Marchula - Experiencing Silence

"Listen to Silence. It has so much to say"

- Rumi

"Damn, does anybody even live here?" - These were my exact words when we checked in to our stay in Marchula.

On the banks of River Ramganga is the tiny, quaint village of Marchula, a part of Jim Corbett Reserve Area in Uttarakhand. October '20 seemed like a favorable time to travel because the pandemic curve going downward, even though it was an extended weekend, we still expected less crowds. While we planned to explore the national park, we wanted to stay off the crowded trails. So we headed to the secluded eastern boundary of the national park and made our way to Marchula, driving literally through the entire reserve, soaking in the greens and the blues that the mountains had to offer.

By sundown, we were finally here.

A distant glance at the La Tigre resort, and we knew we had hit the jackpot. A sprawling campus with handsome row cottages, blossomed lemongrass and a humbling view of mountains covered with Pine, Sal & Fir trees. Within a few minutes, we found ourselves crashing into the cozy, comfortable living area of our cottage. And about the cottage - I can't fit into words what it was about that cottage, but it gave us an overwhelming feeling of finally being at the right place. Like this was the healing setup our weary minds had needed all along.

As soon as we settled down, I started experiencing a rare, comforting calmness, which I reckoned was brought about by being in the hills. But then I realized that it was the absolute silence of this resort, tucked far away from the commotion. Down the hill was a beautiful riverside café, where we took our evening stroll. We chatted up the owner who shared his own love for silence of this place, the silence that compelled him to give up his life in the city and his corporate job and open a café in this remote corner of the world.

We spent the remaining part of our trip enjoying elaborate meals, playing card games & admiring the breathtaking views. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.