GOOD TREK!!

On a cold cozy saturday morning, Karthik and me set off on an adventure trail. We caught the Deccan express at 7:30 AM and reached Karjat at around 9:30 AM. We packed our bags with biscuits, chocolates, chips and energy drinks to keep us on foot till evening. A share auto took us to Kondawadi, a village 10 KM from Karjat. This village is our ground zero. From here, our trail and our tryst with Sahyadris begin.

Our trek was all along the banks of river Ulhas and the numerous streams that flow into river Ulhas. I was trekking after a long time..after 5 long years..i distinctly remember my last trek along the banks of River Coleroon. As we began our trek, we were greeted by an overflowing stream. We took some snaps of the roaring stream. Mr Rain lashed the area and we took shelter under a tree and munched some cookies. We trekked over a fresh water rivulet for nearly a kilometer after which my foot got stuck in a slush!! I removed my slippers, put them in a cover and continued trekking on the path which was ridden with pebbles.

Soon, we spotted a water fall. We meandered our way through a stream and reached the falls. After cleaning me of all the slush and taking few snaps, we headed for Kondana Caves. Now began our steepest climb. After having confined myself to four walls of my room at IIM B for last two years...i found it a bit difficult to ascend. i took frequent stops and guzzled pepsi to regain my lost strength!! After wading through numerous streams and after two hours from ground zero, we reached Kondana caves. A huge waterfall is at the entrance of the cave, The cave is to be approached through its side entrance. Kondana cave was once a buddhist stupa, now it is in ruins. This is the first time i had watched a waterfall by standing behind it...It was a wonderful sight!!

After spending some time there, we began our return journey..back to the polluted city of Mumbai. This trekking experience was awesome..After a long time, i breathed fresh air. I was far from the maddening crowd..the roar of the river still reverberates! Kondana is a wonderful place..the nature still very pristine and virgin!!