To heaven and back.

Last time I visited Himachal Pradesh in 2006 November, I came back with a resolution to visit heaven once every year. Once in Bangalore, work, movies and wasting time took most part of my year and I used the rest to obtain a not-so-good score in GMAT. A couple of weeks back Vikram came up with the idea of visiting Himachal and woke the sleeping bear (btw, I saw bear foot trail in the snow). The plan was made in 5 days, hotel and travel bookings were done, and before the snow could melt, we were in Manali.

Except for not-so-exceptional food, there is nothing else not-so-exceptional about Himachal. Really! Whattey place! Other than the climate and people, following things will make your eye brows go up in admiration (except the Hashish part).
Himachal is a plastic-cover free zone. The shop keepers cannot give you things in plastic bags. If caught violating this rule they will be fined Rs.1500 and the guy who takes the cover will be fined Rs. 500.
Felling of trees without permission is illegal in this state that boasts of greenery every which way you look!
You cannot spot a beggar in Himachal.. Not on the roads, not near the temples! People there tell me that most people there are self sufficient.
Malana, a place near Rohtang, is famous for hashish! And the people in Malana consider themselves the successors of Pandavas and all the brothers in a family together marry one girl!
And this is only the tip of the iceberg.


When we trekked in Solang Nala into the people free zone, I saw footprints of a bear. The bear had treaded all over the snow white snow. The thought of possibility of encounter with a 3 ton beast sends a chill down your spine.

The next time I go to Himachal (hopefully next year), I want to climb up a few mountain tops, trek for 5 - 6 days, stay in tents, and experience the wild nature. Call me if you are interested.

Hate getting back to work!

btw, received an interview call from NUS. Hopeful!