Sahyadrica

Rain step-danced on the rickety asbestos roof as we savoured the delicious vada pav . It has only been a few minutes since we escaped from the frenzy city that now lies 700 meters below, 12 miles away. We’re in the land that Sahyadri adorns so well during monsoon, it is only when you touch it you believe it’s not an illusion. It is probably her greatest possession for miles north or south. The city-dwellers, like me, have chosen to come cherish this crown forest hidden away, literally, from prying eyes. No one questions anyone’s presence here – nor do they acknowledge it. It is a world in itself, whole – with gaming stations to liquor shops – a place where no vehicles are allowed, except for the neighing horses. If you’ve visited this place, you’d probably know I’m talking about the mighty Matheran – a hill-station we all love in our own ways. Matheran, over the years, has grown into a city in itself. Hotels and so-called cottages sprawl along the very edge of the mountains, a...

I visited an old friend of mine last weekend. We met after a long time. He was furious and cold for our first meeting in years – that was not very welcoming. For the most part of my stay, we argued over petty things, like the weather. He was always the bully, though – and you shouldn’t argue him. He can lift you and smack you and throw you off the cliff without thinking twice. His name was Matheran, and I was glad to see him, even in his darkest avatars. Let it rain The three of us decided to pay him a visit one Saturday afternoon. It was the bleakest of the bleak days in the month of August, and it had been raining since last night. With a bit of optimism and our fingers crossed, we decided to go ahead with our plan and finally were on our way to confront him. We took the road on foot and decided to explore the flora and fauna along its sides – on steep cliffs and naked rocks. I had no chance of being prepared for the best since it was raining. We passed a family of Painted Gra...