Someone has truly said that dreams rarely become true. Dreams cannot be classified or judged as silly and If it is so then let my dream being silly. I am proud to say that. Probably I just wanted to walk down the memory lane of the dream that I had after my boards.
As a kiddo I had witnessed my Dadu gifting a pen along with his blessings to all my elder cousins before their Madhyamik (school passing board exam for students of 10th standard) exams. I naturally wondered what is so special about this examination and why they are so scared of it. Even we kids have exams every year! So last year, when I turned 16, the dark clouds of my doubts cleared away as I was getting ready for the same Madhyamik exam. After completing the boards and gruelling daylong (& nightlong of course) studies, I really needed to fill my lungs with some fresh air, and get the sapped energy back! (and again start the new fight for the eleventh standard).
So I pushed my “Man Friday”, my dear uncle, for planning my dream trip. On my 13th birthday, my uncle had gifted me “The Stories of Ruskin Bond”. Since then I fell in love with the life in the hills and always wanted to visit Mussoorie. This time finally we were going to Mussourie, the land of my dreams and my favorite author. Initially I felt very excited with the thought that finally I will be able to meet Ruskin Bond which was also in my dream. But your eid is always broken by reality. I am an introvert and the thought of sitting next to Ruskin Bond made me feel nervous.
Just as Rusty’s train stopped at Shamli and he met his dream girl. When my train stopped at Dehradun, I could also see my friend of whom I have dreamt. As we came out of the platform I heard Binya screaming out Neelu’s name. I started to visualize Binya carrying the milk to the little tea shop on the Tehri Road with her ‘Blue Umbrella’ open. We had put up at Dehra just for one day. I am not a very adventurous person but caves and waterfalls always attract me by some supernatural force.
So one of the places that attracted me long ago was Guchhupani also known as “Robbers Cave”. Its located somewhat around 8 kilometers from Dehradun. One can live the thrill of the story of Alibaba and the Forty Thieves at this adventure spot near the Sahastradhara also known as “Guchhupani”. When you reach this surreal spot that brings out nature’s beauty unlike any other, then the trek for about a distance of 1 km finally feels to be worth for the sweat you lost
Just as Rusty’s train stopped at Shamli and he met his dream girl. When my train stopped at Dehradun, I could also see my friend of whom I have dreamt. As we came out of the platform I heard Binya screaming out Neelu’s name. I started to visualize Binya carrying the milk to the little tea shop on the Tehri Road with her ‘Blue Umbrella’ open. We had put up at Dehra just for one day. I am not a very adventurous person but caves and waterfalls always attract me by some supernatural force.
So one of the places that attracted me long ago was Guchhupani also known as “Robbers Cave”. Its located somewhat around 8 kilometers from Dehradun. One can live the thrill of the story of Alibaba and the Forty Thieves at this adventure spot near the Sahastradhara also known as “Guchhupani”. When you reach this surreal spot that brings out nature’s beauty unlike any other, then the trek for about a distance of 1 km finally feels to be worth for the sweat you lost.
A cool breeze blew from the hills and the sky was getting dressed with the setting sun. I have never experienced such a scene! Slowly as the sun was getting down it seemed it was releasing all its colours to the sky. As if those colours were dancing their way to a festival and getting mixed with each other, as if the sky was celebrating Holi that will take you back in that era of Doon valley that still has its traditions intact.
So finally after gasping in all the beauty that Dehradun had to offer, we pulled up our backpacks and started the journey to Mussoorie. The cool breeze that blew seemed to carry away all the pain and worries. Till some distance both the sides of the never ending road was lined by families of Pine, Fir and Spruce. Then it started to rain and to me it seemed, as if the trees spread their boughs to catch the rain drops to wash themselves.
So finally after gasping in all the beauty that Dehradun had to offer, we pulled up our backpacks and started the journey to Mussoorie. The cool breeze that blew seemed to carry away all the pain and worries. Till some distance both the sides of the never ending road was lined by families of Pine, Fir and Spruce. Then it started to rain and to me it seemed, as if the trees spread their boughs to catch the rain drops to wash themselves.
As we reached a certain height I scrolled down the window glass and spread out my hands to catch the rain drops. it seemed they were flowing just right by my side. At one point when I was too busy watching that the clouds were below me suddenly I noticed that all the sides were completely getting covered by fog and it scared the hell out of me.
But then I understood the nerve of Vinod uncle, who confidently drove by all the curves of the hilly road through that fog. Finally it was dark as the clock struck 8 and I was eagerly calculating the distance. Finally the Board of Town Library caught our attention. That night we spent by ourselves sitting in the open balcony after dinner in the bracing weather. While the cold breeze tends to break your bones the mysterious lights keep on coming up and down the distant roads.
But then I understood the nerve of Vinod uncle, who confidently drove by all the curves of the hilly road through that fog. Finally it was dark as the clock struck 8 and I was eagerly calculating the distance. Finally the Board of Town Library caught our attention. That night we spent by ourselves sitting in the open balcony after dinner in the bracing weather. While the cold breeze tends to break your bones the mysterious lights keep on coming up and down the distant roads.
