Soon as you cross the city boundaries of New Delhi, you begin to notice the difference. It is suddenly more colorful. The red, green and yellow veggies of early morning farmer's market grip your attention, as you spot villagers emerge from thatched huts to brush their teeth; and milkmen dole milk into vessels of different shapes and sizes.
This time the road led to Uttarkashi, a small upbeat town nestled alongside river Bhagirathi in the Garhwal Himalayan region, 96 miles from Rishikesh. It is a venture land of pilgrims since the time of legendary king Bhagirath, and a connection to several pilgrimages, including Gangotri-Gaumukh-Tapovan, Nandanvan, Badrinath and Kedarnath. After a five hour drive from Delhi, as one enters the zone of Rishikesh, an upsurge of a different energy is sensed. Perfectly synchronized with this sensation, the approaching hills make their presence felt.
Halting briefly at Chotiwala for a lunch thali, as we began the climb towards the town of Uttarkashi, the veils lifted over the mystical charm of Garhwal with each circular rung. Ear drums shut as heights grew closer. It was sure sign that Uttarkashi was approaching when the color orange and matted locks started to dot the landscape. This region seemingly shelters more sadhus than householders! City eyes locked with those of village folks and slanted downward with admitted envy. A sudden drizzle was a welcome sign, and looking at the sheer immensity of the hills, I knew beyond doubt that I was standing on the land of Shiva.