Nanda Devi and the Lost Nuclear Device
This Wednesday post: a delightful Kathkuni home, cool stuff you can do at airports, a Danish village and a monkey who possibly knows kung fu.
Who doesn’t love a good conspiracy theory? Settle down and get comfy, we’ve got a mystery for you.
Nanda Devi stands proud at 7,816 metres. The second highest peak in India is considered the patron Goddess of Uttarakhand and its sanctuary still remains off-limits to all, barring the army, owing to its fragile ecosystem.
In the 60s, China conducted its first nuclear tests in Xinjiang Province. Amidst the Cold War, the American CIA reached out to the Indian Intelligence Bureau for help in spying on Chinese nuclear activities by means of a radioactive device planted on the peak of Nanda Devi which had a clear view of Chinese-occupied Tibet.
An expedition team was put together, headed by Captain Manmohan Singh Kohli which started climbing the mountain with the device that weighed more than 50 kg and was about half the size of the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima. As they neared the summit, a fierce snowstorm started raging with the chances of an avalanche. Captain Manmohan Kohli had two choices - save his men or the machine…
What did he pick? Read on to find out!
What's happening at Tripoto this week:
With burgeoning urbanisation, our traditional wisdom of architecture, passed down generations, is slowly fading away. But at North, a creative studio, a handful of people are intent on preserving the local craft of Himachal.
On this Mindful Retreat to Naggar, a lesser-known mountain destination in Himachal, you will experience a relaxing stay in a Kathkuni home made with traditional wisdom, relish the local delicacies of Himachal, and explore the estate and art gallery of painter and activist Nicholas Roerich. Head to this charming place to be greeted by the sights and sounds of the lush deodar forests.
Make excuses at work and book this mindful retreat here
Recommended reads this week:
After two long years of the pandemic, there’s reason to celebrate! The Basar Confluence is back in Arunachal Pradesh which offers a rich display of the region’s arts and culture and celebrates the local communities. Expect to be entranced by Galo and Bihu dance performances and enjoy music concerts and art residencies!
Flipping idly through magazines and playing candy crush on your phone on long, boring layovers is now passé. In the brand new world, you can go ice skating, explore a tropical jungle, ‘ah’ at Van Gogh’s art or even down a pint at a brewery at these cool international airports. You now have a reason to arrive hours before your flight!
Look out! The long weekend is almost here and once again, your plans remain woefully unmade. Worry not, for this guide offers spectacular ideas for getaways from your city under Rs 5,000! Is it verdant hills you seek or lofty mountains? The answers lie within.
With dramatic peals of thunder and lightning, the monsoon is here. The intoxicating smell of petrichor, nature that comes alive with refreshing raindrops and cascading waterfalls are all good reasons to step out and enjoy the rains. If you have a mind to sit by a gushing waterfall and enjoy its cool spray on your face, then these waterfall-studded trails are for you.
Destination of the week: Tranquebar
Come upon the antiquated town gate of Tranquebar, a quiet little fishing village, perched 15 km south of the archaic Chola town of Pumpuhar in rural Tamil Nadu. The portal-like gate, with the royal Danish insignia etched on it, takes you back to a different era altogether – that of a former Danish colony. Once known as Tharangambadi or the ‘land of the singing waves’, this Danish village houses colonial buildings, majestic churches, and a treasure-trove of history.
Read about this beautiful village here
Just like you, this newsletter is also trying to wander as far as possible. If you’re a regular reader, share it with a friend!
Today’s newsletter was sponsored by this distinguished looking monkey whose beard closely resembles that of Pai Mei, one of the Five Elders of the Shaolin Monastery who has superior mastery over the art of kung fu.
That's all for this week. I'll see you next Wednesday.
– Neeti Chopra