It has now become a routine to spend last few days of the year amidst nature. As our marriage anniversary falls during this time, we have one more reason to end the year on a high.
It was back in September that we zeroed in on Dehradun as it was within driving distance of Delhi and several hill stations were in the vicinity. The idea was to visit NCR and then travel by road.While I was exploring the various options, I saw a message on our community group about Saffron Vacations. I contacted them and our trip was finalized within a few days. We had to make changes to the literary at the last minute as Omicron started spreading. We cancelled NCR trip and flew to Doon.
The Jolly Grant airport nestled between the foothills of Himalayas was the perfect appetizer. On way to mussoorie, we covered the Dehradun Zoo and enjoyed glimpses of wild life including leopards that were ready to pose ! By the time we took Rope way down to Bhatta falls and finished boating in Mussoorie lake, it was late afternoon.
Stay at Sterling mussoorie was one of the highlights as we could get fantastic views. The balcony was the perfect spot to soak in the evening sun and observe the sun sinking behind the Shivaliks.
The next morning we got up early to Savor the sunrise. The balcony of the hotel reception gave us a clear panoramic view of the hills, and a dash of orange and red illuminating the sky. The hotel also had various other activities including birdwatching. As the mercury dipped below freezing after sunset, we used to end our outings early. The games room was a big bonus as we could engage Aarohi in the evenings.
The next day we covered Kempty falls, mall road and Gun hill point. What we saw at Gun Hill was only a sneak peak of things to come. Apart from site seeing, we took pictures in traditional Garhwali attire.
Our journey back to Dehradun started the next morning. We checked out of the hotel and took a detour to Dhanaulti. As we were negotiating the sharp bends and and go up the Garhwal range, the moment we were hoping for hit us. Right in front of us, we could see white lines on a blue canvas.
The next morning we got up early to Savor the sunrise. The balcony of the hotel reception gave us a clear panoramic view of the hills, and a dash of orange and red illuminating the sky. The hotel also had various other activities including birdwatching. As the mercury dipped below freezing after sunset, we used to end our outings early. The games room was a big bonus as we could engage Aarohi in the evenings.
The next day we covered Kempty falls, mall road and Gun hill point. What we saw at Gun Hill was only a sneak peak of things to come. Apart from site seeing, we took pictures in traditional Garhwali attire.
Our journey back to Dehradun started the next morning. We checked out of the hotel and took a detour to Dhanaulti. As we were negotiating the sharp bends and and go up the Garhwal range, the moment we were hoping for hit us. Right in front of us, we could see white lines on a blue canvas.
The words of the song “ye kaun chitrakaar hai” started echoing. The lofty snow clad peaks were in full display; from Gangotri group to Nanda Devi they were all there. Several of the peaks like Swargarohini, Banderpoonch have references in Ramayana and Mahabharata. Badrinath and Kedarnath are also in the vicinity. There is so much packed in those ranges that it is Geography, History, Mythology and Theology all rolled into one. The snow tops touching the white clouds gave an ethereal feeling. I was flooded with Memories of school days where we used to identify most prominent peaks on the map.
There are several other points of interest here including a nature walk in Eco Park and hike onto the top of Surkanda Devi temple which we skipped as it was challenging with a small kid and chilly weather.
Once we were back in Dehradun, we just relaxed and celebrated our marriage anniversary by a visit to the temple and a shopping trip. The exotic Spanish boutique hotel Marbella, added a romantic touch to the day. Christmas trees, lights and Santa Cap ensured that Aarohi found something special wherever we went.
It was a truly memorable trip and we are eagerly looking forward to the next expedition in the new year.
Once we were back in Dehradun, we just relaxed and celebrated our marriage anniversary by a visit to the temple and a shopping trip. The exotic Spanish boutique hotel Marbella, added a romantic touch to the day. Christmas trees, lights and Santa Cap ensured that Aarohi found something special wherever we went.
It was a truly memorable trip and we are eagerly looking forward to the next expedition in the new year.
