Mystic Hills

What does the onset of monsoon suggest ? The petrichor that emanates from the first rain of the season is as unforgettable as a person's first love . Topography changes and takes on a new life, every leaf gets drenched and new leaves sprout up making us feel rejuvenated. The terrible scorching heat tests our patience where the first rain brings much respite. Nature unleashes a new chapter and decorates the arid land with lush green carpet. What else does it call for ?

Nature welcomes us with open arms to witness the magic of this season !! so to experience this beauty I decided to go for a trek . I always wondered what's so special about climbing mountains ? They are just rocks formed over a period of time . My parents were concerned over my haste decision but i was adamant to give up as i wanted to venture out and explore therefore, got in touch with a trekking group and soon caught the early morning train to reach the base of the trek. Quick introductions and refreshments followed thereafter to commence the journey of Karnala fort.

Gradually as we kept on walking , I was able to comprehend the uphill task that i signed up for, welcomed by huge uncut rocks - climbing, jumping over steep rocks started getting tedious and an arduous journey of slippery mud , hanging boughs ( which to me appeared like snakes from a distance ) commenced.... I realised that I wasn't as fit as i used to be . I could see the youger lot ( just 2/3 yrs) surpassed and went quite of me which pinched me and I questioned myself why ? After a little introspection within - my sedentary lifestyle , improper food habits and being so engulfed in rat race led to this dissappointment. Later on, befriended people who had similar experiences.

After a few kms , light showers greeted us which made the trek more vivid. Cool breeze sweeping our sweaty faces made sure we are in sync with the way nature wants us to be. This clicked an instance from life that we face hardships but there's always a reason to smile if we put in the effort to see the beauty in everything. On this note by Mary Davis

To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles - Mary Davis.

Along the way at a point ,a troop of monkeys waited for us in impatience, i was careful not to look at them but as fate would have it one of the monkey had an eye on my umbrella who cornered me untill i parted away with it. Up and up we mounted overcoming the steep curves and edges that the trek threw at us . Soon we could see the Karnala FORT often referred as the "THUMB MOUNTAIN" by locales and tourists. The fort built in 1400s by DEVAGIRI YADAVS was in ruins today. But the view from the top as we reached the hill is exhilarating and truly invigorating. It was worth all the sweat , leg cramps and tardiness that we encountered during the journey. It stimulated me to take on the world from a new perspective .

Investment in travel is investment in self - Mathew Karsten

I treaded on the untrodden path and took it up as a challenge. Many times we underestimate ourselves by overthinking but reality surprises us . This was my first trek but definitely not the last one . Lastly we trekked back to the base and visited the Karnala Zoo where different birds waved goodbye . ( by the way i got my umbrella back with the help of our experienced group leader).