Manali in Himachal Pradesh is now a very popular destination. Around 1956 we set out to go there all prepared with maps. From Delhi, we reached Chandigad and stayed for a couple of days - a new city established to serve as the capital for both Haryana and Punjab. Famous French architect

Our trip to Kausani is historic in a way. Our parents did not accompany us. Instead, my father put us in charge of his young secretary and his wife who did not have much experience in travelling, so this was a big opportunity for them. The other historic reason was that I had just finished my 12th standard examination.

Filled with joy and excitement to see Pindari Glacier, we left Mumbai for Kathgodam in Uttar pradesh, now in Uttarakhand. We went to the tourist office and saw map showing route to the famous glacier. Our group consisted of my elderly parents, and me and my sister.

In my childhood, weekends were spent wandering around what I would now describe as ‘Lake district of Mumbai’ - Lakes Vihar and Pawai and Tansa. We also visited Ghodbunder, Vasai fort, Marve beach and Manori etc.