Where Simplicity Feels Sacred
Hidden deep in the green folds of the Almora district lies Tulna, a small Kumaoni village that feels untouched by time. The road to Tulna winds through pine forests and open ridges, where cool air carries the earthy scent of the hills. By the time you reach, your mind feels quieter, like the mountains have whispered, “अब थोड़ा ठहर जाओ।”
Life here isn’t fast. It’s steady. Real. The kind that makes you notice how the sun falls over a wheat field or how silence sounds at dusk.
Morning starts early in Tulna. Before the sun fully rises, smoke curls up from mud houses as women light their चूल्हा, and men head toward the fields. Children in school uniforms walk down the narrow path, waving to everyone they pass, because here, everyone knows everyone.
The rhythm is unhurried. People talk, laugh, and work together. Even the smallest task fetching water, cutting grass, or milking cows- feels like part of a quiet tradition passed down through generations. You won’t find much noise here, but you’ll find warmth, the kind that sits in shared tea cups and friendly hellos.
Farming remains Tulna’s lifeline. The terraced fields, known as पंयाल, spread like green steps across the slopes. Wheat, barley, mandua, and pulses sway in the cool mountain breeze.
The soil might be tough, but so are the people. They live close to the land, patient, humble, and grateful. When harvest season arrives, it’s not just work; it’s a celebration. You’ll hear laughter echoing across fields, and by evening, someone will surely start singing a कुमाऊँनी लोकगीत, carrying the sound of old memories.
Every village in Uttarakhand has its local देवता, a protector spirit who watches over the people. In Tulna too, the small temples are not just places of worship; they are the heart of the village. Bells ring softly, and you’ll often see elders sitting outside, talking about old times and mountain legends.
Festivals bring everyone together, Holi, Harela, and Deepawali, each celebrated with food, laughter, and dance. No fancy lights, just the warm glow of oil lamps and the joy of being together.
As the day ends, Tulna slips into a calm hush. You can hear the rustle of trees, the distant call of a cowherd, maybe a child’s laughter from a nearby courtyard. The hills turn golden for a while, then fade into blue.
There’s something about these evenings that stays with you, like an old tune you can’t forget. Sitting by the अंगीठी, sipping tea, you realize how peaceful life can be when lived simply.
Tulna isn’t about luxury or adventure. It’s about जीवन की सादगी, the kind that reminds you what truly matters. The bond between people, the pride in hard work, and the beauty of quiet moments. In a world that’s always rushing, this small village teaches you to slow down. To look around. To breathe.
So, if you ever wander through Almora’s winding roads, take the path that leads to Tulna. Sit with the locals, share a meal, listen to their stories. You might come back with nothing in your hands, but your heart will feel full. Because in Tulna, ज़िंदगी थोड़ी धीमी है, और शायद इसलिए ज़्यादा खूबसूरत भी।
Uttarakhand is not simply another country. People here name it Devbhoomi (देवभूमि), the Land of the Gods. And it feels that way. Rivers begin right here. Old temples sit on mountain tops. Morning dayl...