It seems that night had fallen fast upon the land. No more than an hour ago the sky was painted with hues of red, orange and pink! but all colours has faded away leaving only a matt black canvas with no stars to be looked upon. Soon I retired from the chair to go back to my room and a growling sound echoed in my ears. No sooner than I realized a heavy downpour started and spine chilling gust started to freeze me. That was the most unique night experience I ever had.
The next two days we were almost captivated in our rooms due to the heavy downpours. The entire view of the Shivalik’s was wrapped up by the blanket of fog. But finally, the best morning surprise for me was awaiting when I opened my door on the 3rd day morning.
The next two days we were almost captivated in our rooms due to the heavy downpours. The entire view of the Shivalik’s was wrapped up by the blanket of fog. But finally, the best morning surprise for me was awaiting when I opened my door on the 3rd day morning.
A sudden warmth touched me, and I was kissed by the dazzling bright sun dancing in the bright blue sky. As if we saw morning after a long year. That day without wasting a single moment we had a quick sip of steaming coffee and headed out for our little exploration. In the early morning the “Mall” feels totally different. All the shops are closed no one is there only a man is selling tea by the roadside.
Our first destination was to get a peaceful nature walk, in the Camel Back Road. Starting from the Library Point to Kulri Bazar this 3km long road is named Camel Back Road due to presence of natural layout of rocks shaped like a camel’s hump at the end of the road. The slope adjacent to the road contains a colonial cemetery that dates back to the mid-19th century.
Our first destination was to get a peaceful nature walk, in the Camel Back Road. Starting from the Library Point to Kulri Bazar this 3km long road is named Camel Back Road due to presence of natural layout of rocks shaped like a camel’s hump at the end of the road. The slope adjacent to the road contains a colonial cemetery that dates back to the mid-19th century.
Surrounded by rocky Mountains and green woods its perfect for a tranquil break from the hustle bustle of the Mussoorie’s Mall road. After enjoying an eye catching view of the Garhwal Himalayas through the telescope we were headed to the part of Mussoorie which is known for its milky streams of water, the “Kempty Falls”. At a height of 4500 feet surrounded by the valleys of Mussoorie, Kempty Falls offers one of the most fascinating view. When we finally reached there after covering the 300 stairs through the rain , the remaining dry parts of our body were completely drenched by the drizzles of water as a strong gust was blowing down there. It was freezing cold. Though I dared not to get into the water, a group of students just jumped into the plunge pool and took a bath.
There were two small tea shops down there which were also offering steaming hot Maggi & tea. One can also get down there with a ropeway but unfortunately we realized that option only after getting down there. But the way down to the falls is also lined by shops selling different items & it’s better to avoid the monsoons because the steps get really slippery and the climb up sucks out all the energy that’s stored within you. Finally it was really late when we got upstairs and all of us were hungry. So we headed to one of the most popular restaurants located just at the back of the Mall Road known as “Kalsang”. Well known for Tibetan and oriental cuisine. We ordered some “Thukpa” and “Morthuk”.
I have never tasted something like that before. It’s a must visit place there. I can’t forget the ropeway ride to Gunhills. As the clouds were clearing up slowly we reached to the ropeway point. It’s a 5 -10 minutes ride from Jhula Ghar to Gun Hills. From that cable car we enjoyed the birds eye view of Mussourie and the places around. Which looked like a small fairyland. But one should reach there by time or else there could be long queues and it takes hours before your turn comes. We came to know the fact that earlier there was a gun mounted on this top and was fired at mid day to enable people adjust their watches. Its elevation is about 400 hundred meters from the mall. As the doors of the cable car opened up there it seemed to me as if it was a small wonderland.
On one side there was scenic beauty of the verdant hills and snow-clad peaks, the rest is waiting for you to visit and play games at the various stalls and take back little gift rewarded to you for you victory. Some of those games might seem silly or easy but when you play them just like I did and don’t get the chance to win then you feel that nothing is less important or silly. But these are the little pleasures of life that provides a sudden innocent smile on everyone’s face irrespective of age.
Only a few yards from this place is the famous Cambridge Book Depot. My Dream author Ruskin Bond visits this shop every Saturday between 3.30 & 4.30 PM to meet his readers. But this time again my luck betrayed me. In spite of being a Saturday and my watch giving the perfect match to the time he didn’t turn up due to bad weather.
That day I returned to hotel licking a choco softy and carrying a pack of assorted chocolates and some brownies from the shop called “Chick Chocolate” which my uncle bought me to make my mood sunny. It was our last night. Which I wanted to spend peacefully all alone without letting anyone know about it. So its better not to mention it here.
Back to Kolkata when mom opened the door of our house it felt as if I was day dreaming and as usual mom broke it up in the middle asking me to get up and study..
Woww… Wonderful, Amazing!!!
Your writings are really awesome. My good wish for your future, you may become a good author soon.
Beautifully described!!!❤️