This is one trek that we don’t mind repeating every monsoon. It is, in my opinion, the best trek that can be done, nearby Mumbai, in the full fury of the rains. It has everything – a grand waterfall, a good climb along the waterfall, a thrilling climb on a ridge with strong winds doing their best to knock you off into the valley and fantastic views of the entire Karjat-Matheran range, of course, if the clouds permit.
This time the excuse was to take Rajesh’s group to the Chanderi waterfall. We were a group of more than 25 people, kids & elders. It took us around two hours to get everyone to the stream. While the elders enjoyed at junction of the Chanderi col trail and the stream, the kids climbed a little higher, to the point where the stream splits into two. The stream was at its fiercest that I’ve witnessed here. At both the places, the gushing water had created small pools almost 4-5 feet deep. Everyone had their bit of fun before it started raining heavily and the changing color of the water (due to mud being washed down by rains above) warned us that it was time to descend. The water levels had risen significantly, and it took some effort to get everyone across the stream at the two junctions.
Back at the base village, we drove to Saguna Baug resort near Neral for lunch, almost at 6 pm. This is a nice resort with Matheran & Peb as the backdrop. A great place to visit in the rains for a day picnic.
It was a perfect outing. What we missed was the climb to the cave…
That should follow soon…
Photos here:
Praphulla Parab 