<p>The trek. Profile of ridge after ridge. Tall sturdy pine and rhododendron trees. The Garhwal Rifles. Hilltop houses. Village Zehrikhal. Laxmi from another village on another hill. Children back from school. The market downhill. Pocket sized shops. The effervescently handsome CD woman. Hot buns off the divinely fragrant bakery. Whitewashed buildings with ornate gates. Kitchen gardens or lack of it. Yellow and white daisies. Sharp strong sunlight. Bungalows under construction, dust, cement, bricks and stones. St. Mary's Church and battle mementos. Waiting endlessly for lunch and dinner. Shaggy dogs and stocky horses.</p>

The resistance of a healthy mangrove wall is known to even stand the fury of cyclones and tsunamis.

The mesmerising land called India, unsurpassed in natural and man made creations, provides opportunities of exploration, singularly pristine. Lakes, perhaps a lesser diva to the gushing rivers, are waiting in the wings to pirouette before you, allow its blue waters to ripple against your ankle and hold your attention for a little while longer, before untold pollution and damage tarnishes their beauty forever.