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ESCAPEINTOTHESERENITYOFNATURE
From gondola rides and scenic views to various species of birds, Jim Corbett National Park and Nainital are truly a traveller’s paradise
Among the hills, in the shade of tall trees, under the starry skies, with the whispers and echoes of the jungle, the poetry of nature is easily understood. When a strong breeze shakes the forest, and a horde of elephants shake the ground, isn’t that what is closest to the sound of God?
Whenever I pack my bags impromptu in search of that godliness, on many occasions I have ended up at Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand. Inhaling the numerous scents of nature, I impatiently wait to get faceto-face with the beauties and the beasts the place boasts of.
The night had descended upon us when we reached the park. Unable to locate the signboards to the resort, and technology abandoning us, we found ourselves in the middle of a dry Kosi river not knowing where to go. All the hope and prayers of meeting the majestic dwellers in the forest had changed to wishes of not making any such rendezvous at that moment. Even though finally we were rescued by the resort staff and served appetising local food, my night was spent in an alert mode. The following morning, however, was once again replete with the energy and excitement the place deserves.
The early morning chill in the air and soothing warmth of blankets almost turns the jungle safari into a cosy joyride. The jackals, deer, wild boars, elephants, and various birds keep making an entrance from time to time to welcome me into their home. The king of all, however, tries our patience to the hilt. And, lucky are those who get to the striped one in all glory. The rest of the jungle is every bit worth a safari or a trip again.
It is not the day alone but the night here also that mesmerises. The silence of it, broken only by the sound of some creepy-crawlies nearby or a howl in the distance is when it seems that the whole world is in harmony.
Nainital above is a contrast. Some 150km and four hours from Jim Corbett, it is an interesting mix of chaos and quiet. If the quintessential Mall Road — a permanent feature of almost every hill station, is bustling with civilisation, a gondola ride in Naini Lake has a calming therapeutic effect. The crescent-shaped lake is believed to be one of the 64 ‘Shakti Peeths’ and the spot where Sati’s eyes (nain in Hindi) fell. Whether it is the northern part of the lake, Mallital, or the southern called Tallital, the early morning and sunset cast a glittering spell on the lake. Surrounded by seven different peaks — Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi Bandi, Cheena Peak, Alma, Laria Kanta and Sher Ka Danda, the lake is one of the most beautiful settings I have ever seen.
After seeking blessings at the Naina Devi temple near the lake, indulging in food is what makes this trip to Nainital perfect. It surely must be the climate of the hills that helps metabolism to go into overdrive and helps in furthering the cause of foodies.
Mall Road, sitting pretty in the foothills of Kumaon, has the food lover in me spoiled for choice. Satiating the soul with yummy delights is followed by views that enchant in a split second.
The Governor’s House is like a Scottish castle with its manicured lawns. Over a century old and boasting of a golf course, this Victorian Gothic structure in grey is a lovely contrast to the lush and green surroundings. After admiring this work of man, it is time to shift focus again to the natural works of beauty.
A cable car ride to the Snow View Point ends in a panoramic view of the Himalayas. When the cottony clouds clear, with the help of a huge pair of binoculars installed there, among the snow-capped peaks I see the second highest one in the country, Nanda Devi, standing tall among the magical peaks draped in milky white snow.
It is only when the day graduates towards the cooler time that I decide to stop staring at those pleasing giants. The bowl of hot soup was calling me. For it was time to put on some more layers, and enjoy the evening chill and bonfire.