I didn’t want to write this post. I travelled more in the past two years and compared to that, this year was a flop for me. But, I wouldn’t have begun blogging if I had given into comparisons. So, here is a pat on my back for travelling this year.
The year began with simple treks to Segawa and Ballalgarh. I loved the ride there. But it was astonishing how the trees that spoke history of the place. I can always drive back here only to hug the huge Baobab trees.
Next in line was the much-awaited trek to Vasota. We took the less taken route from Chorawne village. “Each time you rest while trekking, make sure you keep your knees straight. Bending knees while resting doesn’t rest your leg muscles.”
This piece of advice was given to me by the guide for this trek. He was one jolly human with loads of knowledge and experience. I am glad this useful piece of advice was received at the start of the year and it did help me trek better through the year.
Apart from him, my biggest take away from Vasota trek is the dense forest walk. I believe forests are magical. They tend to make you listen to your core self. In the whole year, I walked through many more jungles, but this one was a class apart and yes my favourite!
One of the architecturally mesmerizing trip I had this year was to places in and around Solapur. Few secret temples, some magnificent wells and much more. Unlike my usual feeling, this trip did make me proud to have born to be born as a human especially in a state as such where many sharp minds carved history!
When I walk through a forest at night, I feel the fear of the people I walk with. But, our mixture of excitement and determination to trek just overcomes fear and we find our way to the top. Apart from this, the dark adds some creepy creatures that add to the beauty of the forest.
I have had two-night treks and I have cherished both. Last year it was to Chanderi and this time it was to Nanheghat. We walked down from Nanheghat the next morning from a different route and that too was a thrill on its own – to find a route back down which no one has ever been from! Yes, I am extremely grateful for this trip!
I have written one big blog and mentioned this trip several times in the blogs after. I can never be enough thankful for this trip, the place, everything. Thank You Aurangabad is hands down my favourite trip of this year. My eyes swell each time I read and re-journey this trip.
The monsoon lasted for longer this year and I did manage to have a few treks. Being a pluviophile, monsoon treks is what I look out for the entire year. Kohoj and Ganpati Gadad were two great treks but my favourite has to be to Mordhan.
It did feel like walking through a day in heaven. The remarkable climb, the majestic feel of the whole mountain, the lushing grass and dancing flowers – can’t stop grinning when I think of this one!
Leave alone the world full of trekkers and travellers, when compared to my past two years, this year’s travel didn’t even reach half of it. Yet, every single trip was unique and fulfilling in its own way. My personal journey as a traveller has improved thanks to this not so perfect travel year.
I have gained more patience in dealing with people and dealing with travel anxiety. I have managed to keep my travel going in spite of my work and study priorities. I have realized it is high time that I become travel independent and learn to drive, learn to memorize directions to travel with anyone or perhaps alone. That’s my motto for the 2020 travel time. All the best to me!
@nisha_navgire on Insta for any further conversations!