Footloose: 7. Romancing the Kumaon Hills

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

7. Romancing the Kumaon Hills

The other day I discovered a pile of photographs – remember the days when after carefully exposing a reel over days, sometimes months, one would rush to the developer to be able to see the end results. The instant gratification of digital photography cannot match that pleasure. But some of the places in the pictures are so beautiful that I rued the fact that I did not have a digital camera then – to have taken hundreds of more pictures.

The year was 1999 and Rajeev and I had the rare opportunity of travelling, on duty, for about 2 months in the Uttranchal Hills – from Pithoragarh, called the gateway to the Himalayas, down to Nainital. But after seeing my loot of pictures I have decided to take you for a trip to a few places.

RANIKHET, the ‘Queen’s Meadow’. Legend has it that Raja Sudhardev’s wife, Rani Padmini chose Ranikhet as her place of residence and gave it its name. I salute the lady’s taste.

The deodar and pine forests not only make the place divinely scenic but give it a lovely smell and coupled with the crisp mountain air – it leaves an indelible impression, not dulled by the passage of time.

The sunlight filtered through the pine leaves above and reflected by the dry pine needles on the ground gave a golden glow to the place.

I can still feel the softness of the pine needles ! and smell their mild fragrance.

"ye kaun chitrakaar hai"

En-route, on a trek to Chaubatia gardens, is this quaint temple, where, when the Goddess has granted your wish you have to re-visit to tie a bell. You can see that she has granted quite a few wishes.

trek to Chaubatia Garden

weary trekkers

This plant's leaves have the taste of five spices, a research project of Chaubatia.

Chaubatia Garden

Rajeev and my sister with her treasure trove of pine cones.

JAGESHWAR TEMPLES, dating back to the 9th to 13th century A.D. are a cluster of some 124 temples dedicated to the various forms of Lord Shiva. Ancient and amazing!