(5:30am) The alarm buzzes way too early for a Saturday morning. Even before break of light, the journey to the destination begins. The hype of being surrounded by familiar faces building an aura of anticipation as the Tourister bus leave the city limits, the thrill of a get together with old friends, a certain fun that is set for agenda seems good enough reason to celebrate the dawn.
(8:30) Breakfast is served at a hotel named Janappanchatrar, a place beyond Red Hills, about 40kms from the city. Energized for the day the rest of the road trip is followed by laughter, chit-chats and Anthakshari, where ‘la’ seemed to be the game winning syllable. Some decide to get some shut eye before the exertion starts. Watching the earth move away on the open roads through the window, cutting through hills at distant, bridges over vast water bodies, traffic begins to get thinner. Crossing over the Andhra boarder entering Chittoor district the roads become narrow, with goat litters running across and buffaloes resting under the shade. Passing through rural villages that possess a set-apart lifestyle, swarming with women strictly domesticated while men provide for the family.
(10:30) The bus finally screeches to a halt on the rough terrain at a temple in Nagalapuram. Packed-lunch with 2 bottles of water is distributed to all, followed by a small briefing regarding safety which marked the start of the trek heading off towards the wild. From now on it is all calf muscles and maintaining a centre of gravity at all times. Walking pass a huge reservoir dam, with trees growing from the bed indicates the dam being dry for quite some time now. Trees all around seem to shed their leaves in tune with the season. With only a few patches of water on the entire reservoir, the earth seemed dry and barren all throughout. The trekking path never flat - filled with rocks, tree roots, thorny bushes of all sizes blanketed with fallen leaves makes the walk challenging. Enduring hardship through such a terrain simply shows how vulnerable and pampered humans really are. Stopping constantly for water-breaks with floods of photo session being the order of the day. Crossing flowing streams, hanging tree branches, whistling winds, manoeuvring through huge rocks with sound of birds chirping at a distant, all in one scenic beauty as though fit for some Bollywood blockbuster.
Constant regrouping and breaks lightens the fatigue factor. Halting next to a stream, where the cold and fresh flowing water gives a promising view of the venue ahead. Rocks protruding out of the stream provide footing to cross over, and the trek continues further up the trail. The walking path includes inclined climb against rocky mountain, rough terrain, trees and bushes cautiously moving ahead throughout the trail, and occasionally crossing paths with villagers, we finally reach our destination.
(12pm) Under uneven trees, surrounded by huge mountain rocks in between the hills, lay nature’s own swimming pool. Boulders of rocks placed indiscriminately, with fresh water stagnant at many places, trying to flow its way around the earth. Cold waters on the bank, warmer waters upstream and a cloudless sky provides the perfect aura to re-live a childhood dream. It did not take long to manifest into swim clothes, leaving backpacks on the foot of the hill and hitting the water.
The initial shock of the cold water is soon overcome. Fishes occasionally nibbling on the skin, fallen leaves accumulated on the surface of the water, hills covering the sun, and with an unstable and slippery water bed, safety is a major priority. Ropes and life jacket helped some approach and experience the faster flowing fresh waters. This is nothing but nature at its simple best.
(2pm) Wrinkled fingers, and exhaustion of constant swimming, screaming and laughing, and the reason to recuperate turns us recent amphibians to return to land and cool off besides the rocks. Hunger set in, and lunch was now a lazy afternoon chore. There is so much excitement when there are so many elements of unknown. Rehydration is constant concern, especially after a swim. Some doze off, many just laze around talking, stand to dry off, while some find it interesting to explore the turf around. Relaxing the mind is one of the greatest features of such a trek. It is really important that all the waste is collected and nothing is disposed off in the location.
(3:30pm) It is finally time to bid adieu to adventure land and return back to normalcy. One good look at the place around and the hike back begins. An easier route is taken, because returning back the same path is too main stream. Slower than usual, with more constant breaks to accommodate the exhaustion and dehydration, the walk back continues accompanied occasionally by friendly street dogs. Glucose water and clicking of the pictures seems to keep mind off the dragging feet. The walk is filled with memories of events of the day that is still fresh. Alas, on reaching the bus, it was time to put leg muscles to rest. Rehydration, a small stretch, and it’s time to wind up the long action filled day.
(6pm) En-route Chennai the bus seems quieter than usual, savouring the moment in exhaustion. The trip seems to definitely set in an experience that leaves a unique impression. We learn so much about ourselves, our strengths in many aspects, and creating an occasion to surround ourselves with loved ones to celebrate simply creates bonds that last for life times. All in all, one awesome memorable day spent with nature.
