YH Apr - May Issue | Página 26

WORLD PEACE STUPA DEHRADOON IN THE MAZE OF THE RISPANA W hen we came close to Dehradun, the mountains appeared in their full bloom – lush, green and dense. The Rispana river was dry and all stones but nevertheless adding points to the beauty of the ever so famous Doon Valley.And even though Dehradun is just the beginning of the Himalayas, one can inhale fresh Himalayan air here. A few deep breaths in and deep breaths out – and you won’t even know when you cross the tunnel, the mountains and make your way through to Dehradun city which, like all urban townships, is busy and bustling. Being a tourist hotspot, Doon is full of some amazing hotels and resorts but we decided to go further up the hills a little and take shelter in ‘Forest Avenue’ – a beautifully furnished and elegantly designed hotel with all facilities.After breakfast in the morning, first thing on our hit list was Robbers Cave.According to a famous theory, robbers used this place as the shelter to conceal themselves from the British.Also known as Gucchupani, this place is simply awesome with lots of open area and a water stream flowing amid the rocks. Just walk into the stream barefoot and enjoy the tranquility that will be stamped in your soul forever, compelling you to visit the place again and get buried in the snow of placidity of the water stream.With trek weary legs we returned to the avenue only to have lunch and then check out. MUSSOORIE CAUGHT UP WITH THE MOUNTAINS I 24 n our mini maruti, we zipped off to Mussoorie - a place I had always avoided considering it ordinary. But one of us had insisted this time.And to be honest I was stumped when we reached there. On the way I had been singing ragas in praise of the Khardung La Pass undermining the beauty of Mussoorie but the moment our car stopped near the