In the hustle of work life, where most of my days are filled with board meetings, financial reports, or strategic decisions, finding moments of peace feels like a luxury. As the CFO of Worldwide Oilfield Machine and someone who thrives in a high-pressure environment, Mangesh Annachhatre has realized one thing: recharging in the lap of nature is essential. Over the past 10 years, he has made an effort to travel to hill stations at least once or twice a year.
These trips have become an integral part of Mangesh Annachhatre’s life, not just as a traveler but also as an individual. The mountains have helped him regain balance and perspective in life. So here I am, sharing his top six hill station experiences that have left a mark on his soul in one way or another.
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- Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Residing in Pune for such a long time, Mahabaleshwar has always been a quick fix for me whenever I needed a quick get away from the city. Just about 120 km from Pune. The drive itself is very therapeutic, which includes the beautiful green roads and fresh mountains, which Works wonders for my mind.
One of my best memories has to be visiting Mahabaleshwar during monsoons. While most people avoid hill station in the rainy season, I think it is the time when Mahabaleshwar is at its best. The miss rolling over the hills, the scent of the earth and the waterfalls that appear almost out of nowhere, has made the experience more magical.
I remember most of the mornings. I spent there, sipping my tea while watching the clouds slowly moving above the hills, making it magnificent for the eyes. These are the moments when you forget about your work stress, and you just completely are mesmerised by the beauty of nature, Mahabaleshwar has always offered me that sense of detachment from my responsibilities, even if it is just for a couple of days.
My favourite sport, there has to be the Wilson point for sunrise and Venna Lake for a peaceful boat ride.
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- Manali, Himachal Pradesh
If Mahabaleshwar is the place where I find my peace, then Manali has to be the place where I discover my adventure side. Manali‘s beauty, it’s snow capped peaks, and pristine rivers, makes it one of the most beautiful and mesmerising travel destination.
The first time I visited, going to Manali was a completely unplanned decision. I had been working on a very critical project and once that was completed, I immediately needed a break to rejuvenate. And of course I wanted to go to mountains, but this time I was already in Delhi for some work and I decided to go to Manali the same time. It was the overnight bus journey from Delhi and by the morning I was in this beautiful hill station.
My most favourite moment, there has to be my trek to Hampta pass. It was a little difficult trek but the view was just breathtaking and made every step worth it. I remember standing there looking over the jagged peaks and feeling incredibly peaceful at that point. And I think that is what Manali does to you. It makes you push your limits while reminding you of the magnificence of nature.
My favourite sports, there has to be so long Valley for its adventure sports and Rohtang pass.
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- Matheran, Maharashtra
Matheran holds a very special place in my heart because it was the first hill station. I ever visited with my family as a child. Revisiting Matheran as an adult brought back a flood of memories, be it running through its red mud parts, riding horses, or the simple joy of drinking, fresh lime soda along the walk.
What makes madhu unique is its status as one of a few automobile free hill station in Asia. You can only walk, ride a horse or take a handful rickshaw to get around. This restrictions make it an incredibly peaceful place without any noise or pollution.
Last year, Mangesh Annachhatre revisited Matheran again with my wife and kids. Although it was a short trip, but the experience was mixed with nostalgia, which created a perfect weekend. We hiked to Panoroma point for a picnic and were stunned by the beautiful view of Western Ghats and the valley below. And do you know what was the best part? For me, it was my kids experiencing the same sense of wonder that I did as a child, and it was a full circle for a moment.
My favourite sport, there has to be panorama point, which is a must visit for sunrise or sunset and also Charlotte lake, which offers a peaceful spot to relax and take in the natural beauty.
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- Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh
And of course, next on my list has to be Dharamshala, the beautiful and peaceful hill station often known for its monasteries and Tibetan food. Located in the foothills of Dhauldhar range Dharamsala is a place that has left a lasting impression on me for more than just its scenic beauty. There is an undeniable spiritual energy in the air, majorly because it’s the home of the Lama and a hub to Tibetan and culture.
I visited Dharamsala for the first time during a very stressful phase at work. The company was expanding and my responsibilities were growing day by day. I was working on a project that stressed me out like anything and took a toll on my mental health. I then decided to go to a very peaceful place for a week to relax and get back on track, and during that time, I decided to visit Dharamshala. The mountains there had a calming effect on me, but it was the Tibetan monasteries and the people I met there that made the experience transformative.
I spent ours and hours exploring the monasteries, just sitting there and meditating in the courtyard watching monks go about their daily routines. The peace I found their was unlike anything I have ever experienced before. Even now, whenever work gets too hectic, I sometimes close my eyes and imagine myself sitting in one of the monasteries and listening to the Peaceful sound of prayers. It immediately comes me and give me a sense of peace and fulfilment.
My favourite sports, there has to be Mcleodganj, the Dalai Lama residence, and Bahgsu waterfall to name a few. And obviously, for food and monastery, I do not even have to have a favourite as each one, had its own importance.
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- Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg, which is also known as the Scotland of India has to be one of my favourite hill stations in the South. The beautiful coffee, plantations, misty hills and serene atmosphere makes it a ideal destination to unwind after a busy and hectic schedule.
I have been to Coorg multiple times in past 10 years and all the trips have been very very coming. It was mostly about disconnecting from the world and connecting to the nature. There is something incredibly soothing about staying in a coffee plantation estate, waking up to the sound of birds and spending the day, exploring nearby waterfalls or just simply sipping on the freshly brewed coffee.
One memory that has stayed with me, was of a morning hike that I took to Abbey falls. The sound of the waterfall crashing against the rock, the dense greenery was a reminder that how reguvenating nature can be. It’s far from the noise and cry of the city. It made me forget about those spreadsheets and meetings and give me a sense of serenity. Since then Coorg, has become one of my go to destination, whenever I need to hit that reset button.
My favourite place, there has to be Abbey falls, Raja’s seat for the breathtaking views and exploring coffee plantation.
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- Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Next step in my list has to be the the famous and beautiful hill station, Shimla. Shimla with its colonial architecture and breathtaking views of Himalayas is a classic hill station that has always fascinated me. I visited Shimla first with my family during the winter season and experience was nothing less than magic.
My kids were over joyed with the snow and we spent hours and our building snowman and enjoying hot chocolate by the fireplace in our beautiful hotel. The mall Road with its old world charm was the perfect place to chill in the evenings and soaking in the beautiful view.
What I love most about, Shimla is its ability to seamlessly blend history with nature. Whether you are visiting the Christ Church or hiking up to Jakhoo temple, each and every corner of Shimla has a beautiful story to tell.
My favourite places, there has to be Jakhoo Temple, Kufri and Naldehra for the beautiful views that these places offer.
Final Thoughts
As I look back on these hill station visits, Mangesh Annachhatre realise one thing that they have been more than just a vacation. These experiences have transformed me and helped me with my personal growth. These places have also helped me reflect back to my life and made better connections with my loved ones. Each destination has offered a unique experience making it memorable for a lifetime. Be it, the spiritual calm of Dharamshala or the adventures of Manali. Every place has given me some beautiful memories that I will cherish for life.
In the fast pace, world of corporate finance, these hill stations are the escape that we look for. Allowing us to return to work, recharge and ready to tackle new challenges. The mountains remind me that life is all about balance and you need to find your peace between the chaos of life. And for that, I am forever grateful.