequate internet research and phone calls.

The White Blanket of Snow

Remember that cold day you huddled under blankets, drank only hot drinks, refused to let your toes touch the cold tile floor without warm slippers, and generally wondered whether a tropical country had any right to be so cold? Well, let me tell, that is nothing compared to arriving in a place with real winter and real snow!

When we caught the first glimpse of the snowy ski resort, we were shivering already and I was pretty sure my nose was ready to fall off with the cold. But we were still utterly spellbound by the white, beautiful snow that covered the entire area, the sheets of fallen white powder stretching across the meadow for as far as the eye could see. It looked exactly like the foreign or cartoon-like wintry postcards you would see on Christmas. And it looked just as enchanting up close.

The moment we reached our rooms at the homestay, it felt like heaven. Our blessed hosts had kept the room heated for us and served us piping hot chocolate! It was amazing. Once we were ready to face the chill outside with the multiple layers we were out in the snowy wonderland.

Incredible Skiing Lessons  

The resort offered a 7-day and 14-day skiing course for anyone who wanted to learn, and of course, we signed up for it immediately. Travelling up and down the ski-lift to and from the ski slopes in itself was an experience though. For, while the sitting or chair ski-lift was exciting and fun, the standing or free-stand ski-lift was utterly thrilling in a terrifying kind of way.

The instructors for the ski lessons were easy to be at ease with. And, after the first many tumbles we all took as beginners, it became surprisingly easy to get a grip on it. After that, we put our lessons to good use skiing down the slopes, progressively trying one or two of the more difficult slopes as we gained more confidence. The number of people around us, as well as the ski-safety and supervision professionals, made sure that we were safe and unhurt.

Then, at the end of each day, when we were wet through with snow, half-frozen from the cold, and grinning and panting with glee, we made our way back to the homestay and indulged in piping hot chocolate and cookies to thaw ourselves out.

It was an incredible experience in every way!

The sunrise at the Bright End Corner is something not to be missed for anything. Inspite of being a late riser, I could not have missed this. The sunrise viewed through the majestic Himalayan peaks was worth every bit. And the steamy adrak wali chai made the experience all the more heavenly.

Since it is the town of temples, how could we miss visiting the temples? Moreover, with your parents travelling along with you, you can hardly escape the trip to the temples! The first temple that we visited was the Kalimut. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, this temple also offers a beautiful view of the snow capped Himalayas. Katarmal Sun Temple followed Kalimut. It is believed to be more than 800 years old and the intricate sculpting left us wondering how skilled Indians were even back during the old times. After grabbing some quick breakfast, we were on our way to Kasar Devi Temple. It is believed to be one of the places where Swam Vivekananda meditated. This temple is mentioned in Skanda Purana and was built by a king named Rudrak as deciphered from an inscription on a stone boulder. We ended our temple visiting spree with a visit to the Chitai Temple which is dedicated to Gollu Devta. The deity of the temple is said to fulfill every wish if the worshipper asks for it with a clear conscience. Numerous letters are pinned all over the temple which were written by the worshipped. I also saw thousands of bells strung across the temple’s premises too.

We returned to our homestay, a very cozy place and with very pleasant people as our hosts.

The next day we planned for a picnic in this amazingly beautiful place and settled for Simtola. A cool breeze was blowing and the view of the mountains covered with Pine and Deodar was absolutely blissful. We didn’t realize how time flew by while we were appreciating the sheer beauty of the place.

We rushed to the Deer Park next and I really enjoyed gazing at the Himalayan animals. They were really adorable and almost each one of them was covered with thick fur. I had a strong desire to go and cuddle the Red Pandas and the Himalayan Sloths but alas!

We spent the evening by taking a walk through the Lalal Bazaar, lined with wooden shops. Being a sweet lover, I thoroughly loved the Bal Mithai, Singauri and Choklate. After an early dinner that day, we headed towards the bus stand.

Almora is not only famous for its beauty but also its rich cultural heritage, creative handiworks and mouthwatering delicacies. It is a perfect getaway from the hectic city life and of course, the awful summer.