The much-awaited monsoon is here again. The vegetation around has taken up a fresh look. The tall branches of the trees have covered themselves up under the blanket of leafy green. The thick layer of shrubs and grasses embraces the rejoicing soil. The stony structures get a new paint of moss. Thus the monsoon rejuvenates every thirsty soul giving them a new look. Yes, the monsoon is here again.

Puddles of water accumulate everywhere. Birds take a quick dip in any of these easily available pool around and also quench their thirst. Children love their rainy holidays and sail their paper boats in these accumulated water. Some love to do the rain dance. The rain comes in the form of a blessing from the heaven.

Other than these the Punekars has a different love for the monsoon. They wait for the monsoon every year to go for biking or trekking expedition in the lush green Ghats. Though we do not belong to any such trekking or biking groups. But we too wait for the same to do the same in our own way.

We generally do not plan a trip just hit the roads without any destination and thus reach sometimes known at times unknown places. Thus one rainy morning we took the much trodden Pune Mumbai Highway. This busy road too had a new paint of green on either side.

We have been to Mulshi lake during sunny days. The huge water body with its dry surrounding had a view that was so different from that we see in this monsoon. The backdrop was brown with a blue sky above and a shiny reflection in the clear waters. Now the sky is overcast, surroundings green, the waterbody bulging and the banks overflowing with its murky water.

Occasional showers sometimes heavy sometimes light and with the frequent glow of the golden sun was our companion throughout the ride. Potholes and farmlands all filled with water. The eager wait of the parched land is now over. All tiny to large souls that look skyward to quench their thirst have all revived by now. The watery clouds have drains its contents on us below.

Our ride was interesting, adventurous and amazing but I would not call it very eventful. It was mostly watching the astounding nature around and getting drenched. Not just by the outpour but also from the awesomeness of the vast landscape.

Though with time the area around the lake has changed a lot from that of my first visit. Various stalls and restaurants have come up. More people started coming to this place in recent past. Still, the place holds the same charm. Then we moved onwards crossing the Tata power plant to enter the Ghat region.

The Ghat became so lush with the rains. I could see hairline to big waterfalls. The white lines on the green background decorated the tall green mountain walls. The road was becoming narrow. Dark and heavy clouds along with tall mountains and thick trees lining the road blocked the light. The mist covered them all and engulfed us too.

The rustling sound of some flowing water grabbed my attention. Looking for it through the forest revealed a mountain stream flowing through the forest. The dark clouds were touching us and obscuring the surrounding.

On reaching a certain height there was a mountain gorge. It was a vast expanse of an overwhelming view of the green criss-cross meadows. We felt even more joyous watching this site. We moved forward through the narrow road that snaked within the mist covered mountains.

All of a sudden there was a lane even narrower taking turn a to descend down the hill. The road by a deep gorge went down. Was it a deep gorge or some mountain village? The mist veiled it all. It was keeping the road ahead obscure. We stopped in front of a gate. In the dark dense misty environment, it seemed to be a factory entrance.

With dual mind, whether to enter or not we took an adventurous step and entered the gated compound. No sooner did we crossed the gate the factory siren sounded. We took it to be the warning signal for trespassing the compound. Like little child fearing the circumstances we took an about turn to rush out.

Then we could hear the siren of a police vehicle approaching us. And now we cracked the joke that the police may be arriving here to get us as we trespassed the prohibited area. 🙂 Then it was the time to return. So again through the breathtaking vistas, we were riding back to our home.

We human takes a dip in the holy river to wash off our bodily dirt and our worldly sins. The other objects and lives around do not have that luxury. Here comes the monsoon to do this duty. The deluge is the gift from the heaven. Thus the rain comes in the form of blessings. Yes, the heavenly monsoon is here again.

Mulshi and Tamhini Ghat at a glance, with travel information.