A Distant Dream :P'Twas the weirdest trek ever!
This ‘expedition’ to the Duke’s Nose, Khandala was lead by me and it was a great experience. It taught me to carry maps of the area, a compass and a pen knife too!
We were a group of 7. (Me, Ruta, Rohit, Nikhil, Pranit, Akshay and Aniket)
We alighted at Lonavala station from the Indrayani Express at eight in the morning. Grinning in excitement which was bubbling within, we started trudging along the tracks towards Khandala station. Covering the 8 km distance in an hour, we went on and followed a track which went over a hill.
Note: Watch out for trains while walking down the tracks. They come without warning, speeding like hungry demons.
As the track ended, we walked through the Tata Power Station… the guards showing us the way instead of shooing us away. Onwards we went and things started getting all crazy.
We came to a spot in the greens where there were hills on our right and the left. Before us and below, was some small town and villas. I and Rohit drew little maps in the ground (which we had memorized from the Wikimapia) and came to a conclusion that the Nose was right behind us.
Note: Actually, it was behind the hill on our right. Don’t guffaw loudly but compliment our confidence. You should have seen my determined jaw.
We started out through the dense bushes. Road was not easy. It wasn’t even trampled upon. Making way for ourselves through the thorny shrubbery and cobwebs we walked on. Nikhil kept making marks, using his pen knife, on the trees in case we need to return this way. We were yelling, laughing, teasing each other and listening to our grumbling stomachs, all at once.
We met small dead ends but chose the other route every time. We knew the direction of the hill which we believed boasted of Wellington’s and his Duchess’ Noses.
At last we came across a stream. It was merry and we refilled our bottles. Going across, we found out that there was no way ahead. Since we had to climb up the 3000 feet hill, we decided to do it through the stream. The foliage was dense and the air was cool. Crabs watched us invading their waters. They did not resist. They should have tried at least.
We climbed all the way up. We slipped, we fell. We helped each other up and we dodged falling rocks. One of us dropped his cell phone while one of us (me) lost his senses.
Note: I have a firm footing. Just that, I’d started singing ‘The Longest Day’ by Paul Anka all of a sudden.
When the road was found blocked by a dead tree, we climbed right over it. We were Warriors. Only I belonged to the Rainbow. (Don’t bother)
Once up, we were ecstatic and started yelling for food. Clambering up the gentle slope, we found ourselves on a plateau. We had to go to the other side to be above the Nose. (We’d lost our way, remember?)
Then Rohit asked me why the peak opposite us looked familiar. I gazed at it and heard my jaw fall on the grass below. The majestic Nose looked back at us haughtily. We looked back at it in disgust and wonder and hence our faces bore comical expressions.
Note: “Why didn’t the god-damn Wellington blow his nose?! We could have caught on the signal!!” My mind was yelling this at that time.
Being optimistic, I was happy that we had reached the same height and the trek was much tougher than what the ‘Nagpahni Dongar’ had promised us. We had food, clicked snaps, removed our wet clothes (socks and in the case of Aniket, his handkerchief).
Note: Aniket washed his muddy handkerchief around 4 times and he enjoyed the process of watching it becoming dry.
We walked around barefoot, contemplated life looking at the greens below, and joked around. An occasional glance at the Nose didn’t leave us red-faced.
After an hour and a half, we climbed down another easier route. We were exhausted but joyous. Carrying twin bags of Cooper’s Chocolate Walnut Fudge *drools over drools*, we caught our evening Indrayani back home.
Carrying your own food is a must. Lots of drinking water sources on the wrong paths as well as on the right ones. Buffaloes tend to scare you by exhaling loudly. Dogs start barking without reason. A pup may accompany you if the journey between Lonavla is made on foot using the road.
A lunch at Kamats Green House is not recommended. Okay food with illogical prices. If you prefer washbasins placed in a hard-to-see corner and enjoy a full view of the kitchen, it’s the best place for you! If you detest people looking at you while you talk, make a point to always visit the place. The waiters never glance at you while taking your order. But yes, they are prompt. The restaurant boasts of ‘delicacies’ like:
1) American Sev Puri
2) Italian Kurma
2) ‘Strawbary’ Dolly
3) Butter ‘Scoth’
4) ‘Potata’ Vada
This ‘expedition’ to the Duke’s Nose, Khandala was lead by me and it was a great experience. It taught me to carry maps of the area, a compass and a pen knife too!
We were a group of 7. (Me, Ruta, Rohit, Nikhil, Pranit, Akshay and Aniket)
We alighted at Lonavala station from the Indrayani Express at eight in the morning. Grinning in excitement which was bubbling within, we started trudging along the tracks towards Khandala station. Covering the 8 km distance in an hour, we went on and followed a track which went over a hill.
Note: Watch out for trains while walking down the tracks. They come without warning, speeding like hungry demons.
As the track ended, we walked through the Tata Power Station… the guards showing us the way instead of shooing us away. Onwards we went and things started getting all crazy.
We came to a spot in the greens where there were hills on our right and the left. Before us and below, was some small town and villas. I and Rohit drew little maps in the ground (which we had memorized from the Wikimapia) and came to a conclusion that the Nose was right behind us.
