Missing the mountains!As Ludhianvis resist the lure of the serene environ, misty mornings and foggy evenings due to Covid-19, they find solace in pictures and videos from their old trips to the hills
Manav Mander
“The mountains are calling and I must go”, the quote no longer stands true for the mountain lovers at this point of time. During the pandemic they are re-living their moments in the hills by going through their old pictures and videos. Though Himachal Pradesh has opened its border for tourists but acting responsibly, the hill lovers are just living the old moments.
Summer vacations mean holidaying. But this year, the vacations were not what it used to be due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The serene environment, magical hills, misty mornings and foggy evenings with a splash of rain are what all they have been missing during the sweltering heat of Ludhiana.
The meadow of flowers
For Alice Guram, a media consultant, summer vacations always means packing her bags and heading towards the hills to spend some intimate moments with her family.
“Every year, it used to be hilly affair with my family during the summer. Kashmir is our favourite destination. The beauty of Gulmarg attracts me towards it every year. Also known as Meadow of Flowers, it offers mesmerising landscapes and various adventure possibilities as well,” says Alice.
She couldn’t keep her date with Gulmarg this year due to Covid 19. She says, “Since we cannot go out at this time, all I am doing is going through the old pictures and re-living the moments.”
Dreaming of Bir Billing
Another trip to Bir Billing is what Harleen Mangat was dreaming of. “Travelling is in my genes. An escape from the monotonous routine, chaotic roads and concrete jungle is what my heart yearns for during these months. The monsoon makes the lush green environs and mighty hills all the more beautiful. My last trip to Bir Billing was amazing and I was planning another trip this year but we could not go. The blissful sunrise, co-operating local people and serenity made my last trip memorable and these days, I cannot think of anything else but the time spent there,” she says.
The campsite, the piping hot tea and crunchy snacks were heavenly during the monsoon. Apart from paragliding and some adventure activities, she also visited the vibrant Tibetan gompas and monasteries and she was lucky enough to be a part of their evening prayer. Those yummy momos and tasty thukpa soup are what her heart wants right now.
“Although Himachal Pradesh has allowed the entry of tourists, I am not taking any chances. All I am doing these days is re-living my trip days by seeing the pictures and video recordings,” said Mangat.
On the beach
Shally Aggarwal is missing her girl’s gang these days. “A trip to Goa with my besties was one of most memorable trips till date. The special occasion was to celebrate one of my friend’s 40th birthday. Oh! How I miss the sea, the hills and the wind in my hair,” shares Shally.
Shally is just waiting for the pandemic to get over so that she can once again be on the beach. “Maybe with my girls or may be with my family, but a holiday is surely on the cards once the situation is better. Presently I just remember Goa by going through the clicks and reminiscing about the beautiful moments,” she says.
