IN SEARCH OF SOMETHING UNKNOWN - TRIP TO SARAHAN, HIMACHAL (CIII)

10th March- 14th March, 2017

INDIA- a book gifted by a fellow traveller, is an ocean in itself. I opened its chapter on Himachal and the first heading I saw was Sarahan. Secluded Sarahan- erstwhile summer capital of Bhushar rajas is some 170 kms ahead of Shimla. I couldn't resist myself after reading about it and two days later I was on a bus to Sarahan.

HOW TO REACH?

Delhi to Shimla night bus (10-11 hours)

Shimla to Rampur bus (4-5 hours)

Rampur to Sarahan bus (2-3 hours) 

There are direct buses also from Delhi to Rampur which I got to know later on my return journey.

START OF THE SEARCH

I didn't know what I was looking for or what I wanted. I was just taking this journey, probably in search of "Nothing".  

The bus crossed Shimla and my eyes became wide open in amazement. I had never seen Shimla like this before - It was white, pure white. The trees were covered in snow and the sunlight was falling on them, the water dropped from my eyelids like that melting snow falling from the leaves. It was start of a good journey.

The bus had to take another route to reach Rampur as route from Narkanda was closed because of heavy snowfall. Narkanda, every time I hear this name I go back in my memories - my first solo trip was till Narkanda. The trip which has given me strength to fight my fears, the capacity to know me well, the trip which has given me new perception of looking at life. (Story on Narkanda)

It was raining cats and dogs in Rampur. The Hotel Satluj view came as a rescue- cosy room, with all amenities and a beautiful view of Satluj River.  

Rampur is a small town in Himachal with River Satluj flowing through it. The sound of river, the vibration of the bridge, prayer flags emitting good vibes - everything was positive about that town. The rain droplets were kissing all my body and the mountains merged in me making me feel alive. At night looking out of my room window I cried, I cried a lot hugging those mountains, no ifs and buts were asked, no questions were thrown, it just let me cry and the river soaked in all my tears. 

Places to Visit in Rampur

1. Padam Palace

2. Rampur bridge over Satluj River

3. Small beautiful market after crossing the bridge

4. Peaceful mountains and river water

SARAHAN

The journey from Rampur to Sarahan is beautiful. I saw snow covered mountains from Rampur and I wished to reach there and after reaching Sarahan I realised I was on those mountains. 

Sarahan is famous for Bhimkali temple - a temple with beautiful wooden architecture and I was lucky to have its tasty langar food. Snow covered mountains surrounded the temple making it even more pious. 

The road ends at Sarahan and I was glad to touch the last point.  

END OF SEARCH

As I said, I didn't know what I was looking for but I was sure that I was not going empty handed from this place. Leaving this place was not easy for me. I didn't get enough of this place. Any number of days or how much time I spend there were less. I felt as if I was leaving something really important behind. I had no relationship or connection with it but still when I bade goodbye something in me was sad. The conversations I had with nature I could never share those thoughts with anyone else- my fears, my views, my thoughts which are unacceptable to this world. It had lent such a good hear to all my talks. If I had an option I would have chosen this place as my home, but unfortunately I had no choice. All this while I was leaving love stating it to be impractical, but for the first time love was leaving me as the same was not possible.  I wish I get only one reason to hate it so that I never come back here again. However, I took a promise- not to forget me ever and keep me as one good chapter of life.  On the way back to Delhi I said "I will miss you" and the setting sun shone even brighter as if it held my hand in that moment. Only two things could bring tears in my eyes- love and nature and I got both on this trip. 

For pictures on Rampur and Sarahan visit my facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/thedayirealisedthatiamalive/