New Himalayan range?

The Himalayas are actually at quite a distance, though they look
temptingly close from Rudrapur

Place: RUDRAPUR

Well, actually timber ready to be shredded, made into dust and then compacted to made MDF particle boards.

This is actually at the foothills of the Himalayas, at the Action Tesa factory in Rudrapur district of Uttarakhand. It was an impressive facility, with all kinds of processes and machinery churning out piles of particle boards of different densities. Then they were getting a sheen of a range of designs.

None of these could really my eyes for ever darting in the direction of the majestic mountains rising - isn't is just behind the factories - and wishing I could run and climb them! 

Period piece

Glenary's reputation continues to attract visitors

Place: DARJEELING


Glenary's in Darjeeling is definitely among the places where time has stood still. Here the days of the Raj continue to hold sway as the entire ambience of this restaurant is geared towards maintaining it.

The main eatery still has items like meat pie on the menu. Try the cakes and pastries on offer. The best - look out of the window to get a great view of the Himalayas.

There is even a bar, The Buzz, on the floor below, though today it plays more local music than anything else. Along with the rest of this once glittering city, this restaurant has been in decline since the separatist Gorkhaland movement has affected the region.

May its halycon days return soon, for it is too precious too be permanently lost. 

A drop of heaven

Place: BHIMTAL

A visit to Bhimtal in May 2009 was wonderful weekend break. Highly recommended.

As is apparent, Bhimtal is sublime. You can just sit  in the midst of its tranquil shores, for the most part and enjoy sunrise, sunset and the myriad moods the day has on offer

It is situated in the 'lake district' of India, about 22 kilometres from Nainital. Less crowded that Nainital, it still retains an old world charm. The lake is circled by roads on all sides, and a leisurely walk around, with stops to take in the freshness of the hills and forests, the four odd shops where there is nothing touristy to buy, a little temple, an island to visit, the ducks swimming in a line to admire, the beautiful trees....