Sunday, June 10, 2018

In the Vales of Himachal

Lord Dalhousie has gone down in the annals of Indian history as the man who led to the 1857 Uprising- it was only after his pronouncement of the Doctrine of Lapse that most Indian rulers including some of the major Indian social reformers and revolutionaries began to oppose the policy and also many other British government ways of administration; this infact led to the Indians coming under one umbrella to lead the First War of India's Independence in 1857 after which the Queen was forced to take the administration of the country under her control from the British East Indian Company which was popularly termed the 'Queen's Proclamation of 1858'. History notwithstanding Dalhousie as a hillstation is a beautiful valley and a pristine one at that.

Down the winding roadway from Pathankot in the state of Punjab, Dalhousie is perched up on a hill about eighty kilometres from this important military base town. It is to the western side of Dhauladhar mountain range and is about 1, 970 metres above sea level. On the first day there was enough time to eat breakfast, shower and take a lengthy tour of the city and The Mall. The driver was a good guide for the local city and headed towards Panchpula which had a wonderful scenic beauty, good eateries and a spate of adventure sports' packages. After a few good photographs, selfies and earrings to shop, it was time to head out for lunch at Cafe Dalhousie in Gandhi Chowk. Gandhi Chowk was the main city centre with a church in one corner (St. John's Church) and a lovely library next to it. Having just arrived in the city, it was time to head out for a walk around several cottages on a little trail. The 5-kilometre trail was good to whet some appetite for dinner. A peaceful day that ended with camaraderie and great family time.

The second day was the real time to venture out into the city and enjoy the cool environs of this mountaineous terrain- Khajjiar Nag Temple stood tall reminiscent of the ancient tale of the Pandavas in the midst of several hotels and local restaurants. This area almost stretched far and wide like a golf court. Father did paragliding while the rest of the family sipped tea and munched on some snacks. Next was a trek up to Dain Kund Temple from where an Air Force Base was visible. While the ladies waited for the men to trek up and back, it was again time for some photography. The final destination for the day was Kalatop Sunset Point which was a picturesque forest reserve. This had some of the world's best Bhajjis (Pakoras) and Masala Chai of the hills. Finally it was time to go to Beeji's Park with T-55 Russian tank and other military equipments on display. Some good photographs and fountain against the backdrop of Dalhousie Public School mess.

This day was time to check out and head to Dharamsala. Since it was a long drive, there was enough time to just go and watch the McLeodganj Main Temple of Tibetan Buddhists- the abode of HH Dalai Lama. Staying close to the Sahaj Yoga Meditation Centre, the seat of HH Nirmala Devi, was a wonderful experience as efforts were made to raise the Kundalini. A fresh day here began with the visit to Bhagsu Falls, a cool trek through the rocky stretch, drinking fresh spring water and clicking photographs on the way. After an interesting read of the story of Bhagsu Nag, the drive to the Tibet Museum was a smooth sail with little traffic but loads of tourists. A tiring day which gave enough time to soak up the Tibetan aura and culture with Nick Cafe's cosmopolitanism and Om Mane Padme Hum chantings. The final day before the Pathankot train was the icing on the cake with the vist to Kangra Arts Museum, Dharamsala international cricket stadium, Norbulingka Institute and the Kangra Fort with good audio guide. Revving up the city no doubt was the cricket stadium and another athletics stadium with its modern architecture and contemporary style which attracted the tourists.

This time was a trip to the hills with a difference- even Delhi and NCR felt like a tourist spot. Brother was kind to take everybody to the well-known cultural centre 'Kingdom of Dreams' in Gurgaon. Another place like Dilli Haat this air-conditioned centre harboured makeshift structures of various states with their cuisines and music and dance forms. Slurping up the Gatta curry with Dal-Baati-Choorma and Bikaneri Parantha, Rajasthani palette was devoured with much delight and contentment. This trip ended the weeklong journey of the family in the hot summer of 2018 where temperatures were almost reaching upto 45 degrees in the plains of Uttar Pradesh. A fun visit with lots to learn about the northern states and cities!!