Treasuring Family Time With a Trip to Uttarakhand- Sukrit’s Thrillophilia Review
After savouring some delicious Pahadi Maggi (it surely tastes different in the mountains), hot muffins and hot chocolate, we came out of the famous cafe of Mussoorie- Cafe Ivy- where the immediate sight that greeted us was exquisite-
Me, my wife, and our two boys- we saw a winter line formed over the glistening city of Dehradun, stretching from one mountain peak to another. The city below looked like a casket of gold, silver, and diamonds, with occasional precious gems sparkling to make their presence felt.
It was our first evening in Mussoorie, and we could not be happier to feel the December chills running down our spine and giving us goosebumps. It was after 4 long years that we had stepped out of our house, and we all were counting on this week-long holiday to rejuvenate us and re-energise us to the core so that we could carry on for another year relentlessly.
Such an expectation, but God had his plans.
First stops- Dehradun and Mussoorie
After a long journey from the south of the country to the north, we were tired when we reached Dehradun. But a frustrated heart holds a greater zeal for exploration than the ones who are frequently fed with surprises. So, despite being weak to the bones, we headed for a Dehradun sightseeing tour first to the Robbers Cave which was a splendid natural marvel in the heart of this hill station- a 600 m long cave formed by rivers.
The evening was spent in bliss, as I mentioned earlier. But the next morning that followed was a storm in disguise.
We were out for our Mussoorie sightseeing activity and we had covered quite a few places like the Camel Back road and even saw the clouds crawling beneath our feet at Cloud Ends- Mussoorie’s highest point. And then we were on our way to the famous Kempty Falls after which we were supposed to hike up the Gun Hill to catch a nice sunset.
Yes, supposed to.
What could ruin our mood and make our journey difficult?
This thought had not even crossed our minds, given the bright sunshine that lurked around. But the weather in the mountains is just like earthquakes in oceans- unpredictable and unseen.
It started pouring cats and dogs within a minute. And we were stuck on the road, anxious about what was going to happen next.
The next was worse, or perhaps better, we could not gauge it given the situation we were in.
The Aftermath
It started snowing!
We thought it was time to bid goodbye to the hike, but like I said, God had different plans.
We went back to the hotel, freshened up, and waited for the weather to straighten up. And as if like magic, it did!
The clouds subsided, casting a thin layer of snow on the roads, and decreasing the temperature ridiculously. So, putting on some extra layers of jackets and scarves, we finally headed out for the 3 km hike to Gun Hill!. After an hour of climbing and conquering fears, and passing tall Oak forests, we reached the top.
The sunset had already begun, throwing a riot of colours in the sky.
This was perhaps one of the most beautiful visions we had watched together as a family, and I personally we were very happy that we completed all the agendas of the day without having to skip anything on the itinerary.
The next morning, all the snow had turned into ice, in some patches even black ice, which made locomotion a bit slower and a bit more difficult. Casting the risks aside, we boarded the car and started the journey for the day.
To Dhanaulti and Rishikesh
We toured the Surkanda Devi Temple, Kaudia Forest, Chamba, and Eco Park, but the December weather was very diligent- having covered the entire town in a thick blanket of snow after a heavy snowfall.
So, without deterring from our route, we headed to Rishikesh to catch the Ganga Arti in time.
And we did!
It was just starting when we reached, so before entering the hotel we first went to the Laxman Jhula to witness the ‘Arti’, paid our respects, crossed the Ram Jhula while having some ‘sita phal’ and sweet potatoes, and finally retired to the hotel for the night.
Waking up, we were all mesmerised to see the impeccable beauty of the destination, with the Ganga flowing gracefully with all her valour through the green mountains. It was the day of our Rishikesh Sightseeing and my boy was particularly curious to visit the Beatles Ashram as he is a fan of the band. But before that, we had a thrilling activity planned!
You guessed it right.
We went for a river rafting session, starting from Shivpuri to Laxman Jhula.
AND WE HAD A GREAT TIME!
Rowing our inflated rubber boat, crashing into the waves and emerging out of the river water like Vikings fighters!
We four were too excited after this activity, which made us realise one thing.
Why don't we do this kind of thing more often? Why did we have to wait 4 years to come for a holiday when we can easily take some time out of the year for a family trip just like this one?
Hari ka Dwar (God’s Doorstep)
Haridwar was a hit…more so than the ghats and the Artis and temples, the food made it all better. We tried the best chaats and chai there. We also tried Badam Mil, Kadhai Chai, Rabdi, Jalebi, and whatnot!
Then we took a ropeway ride to the Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi Temples, before coming down to the Har ki Pauri Ghat for the world-famous Ganga Arti.
With rings of fire, towers of arti lamps, and millions of diyas, River Ganga seemed to have been reincarnated in front of us, the ambience was so pure, holy, and spiritual that we sat there for hours, looking at the flowing river, flowing the lamps as far as our eyesight allowed.
This trip not only helped us bond as a family, but it helped each one of us individually to revive ourselves and gain new perspectives on life, work, and family!
Also, there was an important family decision made on this trip-
That we would at least try to make one trip happen every year.
(Fingers crossed)
Read More: Thrillophilia Uttarakhand Reviews