When the AC stops working, go to this town
The Wednesday Post: misty waterfalls, maxi dresses, bored pandas and more
As the degrees outside tick upwards, the temperature on the air-conditioner ticks downwards, as if in formulaic unison. The sales of watermelons, steel bottles, and clay matkas are probably at an all-time high. The 2 pm blast of heat that hits the face makes everything that makes life worthwhile, worthless. Simple inventions that make existence comfortable are in constant overdrive – the ice trays aren’t freezing fast enough, the car’s AC needs to be serviced every morning, and the cold water shower knob is a scam. When will this heatwave end? Will the monsoon that teases us with fleeting showers stay for dinner and not just stop by for tea? Is there a way out of this discomfort? So many questions, but no answers entirely trustworthy.
Except one.
Pack a bag and run away to the mountains every opportunity you get. Enjoy 20-degree days in a serene town near Nainital called Naukuchiatal. The mangoes aren’t the best in these parts, but there’s a lake, quiet roads and a lifestyle that functions at .25x speed.
What's happening at Tripoto this week:
There’s a new Mindful Retreat in Mukteshwar! At this retreat, you can hike to a mountain top, swim in a misty waterfall and venture into a pine forest for the most dazzling sunset ever! While you unravel the explorer in you, your stay- the highlight of this retreat, will await you to pamper you in its homely splendour. Give it an easy yes.
Recommended reads this week:
Making important life decisions can feel very difficult, but choosing the right road trip can seem even more of a task if you’re living in India. The hard yards have been covered for you in this article about India’s best long-distance road trip. Pick up, pack up, go!
Read about these road tripsIf you’re someone who doesn’t feel comfortable wearing bikinis at the beach, Kadambari provides the alternatives for a comfy day at the beach. Boho dresses and a…maxi dress? I lack expertise here, but her recommendations are on the money.
Read about this beachwearIf spooky stuff piques your interests, you’ve probably been to Bhangarh. But have you heard about Chakwa? There’s some dodgy paranormal activity going on along the Konkan. Believe what you see, I say.
Read about ChakwaIf awards are a sign of excellence, an award-winning homestay should be everything that the jury sees in it. Set in a coffee estate, this homestay is the gold standard of comfort and serenity.
Read about this homestayIf running away to Naukuchiatal is too soft an escape for you, take on the might Spiti circuit if you haven’t yet. This itinerary is a good place to start.
Read this Spiti road trip guide
Destination of the week: Beral
One of the worst mistakes you can make in the mountains is drive up to the Atal Tunnel and beyond on a Saturday. You’ll find Altos, Audis, Sumos and sedans fight for inches on the road from the bottom of Manali all the way to the tunnel. Bumber to bumper driving at its finest. Yeah, so. Use your weekend wisely and go to a village called Beral. Enjoy unadvertised solitude, pine-lined valleys and creeks that make a good day feel great.
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 panda who’s….playing the bongo on a balmy afternoon? You’ll recognise the beat if you’re a true musician.
That's all for this week. I'll see you next Wednesday.
– Eeshat Tiwary