A venture with adventure

Sometimes rain doesn’t play a spoilsport; it doesn’t wash-away your thirst for adventure. In fact, it complements your whole idea of a well-planned escapade. Lets you soak-in the essence of every single thrilling moment.

And this is what happened 59kms from Mumbai with me and my friends at a scenic and spellbinding weekend destination - Durshet Forest Lodge.

The wee hours of 9th July was washed by the family of rain clouds, creating a pleasant and soothing ambience on my first-time organised holiday expedition; thanks to all my friends who joined me.

We all reached Khopoli station at 11:00am by a local train while basking the surrounding breathtaking vistas, which undoubtedly added to our overall excitement. From there we took two rickshaws to arrive at Durshet, which is just 20kms from the station. It was a jam-packed journey, like pickles stuffed in a glass jar, as five persons travelled in one.

The entire route to Durshet was wrapped by a spectacular green carpet with ubiquitous human encroachments. But there was a ménage of fresh air too, flowing freely throughout the stretch, caressing everything on its way, without any anticipation.

Revelling this wonderful experience, in no time we arrived at our destination.

The whole vicinity was enveloped by one monsoon colour – green and with a sheet of blue sky, occasionally overlapped by beautiful black clouds. It was difficult to distinguish whether the azure sky was finding solace beneath the blanket of black clouds or the emerald planet down below; because every time the clouds departed, the sky looked renewed and with every drizzle the earth looked rejuvenated. Wish they could express themselves.

At the lodge we stayed in a dormitory; descent enough with large bunk beds to occupy a group of twenty five people. Ours was ten.

Since I was the escapade organiser, it was my responsibility to check-out the whole schedule of the activities. And believe me doing this I heartily felt good. I met Rupesh – the activity organiser, who suggested me to have lunch first and then go for Valley Crossing.

The idea of Valley Crossing reminded me of author Ruskin Bond’s Dehra Valley, where he spent most of his years wandering around; where every living creature lived in harmony with nature. Anyone decides to amble around, a puff of fresh air endears one, grass blades underneath tickles legs, the gushing sound of water soothes ears and the awe-inspiring views, simply rejuvenates eyes; letting every sense to feel the moment.

We all went to Durshet not just to repose, so we decided to take a stroll at the nearby Amba River and then have lunch. On our way we discovered that a group was having a good time while traversing on a tight rope that was knotted from one tree to another down below at a 45⁰ angle. In moments we learned that it was Valley Crossing. The activity seemed to be quite disappointing, as there was no valley beneath to be crossed. One was suspended through the support of a harness and carabiners and then pushed to the other end.

When our turn came, we also went through the same process. However, what seemed to be disappointing was not in reality. I realised that the gravity was calling me; pulling me; wanted to hug me; asking me to leave behind all the fuss and bring curves on my face. The experience lasted for some seconds but it etched in my mind forever. Clearly, first is always special.

After filling our appetite and then spending some sporty time at the pool, we decided to go to the nearby waterfall where our next activity was awaiting us - Rappelling.

Though it wasn’t my first experience, but when I looked at the spot from a distance, I trembled a little. I somehow felt uncomfortable and decided not to do it. But the flow of thoughts also carried with it my Gangasir’s words, “To overcome fear, face fear”. I affirmed myself and made up my mind to do it once again. And then just when I was about to go for Rappelling, downpour started. Droplets of rain landed on my back like big pebbles. In seconds, I started shivering, complementing to my existing fear factor.

But a determined mind never shatters. In fact, the rain must have descended to wash-away my fear. Every droplet on my back boosted my confidence to sling and slide down the cliff. The experience was like a chapter of life; when you keep on holding things, you are neither here nor there. When you let go things smoothly and smartly, you land safely. Undoubtedly, a remarkable experience I had to sleep with.

Next day’s morning was reserved for bird-watching at Aamba River. Black Drongo, Black Ibis, Robin, Pond Heron, Plum-headed Parakeet, Red-vented Bulbul, all filled the sky with their unrivalled charm but the feast for our eyes was the flock of Red Scarlet Minivet - a descendant of petite birds that kept on tweeting sweetly near the river bed, breathing the moment of their lives.

Having breakfast eventually, we then got ready to experience our last venture – Kayaking

Propelling oar through that gushing water and that too alone was a real task. The instructor gave us all the tips to steer the Kayak, but looking at the flowing water, my pulse rate started waving. As I sat inside the kayak, I felt the adrenaline rush through-out my body, followed by toppling imagination. But the determined mind was awake, which rekindled the adventurous me, letting me to drift through the water bed and discover the core of exhilaration.

All-in-all, at Durshet, I can say that I had a real venture with adventure that allowed me to drench every thrilling moment and didn’t give my goosebumps a shortest break.