ThoughtsnFantasies: March 2013

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Bhandardhara Camping

I was not so sure whether camping was a good idea, with family, in Bhandardara. Not that we have not camped in India before. We did that recently in Mori, some six hours ahead of Rishikesh for white water rafting and it was a splendid experience. Part of the reason was that it was arranged by Aquaterra, who I would recommend to anybody interested in adventure sports. Bhandardara on the other hand was a make shift camp and I did not know the organiser Keshav before. He was recommended by an ex colleague. So with mixed feelings we drove down the Nashik highway, took the Ghoti right and reached Bhandardara in 3hrs from our Andheri residence in Mumbai.

The first surprise was the pristine water of the lake – turquoise blue. We parked a car on a small hill next to the lake which was supposed to be the base camp. The next surprise was when Keshav asked where we wanted to camp? Where, I mean we could choose? It was up to us to decide where we wanted to put the tents. We chose a strategic spot on the hill that looked up to the lake and the mountains ranges beyond. A 180 degree scene from the tent had views of AMK (Alang, Madan& Kulang mountains, reminding me of my trek there a couple of years ago), Ratangad, Ajoba & Kalsubai the highest peak in Maharashtra.

After settling down, lunch was served. While it was vegetarian food, a disappointment of sorts initially, it turned out to be very tasty-prepared rural style. Next on the agenda was sight-seeing which I was not too keen on but reluctantly agreed for. We drove the perimeter of the lake which was a 50km drive and stopped by at Sandhan and Amruteshwar temple. Amruteshwar, a Shiva temple, was built in 11th century. It is very small but quite mystic and mesmerising. Sitting there quietly for 10minutes can be rejuvenating. And Sandhan is perhaps one of the narrowest valley in India. It is 2.5-3km long and in places just 2-3 feet wide. It’s so deep and narrow that there are many places where the sunrays never reach. It’s also therefore called the valley of shadow. We trekked down part of it only as we had Mishti with us and one has to cross a couple of water pools (that will make one drench completely).

While we planned to see the sunset from our tents, by the time we reached the base, it was well past dusk. However, we were in for the best surprise of the day. It was a full moon night. We could see the lake, the silhouette of the mountains beyond, the other tents that were pitched on the beach next to the lake and so on. Everything was so scenic, it was hard to believe we were actually gazing stars on a full moon night from our tent. Dinner was delicious – fried fish and chicken curry along with bhakri – would have been better if it were hot though but the outside temperature was close to 10 degrees and these people got food from their homes in the village close by – so by the time it arrived, it had turned from hot to mildly warm. After dinner while Rupali and Mishti dozed off, I took a walk along the lake humming tunes to myself.

The morning was light with gentle breeze. The revelers down in the tents were packing to leave. Since we planned to leave post lunch, we spent most of the time near the lake. The thought of taking a swim occurred to me but lethargy prevailed. We just sat next to the lake chit-chatting. It was a splendid break from Mumbai’s chase and clamour. Calm, relaxed and close to the nature. While thanking Keshav for his hospitality, we learned that besides organising camping that provided weekend employment to several villagers as cooks, masseurs, boaters, etc, he also runs a free library for children in the village. This library lends few books to its smaller branches in nearby villages every month. Books get circulated from one village to other thereby benefiting hundreds of children. I am always amazed to see how one man can make positive changes in lives of so many people.

If you are interested to donate books or visit Bhandardara for camping, trekking etc pl visit this site http://www.amazingbhandardara.com Take a break in any season... ...it’s worth it.