Where Would You Rather Go: The Mountains or the Beach? A Personal View

As a seasoned travel enthusiast, I often face the question of whether to choose the mountains or the beaches for my vacation. In India, you have the luxury of experiencing both worlds, with a plethora of scenic hill stations in the North and beautiful beaches in the South. My personal preference for vacations is a blend of both, making me an advocate for enjoying the best of both worlds.

Loving the Mountains

I have a deep appreciation for the mountains, both lush green and snow-capped. Although I haven’t yet experienced a winter in India, the thrill of the snow-capped peaks has been a lifelong aspiration. Mountains offer a different kind of tranquility and adventure, with the hiking trails and physical activities providing a unique health benefit. Even a simple walk in the mountains can be as beneficial as a long walk on the plains because of the elevation changes. You are essentially climbing a 20-story building with every step, which invigorates you and refreshes your mind.

Beaches: A Soothing Escape

That said, I equally love the beaches. The seashells I collect from the sandy shores, the sensation of walking barefoot along the shoreline, and the soft touches of ocean waves are moments I cherish. However, living in a coastal city like Chennai, I have experienced firsthand the hot and humid weather, which requires constant air conditioning use. For a short break, the beaches are perfect, but for extended periods, the mountains offer a more fulfilling experience.

Personal Experience: Darjeeling and Besant Nagar

My last posting as an IRS officer was in Chennai, where I resided in the Central Government Quarters in Besant Nagar, just a short distance from Eliot Beach. We stayed there for almost three years, and every morning, I would walk by the beach with my colleagues and watch the sun rise. The air in Besant Nagar was exceptionally clean with an Air Quality Index (AQI) generally below 50. This made the mornings pleasant, allowing us to walk year-round in T-shirts. Whenever I felt bored, I would wander to the beach, watch the waves, and come back feeling rejuvenated. Unfortunately, the coastal ecosystem in Chennai can be quite humid and hot, necessitating the use of air conditioning almost all year round.

Himalayas: A Symphony of Nature

On the other hand, my stint in Uttarakhand was a different experience. During the 2007 Uttarakhand elections, I stayed at Circuit House Paudi, and the view of the Himalayas was breathtaking. The elections took place in February-March, a season when the weather was pleasant, the air fresh, and you could smell the numerous vegetation over the hills. We even witnessed the snowfall during our stay, a truly memorable experience. The mountains are not just picturesque; they are also ideal for physical activities. A simple walk in the hills can provide immense health benefits due to the elevation changes, whether it's hiking or simply walking uphill. It's like climbing a 20-story building with every step, making you breathe in pure, crisp air.

After 17 years, I can still vividly remember the beautiful time spent at Paudi. The mountains not only provide a serene and refreshing environment but also a place to reconnect with nature and challenges your physical endurance. While I can enjoy the beaches for a few days, I find myself preferring the mountains for longer stays.

Conclusion: My preference for mountains over beaches stems from a combination of experience, health benefits, and the ability to extend my stay in these natural landscapes. Both mountains and beaches have their unique charm, but for me, the mountains represent a blend of adventure, health, and natural beauty that resonates deeply.

References: The images used in this article are sourced from Google Images.