THE WEATHER APP had predicted a gloomy day with hints of a thunderstorm, yet by some sleight of hand, it was turning out to be a bright and cheery one. My sister and I lay sprawled on the soft grass of the Sharchi meadows, lush from the recent monsoon rains. Behind us, towering conifers dotted the slopes of the mountains that stood high and mighty like sentinels of this kingdom. Wooden houses were sprinkled around, some peeking surreptitiously from the woods, others standing meekly in the shadows of the mountains. In front of us unfolded a panorama unlike any other. The valley of Tirthan lay below with its eponymous river, a silvery thread of life. Guarding it on all sides stood the majestic Pir Panjals—the largest of the Lesser Himalayan ranges. As if on cue, to complete the idyllic setting, a flock of sheep appeared on the meadows, bells tinkling at their necks, a fluffy shepherd dog in tow with his human not far behind.
A week ago, it'd have been unimaginable for the two of us to be together in this dreamy place, talking, laughing and enjoying each other's company. The pandemic may have kept many families apart, but for my sister and me, the distance had driven a wedge deeper than we could've anticipated. We hadn't met in over two years, the longest that we had ever been apart-she in lockdown in an alpine French town, me in isolation in a bustling South Delhi neighbourhood. The daily video calls of the initial frenzied days had petered out, and life in the new normal had caught up with us. Many travel plans were thwarted by waves of viral mutations, and signs of resignation were settling in. So, when a travel window finally presented itself, and my sister flew down from France, the feeling of joy was unsurpassed, at first.
Esta historia es de la edición April 2022 de Travel+Leisure India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 2022 de Travel+Leisure India.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Retro: Timeless & Trending
As AI dominates the tech world, Nikhil Chawla introduces devices and apps that evoke nostalgia with their retro charm and timeless appeal.
Celebrating Timeless Austin
Austin is a melting pot of culture and style, and a personification of the great American lifestyle,
A Legacy of Art and Activism
Mallika Sarabhai reflects on her rich heritage as she discusses her unique approach to blending tradition with modernity, the power of arts in activism and her commitment to bringing about social change, in this conversation with Dipali Patwa.
Second Course
Noma chef René Redezpi found fame with ingredient-focused fine dining. His new TV show goes even further.
The Safari Sanctuary
Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore’s latest opening, offers the finest facilities and accommodation in the district and has the park embedded deep inside its soul.
THE ETERNAL FLAVOURS of our TIMELESS CLASSICS
India's most-loved restaurants have all stood the test of time, especially in an era when food ventures open with vast market research and modern aesthetics but fail to make a lasting impression. This is what makes our favourites timeless.
LATE CHECK OUT WITH Ayushmann Churrana
A film with a social message, a deeply inspiring couplet, a music tour that lets him explore his alter ego of sorts—what makes Ayushmann Khurrana the right fit in everything he chooses to do?
Luxury Legacy
Meet Tikka Shatrujit Singh, the visionary who paved the way for luxury brands to thrive in India. One of the most iconic figures in India's fashion and luxury industry, the former head representative of LVMH in Asia tells Samreen Tungekar about his journey, what today's consumer wants, and how Indian tourism can turn the world on its head.
Global Glamour
Attention shopaholics, we've got you covered! From Copenhagen to Cape Town, Marrakech to Melbourne, here are 20 cities across the world where you can indulge in retail therapy. Follow our guide to get your hands on traditional, bespoke, sustainable, slow fashion, and innovative, kitschy must-haves.
ARTISTIC INGENUITY MEETS ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOUR
Architect Simran Boparai's skilled designs blend modernity with heritage, while striving for spatial excellence.