Life lessons from India’s hill stations
IHAVE had the privilege of visiting numerous hill stations across India. Each visit has not only provided a retreat into nature but also offered Wordsworthian moments of reflection, shaping my outlook on life. The beauty of these places is more than just visual; they offer a soothing escape from the rush of the plains and cities, and a time to reconnect with the self.
One of my earliest trips, in my thirties, was to Shimla, where the colonial charm still lingers and the verdant surroundings seem to stretch endlessly. The winding roads, cool breeze and towering deodar trees provided a rare calm that I hadn't felt before. It was during this trip that I realised how we have allowed the cacophony of noise to govern our lives. Strolling along The Mall, gazing at the sunset over the , I felt the burden of everyday anxieties lift, replaced by a sense of quiet purpose.
My journey to Manali introduced me to a different kind of tranquillity — the rugged, untamed beauty of the snow-capped mountains. The serenity of the Solang Valley, with its azure skies and endless vistas, allowed me to pause and reflect on life's unpredictability. The forces of nature, strong and silent, reminded me that life, much like the mountains, has its highs and lows, yet it remains beautiful in every aspect.
I visited Rishikesh in my forties. The natural beauty of the hill station, seen as the gateway to the Himalayas, left an indelible mark on me. Although known primarily as a spiritual hub, its peaceful Ganga ghats and forested hills encouraged deep introspection. As I watched the river flow, I realised that life is much like this eternal river - constantly moving forward, sometimes calmly, sometimes with turbulence, but always in flow. This journey reinforced my commitment to social causes, a sense that my work, much like the Ganga, should leave a positive imprint on the lives it touches.
Visiting Darjeeling, with its tea gardens and majestic views of the Kanchenjunga, was another transformative experience. Standing at Tiger Hill, watching the first rays of the sun touch the peaks, I was reminded of the beauty of patience. The mountains don't rush; they have been there for millions of years, watching the world change. In that moment, I realised that sometimes, we too need to be still, to observe, and let life unfold naturally.
These journeys to hill stations became more than just vacations; they were moments of personal evolution. The peace and solitude I found amidst the hills provided clarity about my path in life, my role in society and the importance of staying grounded.
Each hill station, with its unique landscape, offered not just a different view of nature, but also a different lens through which to view life. These experiences reaffirmed my belief in living simply, valuing the beauty around us, and nurturing a deep connection with both nature and humanity
