As usual, I wanted to check some reviews on a particular make of car, so I logged on to MS. On the homepage I found a freshly written review on Dehradun; and it brought back memories of a beautiful childhood spent there. Guess this is called NOSTALGIA!!
From the time I opened my eyes in this world on a rainy July morning (few centuries ago...it seems) and for the following 10 years, I lived in Dehradun. Among my mother’s prized possessions is a huge collection of photographs snapped at various locales in Dehradun : Me, as a toddler, exploring the Bamboo plants at the Botanical Garden at FRI; playing in the waters of Sahastra Dhara sulphur springs with my baby brother (alas, it is a trickle of water now!!); attending my cousin’s Passing Out Parade at IMA; Climbing the 84 Marble Steps to Shanshah Ashram etc. etc. I still remember the taste of the delicious pastries at Ellora Bakers right opposite the school my Dad attended (St. Josephs). The Kulfi & Rasmalai at Kumar Sweets are yummy too. Each year, I make it a point to visit my school as well at Clement Town. My hometown is a sleepy town that refuses to awaken to the fast pace of life being experienced in the Metros. Hence, between Projects / housework / weekend shopping & Partying Routines, I take off to Dehradun on road trips, just to sleep off the stress. The road between Delhi and Dehradun is not exactly an Express Highway, but I love it.
I suggest all MS readers, especially in North India, to visit Dehradun at least once to experience its old world charm. It will definitely be a memorable holiday that can be clubbed with a visit to Mussorie and adjoining areas. A visit to the Forest Research Institute & Museum is a must.
Dehradun has lost much of its charm to excessive lime stone quarrying and unplanned growth coupled with mushrooming ’’Educational Institutes’’. However, the valley has some magnetic rejuvenating quality about it....something that beckons you to come back again & again!!