Viha Dixit
The overnight train pulled into Ramnagar station at dawn. Pixie stretched dramatically on the platform. 'Fresh air! Real oxygen! My lungs are confused after breathing Delhi pollution!'
Noddie checked his phone. 'Welcome to Jim Corbett country! India's first national park, established in 1936.'
'Can we find food before the history lesson?' Pixie laughed, dodging an auto-rickshaw.
At Ramnagar Market, Pixie immediately gravitated toward woolen shawls. 'Do I look like a mountain person now?' she asked, wrapping a bright red shawl around herself.
After shopping, they found Moti Ram Tea Stall. The elderly owner served steaming chai in clay cups. 'Best tea in Uttarakhand,' he declared. 'Secret family blend.'
Pixie closed her eyes after the first sip. 'This tastes like mountains and memories. I'm never drinking regular tea again!'
At 4:30 AM, their jeep bounced through forest roads. Pixie yawned loudly. 'Remind me why we're awake before roosters?'
'Tigers are most active at dawn,' Noddie whispered, camera ready. 'Jim Corbett wrote extensively about their tracking patterns.'
Guide Ravi suddenly raised his hand for silence. Fresh tiger pugmarks crossed the muddy path. 'Very fresh, maybe one hour old.'
Pixie perked up instantly. 'There's actually a tiger nearby? Should I be scared or excited?'
'Both,' Noddie replied.
Twenty minutes later, a magnificent Bengal tiger emerged near a water hole. The jeep fell silent.
Pixie gasped softly. 'Look how it moves! Like liquid power!'
The tiger paused, looked directly at them, then gracefully disappeared into the forest.
'Did that just happen?' Pixie stared at the empty spot. 'I think I forgot to breathe!'
Noddie frantically checked his camera. 'I got the perfect shot!'
'Forget photos,' Pixie said, still mesmerized. 'That moment was pure magic.'
At Corbett Museum in Kaladhungi, old photographs lined the walls. Noddie read every board. 'Edward James Corbett killed man-eaters but later became a passionate conservationist.'
Pixie studied a photo of Corbett with villagers. 'He looks like someone with amazing stories. A real-life action hero!'
The museum caretaker smiled. 'Sahib was beloved by locals. He never charged money for killing man-eaters.'
At Garjiya Devi Temple, they climbed steep steps to the hilltop shrine overlooking Kosi River.
Pixie huffed halfway up. 'Why are temples always on mountains? Was flat land not spiritual enough?'
From the temple top, the river sparkled below with distant mountains as backdrop. Pixie sat quietly, taking in the view. 'This isn't just a temple - it's nature's cathedral.'
At Sitabani Forest Reserve, morning mist hung between trees as they trekked to the hidden temple.
'Buffer zone,' guide Dinesh explained. 'Less tourists, more peaceful.'
Pixie walked carefully on narrow trails. 'It's so quiet here. Even my thoughts seem too loud.'
At Sitabani Temple, a small shrine nestled among ancient trees, local women had left marigold offerings.
'Legend says Sita rested here during exile,' Dinesh shared.
At Thandi Sadak, they tried river rafting on rushing Kosi waters. Two hours later, soaked but exhilarated, they shared pakoras at a riverside stall.
'That was incredible!' Pixie's hair dripped water. 'I screamed the entire time but loved every second!'
In Dhikala zone, they climbed the famous watchtower overlooking Ramganga River. A herd of elephants cooled themselves below while baby elephants played.
'Family time,' Pixie observed quietly. 'Even elephants prioritize togetherness.'
At Cafe Corbett for farewell lunch, the owner served fresh trout. 'You both look different than when you arrived. The forest changes people.'
Pixie looked thoughtful. 'He's right. I feel more connected to nature somehow.'
'Coming from someone who considers shopping spiritual,' Noddie teased.
'I bought way less than usual!' Pixie protested. 'Though those Kumaoni earrings were necessary.'
On the evening train to Delhi, Pixie pressed her face to the window. 'I keep expecting to see tigers in those trees.'
'Jim Corbett said the forest speaks to those who listen,' Noddie quoted.
'What did it tell you?' Pixie asked.
'That there's a world beyond daily chaos, where every day has honest purpose,' Noddie replied thoughtfully.
'Mine told me to come back soon,' Pixie smiled. 'With better hiking shoes.'
'Next time?' Noddie raised an eyebrow.
'Obviously! We haven't seen leopards yet. Or been to Nainital,' Pixie counted on fingers.
'Adventure is addictive,' she declared. 'Especially with the perfect travel partner.'
The train carried them toward city lights, but part of them remained in the forest - listening to bird calls in memory and watching for movement in every shadow.
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