Learning To Walk Again

IT TOOK MANEK S. KOHLI THREE TRAILS TO FIND OUT THAT, AT MUKTESHWAR, NATURE IS THE GREATEST ATTRACTION.

- Manek S. Kohli

Our senses may be highly developed, but they can always profit from a bit of guidance. As I began a trail near Mukteshwar, I could hear the shrill chirping of birds and the distant burbling of water, see towering trees with needle-like leaves and upward-pointing branches, and scent a familiar sweet fragrance. After a brief conversation with a knowledgeable local, I knew that the call was of a Himalayan bulbul, the babbling of the Bhalu Gaad waterfall, the trees chir pine, and the fragrance, of course, the rhododendron that bloomed bright crimson in spring.

My companion was Nishant Singh, who owned a seven-room boutique home stay, The Birdcage, in Shasbani village near Mukteshwar town. At first glance a luxury hill resort, The Birdcage “may be built like a hotel, but it has the soul of a home stay”, Nishant insisted. When I saw him interact joyfully with his guests and go to great lengths for their comfort, I understood what he meant.

Since starting The Birdcage in May 2017, Nishant has discovered plenty of easy trails around Mukteshwar. These crisscrossing paths through tiny villages, hilltop temples, terraces, and plum, apricot and peach orchards present splendid views of slopes and dales. Rather than recommending the usual attractions, he promotes these excursions. Comfort is the keyword at his place, and these brief jaunts are no different. More so, they best represent unpretentious Mukteshwar, a far cry from places like Nainital, where tourists are packed like sardines. There’s little to do here except savour the biodiversity-rich hills.