If feeling on the top of the world causes an adrenaline rush in you, then Narkanda would be a dream come true. Located some three hours away from the much-heard destination of Shimla, this small hamlet located in Himachal Pradesh provides everything that a fatigued body and mind might seek to rejuvenate itself. Right from the snow-capped mountains, the steep and bending roads, the avenue of pine, spruce and maple trees to the continuous mountain range, everything in and around Narkanda is a treat to the eye. If a thing of beauty is a joy forever, this place provides more than one form of beauty & here joy lies just in another bend in the road, in another sunset or in sunrise against the mountain range. Needless to say, it was a much-needed breath of fresh air for me as well after months.
Amongst the famous attractions of the place are the Hatu peak, the apple orchards and the winter games – all located around the hamlet.
Located at an altitude of around 3300 metres, the Hatu peak is the highest point of Narkanda and has a temple of Hatu Mata, which is an ancient holy temple currently under renovation. At the time when I had been to Narkanda, that is the first week of December, amidst the chills of a yet-to-arrive winter, the temple that was under renovation presented an intriguing architectural make-up with its dragon-like creatures, owls and the flower-like pattern- all carved out in the wooden temple. However, the idol of Hatu Mata could not be seen as entry was restricted and we were allowed to venture only up to the first flight of stairs.
The apple orchards were a major disappointment as the harvesting season was gone for long and we were left staring at the apple trees with nothing but branches, twisting and turning to form a cocoon-like structure. However, the apples despite being missing from the branches, made their presence felt in the apple wines and jams readily available in the hamlet. With temperatures definitely lower than Delhi then, but still not freezing, sipping apple wine facing the Himalayan mountain range as the evening set in, was nothing less than pure bliss.
Narkanda also happens to be the annual destination for ski lovers in the state, along with Solang. The annual snowfall is a yearly delight not only for mountain and winter- lovers but also for the game lovers who enjoy making the best out of extreme weather conditions.
In short, Narkanda has something to offer to every individual looking for beauty and solace in nature. All you need to do is pack your bags with all your wollens; and take on the mountains head on. Once you reach Shimla – by , you can simply board a bus to Narkandathrough the round and steep roads to check in at the hamlet of multiple of hues.
Pallavi Ghosh
Image Source: [https://www.flickr.com/photos/skaul/10323856213]