A Long Weekend at Syaat to Celebrate the October Vibes!

Travelling had always been our sole refuge when it came to getting away from the mundane work life and daily chores. My husband and I have had numerous unplanned trips around the country; thus, the whole COVID and lockdown fiasco was quite a creepy experience for us.

In the last week of September 2020, when we were craving for a much needed break, we grabbed the very first opportunity, offered by a dear friend, of going on a weekend trip to Camp Kyaari, Syaat, near Jim Corbett in Uttarkhand. Although we were overwhelmed with even the thought of going on a trip after 7 months, we knew at the back of our minds that this experience was sure to be tricky amidst this pandemic. In a group of 13 people, including 4 senior citizens and 2 toddlers, the whole journey would be challenging. The risk factor was a little high because of my toddlers (3.5 years and 1.2 years) who fail to understand the do-not-touch and keep-distance concepts while exploring a new place. The first thing we did was to get our RT-PCR tests done and register ourselves on the Smart City Dehradun website. This is a mandatory safety measure laid down by the Uttarkhand government. We were travelling to a no-COVID zone from Delhi, hence it was also our responsibility to get the tests done. Luckily, we all tested negative.

So, finally on 2^nd October, 2020 we hit the road in 3 cars for our first unlock trip. We tried to avoid any unwanted exposure on the way and stopped only at 2 places to freshen up. We stocked up on enough food and water, so that we could avoid eating at restaurants on the way. Quite surprisingly, the kids were also enjoying the journey without much hassles. At the hilly roads of Uttarkhand, we made a pit-stop to breathe in some fresh air and click some happy photographs without masks (who doesn’t miss such freshness in Delhi?).

After about 6 hours of driving and crossing a rough hilly patch, we reached the camping site in the lap of the mountains. We were already mesmerized with the mind blowing view of the nature, the soothing chillness in the air and the incredible hospitality shown by the staffs. There were no signs of COVID anywhere to be seen. Our masks and sanitizers remained packed in our bags for the next 2 days.

The camp site was in the middle of a jungle, spread over a huge area. There were mud huts, bamboo and wood Machaans and Swiss tents laid out for accommodations. Upon reaching, we enjoyed a lazy stroll with a cup of tea amidst the forest with birds singing in the background.

Soon we were served a delicious homely lunch under a Banyan tree. After a quick lunch, we went around the property to see the facilities. The place had no electricity in the huts, Machaans or tents. The camp staffs would provide lanterns whenever we asked for. There was one phone charging hub at the kitchen and one or two lights lit up on the ways to the huts. The idea of this whole project is to keep people away from the hustle-bustle of city life, without any technological influence, amidst the freshness of nature. The place was an amalgamation of nature and basic daily technological needs. Washrooms had modern seats, taps and mirrors. All toilets and bathrooms were lined up at one area. Water was heated in mud furnace made by laying broken glass pieces inside. The entire camp site was clean and hygienic, and every staff of the camp was always on their feet helping out in any possible way.

Before sunset, we went down the hills for cycling through the newly ploughed fields. The kids enjoyed roaming around in the village roads without any fear.

At night, we danced and sang around a bonfire while indulging into some amazing local food. We were free to fall asleep stargazing around the bonfire or in the open Machaans; the senior citizens and kids had already retired in the cosy huts.

The next day was full of activities, as we started off the day with bird watching in the jungles, followed by a game each of volley ball and cricket, and kids swinging from the trees.

After a hearty breakfast, we set off on a trek down to the Baur stream. We walked through the lush greenery of beautiful mountain trails clicking memorable photographs.

The kids and elderlies were taken there by a jeep. At the river, we spent hours dipping in the chilled water under the bright hot sun. Lunch was served by the camp managers at the river bank. It was the most surreal feeling to have such delicious hot food, sitting by a river stream, in the lap of the mountains.

After an amazing experience, we returned to the camp and rested for a few hours, so that the kids and elders could catch up some breath before the bonfire party. At night, we again enjoyed games around a bonfire when the local boys treated us with some amazing Garhwali music.

We happily danced to the calming tunes and had endless fun and frolic almost the entire night in the open Machaans, as we were leaving for Delhi the next day. We even went on a jungle walk in the middle of the night and encountered strange calls of animals. The whole experience was extremely thrilling.

The next morning, we celebrated my in-law’s anniversary with a cake baked by the chef. We were truly touched by the warmth and love we received during our stay in the camp.

After filling up our lungs with fresh air, spending 3 days without fearing COVID and rejuvenating our souls for more work-from-home days, we started our journey back to Delhi. This trip has made me confident to go on more such nature trails, and I strongly recommend fellow travellers to move out of the lockdown cocoon, now.