15th August, the day my friend and me finally completed a much 'wished' trek. Still don't believe we made it! It was fun.

We started from New B'bay at 7 in the morning and drove down to Nagothane. The journey was sprinkled with slight drizzles to heavy showers. It made the drive rather enjoyable. We reached the guesthouse in 2 hrs and started the ascent after changing into trekking clothes and shoes.

Absolute picturesque greenery greeted us, when we landed at the foot of the hill. It was such a welcome departure from the concrete jungle.

The driver led our small group of four towards the waterfall. My sandals gave away right at the onset of the journey. So I walked on barefoot. Though he was swift in climbing up, I was the first one to keep pace with him. The others followed me blindly. It was fun climbing up
the rocks and feeling the softness of the grass soothe the soles after walking on gravel. Felt like I was a monkey! Soon there came a point where we had to make an absolute vertical ascent. The driver had already reached the other side. I started the climb, closely followed by the others, not knowing it was the wrong route. I got stuck at a dead end with nothing to hold onto, except a feeble branch that obviously gave away. We were laughing at the acrobatics we did to keep ourselves steady. It was funny the way the driver held out a twig directing us out of the dead end.

We carried on, with me slipping every minute, thanks to the moss, algae and wet rocks. We were overjoyed on getting the first glimpse of the waterfall that has been hidden away from tourists. The sight of the cool milky white water gushing down seamlessly, set against lush green foliage, was a heavenly treat. We spent quite sometime in the water enjoying every bit of it.

We decided to follow the stream and walk in it during our descent. It was sheer bliss to fell soft water flowing over your feet, every step of your way.

In the evening we decided to pay a Durga temple atop a hill, cloaked by dense foliage, a visit.
The climb was steep and slippery. We were outdone by the locals who made their way up and down in 5 minutes!

I awoke the next day to creaking joints and muscle pain. No complaints, this pain is ecstasy!