In the last week of December 2014, our group of six friends checked in to double occupancy tents (thank God for the room heaters) at the Blue Canvas Resort, Chakrata (Uttarakhand). Fed and watered at the resort, to a simple yet delicious breakfast of toast, aloo parathas and steaming tea, off we went to the mystical Tiger Falls.
En route, we came across two of the chubbiest and most rumbustious ‘pahadi’ puppies, and it was love at first sight for me.
Fur ball
Leaving the little balls of fur with a heavy heart, we continued towards the falls. Accompanied by some really friendly kids from the village nearby, part of the route to the falls was covered on foot.
Such innocence
However, negotiating down the well-beaten path and across streams did require some level of physical fitness and agility. Needless to say, we were puffing and panting as we reached the base, while our voluntary young guides hopped from ledge to ledge like sprightly mountain goats. As we reached our destination, the beauty and the absolute power of the waterfall truly left us stunned. Be warned though that the stream of water beneath the waterfall is infested with leeches, so stay on guard!
Tiger Falls
Slotted next into our trip were sessions of rappelling – which involved making our way down a hill, backwards, with a safety harness tied to the waist. This is a fairly safe activity, but definitely not for those, like me, with a fear of heights.
Fear conquered
Soon after, we were back at the resort and settled around the fire, as the young hotel proprietor kept us thrilled with ‘local’ ghost stories.
We woke up early the next day, and indulged in a hearty breakfast of vegetable momos at Chandna’s, located in the quaint Chakrata market. There is something truly remarkable and relaxing about eating authentic street-food at such non-descript family-owned outfits; not to mention, great value for money.
Hot and much-needed!
Soon after, we set out for the trek up hill to Devban. On slippery pathways, covered in leaves and brambles, with little or no protective gear, we reached the top. Once again, we had the wind knocked out of our lungs; this time also because of the sheer scenic beauty of the locale.
Picture the quintessential European Christmas postcard scene featuring gorgeous coniferous foliage, covered tastefully in snow, a solitary house with smoke billowing out of the chimney, and the forest floor covered in snow for miles around. Only, this is the exact scene at Devban, some 3000 meters above sea level.
At this height, we also witnessed the true reach of consumerism and effective marketing, as the guide tore open packets of India’s favourite two-minute meal, Maggi, and boiled it for us in freshly melted mountain snow. While we sat pensive, admiring the charming sights and slurping on the noodles – suddenly, it began to snow!
The trek back down was a little less exerting but not any less fraught with danger; fear only accentuated as our guide pointed at leopard pug marks in the snow with glee. Our relief was palpable as we reached camp again. By late noon, a jeep took us to Chimri, a long table land, which provided a glorious view of the sunset and the Himalayas. This is also a great place to take the perfect pictures, owing to ideal lighting conditions.
Sunset and photo-ops
*Note for those with motion sickness – keep meds handy, as the hair-bend turns and twists around the mountain will leave you feeling nauseated.
Suffice to say that this was a trip of many firsts for me. First trek, first tryst with rappelling (and probably the last) but nothing beats the memory of watching millions of exquisite water crystals descending on to us cheerily.
We left Chakrata with the thought that even this small hilly cantonment has so many more seasons and natural wonders left to be seen. So for your next weekend trip, skip the usual Nainital and Shimla, and revel in Chakrata’s heavenly tourism offerings.
Cheers. *Clink*
