Things Not To Miss While Driving On The Pahads- Mountains

Recently I travelled to Kolhapur, traversing through Western ghats -Sahayadri ranges trying not to doze, staying wide awake I didn’t want to miss the first view of the mountains. Almost crossing Mumbai city when I got into Panvel terrain I saw the mountains, still full view of the lush ranges started emerging from Raigad district.

From childhood days the very thought of mountains would give me a gush of positive energy, maybe in some of my previous births I must have been a resident of the pahads. The best part of mountains are the white clouds descending on the green peaks, which are covered by rains that you dont known if it is the clouds or thick rains that surround.

As per etymology there was an old French word “montaight“meaning mountains, which turned into mountain. An elevation is usually termed as mountains. Each mountain is a beauty of its own in India. India is a land of hill stations that all through the year when you visit, you will find each mountain appearing differently.

THINGS TO DO WHILE RIDING UP THE HILL

1) First never miss viewing the drive. Most of the hill stations in India, are driven up the hill. One way it is best to do so, for you get to see a lot of nature starting from bends, curves,peaks, lush greenery, rare hill trees, waterfalls and lakes.

2) There are spots which are very very picturesque. While driving to Kolhapur, crossing ghat sections showed me some picturesque views like lake surrounded by hills, hills with flowing waterfalls and in many places hills, lakes and greenery all over.

3) If you want to capture some best nature in your lens, you should stop and click these pics else if the place doesn’t allow stoppage, slowing down your vehicle you can click.

4) All through the ride up the hill, keep your windows open. Even if it rains, keep windows open. The blend of hill cool air, natural cool air is something to feel on your face.

5) While riding up the hill, roll your eyes on both sides. One side is scenery while other side is hills. If up and down route are same you could watch only one side while driving up and other side while coming down. Still my suggestion would be see on both sides.

6) On the way up the hill infact, as you near the destination, you will find lot of hill fruits, fresh vegetables and some unique food too. Do stop by to taste them. They are freshly prepared, very very tasty and sold at a nominal price.

7) Every hill station entry point has a place to visit, stop by to see that place. Around there will be shops to stroll by, tea or coffee stalls and snack shops are there to much.

8) Tea and coffee stalls are must to stop, they are freshly prepared and each hill station have their own way of making these two beverages. When I travelled to Coorg coffee was thick, while in Kodaikanal and Ooty milk was seen more. Similarly Nainital served yummy ginger tea, while Mahabaleshwar gave me tasty cardamom tea.

Hill stations of India are mostly lush green, light brown and light green with patches of dark olive green. During summers they look dry but green, while winters cover them with snow or mist or fog. Monsoons show the mountains lush. One such ideal time to travel for what you see definitely gives you peace.