“Ladies and Gentlemen, we start our descent to your destination which you were planning to chance upon once again as usual. Please fasten your seat belts with all the excitement you have within the traveller in you, open your window panes to let your eyes adore the beauty of breathtaking green mountains blanketed with Oak and Rhododendron trees. Make sure to close your tray tables and virtually transport yourself to a table beckoning you over and again with a plate of mouth-watering Puri with Aaloo ke Gutke and piping-hot Momos. Thanks for your attention and we will release your soul soon to THE LAND OF GODS.”

BHUM-BHUM-BHUM and here we land at Jolly Grant Airport in the state of Uttarakhand. 

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s time to take your feet off the pedal as we finally set our feet on The Land of Ganges. The outside temperature is...well it doesn’t matter because the air is as fresh as a daisy. Humidity...just get off it as you won’t be bothered by it. Hmm, I can see some snow out there on The Queen of Hills...Mussoorie as you guessed it right. Thanks for flying with us. We won’t say that we look forward to serving you in future because I’m sure you will fly with us soon  again as you’re already bitten by a travel bug.”

As the flight attendant unlatches the door of the cabin, fresh breeze sneaked in like a snake crawling briskly towards its prey and there’s a BANG...It’s like the breeze is threatening my nose saying “Breath me or you will be detained back to your urban jungle. We don’t like city dwellers coming to infect our fresh air with toxins. So better breathe and filter your system as you’re in for some wilderness.”

When you get bitten by a travel bug, you will suffer from a fever named “Wanderlust” which is a pandemic (well not officially declared yet, it’s a secret Shhh!!!). There’s yet no cure for it and the victim’s mind and life gets transformed forever. I’m suffering from this fever since 2010 and this leads me to spend two-months researching and planning for a 10-day trip so this trip was no exception. 

I had rounded off everything, literally everything, to a point that I’ll have Upma in breakfast on the first day followed by Poha on the next day and the list goes on...Sounds like a NASA Mission to Moon, isn’t it? What I care about is doing my business religiously when I’m at the spot whether it’s roaming, jogging, cycling, munching on some local junk, reading, chasing snow, visiting cafes…

While in Uttarakhand, the very first invitation I get is from Dehradun, the capital city of this hilly-chilly state. Well, this place beckons me the most. Hey, are you thinking I’m crazy? That I’m escaping from the city to get a break and land up in another city. Well, it’s not any other city. Dehradun, an amalgamation of two words i.e. “Dehra” (home) and “Doon” (valley), is a pristine city yet it’s contemporary. One can resonate with my feelings once they get to live in a few moments in this fascinating valley situated on the foothills of Shivalik mountain range. 

What comes to your mind when I make a statement about Dehradun? Are you able to visualize the gigantic campus of Forest Research Institute or this Abode of Drona takes you back to the era of Ramayana and Mahabharata?  Wait don’t rack your brain. I’ve been to this magic land so let me just spell out my experience. 

Not only Dehradun pleases you with its salubrious weather, timeless tranquillity, lip-smacking delicacies but also for its humble and graceful residents. What you know is: “One size doesn’t fit all” but this doesn’t stand true in the case of Dehradun. From youngsters to elders, from couples to singles, male and female, Indian or foreigner, this wonderful city has something to offer for everyone and anyone. 

So what this enchanting place has on offer for you? Whilst the “Birthplace of Dronacharya” is a nature’s lover paradise, it hasn’t yet managed to disappoint any travel-hungry soul. There’s no limit to how much one can explore on their trip to this captivating little hill town.  This cheerful valley will embrace you with bundles of joy, happiness, peace and a satisfactory feeling leaving you with a thought “Ah, life is indeed beautiful!!!”

“Surround yourself by nature & heal yourself because nature is the best healer”. I guess you’ve heard this before so you brought yourself to buy some peace and snatch your soul out of your busy schedule. If you’re a nature lover, you can stroll around the Malsi Deer Park, get geared up for some adventure at Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani), get ready for a dip in sulphur spring water in Sahastradhara. To purify yourself from the corrupting influence of this materialistic world and invoke some spirituality, you can bow your head to the deity at the Tapkeshwar temple and pay a visit to Clement town, home to Mindrolling Monastery claimed to be one of the largest Buddhist centres in India. 

Are you tired going around this elite school town and want to settle in a plush seat with some scrumptious food? I’m a street food junkie, how about you? If you’re up for some tantalising street food believe me you’ve got a lot of places to hit up too. Ditch your regulars and start your day with a true meal of champions - a bowl of piping-hot chhole and crispy pooris at Chetan Puri Wala in Hanuman Chowk. Are you still feeling peckish? Fret not, the enchanting capital of Uttrakhand is a foodie’s dreamland. 

Got a sweet tooth, Sunrise Bakery is there to cover you up with its oven-fresh rusks and moist plum cake and how can I forget world’s ultimate cheat-food spot - Ellora’s Melting Moments that has sweet and gooey chocolate fudge, delicious cookies, peanut brittle on the offer. Is your mouth watering? Mine too. I had a lot to add to this list to let your taste buds drown in deliciousness when you’re in the valley. Hot-piping momos from K.C. Momos, South India’s staple dosa from Madrasi Dosa, delectable tandoori momos from Lala Jees Angithi on Chakrata Road. Phew, let’s move on!!!

While the finger-licking local food won’t let you part ways but you need to grab some time out to treat the shopaholic in you. Whilst this retirement capital of India offers you the best of both the worlds from upmarket brands to local handmade souvenirs it also makes sure not to offset bookworms by showing them the way to The English Book Depot (Since 1923). Up for some knick-knacks, head to Tibetan Market, Paltan Bazaar and Indira Market. Are you brand-conscious? If yes, Pacific Mall at Rajpur Road and Crossroads Mall are at your service. Not into souvenirs but still want to fill your bag with some local speciality then Arhat Bazar located near Saharanpur Chowk is your best bet. From the ever-famed Dehradun basmati rice to pulses to lots of locally produced spices, Arhat Bazar is meant for those who believe in gifting speciality rather than carved stones. 

Ahhh, wait!!! Look back, seems I’ve taken you through most of Dehradun but alas virtually. Nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced, isn’t it? Dehradun is waiting for you to let you experience itself. Though this contemporary city is known to keep it’s cool and pleasant weather throughout the year but the best months to visit the city is between March to June when the weather is suitable for all type of travellers. 

Also please buy a bunch of bananas as you will find disciples of God Hanuman throughout the city. Good to be friends with them, at least they don’t bite :)

East or West, a journey in Doon is the best!!!