Getting up on a drizzly morning draped in a cosy blanket is a rare sight in summers. But not in Dehradun where rain comes as soon as mercury level soars high. Same happened today. All night rain and morning so calm and breezy that you want to take all the air that you can take in. It is so soothing and welcoming. Then catching a site of green mountains of Mussorie where even clouds come down below its level is breathtaking.
The Dehradun city is well connected through local conveyance, which can take you from one corner to the other. The ride in the city bus is itself an adventure. You can rarely find a bus which has an empty seat. So most of the journeys are embarked upon by standing at a very high level above the road. However, soon you will get a seat and then keeping your head out of the window gives so much pleasure. The pace is sturdy, and you can feel the pure air caressing your face and wind, causing your hair to get tangled, yet you love the feel.
As you move higher, the air gets colder, and you feel as if you are in a different place altogether. You pass through umpteen number of malls, cafes and restaurants on Rajpur road. As and when the city starts to close itself, a whole other world pops out. It’s the sight of majestic Himalayas with fresh and green trees catching your eyes. You get a sense of euphoria. It is so pleasant and tranquil all around that you wish to close your eyes and feel the serene beauty of nature.
Then comes a monastery where monks are peacefully meditating. It is so well built that you get a glimpse of Tibet. You can also listen to the bells and incantation of Sai Ram in the temple beside it. It attracts thousands of people from around India. It is like watching two different worlds at the same location, and you wonder how these people are living so peacefully being from different religions. Here all the worldly dogmas and so-called rules fall apart. You are then made to be lost in your thoughts as to why are people around the world fighting for the sake of their religion and preserving their unimaginable ideologies. Why can’t they spread peace and the world itself will become heaven again.
No rainy day can pass without having samosa and jalebi. The aroma of the place is mesmerising, and you grab a chair looking at the hills and eating, wanting it never to fade away. However, it would help if you were cautious as an unconventional host, a monkey will soon welcome you. After which, going for a walk in MDDA park in Rajpur gives you goosebumps as the beauty of the place literally strikes you. It has a deep valley by its side where you can hear the echo of the very few inhabitants. Surrounded by hills and a passing river filled with cold tingling water, the sound of chirping birds and flowing water can make you sit there all day long, mesmerised and satisfied.
Coming back, you can take a tour of the Pacific Mall, which houses a large number of branded shops. Conversely, if you have time, going for a movie isn’t a bad option. Its could be a full day picnic planned and designed only for you. A stop at the Paltan Bazar can be made as shopping is the perfect end to a perfect day.
