“The Queen Of Hills – Mussoorie”

Finally the spring glides in and no wonder we are blasking in its full glory. Although, I prefer travelling during the monsoon months, spring time travel is unbeatably the best season. Be it your very own city or a distant hamlet, the crystal clear sky and the cold breeze sound like as if it’s the winter that speak. Last year during spring time when I was at my hometown (Dehradun), a quick plan on phone and I was ready to go to mussoorie with my friend. No preparation except a shirt, a pair of jeans and a cardigan in the bag, an argument with ‘papa’ over the car as it was nightime, but nothing could stop a stubborn child. 

The breeze was cool and the wind in my hair was embalming as soon as we crossed Rajpur. What was more unexpected was that people swarmed even at night and the occasional couples on bikes sped past us like birds on a flight. The green canopy on either side of the road made the drive just magnificent. On reaching mussoorie, however I was stunned at the entry point to the hill station which was cluttered with cars stuck in a jam a little too many on a narrow road. It was at this time when I realized that I still needed practice to drive on a slope . A little sleep at the hotel and we were out on the Mall Road next morning. Nevertheless, the weather aws so amazing as a thin layer of cloud could be seen just above 2-3 feet above and the sun would peek from every passing cloud. It was chilly and a slight woolen seemed just right. Now we were looking for a place to have breakfast, though nanditaa urged on having the famous ‘aloo kachori’ but its shop no longer existed. We settled for sambhar vada and dosa, the aroma beckoned us more than choice. The walk at the Mall Road was heavenly and everything seemed too beautiful for words. I only managed to buy some aromatic candles because to me it seemed that the shopkeeper had assumed us as the daughters of billionaire. They felt it unprofitable on their end to confront a bargain. However, my bargaining strength was weak. 

Just as we were heading to Kempty Fall and Dhanaulti, pap called in. Our plans were washed away and we decided to cut short the trip. It then started drizzling . I thought it would be a bad idea if I drived back. 

Downhill, we stopped at famous at the famous ‘Shiv Mandir’ and had ‘Prasad of kladi chaval’. The temples bell pealing in the air just made the atmosphere so pure.. so serene.. We reached home about 5 and I was completely fatigued. Yet the excursion held. 

This was my last spring experience and it would always hold a special place in my heart as it reminded me of it today.