WEEKEND GETAWAY TO DHANAULTI

The place boasted of blissful grace of nature with lustre of rhododendron trees, benevolence of pine trees and trails that lead to an addictive world of silent existence. Of the narrow roads in sync with harmonious trees, the little house abandoned in middle of nowhere, chirping of birds, clouds doing the razzmatazz, I thought of nothing else but, to reach where the road ended.

Swinging to the joy of nature!!

It was an unplanned afternoon spent in the hideous village of Buraaskhande, Dhanauti, located few kilometres away from the famous hill station of Mussoorie. Having spent majority of my vacations in Mussoorie, I did not want to go attacking the same place with my soaring wanderlust idea – It is what pushed me to explore Buraaskhande. A place famous for Rhododendron trees and their cultivation, a place waylaid with beautiful villages and terrace farming, it was quite the charm.

HOW TO REACH BURAASKHANDE?

Such gorgeous roads, road trips become forever!!

It is a quaint village dominated by fragrance and hues of colourful Rhododendron trees (Buraas in Hindi). It is located approximately 50 km away from Mussoorie in Danaulti, the best way to reach there is by road. It takes approximately 2 hours to reach Buraaskhande from Mussoorie by road, try to arrange self conveyance to enjoy the road trip more.  If you are driving there, don’t hesitate to stop by any open restaurant for a cup of tea and enjoy the idyllic view of clouds teasing the mountains. Alternatively, one can also reach Buraaskhande using shared taxis from Mussoorie but can’t really confirm the exact price.

ACCOMMODATION

Climbing up the Buraaskhande hillock!!

Dhanaulti has few hotels in heart of the town and you can choose to stay there overnight. It is important to reach the hotels before 11 pm to check-in or inform of late arrival in case of advanced booking as the town sleeps faster than people. If you are planning to visit only Buraaskhande, you can choose to stay at Buraasbreeze resort which is exactly opposite to Buraaskhande climb. I choose to stay in Ivy Bank Hotel in Mussoorie located in Lal Tibba overnight. The hotel is located on top with view of Mussoorie but the facilities are a little lacklustre against the hotel charges. There is a lawn to while some time in peace and enjoy the view of Mussoorie from top, I woke up to a beautiful morning.

WHAT I LOVED ABOUT BURAASKHANDE?

Staring the mesmerising terrain from Buraaskhande

• It is a small village in Dhanaulti and not a tourist spot unless you decide to go on an exploration spree like I did. Climbing the rocky trail, I loved sitting adjacent to the small hillock on the side of the road to catch the majestic view of multiple villages protected by picturesque mountains.

Finding abandoned cottages like this

• I am not the settler type neither do I get sully or restless in the Garhwal terrain. The trail led to clandestine forests and with every curve, it only got more beautiful. I loved being a trespasser entering the boundary of a beautiful wooden cottage guarded by puny fence; it surely proves prior human settlement.

Feeling rejuvenated, joyful and all good!!

• The sunshine amidst the trees tricked me into its charm; I for once started believing in existence of fairy land but without prince charming. The pine trees accosted me with a feeling of pure tranquil.

Her smile speak of her struggle. RESPECT!!

• The trail that took me to the lone house on the hillock, I was smitten by the whim of such unconventional existence. It was the lady working in her cabbage field that greeted me with a warm smile, maintained her composure despite adversity and was smiling despite her lacklustre life. She was an epitome of why Himalayas stand tall and with pride.

Enjoying the moment!!

• The best part was reaching the top of Hillock stuck by prolific abundance and beauty; I lay down in silence and stared the clear blue skies. I understand how peaceful the entire trail was and how lucky I am to be lying down on the high standing hillock admiring the nature.

An afternoon so beautiful, it was all about the sun kissing the clouds and the clouds getting playful with the mountains. It was a relationship I built with the beautiful Rhododendron dominance, the tiny village of Buraaskhande will always stay in my mind, locked in the Pandora’s box with most serene collection.