A Spontaneous Odyssey Through Mystical Mountains and Village Dreams of Chakrata
Embarking on a spontaneous escapade with my best friend and her college crew, our journey to Chakrata unfolded like a page-turner with a plot that mixed mysticism and laughter.
On the brisk morning of January 26th, the clock struck 9:30, and seven eager souls set forth, fueled by curiosity and an uncharted desire for discovery. Five hours later, we found ourselves at the entrance of Pandav’s Tunnel — a temple cocooned within the mountains where Lord Kartikey, the god of war, was born. The tales resonated through the ancient walls, weaving a connection to a divine past.
Our next stop, Lakhamandal Temple, offered a spectacle that dug deep into the mystique of the earth. Shivlings emerged with every dig, and one, in particular, grew redder with the passage of Kalyug. But the highlight of the temple was a “shivling” reflecting our images, a unique marvel that left us mesmerized, forging a connection beyond the mundane.
As the day waned, we reached Hanol, which embraced us in fog and distant forest fires that painted the evening sky. The town’s warmth welcomed us, providing extra blankets for the night. Amidst the chill, a small shop became our haven, where Maggi, omelets, and chit-chat became the backdrop for stories that echoed with the essence of the mountains. Our friend’s narrative at Hanol Temple added layers to the mystical aura. Lord Kartikey’s self-punishment had given rise to protectors, the deities, who safeguard the villages for 12 years each in Jaunsaar and Himachal. These ancient tales sparked a contemplation on a time when gods walked the very ground beneath our feet. Nightfall brought games, laughter, and a friend’s hilarious account of unrequited love that kept us entertained until exhaustion claimed us.
The next morning, dressed in anticipation, we walked to Hanol Temple, surrounded by towering mountains. Blessings were sought, and the priests unveiled glimpses of our futures, leaving us with a sense of divine guidance. Energized, we headed to the familiar shop for breakfast, gearing up for the pièce de résistance — Tiger Falls.
The anticipation bubbled within us as we embarked on the next chapter of our Chakrata Chronicles, ready to be enthralled by the natural wonder that awaited us. I took my place in the front seat, engaging in lively conversations with our driver. His tales of ghosts and wisdom about leaving the first bite for the gods added a touch of mysticism to our journey. En route to Tiger Falls, we stumbled upon a meadow in the heart of a vast forest. The laughter of other tourists and the playfulness of sweet dogs became an unexpected joy, filling our bags with pine cones and cherished memories.
By 4 o’clock, the heavenly view of Tiger Falls unfolded before us. The roar, though intense, was oddly soothing as we clicked countless pictures and wished for a summer’s day to dive into the crystal-clear waters. Recharging with Maggie and tea, we embarked on a two-hour drive to our friend’s village, Samalta. Samalta, with its wooden houses and spacious rooms, embraced us with warmth. Kids touched our feet out of respect, and a house tour led to heartwarming greetings from family members. An evening bonfire resonated with ukulele tunes and Instagram lives, showcasing the vibrant village life. Delicious food, generosity, and the declaration that we’d sleep with our stomachs filled to the throat reflected the warmth of our newfound family. The night was a carnival of games, college stories, and laughter under the starlit sky. Next morning, we adorned ourselves in Jaunsari clothes, it was af if we became part of the village, learning folk dances and immersing ourselves in a culture that felt both ancient and alive. Hospitality overflowed, leading to an invitation to a future wedding and a parting gift of Chakrata’s specialty — Rajma beans.
As our journey neared its end, our bags were filled not just with Rajma beans, a specialty of Chakrata, but also with the warmth of a village that had embraced us like kin. The final adieu was bittersweet, and as we headed back home, the memories of a spontaneous, magical trip lingered. To my five new wonderful friends, the strict driver uncle, and the enchanting tales of Chakrata — let’s plan our next adventure soon, for the call of wanderlust is already whispering in our hearts!
