Neelas nature sojourn at Gagar in District Nainital,Uttarakhand

Living in metro cities,as we do-at least most of us-how often do we realise,that slowly and steadily,we are actually beginning to lose touch with ,what was once ,an integral part of our lives.

Every trip I make ,on holiday,this is a realisation ,that hits me.But yes,it hits,because I plan my holidays .consciously,to 'get away from it all'!

I like to get back to Nature.I like to avoid crowds.(a trifle difficult,in our country),nevertheless,I try and avoid touristy places.

Last stop,the little village of Gagar,in Uttaranchal,in the district of Nainital Uttarakhand.

My friend's daughter's cosy ,tiny home-stay.A small homely two bed-roomed cottage at an elevation of 7000ft above sea level,done up with careful thought to comfort and looks.

The charges per person is INR 7000 for 3 days,inclusive of all meals,unlimited tea,coffee and snacks and services of the retainers. We went on an offer of a 4th night complimentary with a 3 day package.

the drawing room

the dining room

She calls it prettily,The White Peaks,as one gets a panoramic views of the Nanda Devi range,on a clear day.the cottage is conveniently away from the neighboring shops and houses,in a niche of its own.Nothing to see,but the mountains and jungles behind,the valley below,and the sound of tinkling bells on the mules carrying caskets of fruits down from the orchards above.

Quiet.We have lost touch with it.Have we not?It is so quiet,that even the young couple,the retainers,talk in soft undertones,and I too am forced to come down a decibel or two! Quiet,is a balm for the soul.It helps to rejuvenate.

No cars honking.No vendors screaming.No doorbells ringing.No,maids clanking utensils.No Moms screaming at kids,on the way to school.

Bliss! That is how the day begins.

Birdsong.Of so many different types! Birds of different feathers,and different hues! Another simple pleasure ,slowly fading away from our cluttered urban lives! As I lounge on the pretty balcony overlooking the valley,the tiny denizens,flit across my shoulders! Are they not scared? I believe not;because here,man lives in harmony with nature!

Sunbeams.I do not see them really,from my flat in Delhi!I see plain  prosaic light! But here,the sun peaks out languorously from behind the hills,a soft ball of fire,plays hide and seek with the monsoon clouds,and finally throws ,brilliant shafts of rays,in a cascade ,over the mountains.

God's own laser show!

Mist.It is the beginning of the rainy season.Slowly it swirls up from below to challenge the rays.The light fades,and a chill wind sweeps across;voila-change of scene!

We have lost it all.Free multi act show,that legitimately should have been a part of our lives,in various avatars.We have been taken over by the mechanical jingles of urban living.

I urge everyone to take a break.Somewhere,anywhere.The mountains,the sea,the rural hinterlands...someplace,where we can get in touch with am ambiance ,that awakens,the natural senses within all of us.It perks up the mind and soul,and is a real tonic to help us brave the routine of our ,otherwise robotic lives.

God forbid,or else we may just land up becoming machines,ourselves!

Take a holiday.And no.Not to shop,mall hop,luxuriate in five stars,jet across continents,touching and not seeing but merely to get brownie points on the social calender,

.Take a holiday to remind you,that you too ,are a part of this wonderful drama ,called NATURE!