The mountains called, and I listened to them! I went for it, and gave mountains a chance to embrace me right after 8-months! With this, Hi I am Yogita Chainani, a resident of Mumbai and I have shifted to the mountains. With a one way ticket and bucket full of emotions, here I am basking the sun and wearing layers of clothes in the quaint town of Himachal- Tirthan Valley. As exciting as it sounds, the journey was a bit jarring this time. The little explorer in me wanted to feel alive and let the cold wind sleekly touch my face, but the older me knew that wearing the mask is the only saner option right now. So, I packed my bags, took all the necessary precautions, and headed straight to the destination where my heart belongs. Are you excited already? Read on to know more!
Mumbai Airport To Chandigarh Airport Journey
First things first, I had done a covid-19 test done 72 hours before boarding the flight for Chandigarh. And post that I headed straight to the airport. Before entering inside, I was asked to show Arogya Setu App, which is a mandate now for boarding flights. The airport was quite crowded, and I collected a copy of my boarding from the self-check-in counter, dropped my luggage, and headed straight for the departure gate. The feeling of boarding a flight after 9-odd months was distinct, but I made it to Chandigarh.
Enroute Tirthan Valley From Chandigarh Airport
After 2 hours 15 minutes, there I was one step closer to the mountains. I then took a cab for Tirthan Valley from Chandigarh, and I can never forget those 10 hours in the cab. Right from chasing beautiful paddy fields of Chandigarh, to witnessing the most surreal sunset and even chillier night, I embraced it all. I had booked the cab online, hence had to pay Rs.4,000 one way. If you plan to visit, I suggest you do the same, since the airport taxis will charge you anywhere between Rs.7,000-8,000. And finally after travelling for over 14 hours, there I was in Tirthan Valley.
Life In Tirthan Valley At Present
Tirthan Valley is a quaint little town nestled in the Kullu district of Himachal. With more natural beauty and fewer humans, this place is a delight for those looking to get away from the hustle-bustle of the city. With whimsical villages on all sides, I checked into my homestay – The Bluesheep Tirthan – a cosy abode in Banjar village of Tirthan. And now as I write this, I am sitting right there in layers of clothes, enjoying the chilly wind and 10-degree temperature, while waiting for my chai.
So, if you are planning to travel soon, my suggestion will be, go slow, research well, and get a covid test done before you manoeuvre around. Covid-test is essential not only for you because it at least will ensure that you are not a carrier of the virus. Plan at least 10-15 days at one place, wear a mask and plan things wisely. Choose destinations that are offbeat and unscathed by commercialisation. And if you are planning to visit Tirthan, stay tuned, more details coming up soon.