Kipling Trail, Dehradun

Kipling Trail runs from Dehradun to Mussoorie. It’s an old route that was once trudged by the shepherds before the Old Mussoorie Road took over. The trail is still there although less traveled. We booked a beautiful cottage near Chamsari that overlooks this trail. The cottage was part of a resort that stood next to a waterfall. It was a perfect getaway for our golden retriever Leo.

We reached the village at the end of Dehradun where a 4X4 that the resort provided was to pick us up. This village was near the starting point of the old Mussoorie Road. We transferred all our belongings and our pet for this rickety ride that was more fun than I had expected. It took us half an hour. The resort was in the middle of nowhere and pretty as could be.

There was a waterfall flowing right next to the resort. We just sat there and relaxed while our bags were placed in our room and our food was prepared. The food was delicious. We were tired and decided to rest the whole evening. Late evening we strolled around the resort. The waterfall was creating a series of clear water pools. We sat near one of them, putting our legs into the cold water.

Next morning our resort owner suggested we take a short trek to a point from where entire Dehradun was visible. This trek route was part of the Kipling Trail. We agreed immediately, our pet more than happy to accompany us. The trek was short and pleasant. We reached the viewpoint and Dehradun opened up. Our guide pointed to us that the famous St. Georges School was visible on the right.

We returned hungry and ended up having a heavy breakfast. It was time to rest again. In the afternoon when the day got warmer, we jumped in one of the pools and enjoyed the summer. It was refreshing. In the evening more guests joined us and we enjoyed some music before retiring after another good dinner.

Next day before leaving we decided to give our pet Leo a taste of the flowing waters. It was his first time getting into the pool and he was afraid initially. Once he started enjoying the water it was harder to get him out of it. It was fun for all of us watching him enjoy. We reached back to our vehicle and after saying goodbyes to our host we left for Gurgaon.