Monsoons and Mountains

Q: What is better than a perfectly planned trip to the mountains amidst freshly washed green surroundings and the smell of wet earth?
A: An impromptu trip to the mountains amidst freshly washed green surroundings and the smell of wet earth.

That's what it was yesterday. A dream-like drive to Khandala. Born out of an afternoon of idleness and nothingness. We had the most tempting invitation. A crisp day after 30 hours of rain; with just enough sun to brighten the surroundings; warm chill on our skins - where we were aware not only of the sun, but of the rains that preceded it; and the rains that were to follow. The day just glowed on; like the charming smile of a four year old that takes your heart away; leaving you no choice but to smile back; just so you share that moment of bliss and divinity.

We realized at three in the afternoon that we had the day to ourselves. And we wanted to be outdoors. After exactly one point five minutes of pondering over the question, we decided to drive out to the mountains; the destination still undecided.

We took the expressway to Pune; the green around us mesmerizing us into a joyous trance. The freshly washed green fields; the fresh green moss around the rocky walls; the dark tunnels of the expressway; the train chugging through the mountains; the view of the valley as we climbed up; the many small waterfalls that had cropped up along the mountains. It was breathtaking. Almost healing.

Two hours of (sometimes challenging) drive later we reached Lonavla. And as we should have expected we were greeted with a huge crowd and (you will not believe it,) traffic! Leading to what could have been the worst ending to this joyous escapade. Thankfully sense prevailed and we turned back. Towards the less crowded areas.

At this point of time I had resigned to the fact that the drive would be the highlight of the trip. But we stopped for some warm corn. And that started adventure number two. We climbed up mountains. Climbed down mountains. Climbed over a couple of fences we shouldn't have. Strolled on off-limit private property. Almost climbed a pipeline. Almost jumped into a lake. Took pictures by a European looking stone bridge. Ate some more corn. Spotted some igloo houses. Mooed with some cows. Talked. Listened. And started back, knowing that the stopover was really the highlight; the realization that even mundane spots with too many people hold the promise of wonderful experiences.



Drove back by the expressway. Stopped over for some Maharashtra food. And paan. Drove some more. Some parts difficult. Reached Mumbai. Were welcomed by the ever-present Mumbai traffic. Finally made it home. Recalled an awesome day in many ways. Fell asleep instantly.

I woke up today with a smile. Remembering every moment from yesterday. The liberating afternoon. The intoxicating evening. And that's when we decided; that we'd write about these travels. So we didn't forget about them; of how small moments bring joy in our lives; make life worth looking forward to :)

And I almost forgot. Yesterday was the first time I stood out of the car window as the car climbed down the mountain. Its the most awesome thing in the world! :)