A drive to remember. Text & photos: by Yogesh Kardile
Monsoon has begun last month. So I decided to drive to the Mahabaleshwar on my bike. I started off from Satara. Road was surprisingly clean and accompanied by trees on both sides. So my joy multiplied.
After going ahead a few kilometers Kelghar ghat started; a mountain pass twisting and turning like a snake. Slowly I climbed up and saw the beautiful view of countryside. Small villages nestled in the valley were looking breathtaking.
After a few hundred meters villages disappeared behind the curtain of forest. Everything turned silent and the forest sounds started floating in the air. I stopped my bike for a few minutes to listen those pristine chirpings.
And here I spotted a beautiful wild flower. A conical shaped flower blossomed in the monsoon was a wonderful site. I took a few photographs from various angels. And moved forward into the forest. And I stopped the bike because sawn two more different flowers roadside.
Nature gives us surprises in intervals. Here I was surprised in every corner and the bend of the road.
Now I reached inside the carpet of clouds. I attained the height of Mahabaleshwar. I was not able to see beyond a few meters. This was difficult to ride ahead. Even rain shower started slowly and increased as I approached closer to the famous hill station.
Trees around me were covered with moss. The shiny green cover was omniscient (at least here). Wherever you see green was the only colour except the red of soil.
The abstract shapes of trees were bending on the road. Made a different kind of natural art altogether.
Even small leaves with intricate patterns were hanging on the stone covered with moss. I was satisfied with photo opportunities I got. Only problem was raining on my camera. Fortunately my brother in law Bhushan helped me to cover the camera and wiping the water as soon as work done.
I was very happy and whistling all the way going slowly. Suddenly my eyes caught movement and bike halted suddenly. It was dutondya a snake. Unfortunately he was not able to cross the road quickly. Bhushan helped him and we moved. I took the picture of his crossover of the road. Many snakes die in the effort to cross the road and the carelessness of drivers. We wish him best luck.
In this journey my eyes were glued to one view of the graveyard. It is close to the hill city. Green shrouded over the whole area gave the mystic look. A thought occurred to my mind that these people who are resting in peace must be really living in paradise. Everything is so tranquil over here. God created this beautiful earth for us. Some are lucky even after their death and most of us live in hell in the god forsaken cities. Forget it! I have to reach the destination and come back.
I reached to Mahabaleshwar. Now it was raining heavily. I had tea biscuit with Bhushan and left the city as soon as we can. The hordes of tourists repelled me. Everything around us was garbage, food packed in plastic pouches or bottles. Only thing I liked was the enthusiasm of humans. Everyone was enjoying the rains. But most of them were happy in the security of a concrete city. Rest of the jungle was in peace. So be it! I didn’t take a photograph in the city.
While coming back my battery was charged up. After climbing down the hill even rain was lessened. Clouds were floating and wrapping the hill caps. So serene was the view! I tell you it is must to experience. Just driving on such roads fills you with new energy. Cleanse your thoughts and mind. If any chance you want to go for such a ride do call me. But be sure that you want to explore the wilderness not the luxury of a hotel. And yes if you love photography then we must go for such a drive. I will really take you to such unexplored areas of SAHYADRI. Yogesh Kardile www.amazingsahyadri.com