With my things packed up, I loaded into the car the 4 hour ride from Amritsar to Dalhousie. Today was the day that I headed into the mountains. We went from warm and flat to cooler and very green. As we traversed the winding roads we came to the small town of Dalhousie. Upon arrival at the Hotel Mount View, I spent the rest of the day taking in the amazing view. I watched as the clouds rolled in and out, bringing short stints of monsoon rain.
Khajjiar
The next morning we drove 22 winding kilometers to Khajjiar. The journey to get their was exciting! While the road looked like it was designed for one way traffic, it did indeed serve two way traffic. That, paired with the curves and switchbacks meant I found myself holding my breath more than once. Since the drivers can’t see around the curves, traffic rules tell them to honk as they enter a curve to alert a potential driver coming the other way. On this road I was especially thankful that we were not in a large vehicle, and that the driver was superb. The site when we arrived at Khajjiar was gorgeous.
This meadow nestled among the trees is known as Little Switzerland. Upon arrival it was raining, and so most people were gathered in the gazebos by the lake. It looked like there was little room left there, so I walked to the benches on the far side of the meadow, and took my time taking it all in. I admired the beauty of the greenery and watching the cows graze. It was a very relaxing and calm spot.
Once the rain subsided, I decided to walk around the meadow. I came across a plaque noting a stone from the area had been sent to Switzerland and is part of a sculpture that sits outside the Swiss Federal Houses of Parliament in Berne. Next to the sign stood a tall post informing visitors that we were 6194 km away from Switzerland.
Afternoon Relaxation
After a bit more walking around and taking in the natural beauty of this oasis in the mountains, it was time to head back to the hotel. The afternoon was spent taking in the amazing views of the valley below from the hotel lookout spot, as well as watching monkeys play in the tree next to my room.
