“Let me not sit still but summon my soul to the serenity of this hidden paradise” is exactly what my mind triggered the moment I visited the picturesque village of Harshil. I climbed the zenith of euphoria with the view of standing mountains, the sound of flowing Bhagirathi river soothe my restlessness, abundance of apple orchards and the uncanny roads walked me to a world that existed in silence, beyond the err of urban manipulation. The quaint village of Harshil had everything nature has to bestow and allured me into falling in love with its scenic abundance. I am short of speech in expressing how much I miss being there and opening my arms to its welcoming aura.
Harshil grew and took baby steps of civilization and development under the influence of Frederick Wilson, a British who introduced apple and potato cultivation to the natives. Wilson Mansion still stands tall but empt
Road Trip, Nothing better
There is a special feeling of satisfaction taking a road trip amidst the Himalayan roads with Rhododendron and Pine trees staring at you. Road trips let you explore less travelled terrains, drool over the landscape and reach your destination with an inspiring feeling of chugging the traveller in you. One of my most unforgettable road trips was from Dehradun to Harshil and I still lay with delight in eyes remembering the picturesque road. Travelling alongside the foothills of Himalayan range, the road was inspiring me of something beautiful all the way and the gurgling river down the cliff overwhelmed the trip with its majestic sound and strong flow.
The road trip from Dehradun started at 6.30 am and it took around 9 hours to reach Harshil. I reached Harshil around 3.30pm and the village stole my heart right away. It is a small village amidst the Bhagirathi river and surrounded by Himalayan foothills. The village is built in a colonial pattern with lining up of wooden and stone houses. With the native people maintaining the tranquil, benediction of nature predominately reflected. Harshil, I call it hidden paradise because it is untouched, pristine and less explored narrowing down to only two places for accommodation.
I chose to stay in Tourist Rest House – A guest house run by Government under Garhwal Tourism priced between Rs 1800 to 2500 for overnight stay. The place is located on banks of the river; don’t miss on enjoying the view while sipping tea in the backyard. If you want something more homely, check Sunder Homestay which is a little cottage laid beyond apple trees. Sit in the backyard of the guest House (TRS), open yourself to the sound of river, feel the breeze and go catching the feeling beyond rhapsody.
THINGS TO DO IN HARSHIL
Take a walk through the village, it is a visual treat. Get pampered by nature – the mountains, electrifying river cutting rocky patches and huge boulders and apple orchards. Take a stroll and cross foot bridges that open you to view of Tibetian prayer flags, there is no moment of visual saturation.
Keep walking till you reach the heritage Wilson Mansion (Don’t try to trespass, someone will be watching you).lture
Take a tour to nearby Tibetan Village of Bagori. My heart melted on sight of beautiful wooden houses neatly lined one after another. Visit the local Monastery. I am a very talkative person, I make friends with every Himalayan face I see. The remote village of Bagori is mesmerising, the enchanting whisper of wood and mountains, the smell of unadulterated humans and picturesque location isn’t what I would barter anything with.
Walk back to Harshil, have your meal in a local restaurant and head straight to Mukhva, another Himalayan village. Walk past the Army Cantonment, keep walking in an upward climb and there you are at your destination after 3kms. Although it is a motorable road but I preferred walking to get personal with nature (The waterfall view was gigantic!! I say, it is worth walking when you can but don’t get tempted by the roadside abundance of Marijuana plants).
I always heard tales about faraway Himalayan lands, about people and their lives, the dedication and peace they lead their lives with, the hardship, the resources that fill their hearts but Harshil gave me all. I lived serenity, I breath nature, I saw pride in eyes of Himalayan natives, I learnt things beyond my thoughts and created memories till eternity.
It is only 30 kms from Gangotri, don’t miss on visiting this place during your next trip or first visit to Gangotri. It is an incredible bestow of nature.
