Adventure seeker diary: A date with nature in the wilderness of the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary

Clouds hugging the hill tops

It's monsoon session, the time of the year that is eagerly anticipated by the frogs as well as nature enthusiasts. It is also the time for monsoon trekking season. In this post I am going to share my experience of trekking to the Santrem waterfall in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary on 18-6-17(Sunday).

Beautiful fall along the trail

I was invited to join this trek by my sweetheart, normally I prefer to go on treks with a small group of 4 to 5 people, the logic being the more the number of people the more are the limitations (tantrums) particularly when it comes to enduring for that extra mile however this time it wasn't my circus.We were to join a very passionate group of trekkers with one of Goa's leading adventure companies OffTrail Adventures who call themselves a group of adventure and nature lovers busy exploring nature when they are not working with nature. Their expertise can be easily judged from the high standards which they set for this trek in terms of safety,guidance and also proving the required motivation for the weakest (physically!) of the participants.

The difficulty level was advertised as Moderate but as we know the earth is not the same everywhere (climate, people, landscapes, soil types, rock types, flora and fauna etc. varies with region) and so was our trail. Our trail took us through village kutcha roads, bamboos and thick forests with several inclines and declines along the meandering channel of the stream. At places the soil would give way and at other spots we encountered huge rocks creating obstacles in our path. Our mental and physical abilities were tested just like how it happens in life at times, when we need to exercise calmness, determination and strength to get through the toughest phases of life.

The marvel-Santrem Waterfall. Location: Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary

The trail was 6 km long, one way and required one to keep their eyes open or risk hitting their head on horizontal tree branches or getting derailed into the steep valley and yes I had forgotten to mention the leeches who are everready to give you a love bite. I was so engrossed in the trail that I lost track of time. It must have taken us approx 2-2.5 hrs to reach the waterfall. The scene at the waterfall could easily fill one with wonder, situated deep in the jungle where the only sound was made by crickets and the splashing water. We took a dip at the fall, allowing the water to soak in our body and let our worries flow down the stream. After enjoying shared meals for lunch we set back on our journey back to the village where our bus was waiting to be board but not before taking another dip to rinse ourselves afresh and change clothes.

It turned out to be a day well spent with nature and my sweetheart.( actually all I want to say is that, I would love to go on another date :P)

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