Pavani ChithariAfter Rajgad Trek! had our breakfast and
Our plan was clear, trek lead informed that we are going to stay at a village tonight, we are gonna trek to the village and then going to see the fireflies on the way to home stay, morning trek to reach the top of Rajmachi fort!
Appearance of fireflies plan was completely in nature’s hand. Praying hard to see them.
It was around 6:00 PM, got to see the golden hues! We gathered and shared few moments and stretches before getting started.
Dumped all the excess luggage in the minibus and carried necessities and gotta go half way up to reach the village.
It was a beautiful walk through forest allowing us to explore the night mode which is gonna filled with fireflies!
All the talks were about fireflies, just waiting for the light to disappear to let the appearance of tiny sparkles.
We stopped for a breather and it was almost dark, a gentleman stopped to check on us and passed info that fireflies gonna be here after 10 days according to the local’s talk. Being skeptical mode was on, I was praying hard to see at least one, all my trip was just for fireflies which I was planning to see them from 2019. We ignored the gentleman and continued walking with hope and magic! Also, thinking how can we see them when everyone’s flash is on, what if we miss to spot them, what if they appear past us? Checking if I’m wearing my glasses, else I would see only some blurred green spots, hehe!!!
God! the thoughts were unlimited till our trek lead had made everyone to sshhh for a minute and have told everyone to turnoff the flashlights.
It was in the dark , blinking in green and sparkling in rhythm. They tend to on and off their aura and were coordinated well forming a spread of twinklers and we were able to enjoy the view with immense excitement!
Not at all willing to move forward because what if we don’t find to see any further?
But with strong hope and excitement we continued further!!! We started noticing the green twinklers here and there. Held one in my hand, you see!!
and I have never seen any firefly this close before and always used to think its some kind of reflection of light. But the light was emitted from it’s bum, and all the time we were watching them having a fun party and twerking in the dark forest, heheh!! Thank god it is just limited to fireflies. Okay turning off my dirty mind for a while now.
Moving forward, carrying the smile and laughter! We started groups amongst the team according to the individual’s speed. We have spotted some gang who were moving towards the other direction than our gang and virtually followed the end of their approach and we started calling back our lead to take us to the place, where we clearly saw the fireflies which were triple than what we saw earlier, dancing and covered the entire trees like green fairy lights. We reached the spot and couldn’t believe my eyes and the satisfaction of waiting so long to see them was fulfilled to the core! I was thanking the god for making this happened and my prayers were interrupted by a girl who’s literally as excited as I’m and was shouting with open lungs “ Thank you Lord Krishna for making this happen”!
It was a dream till the evening which turned into reality beautifully!!!
We headed towards the homestay. Home, hunger goes hand in hand! It was a stay where I have seen all the youngters who were going up riding bikes and in jeeps, thought where all these people will end up? so they all ended up in the lanes of the beautiful village called Udhewadi where locals arrange stay and food for travelers. The most interesting part is, the village power is run using solar and they do have rain harvesting systems.
We freshened up a little turn after turn with minimum resources, thought that never I’m gonna take my bright lighted washrooms and running taps for granted again! Every resource is used with utmost value and zero wastage. The second hero of the night was food.
Warm roti, soya beans and potato curry, kadi and dal. A piece of warm soya and roti hugged my intestines and enjoyed the entire food with love. After eating 3 roti’s forever, peeked through the kitchen and asked if I can introduce the ladies to my readers. They welcomed me with warm innocent smiles, I thanked them for the meal and watched them making the food, it was so fascinating to watch!
Wild yet controlled fire was making their faces glow in dark, they are happy doing their work, they look so fit and healthy. I saw the other woman doing dishes for 20mins while I was waiting to fresh up when I reached the home stay, she squatted for 20mins to clean them, no table or support.
They are blessed with good health for sure!!!
Sleep was everyone’s next task, tiredness reminded us to rest for tomorrow’s trek. Yes, the another trek for tomorrow! It was a sleep on a mud floor covered with a blanket, that was the most different experience I have ever felt. After touching the ground and few minutes later the floor felt cold, my tired and stiffened nerves relaxed instantly, I didn’t even know when I was asleep after I put on my eye mask.
It’s 4:00 AM
I will definitely join a crowd which wakes up at 4am to trek to the top of Rajmachi, anytime!
It was more about people. Kids, elders, youngsters, everyone on the way to trek the Rajmachi!
You know what’s the most lovable thing I found during trekking, it’s asking someone to hold my hand! Hehe! Imagine asking – I might need your hand here or can I have your support here!!!
Also extending hand for the one, hiking up and searching for something to hold on to, when you are descending. You will receive the most genuine smiling thanks in the world!
Early morning views are so soothing and magical! We cannot see anything beyond which is always the present and enjoying the visibility and living the presence!
That place which gathers everyone before restarting the trek towards the top! Here where I saw a lady trekking all the way up strong with one arm, I had no excuses in life to live after seeing her, it’s so inspiring to follow and create a life we wanna live!
We meet people who are ready to share their food. Yes! a couple shared their plucked Indian blueberries! They were soo yum! just look at them!
Did I miss vada pav, missal pav ? not this time though 😛 with bonus snacks!!!
Siging off for today 🙂 Let’s catch up soon with another blog!
Location – Udhewadi, Rajmachi, Maharashtra, India.
It was a trip planned with HTC for 2D, which is woman friendly, no smoking drinking allowed, no need to carry all the extra luggage while trekking when with HTC, they arrange a mini bus where the excess luggage can be dumped. Totally safe environment for solo travel and trek groups!
