We discovered the trekking event on Instagram, organized by Belgaum Hikers, and decided it would be the perfect adventure for my wife and me. We registered on Friday, 5th July 2024. The next day, we went shopping for essentials: a rain cap and raincoat for my wife, rain pants for me, and some chocolates and biscuits to energize us during the trek.
The Trek Day
Date: 07th July 2024, Sunday
Our regular autorickshaw guy didn’t turn up, so we had to drive ourselves to the pick-up point at Bogarves. We joined a group of 35 enthusiastic trekkers. The organizers had arranged two Tempo Travellers for our journey. We set off at 7:30 AM towards Amboli.
The journey started with introductions and friendly greetings in the Tempo Traveller. The drive through the Amboli Ghat road was scenic, especially with the heavy rain. We encountered an overflowing river on the road after Amboli, causing cars and vehicles to struggle to cross the stretch. One of Our Tempo Travellers hit a rock, causing the silencer pipe to be dismantled. After a temporary fix, we reached a village home by 10:00 AM.
We were warmly welcomed at the village home and enjoyed poori for breakfast. By 11:00 AM, we began our trek to Gharapi Falls.
The villagers and the organizers briefed us about the dos and don’ts, and we started our trek.
The Trek Experience
The trek was marked by heavy rains and overflowing river streams. We crossed tiny wooden bridges, carefully navigating through an area full of leeches. Despite these challenges, the trek was invigorating, with snacks to keep us fueled along the way.
The valley view was nothing short of spectacular. Multiple waterfalls poured from the top, creating a mesmerizing sight. As we trekked, the sound of cascading water grew louder, signaling our proximity to the main attraction: Gharapi Falls.
Finally, we reached Gharapi Falls. The beautiful three-tier waterfall amidst the dense forest was a sight to behold. The heavily gushing force of the waters, the rains, and the mist created a magical atmosphere. We took plenty of photos, but due to the heavy water flow, we couldn’t play in this waterfall.
The Return Journey
We started our return trek via the same route. Along the way, we found another safe waterfall to play in. We relaxed and sat in the streaming falls, enjoying the cool water. By the time we headed back, the water streams had increased, with muddy water above ankle depth.
One of the tiny wooden bridges got submerged, but the local villagers built a temporary bridge and ensured we crossed safely.
For the last stretch, my wife wanted to experience a ride in a vintage Mahindra Thar that the locals had. We rode in the jeep for 2-3 km, adding an exciting end to our adventure.
Reflections
Overall, we trekked 20 km and reached the base village home by 6 PM. After freshening up, we had lunch at 6:30 PM. I had six leech bites, while my wife had two. Our return journey started at 8 PM. The main roads were closed due to the overflowing river, so we took a detour to Savantwadi and stopped at Amboli for tea at 9 PM. The muscle ache started to set in, but we reached Belgaum by 11:30 PM.
Conclusion
The Monsoon Trek to Gharapi Falls, organized by Belgaum Hikers, was an exhilarating experience. From the challenging journey to the scenic views and the camaraderie among fellow trekkers, every moment was worth it. Despite the rain and the leeches, the beauty of Gharapi Falls and the adventure of the trek made it a memorable outing. We look forward to more such adventures in the future!
Special thanks to the organizers; Kishore Chandilkar, Rohit, Rohan, Sunil the local villagers, the drivers of the Tempo Travelers, and all our companions for ensuring we all were safe throughout the trip.
P.S: Before the registration, I told my wife this was just a 5 km trek but ended up trekking 20 km. Lol !!
Photo credits: From all the trekkers as sent in the WhatsApp group.
Tips for Future Trekkers
- Ensure you have proper rain gear: raincoat, rain pants, and waterproof shoes.
- Carry snacks like chocolates and biscuits for quick energy boosts.
- Be prepared for leeches; carry salt or a leech repellent, a first aid kit, a couple of band-aid strips, and a deodorant spray can be used too.
- Keep a positive attitude and enjoy the journey as much as the destination!
Happy trekking!
Until next time,
Warm Regards:
Gokool Kini
(Soul Warrior)
Also visit:Â Trekking to Madhugiri
