1 picture 1 Story Week #52

I have traveled to mountains in almost all parts of India, both northern and southern. Every mountain range has its own charm, which depends on the height and terrain of the mountains because these determine the climate, vegetation, and lifestyle of the people there.

Years ago, when I went to the mountains of Uttarakhand, I enjoyed the mesmerizing beauty of the winter line, where an orange-gold artificial horizon is formed in the evening during the winter months. And the joy of walking on snow is unique.

It is seen in many places in the world—like in Mussoorie and Gumarg of our country, Khilanmarg, and yes, in the Snowy Mountains of Australia.

Image mine

Similarly, when I was in the Snowy Mountains in the third week of May this year, I saw that when the sun's rays scatter, the snow-covered peaks turn red like burning fire. For a common traveler like me, to understand these conditions is a miracle of nature, a wonderful magic, that can only be seen in the mountains.

Whether you are attracted to the mountains or not, everyone should know how much life-giving ability the mountains have. Mountains shelter countless animals and plants in their lap. Mountains are silent sentinels, protecting us in many ways. Traveling to the mountains means connecting with nature in such a way that you get an opportunity to go deep into your mind.

If I tell you the truth, the beauty of the mountains touches my heart. I was mesmerized by the sweet smell of pine trees in Tehri, Uttarakhand. Mountains in South India are usually home to tea plantations, such as in Ooty, Coonoor, and Munnar.

While traveling to the mountains, I usually find simple, honest, and friendly local people, who welcome tourists with open hearts, open arms, and a smile. I often traveled alone, so I spent hours in the deserted forests, and silent mountains with the locals,

Mountains are not just for spectacular views and social media platform-worthy pictures, when it rains or snows on the mountains, it is nice to watch, but then it becomes difficult to travel from one place to another.

Natural disasters like flash floods, landslides, avalanches, etc. bring life to a complete halt, and irresponsible tourism, selfish commercial goals, thoughtless cutting of trees, unplanned urbanization, etc. are the reasons why mountains and hill life getting damaged.

The natural disasters witnessed in the hill states in recent years are strictly telling us not to create an imbalance in nature or else we will not be able to bear the wrath of nature.

Willing to join this contest by @suboohi?