As kids, we always looked forward to the long holidays. Dad would have already planned out all the details with great enthusiasm.The long-awaited holidays had finally arrived, and we were winding our way up the narrow, jagged road, precipice on one side and mountain face on the other. This was always a scary but exhilarating experience; one small distraction meant sure death in the abyss below. I watched in awe as the mist slowly swept across and obliterated the beautiful undulating mountains in the distance. I had forgotten how quickly the weather changes in the hills—one minute it’s calm and peaceful and in the next you are caught up in a gust of wind or rain or enveloped in a sudden cloud of mist.
I eagerly waited for my ears to pop with the sudden buildup of air pressure as we drove higher and higher, this being the first indication that we were now well and truly in hill country. The feel of the jungle was already evident with the chirping of birds, the song of the cicadas and crickets and other wildlife noises.
Grinding up in second gear was too much work for our decrepit old Ambassador. Stopping for the engine to cool down gave us, and the car, an opportunity to rest. We then refreshed ourselves with cool waters from the mountain springs. In summer, this would only be a trickle, but in the rainy season, the scene was very different with torrential waterfalls. Sharp, cold winds coupled with the possibility of being bitten by leeches added to the fun.
After an hour of winding roads, it was finally a relief to arrive at our little bungalow. Staying in this quaint stone house with its wooden floors and creaky stairways, and rooms with large glass windows with stunning views of the valley and river below was the height of enjoyment, not to mention, of course, snuggling up in bed under the many layers of blankets!
This getaway from the scorching heat of the plains would usually last for a week to ten days, and before we knew it, it was time to pack our bags, say our goodbyes to the sleepy hills, and head down to the hustle and bustle of the plains.
Email: tilak@cds.ac.in