Mussoorie: How I brought in the new decade

Hey guys,

Happy 2020 to all of you again. Hope you had a great new years.

It is back to work. I know it's kinda sad, but hey it's the start of a new decade and we should try to make the most of it. Right?? Ok let us be positive at the beginning at least.This new year after many years I traveled, which was great for a change. I decided to freeze, coz there is no fun being the same as it always it. Anyhow, went on a short trip with my friend who was down for vacation and it was the best decision I had taken, because I totally needed it. We kept it pretty flexible, and wanted it to be more of a relaxing, food induced and chill trip and not take too much stress slashing things off the checklist, I personally think that is the best way to travel. Do not forget to over dose on the khullad chai and maggie when you do decide to check the place out. Somehow the maggie tastes extra better there, honestly!!

We decided a mountain destination this time, called Mussoorie. It is tucked away in the north of India, and is known as the 'queen of the hills' (I totally get why), making it the perfect place to visit for the winters and any time of the year for that matter. After a quick drive through Dehradun (which is the closest airport), we made our way to Mussoorie, the way was so pretty that I couldn't take my eyes off of it. The spiral roads, the trees, the little pitstops on the way and those homes on the mountain, everything was just so fascinating. I auto got into lets take 100 pics mode and my friend whom I was meeting after 3 years for a short trip was kind of annoyed to say the least (totally did make it up to her though :D).

After the amazing drive, we made it to our hotel, then quickly went off for lunch at this really small, super adorable Tibetan place, 'kalsang' which was all love.  I totally connected to it, coz hey I miss my asianness. We not only went for it once but twice!! (Requires a post of its own definitely, yep it was that good, trust me!). Then started our never ending walks around the whole hillstation, your legs ache, but the chais, maggies and the cold weather make it worth it; I mean at that point you wouldn't need anything else. After the whole strolling, taking million pics (coz wherever you walk, there is a view and a scope for photography, mad pics alert!), checking out the local market, we made our way to a very little cute cozy cafe hidden away in the main road called cafe by the way. It was one of its kind in Mussoorie and doesn't disappoint for sure. Do try out their teas, munchies and cakes, best way to end an evening according to me and a good chat.

 

 

Since it was the year end, everyone was in the new year frenzy, hence there were a lot of people which was a good thing of course. There were street performances on one side and a concert right on the other with lights and balloons all across the streets; a vibe to behold. The main mall road is where everything runs in terms of the city and is great for a stroll and shopping. Then there is gun hill, camel road and Landour which are the main areas (not going in detail, or this would be a super duper long post than it already is). There are also a few waterfalls to check out and company garden, which is a built in adventure nature park of sorts. The whole itinerary totally depends on what you want to do, you can always just chill and enjoy the view too. No pressure at all of of course. 

And also how can I forget the laal tibba which is the highest point in Mussoorie. The whole drive up there (in a 2 wheeler recommended to take in the entire surroundings) is in itself is an adventure. We decided to rent a bike for the day for this purpose and make full use it, just easier to get around while enjoying the mountains too. Otherwise if you are up for a challenge, you could try trekking too!!!! It's 8000 ft high and the view is totally worth it, no surprises there. Soak in the whole view of snow capped mountains staring right at you to the chilly wind that brushes through your face. Ahh! Can I just go back already!

  

Without making this post any longer, just imagine waking up the cold foggy mountains (freezing but great), view of the other mountains far far away (some snow capped) and holding a warm cup of coffee. Do we need anything else in life?? I guess not. Sorted, honestly. They say the way you start your year sets the tone for the rest of the year and I sure hope that is true and that it includes a lot of travel, friends and good memories. Want to run back to it right now, the mountains are calling me.

 

P.S. This my first time in like freezing weather and unfortunately it did not snow when we were there, I'm sure there is a next time for that! I have always been in warm places, so this was a good change. It was a surreal experience and I guess I now qualify to stay in cold countries (who am I kidding right?). Also, there are tons of pics, maybe I can do one more post on this sometime when I miss it too much.

P.P.S. (needed!) Something else that caught my attention was the simple life of the locals. It is something we all can learn from, living day to day, in the moment, making a humble income, but still kind, helpful and full of warmth. The hustle and the chaos makes us miss out on the simplest things of life that are right in front of us. Goals 2020: peace of mind and being grateful for everything.

How did you spend your new years?? Would love to hear about it. Let's make this decade count! 

Sending lots of good luck, peace and courage your way to fulfill your dreams. ❤️