Raila : Underrated Gem of Sainj Valley
Hello all,
Raila…
A small, beautiful village in the Sainj valley
With perfect views
With amazing people
With peace all around
Sukoon
But
That’s not what comes to my mind
When I think about this quaint village
Dreams…
That is the word I associate with this village.
A place where dreams are made
A place where a girl sees dreams
Dreams to fly
Yet
Dreams to stay close by
Dreams to break boundaries
And
Dreams to forget all her worries
Dreams to help her loved ones
But
Dreams to live life on her own terms
Dreams to mark a place in this cruel world
Still
A dream that makes her toes curl
Here, I realized that a person always wants what they can not get. For most of us, our most inner dreams, our most inner desires might never get fulfilled. A person living in chaotic city life is craving for soulful mountains, and a person living in that peace wants to run away. But one thing is sure. The universe always supports dreamers. As per Shel Silverstein’s poem- “If you are a dreamer… come in…“and may be this is the reason why the penguin’s documentary clip has gone viral. Because in this fast world where some are running because of responsibilities and some are running behind trends, that one penguin gives us a reason to dream, to pause, to hope, just to breathe.
Just like this tiny village.
Raila…
And I can’t thank Naveenji of Woodzo, Shangarh enough for suggesting this place. We were supposed to do Ganjau Thatch that day. But I was not in the mood for a trek. Kids and Sheel were okay with anything, so he suggested going to this village.
Raila is hardly 15 k for Shangarh, but it might take 1-1/2 to 2 hours depending on road conditions. If you really want to live in a quiet Himachali life and truly feel its essence, then stay there at least for a couple of days. Its seclusion is what makes it perfect to leave all illusions. The views are so dreamy that we thought of staying one extra day there.
Places to visit in Raila:
Raila Twin Towers:
There are unique towers located in Rupi Village, clearly visible from the main road. you hvae to climb a few stairs as the towers are located on a small hill. There are a few small shrines and temples just before the main towers. Entry is not allowed inside the towers. There is a temple inside the towers, but it is open on special occasions only. The view from the tower is impressive. Just sit there, and you will gain immense positivity, I am sure.
Bhatkanda Meadows:
This is a beautiful place in Raila village, not as vast as Shangardh Meadows but equally serene. The main difference is while Shangarh meadows are all surrounded by dense forest, herer you can get exquistite valley views… Shangarh Meadows gives a sense of divinity and spirituality, these pastures gives sense of freedom.
Kanda means meadows at a higher altitude in the local language, and Bhat means Brahmin. Years ago, Brahmins of the region used to live in these meadows. At present, also in the month of April entire community gathers here and have feast here.
Sunset viewpoint :
It is hardly a kilometer walk from the Bhatkanda meadows. But the trail is very narrow, and at places you are just at the edge of the hill, so please be careful. If you are coming after sunset, then you need to be extra cautious. Wear proper shoes. Don’t miss this viewpoint because from here you will get almost 240-degree views of the valley. It is amazing. There is a small temple of Jogini Mata there. We were not able to see the sunset as we had to reach Shangarh, but it must be impressive based of the views.
Reed-Bun Summit:
If you continue to climb beyond the sunset point, you will reach the top. It takes 1 hour or so, and it is not a very difficult climb. It is called so because Reed means straight and Bun means forest. The hill is almost staright ad cvred with forest hece called so.
Rupi Raila waterfall:
Somehow, we were disappointed seeing this waterfall. Maybe our expectations were too high, or we loved Barshangarh so much, but it’s okay if you miss this.
Where to Stay in Raila?
Multiple Homestays are there, but the best one is just beside the Bhatkand meadows. Sky Mount cottages. They have amazing views with magnificent cabins and picturesque surroundings, with superb homemade food. Mr. Ram and his family will welcome you with all their heart and soul. You feel immense peace and incredible sukoon there—no doubt about it. With just a km walk to sunset point ad 2 mon walk to Bhatknada emadows thei homestay is one of the best we have visited so far in the mountains.
Contact no: 8219011811 / 9816250795
So, this was our day trip to Raila, but we are going to visit agaon sure, just to stay at fantastic Sky Mount cottages.
Wonderfull didi
Thank you dear..
Very nice and Thank you so much
I belong to Raila and now in delhi
My sisters friend who is based at Chandigarh shared me thie
Wow! This means a lot. Thank you…
👌👌👌
Thank you…
Wow, Raila and Bar Shangarh both look so beautiful! Kids are looking so grown up 🙂
Thank you..
This is so beautifully crafted, ma’am is a master storyteller
Thank you..
beautiful !
who did the photography? great pictures
Thank you..
You guys are also amazing
And because of that amazing people are meeting with each other, I realised while reading the article written by you
Thanks a lot..
Very beautiful and creative
Thank you..
This place is so beautiful and seems very untamed and unexplored – that’s what makes it more fascinating.
So true…Thanks..
Amazing!
How did you find such Gems of Himalaya?
Absolutely with mother nature.
yes sir…nature at its best..
Thank you
Superb extremely excited…
Thank you uncle..