Monsoon is a magical time for all trekkers as they get to witness the magic that nature has to offer .monsoons are magic especially on the hills and that's why I joined the Mumbai Rangers group for their trek to one tree hill at Matheran.A few of my trekker friends had been there the week earlier and I could not make it due to school work-load then.The pictures they shared made me eager to visit the very place so there I was one Sunday with a small group of twelve.
Swapnil and Subbu were the leads and as planned in the itinery we took the local to Karjat and met up at the station.A long tum-tum ride and after misal-pau and chai we reached the base from where the trek began.There were a couple of trek groups there.We had the introduction round first and then began our way up.All around the magnificent view was amazing.there were fifty shades of green all around and the fog covered hills all around made the place seem so magical.We took in the view as we trudged upwards and also got a glimpse of the one tree hill far away.I was surprised to know that it was such a long trek to the top.We clicked many pictures as we walked up and just being there among nature had some kind of effect on me.My mind felt lighter and my worries seemed to disappear.
There was constant rain and sun shine at regular intervals as if both were trying to prove something to us.I did not even take the trouble to wear my raincoat as it was really nice to get totally drenched ,walking at a height with the cool breeze and fog for company.Finally we reached the hill right opposite the one tree hill and started clicking pictures,The walk was long and tiring so we had our lunch there .It was a great feeling as when we reached the top there was a heavy down pour and the wind was really strong.What an amazing weather!!!A coupleof dogs had also accompanied us to the top and they were eyeing our food.We dodged their hungry eyes and after our fill walked back on another easy route towards Matheran station.The crowd there was too much,it looked like every one from Mumbai and Pune had decided to visit Matheran that day.There were many hotels and restaurants for the tourists. There was also a serene lake there and at one point there was zip line adventure available for those interested. Matheran is famous for the many points of interest and we saw a couple that were on our way.We walked along the tracks and got a glimpse of the Matheran chi Rani,the blue mini train.A few of us stopped for hot corn on the cob as we walked along the tracks that took us to Neral station.Another jeep ride and we were back to Karjat station.On the walk trail we saw beautiful scenery,old bungalows,horses galore and crowds and more crowds.Most of us really missed having garam chai on our way back,in fact one of us told the leader about it too but as we had to catch the earlier local,we just boarded the train on reaching the station(Not that evening tea-coffee was included in the trek inclusions)Another uneventful long ride to Mumbai and surprise -surprise,I was home before 5 pm!!!It really surprised my hubby and he wondered how(maybe why also) I came home earlier than I usually did after my trek. It had been a day spent well in the lap of nature. Felt at peace within and now I was back in the concrete jungle.
Here are some snapshots of the trek.
The group photo is thanks to Swapnil.
Swapnil and Subbu were the leads and as planned in the itinery we took the local to Karjat and met up at the station.A long tum-tum ride and after misal-pau and chai we reached the base from where the trek began.There were a couple of trek groups there.We had the introduction round first and then began our way up.All around the magnificent view was amazing.there were fifty shades of green all around and the fog covered hills all around made the place seem so magical.We took in the view as we trudged upwards and also got a glimpse of the one tree hill far away.I was surprised to know that it was such a long trek to the top.We clicked many pictures as we walked up and just being there among nature had some kind of effect on me.My mind felt lighter and my worries seemed to disappear.
There was constant rain and sun shine at regular intervals as if both were trying to prove something to us.I did not even take the trouble to wear my raincoat as it was really nice to get totally drenched ,walking at a height with the cool breeze and fog for company.Finally we reached the hill right opposite the one tree hill and started clicking pictures,The walk was long and tiring so we had our lunch there .It was a great feeling as when we reached the top there was a heavy down pour and the wind was really strong.What an amazing weather!!!A coupleof dogs had also accompanied us to the top and they were eyeing our food.We dodged their hungry eyes and after our fill walked back on another easy route towards Matheran station.The crowd there was too much,it looked like every one from Mumbai and Pune had decided to visit Matheran that day.There were many hotels and restaurants for the tourists. There was also a serene lake there and at one point there was zip line adventure available for those interested. Matheran is famous for the many points of interest and we saw a couple that were on our way.We walked along the tracks and got a glimpse of the Matheran chi Rani,the blue mini train.A few of us stopped for hot corn on the cob as we walked along the tracks that took us to Neral station.Another jeep ride and we were back to Karjat station.On the walk trail we saw beautiful scenery,old bungalows,horses galore and crowds and more crowds.Most of us really missed having garam chai on our way back,in fact one of us told the leader about it too but as we had to catch the earlier local,we just boarded the train on reaching the station(Not that evening tea-coffee was included in the trek inclusions)Another uneventful long ride to Mumbai and surprise -surprise,I was home before 5 pm!!!It really surprised my hubby and he wondered how(maybe why also) I came home earlier than I usually did after my trek. It had been a day spent well in the lap of nature. Felt at peace within and now I was back in the concrete jungle.
Here are some snapshots of the trek.
The group photo is thanks to Swapnil.
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