I feel I lived yesterday in fast forward. Everything happened too quickly. I had to slow down the memory reel to process and write about this travel saga to Mordhan and Kanvai forts. Both are in Nashik and a few kilometres away from each other.
Eight of us reached by our private vehicle to Khairgaon, base village of Mordhan on Saturday night. It was windy and drizzly. We didn’t carry blankets or any sleeping material yet each of us managed to get a nap.
Daylight came late than we expected and hence our scheduled climb started two hours late. The clouds had embraced the top of Mordhan fort in a scenic fashion. It tempted me more to climb this mountain. It is said to have been a den full of peacocks which gave it this name.
The clouds were in a playful mood and every ten-twenty steps it changed the view around us. For a brief time, it hid the fort, for a while, it completely cleared. The wind was also happy high at the sight of us on Mordhan fort; it kept us cool throughout the climb. However, there was someone else who was more playful.
When we crossed all the mucky patches, lost and found our way back and finally reached the top, our eyes were greeted with a bed of yellow flowers dancing to the tune of the wind. And then we met the most playful set of swifts found on mountain tops.
These swifts perhaps had a nest nearby and felt like we could be a threat. So many of them kept gliding around everywhere we walked. It felt special to have been walking with the swifts.
I wish I could convey to them that I am no threat to you. If I could convey that, I would also convey my gratitude as it felt special to walk while they all flew so close to us almost as if performing a show especially for us!
The joy of the whole climb was overwhelming. Yes, as usual, it was pouring out through songs for the mountain and everything else that was adding to the beauty of it. I even danced with Sanish, we sat and sang a few songs together before we began to walk down.
A few of us had to be home early and hence the climb down occurred in full speed. I can’t slow the memory reel for this part. The climb down was like the swift’s glide, smooth and in full speed. We all knew where the mucky patch was and where we could run. We did so and reached down to Khairgaon soon.
After washing our shoes we left for Kavnai and reached there within a half-hour. It was 12pm, no one had breakfast and were ready to climb another mountain on the basis of a few biscuits. That’s how our group is, we respect each other’s time as well need to meet mountains more than our need to eat!
The first few steps into Kavnai and I sensed the lack of energy. For once I wished I had eaten. I missed those regular trek mates who always have few toffees in their pockets perfect to get through times as such. For once, I wish I had those toffees in my pocket.
Nonetheless, I didn’t stop. One fellow was way ahead of me and the rest of them were way behind. I had a beautiful view and cool breeze as company till the top. I even timed myself. It took me exactly thirty minutes from the base village Kavnai to the magnificent door of Kavnai.
I can’t express the first sight of this beauty felt like. The entire struggle to reach till there felt worth it. There was a tiny stream behind the iron stairs to the top. I climbed the stairs, stopped in the middle, took a sip from it my soul smiled.
When I walked up, I saw the temple and the pond ahead of it. I walked around and saw all the ranges around. The saint at the temple was kind and gave us Prasad. I was starving almost, but as usual, the mountain knows how to take care of me.
Kavnai gave me a sip of joy and a little sweet when I absolutely needed it. Could there be a better friend than my mountains? Always there in the time of need, always knows and never lets me be-low!
After exploring all main points of the fort, we walked back down. The time management of this trip can be marked as the best in our group’s history. I was sure the people wishing to reach early will get late. But, they didn’t, a magical trip indeed!
I have heard my mother say often that there is no heaven and hell, it is all on earth and you will experience both. Well, not sure of hell, but Mordhan-Kanvai trek surely felt like a day spent in heaven.