The Sun rises early in the mountains. Before it is 5 a.m. the skies light up in anticipation. The birds start heralding the upcoming event. Cool breeze makes it a very lovely time to be awake and marvel at the glorious sight that the rising Sun brings. By 5.20 a.m. the first glint of the Sun rays start peeping up behind the mountain range and the clouds start moving away as if they want to witness the daily morning miracle.
On Day 5 of our yatra, we were ready by 8 a.m. to have our breakfast after our morning rituals & prayers. After breakfast, we planned to go on a round of local sight seeing as per the chart given by our hotel staff. As some of the yatris were unwell, a few decided to opt out of the trip and stay back and relax while 8 of us (all seven menfolk and one lady) went ahead. We took both vehicles - the TT and the car as some of the members wanted to be back for lunch.
Our first halt was the famous and beautiful Chamera lake. It was approximately 50 kms away from our hotel which was covered in about an hour and a half. As we approached the lake, we realised that it was an outcome of the hydro-project dam on the river Ravi. The large body of emerald green crystal clear water surrounded by green mountains was a sight to watch. As we came closer to the shore, we saw boating activities. There were paddle boats, a slow motor boat and a speed boat.
We decided to take the 8 minute speed boat ride (Rs. 500 per person). A maximum of 4 people are allowed on the speedboat besides the captain. It was exhilarating to ride the boat at high speed, jump over the waves and have water splashed on us. The water was very clean, fresh and sweet. We were told that the river is formed by melting glaciers. In 2 batches, we completed the boat ride. After we came ashore, we went to a nearby shop and had fruit juice.
Our next halt was a nearby Devi temple called Bhalei Mata. It is approximately 10 kms from the lake on a nearby mountain. Apparently, some 500 plus years ago, the local King of Chamba had a dream in which the divine mother informed him that her image is kept in a certain place. She wanted him to take her out and build a temple for Her. So, the King went to that place and upon digging the ground, found the idol of Devi sitting on a pile of Silver coins. He took the idol and was transporting it to Chamba but the Devi refused to budge after reaching this place. So, a temple was constructed here and the Devi was consecrated here.
The temple is reached by climbing a flight of stairs or by walking up a pathway of about 100 odd meters. The temple is beautiful as is the Devi. Fortunately, there were not many devotees present and we had a blissful darshan. The temple priest was kind enough to relate the story of the origin of the temple. he informed us that there are festivals and functions throughout the year and especially during Navaratri when people from all over the state come here for darshan and prayers. We were glad to have got the opportunity to visit this temple.
After this, on our way back we stopped for a while at the Rock garden. It was nothing but a lot of natural rocks which have flowed down the mountains during rains. It wasn't too much of a place to stop by. When we reached back, it was nearly 3 p.m. On the way, the hotel was informed to keep some lunch ready which was consumed before taking a nap in the afternoon.
We enjoyed the evening by having a get together. The ladies went out to Gandhi Chowk for some light stroll cum shopping while we men played cards. After returning, the ladies caught up some time socialising and exchanging notes. After an early supper, we retired for the night.
This was our last night at Dalhousie and end of Day 5.
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