Shivangi Naithani Devrani
Amidst all the chaos, decided to leave the city behind and head to Dehradun, a 250 km journey with fear in mind of the Covid it was the month of September 2020, but as I noticed the world is coping up with the new normal, masks, sanitizer and the social distancing to help survive the situation. This time it’s the corona time, though that didn’t stop me from travelling, my grandparents live in Dehradun had a plan to stay and enjoy the blissed weather and nature of our very own dun valley. An escapade near Dehradun, to the Queen of Hills called Mussorie, in midst of the Uttarakhand ‘Devbhoomi’.An easily accessible, affordable and what we describe as a couple’s paradise. As I hail from the very place, though being a Garhwali I always keep coming to the roots, I make sure I visit my native state of Uttarakhand once or twice a year.
To be so near and not visit the place would be injustice to me and to Queen of Hills herself. Mussorie the hill station – heard, seen and even visited the place before. But I was like do I ‘KNOW’ the place, what it holds and instils , most important as a hill station what does it offer. I am familiar with the culture and cuisine since childhood, perks of being a Garhwali. This was a post lockdown Vacay, left the home after a 7 months long gap, felt the jitter and nervousness. Mall road is what essentially adds the exuberance to the Town, being one the oldest road built by Britishers. The road straight ahead cuts through the Heart of the town, bustling with people, shops, restaurant, street vendors and on road small games centre – it provides us all.
The Mall Road, Mussorie
We planned to stay in the property of Club Mahindra, which is situated on the Gun Hill. I was taken aback with arrangements they had supplied in Covid era – on the entrance before heading towards the reception shoes sanitizing UV machine, our luggage was automatically sent to our room after a thorough sanitization, every employee wore masks and at every point sanitizers were provided. The view was serene from our room;our eyes were blessed to gaze upon the majestic hills- what I so longed for!!
View from the Balcony of Club Mahindra, Mussorie
In evening we stepped down, locals assure us to watch the lustrous sunset on the camel back road. We trekked the path, ‘Quiet and Peaceful’ it felt as divergent from the hustle-bustle of the Mall road. After walking some steps further, we reached the mid-point, having some benches and a shed for on goers to enjoy the blissful hills. A well lay out, neat and clean small shoprun by elderly couple, they had an innocent smile on seeing us approach their way. Nevertheless, they kept the minimum but the best – Maggi,Momo’s, kadak chai, and basic provisions to present. In weather so amiable with tranquil vibe, we sat for a while before we made our way back to the resort. Our evening was blessed by Momo’s and Chai; we paid our gratitude and headed back.
Momo’s point on Camel Back Road
Camel Back Road
Mall road is overflowed with location to eat catering for all pockets, taste and people – out ofwhich i had a chance to dine and relish few meals. Of which Raj Kamal Restaurant is one of the historic places of Mussorie, offering services since 1956 with same love and dedication. Though renovated but kept the antique yet modern spirit alive in it, food matched the whole character and quality of the restaurant.
Interior of the Raj Kamal RestaurantRaj Kamal historic Restaurant since 1956
A hidden gem you may find a few steps down on Mall Road, Café Teatotaler is perfect tiny place to spend time with your family. The café serves variety from Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, fried snacks, hot & cold beverages and some sumptuous deserts. Café in a well-lit location, while enjoying a meal you are kissed by sun through the glass panels on the top & open on three sides with picturesque view.
Café Teatotaler on Mall Road
Mahesh Kumar – the Owner of this small humble shop with his Special Amritsari choley kulcha and Special Bombay Pav Bhaji. It reminds you of the desi-tadka, which one craves to have – street style choley kulcha and Pav Bhaji offered in the most hygienic yet tasteful way. Though his business was affected due to Covid issue, although situation has improved with unlock down. People again have instilled their faith in traveling,he hopes to catch up soon for the losses for last 6 months, he in business for last 10 years, he is native to Mussorie.
The name says it all, ‘Chick chocolate’ – the café, has the jazz and panache to it. It even has a story to say, run by 3rd generation he said the name is of a famous Jazz artist who used visit Mussorie in 1940s and 1950s.During that period, Jazz was quiet the appeal for the people. It was established in the year 1940, offering the most authentic wooden-fried pizza, and but well famous for their handmade mouthful chocolates and pastries. The ambience friendly, vibrant and cheerful – it adds to your dining experience.
Interior of the Chick Chocolate – the café
View from the Gun Hill top
We can never perceive it all; but one should try to transcend the most one can behold. These are few anecdotes that I share for anyone planning for post lockdown Vacay. These are challenging time, but our life is in our hand – take your precautions and follow the rules. I feel the world cannot stop, life and time goes on –rather it’s us who needs to cope up with the changing scenario. I encourage you to travel, experience the post Covid Vacay, I offered just a glimpse through it, with my parting words to you are ……….
“Travel to see better,
Dream to feel better
And
Listen to know better”
