The Charm of the Hills

“And the last puff of the day-wind brought from the unseen villages the scent of damp wood-smoke, hot cakes, dripping undergrowth, and rotting pine-cones. That is the true smell of the Himalayas and if it once creeps into the blood of a man, that man will at the last, forgetting all else, return to the hills to die.”

- Rudyard Kipling

There is something about the Hills, whether it is Kipling’s Simla or Bond’s Mussoorie. Hailing from the hills myself, I derive an unparalleled contentment from all things characteristic of the hills. They provide an ideal getaway for an invigourating yet peaceful holiday, away from the mundane city life.

To me, there is no greater pleasure than that of seeing the sun rise from behind the snow-capped peaks, making your way through the dense carpet formed by dried needles of chir-pine trees as you climb the mountains, boating on the misty blue lakes, feasting one’s eyes on bright flowers in full bloom amidst beautiful green surroundings, experiencing the slow-paced life…

It is a wonderful experience taking long strolls on the mall road, while gentle breezes, laden with ‘that’ blissful smell, brush against you. The clean and fresh air of these idyllic destinations rejuvenates your mind completely, and the old world charm that these places still retain is a welcome retreat from the heat and dust of the plains.

One cannot help but return to the hills to die!