Published by : BST News Desk
Nestled in the serene lap of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand, the village of Kanda in Champawat district was not just a tourist spot for me—it became an experience that touched my soul. Famous for its mesmerizing natural beauty and unmatched hospitality, this hill village became my home for 15 unforgettable days (from March 31 to April 14, 2025).
During my stay at Kavya Homestay, I was warmly welcomed by my host Madan Singh Bohra and his affectionate family—his wife Heera, son Vansh, and daughter Vanshika. Their simplicity, warmth, and sincerity left a lasting impression on me. Their grounded lifestyle, honesty, and spiritual perspective made a deep impact.
Moments to Remember:
Every day brought something new—a fresh lesson, a new exploration, and a little adventure—whether it was a social interaction or a walk through nature.
A Humble Gift to Knowledge:
I donated a few books to the “Global Library Project”—a small gesture, but one that gave immense satisfaction. Knowing that knowledge and stories would now reach more hearts and hands was deeply inspiring.
This moment became even more special with the presence of renowned social worker and author Geeta Gairola, the vibrant Rang Karwan theatre group, and some tourists from Mathura, who truly appreciated this spread of knowledge in such a remote place. The growing Kanda Global Library, where people from diverse backgrounds come together, beautifully proves that knowledge knows no boundaries.
Educational Connections: Moments of Joy, Learning, and Bonding
Spending time with the little children at the Anganwadi center was truly heartwarming. Their smiles and curiosity reminded me that the seeds of learning must be sown in early childhood—with love and care. Then came an interaction with 32 students of Simlata Primary School. Their enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge were heart-winning Later, I held a workshop at the Government Higher Secondary School, Fungar, with 81 students. This wasn’t just a class—it was a conversation about life, education, and the power of asking questions. It lit sparks of hope and awareness in young minds.
Connecting with the Community
Meeting the 14 energetic volunteers of Rang Karwan—Tarun, Pankaj, Nirmala, Lata, Ankit, Neeraj, Rahul, Sachin, Kiran, Gopal, Himani, Sangeeta, Uma, and Gunjan—was unforgettable. Their creativity left a lasting impression. A special lunch hosted by them added joy to the day. Our deep conversations on literature, theatre, education, and cultural movements were immensely enriching and inspiring.
Curious Walks into Nature
The 5-kilometer trek to the Champawat Tea Gardens was a delightful experience. I was joined by seven local schoolchildren—Vansh, Aastha, Vanshika, Aryan, Mayank, Praveen, and Priyanshu. Their energy and curiosity made each step memorable. Amid lush trees, towering hills, and refreshing mountain air, the tea garden view was spellbinding—an incredible blend of learning and nature.
A Spiritual Experience
Visits to sacred places like Goljyu Devta Temple, Koli Dhek Lake, Baleshwar Temple, and Swami Vivekananda’s Mayavati Ashram filled my heart with peace and purpose.
Unforgettable Companions
Trekking through dense forests with fellow travelers from Mathura—Mukesh ji, Naveen Paliwal ji, and Tapan Saxena ji—was a joyful and enriching experience. Their companionship added color to the journey.
Furry Friends – The Playful Companions
Mystery and Motu—two adorable dogs—became my everyday companions. Sometimes running ahead, sometimes quietly sitting beside me, they brought a playful, innocent joy to my trip.
In Nature’s Embrace
Whether it was visiting Bhasmasur Fort, the peaceful lakes and waterfalls, or local camping—every experience felt like a dream. Bathing in the village pond, relishing traditional meals, and living close to nature gave immense peace to the soul.
Special People, Special Memories
So many individuals made this trip precious: Suraj, Sundar Singh, Ganga Singh, Pawan, Prakash, Neeraj, Nitish Rai, Nisha, Soni, Devendra Singh Rawat (Branch Manager, Nainital Bank), educators Anju, Manju, Babita, Nirmal Pandey, journalist friends Chandrashekhar, Lalit, Girish, Sanjay, Ganesh Datt Pandey, Geeta Gairola ji, Rewa ji, Surekha ji, retired teacher Jayaram ji, and Tara ji. Each of them added a unique charm, turning this journey into a lifetime treasure.
A Glimpse of Village Life
I got a chance to closely observe local life—walking through farmlands, visiting polyhouses, understanding solar energy systems, and living in harmony with the birds and animals. It was a rare privilege to witness the simplicity of mountain living.
How to reach:
• By Road: Easily accessible via scenic hill routes from major cities in Uttarakhand.
• By Rail: Nearest railway station is Tanakpur—from there, you can travel via Champawat to reach Kanda.
• By Air: Closest airports are Pantnagar and Pithoragarh, with taxi services available.
Weather that Soothes the Soul
The cool, pleasant weather doubled the joy—exploring during the day and stargazing at night. The rustling leaves and soothing sounds of waterfalls created a unique space for reflection and inner peace.
A Journey Engraved on Heart and Soul
Kanda isn’t just a place—it is a living painting of peace, culture, and deep human connection. It calls you to pause, breathe deeply, and rediscover the beauty of a simple life.
A heartfelt thanks to Madan Singh Bohra (a government-recognized tour guide), whose knowledge, warmth, and hospitality made this journey unforgettable.
As I bid farewell to this mountain paradise, I carry not just memories—but peace, purpose, and a deep sense of belonging.
Kanda doesn’t just welcome you—it finds a home in your heart.
And yes, I shall return.
A couplet to leave you with:
"Let the journey of life keep moving forward,
Destinations will begin to shape themselves."
संदेश
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