Note: Actually, it was behind the hill on our right. Don’t guffaw loudly but compliment our confidence. You should have seen my determined jaw.
We started out through the dense bushes. Road was not easy. It wasn’t even trampled upon. Making way for ourselves through the thorny shrubbery and cobwebs we walked on. Nikhil kept making marks, using his pen knife, on the trees in case we need to return this way. We were yelling, laughing, teasing each other and listening to our grumbling stomachs, all at once.
We met small dead ends but chose the other route every time. We knew the direction of the hill which we believed boasted of Wellington’s and his Duchess’ Noses.
At last we came across a stream. It was merry and we refilled our bottles. Going across, we found out that there was no way ahead. Since we had to climb up the 3000 feet hill, we decided to do it through the stream. The foliage was dense and the air was cool. Crabs watched us invading their waters. They did not resist. They should have tried at least.
We climbed all the way up. We slipped, we fell. We helped each other up and we dodged falling rocks. One of us dropped his cell phone while one of us (me) lost his senses.
Note: I have a firm footing. Just that, I’d started singing ‘The Longest Day’ by Paul Anka all of a sudden.
When the road was found blocked by a dead tree, we climbed right over it. We were Warriors. Only I belonged to the Rainbow. (Don’t bother)
Once up, we were ecstatic and started yelling for food. Clambering up the gentle slope, we found ourselves on a plateau. We had to go to the other side to be above the Nose. (We’d lost our way, remember?)
Then Rohit asked me why the peak opposite us looked familiar. I gazed at it and heard my jaw fall on the grass below. The majestic Nose looked back at us haughtily. We looked back at it in disgust and wonder and hence our faces bore comical expressions.
Note: “Why didn’t the god-damn Wellington blow his nose?! We could have caught on the signal!!” My mind was yelling this at that time.
Being optimistic, I was happy that we had reached the same height and the trek was much tougher than what the ‘Nagpahni Dongar’ had promised us. We had food, clicked snaps, removed our wet clothes (socks and in the case of Aniket, his handkerchief).
Note: Aniket washed his muddy handkerchief around 4 times and he enjoyed the process of watching it becoming dry.
We walked around barefoot, contemplated life looking at the greens below, and joked around. An occasional glance at the Nose didn’t leave us red-faced.
After an hour and a half, we climbed down another easier route. We were exhausted but joyous. Carrying twin bags of Cooper’s Chocolate Walnut Fudge *drools over drools*, we caught our evening Indrayani back home.
Carrying your own food is a must. Lots of drinking water sources on the wrong paths as well as on the right ones. Buffaloes tend to scare you by exhaling loudly. Dogs start barking without reason. A pup may accompany you if the journey between Lonavla is made on foot using the road.
A lunch at Kamats Green House is not recommended. Okay food with illogical prices. If you prefer washbasins placed in a hard-to-see corner and enjoy a full view of the kitchen, it’s the best place for you! If you detest people looking at you while you talk, make a point to always visit the place. The waiters never glance at you while taking your order. But yes, they are prompt. The restaurant boasts of ‘delicacies’ like:
1) American Sev Puri
2) Italian Kurma
2) ‘Strawbary’ Dolly
3) Butter ‘Scoth’
4) ‘Potata’ Vada
5) 'Aerated' Bisleri (what the heck?!)
Boy were we happy having reached the right place! Though we did wonder why we weren’t offered ‘Mexican Rasam’ and ‘Odisi Pasta’…
Things I learnt:
1) A guide isn’t really necessary. Just make sure you don’t lose your way if you want to reach a pre planned point.
2) Carry maps if you want to and explore the surrounding area while eating.
3) Never try to eat a sandwich in front of a buffalo. It gets angry.
4) Instincts are not that trustworthy.
5) Never try to convince older blokes to leave their window seats in the train. They won’t give a damn, ever.
Boy were we happy having reached the right place! Though we did wonder why we weren’t offered ‘Mexican Rasam’ and ‘Odisi Pasta’…
Things I learnt:
1) A guide isn’t really necessary. Just make sure you don’t lose your way if you want to reach a pre planned point.
2) Carry maps if you want to and explore the surrounding area while eating.
3) Never try to eat a sandwich in front of a buffalo. It gets angry.
4) Instincts are not that trustworthy.
5) Never try to convince older blokes to leave their window seats in the train. They won’t give a damn, ever.
6) Never peep into barber shops in Lonavla. They frequently help blokes shave their armpits and the sight aint pretty.
7) Dogs prefer looking in the opposite direction when a vehicle’s coming towards them at full speed.
8) Some flies can bite and how!!
Though we gave Hon. Nose a miss, the trek was good and I’m looking forward to the next one. :)
7) Dogs prefer looking in the opposite direction when a vehicle’s coming towards them at full speed.
8) Some flies can bite and how!!
Though we gave Hon. Nose a miss, the trek was good and I’m looking forward to the next one. :)
1 comment:
Will always remain as one of my best memories! ;)
Post a Comment