100% Monsoon. 100% Camel Valley

Igatpuri is a popular tourist destination, especially in monsoons, when the nature spreads green carpet to welcome the footloose. However, very few venture into the Camel valley though it gets ready to welcome visitors with numerous waterfalls and a roaring stream. So we call Camel Valley as Igatpuri’s best-kept secret.

A July morning. One of those best monsoon days. 24 hours non-stop rain. A tourism brochure would have said ‘100% Monsoon ‘100% Camel Valley’. Most participants of the trek organised by Nature Knights, an eco-adventure organisation, decide to remain cozy in their blankets. Seven of us brave the rains and drive up to Igatpuri. Climb up the Kasara ghats and when the Igatpuri plateau is just about to start, Camel valley reveals itself on the right as a sudden depth of about 1,000 feet.

Trek down through pouring rain, listening to the roaring stream below. Near zero visibility, thanks to the fog.

Get lost in the jungle for some time, trying to figure out the trail. Contemplate whether to go ahead or return. Then take a plunge.

Reach the stream, fed by thousands of waterfalls. Try some adventurous river crossing. Partially successful. Gobble down lunch under a makeshift canopy. Climb back. A perfect rainy day!

Camel valley on a clear day

Some trips can be scary, but exciting. We learned it during two trips – one to Manpara Peak in Nelliyampathy Hills, Palakkad, Kerala and other to Kudajadri Hills, Shimoga, Karnataka.

Only four-wheel drives can meet the challenges thrown by these roads, if we can call them ‘roads’. Unpaved and bumpy would be underestimating adjectives for these.

The ride through these forest pathways is so bouncy that you can’t rest your bum on the seat. Ditches and stones make sure your head hits the top of the jeep frequently.

One moment we climbed up at somewhat 70 degree, followed by a climb-down at a similar angle. At one place, there was no track; instead we climbed a rock face. Nevertheless, we were all laughing hysterically.

If there was something common between all the passengers, it was an unrelenting faith in the young drivers (in both places), who were doing nothing short of a dangerous circus, albeit well-practiced.

We stand on the edge of the farm
Leaves sway in the breeze
Sun pours energy from the sky
Behold the moment, we think

Farmers’ plight across our country is depressing. However, the lush farms never fail to lift our spirit.