Love at first sight with Palampur

Last summer, I had the opportunity to visit Palampur, a picturesque town nestled in the lap of the Dhauladhars. This trip was particularly special to me as it was not just a getaway, but a journey into my family's history as well. My dad had spent his childhood in these hills, and listening to his stories had made me eager to explore the place.

As we arrived in Palampur, the first thing that caught my attention was the breathtaking view of the Dhauladhars. My dad pointed out various peaks, sharing tales of his adventures as a child.

One of our first stops was St Paul’s School – the place he had been anxiously waiting to revisit. Walking through the school’s corridors, I could almost hear the echoes of laughter and lessons learned. My dad’s excitement was palpable. He shared an anecdote where the final results were announced in the school lawn in front of everyone and that (for some reason) sent jitters down my spine.

Later, we explored the charming city market. The simplicity of the place touched my heart. We had steaming cups of chai though a simple pleasure but it made our visit even more memorable.

Being a romantic at heart, I stood atop a boulder and hugged a tree. These words escaped my mouth involuntarily, “I do not wish to go back.” My father just smiled and said, “Who said you can’t return!”

Akanksha Sharma, Chandigarh