Ram Ganga Resort

Drown your worries into the river; take a deep breath and trek

It had rained cats and dogs for the past two days. The sky was still overcast with heavy dark clouds, but the weather was pleasant. In several places small rivulets had started flowing down the hills, at times overflowing the low lying national highway. The forest had become fresh and darker than ever, still getting more romantic. If I had my way, I would have walked into the forest humming a song like a carefree bird, but humans can’t afford it. Up the hills, winding through the narrow roads, at times driving down into a small valley, we headed for our destination, into the Jim Corbett forest. After a good 20 kilometres drive the jeep left the highway for a graveled forest pathway. We were nearing the next halt.

Ram Ganga Resort is spread out in a small valley, a river gushing by the side, its waters roaring to warn that they can be wild at times. It is situated on a huge piece of flat land in the valley which has a picturesque view of the hills around. Swiss tents for the adventurous, huts for couples and rooms for families – Ram Ganga Resort is ideal for a vacation. Walking across a huge lawn I was taken to my room in the main building which overlooked the lawn and the river. From the window it was a soothing view – the lawn was spread out like an unending green carpet, disappearing abruptly at the banks of the river, beyond the river, tall forest trees swayed like beautiful maidens to the tune of the gentle breeze. Leaving my room I walked crossing the lawn to the river bank. Inhaling the fresh air, I felt as young as a newborn. There are benches lying along the bank of the river where one could relax and let the time fly by. There is a big hut which serves as a coffee lounge; tea, coffee, pakoras are all on the house once a day. In spite of the wet weather I saw some youngsters take a dip in the pool nearby. At Ram Ganga Resort there is no external disturbance, its calm and tranquil.

The only noise one hears is that of the river which continues to roar day and night. Even after darkness engulfs the valley, the river continues to flow – never to sleep. The rooms, huts and the tents at Ram Ganga Resort are all spread out in tiny clusters of two or three, still all at a walking distance from the restaurant which is covered with thick foliage of creepers concealing its concrete walls. The restaurant serves all three meals, mostly buffet. A decorative fireplace covered with a copper hood, maybe to be used when it becomes chilly in winters.

I found it strange that some people staying at the Ram Ganga Resort preferred a drive at night out on the highway. Though for me it was strange, for those who have stayed at Ram Ganga Resort, it was fun. One of those going for the night drive conveyed to me that during the drive they had often spotted animals on the highway, though not a tiger. For a lazybones like me, I decided to stay back as it had intermittently drizzled. Before retiring for the night I peeped into another hall – it was a recreation hall meant to entertain sporty people when it rained outside.

From my room I peered out into the dark night to see some animal. I was told during the day that animals like wild boar wander into the resort as there was no firm boundary. A leopard could also be a chance visitor. I don’t remember what hour sleep overtook my senses. Next morning, at dawn I woke up to find a fresh new morning, the lawn outside wore a new look. Though I am not in the habit of rising early, the view outside my large, glass window made me jump out of my bed. A few seconds later I was in the lawn. The river was making its usual noise, all the rest was silent. I sat down on a wooden bench near the river to enjoy the dawn. As minutes ticked by, the next to wake up were the birds making intermittent musical notes. I yearned for a cup of tea in that fresh environment. I did get what I was yearning for – a nice hot tea. The day was planned for me; a trek into the nearby hills across the narrow pedestrian bridge, to the sparsely populated village. A group of four trekkers together we left for our morning adventure accompanied by a naturalist from Ram Ganga. It was a forest pathway that took us to the bridge and then beyond. Not used to hilly terrain, I was almost panting after a kilometer of walk, but managed to continue. We were greeted by village folk as we passed by. We also spotted a bearded mountain goat, this, people said, was surprising as these animals usually stay at higher altitude. There were no more surprises as far as animals were concerned. The trek lasted almost two hours. Back to Ram Ganga where breakfast had already been laid out, I ran into some others who had gone fishing. Big trout, they claimed, though nobody caught anything. Those who had gone fishing had enjoyed their morning equally well. They had trekked upstream and had seen the fish there.

My two-day dream vacation at Ram Ganga Resort had taken the frown off my forehead, my worries and tensions had all been washed away by the river alongside. I had switched off and forgotten my mobile – cut off from the usual humdrum; this is what I love to do, to be away from all worldly worries.

Would have loved to spend yet another couple of days at Ram Ganga, but unfortunately I was booked for two days only, I had to check out. Maybe next time when I go it will be for a week --- away from this selfish world.

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