Reflections on Dharamsala- the landing.

Desperate to get away from the harsh summer of the plains, we planned a short getaway to Dharamsala, famously known as the land of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetans in exile. It also happens to be set in the lower reaches of the Himalayas which is home to magnificent pine and cedar forests. And is the second wettest place in India, after Cherapunji- a fact most text books may have omitted to tell.

The hill stations around us are dirty, crowded and noisy. Human beings have this knack for destroying beautiful places in the name of development. We have certainly developed the hell out of our neighbouring hillside towns and are still going strong. It was time for a change. I had read somewhere that every year you should visit a place you’ve never been to before. Dharamsala seemed like a perfect place to begin.

After three months of planning, discussing and waiting, finally we were off. Minutes after we took off from Delhi airport, I was peering down, looking for a glimpse of the mountains. My wait (and constant glancing over and around the shoulder of my companion in the window seat) was rewarded only a brief while before we landed.

Kangra airport is a picturesque strip of runway against the backdrop of the Dhauladhar ranges, at an altitude of some 2494 feet. The terminal building lacks the hustle and bustle of other airports. Not too many flights land here. You just get off the plane and walk the few steps to the exit, collecting your baggage on the way. Which is just the perfect way to begin a holiday.

Once you descend, remember to turn around and gaze upon the mountains that surround the airport in a welcoming semi-circle. It’s a sight to gladden the eyes. Even higher at the back are the snow- capped peaks of the Himalayas, a striking contrast of pristine white against the bluish black of the slopes, that gradually merge with the many-hued greens of the lower mountain ranges. Our cameras were out even before we could exit the runway!

If only there was some way to bottle up feelings and memories in the form of an essence. I would gladly pay a fortune to relive the thrill and anticipation that one feels at the start of a holiday to a new place.

And when the first step is in an airport as delightful as Kangra, what else does one need?