Whoever remarked of paradise being only within the heart was not blessed enough to admire the expansive outbacks that lie strewn across all of India. Matheran is one such destination and it was sheer thoughtfulness that took me there.
V's text one Friday evening had me elated when he asked if i'd like to go along over the weekend. And, on a following Sunday morning when we set about, in the midst of nippy winter air, i had little clue of what was to come. Excitement turned into elation when we slipped out of the city and into unrestrained greenery, which to me is balm to the soul, or rather, its home.
Winding roads, thin clear air, rugged hills and rolling mountains later, Matheran presented itself and welcomed us like home would its inhabitants. I cannot justly describe the sights and sounds, for they are much more and beyond words. But walking about untroubled by time or intention and purely ecstatic at taking in all the marvel that was, i soon reached a point of not wanting to return; of the need to disappear into the consoling wilderness and remain lost forever!
Humbled, and in awe, i was once again reassured by the verity that meaning and purpose are nothing more than the synonyms of nature, the marvels of creation.
I cannot thank V and his friends enough for this splendid opportunity; the sojourn, feel, stillness, conversations. And V, and his family, particularly for some delightfully homemade Rajasthani fare of 'dal bati churma.'
I can at best sum up the day with one word, very distinctive of what it truly is - a 'blessing.'
And as i returned home and passed into time, another milestone, quite contrary of its just-relished predecessor stood in force to smother me - It was a Monday morning!
V's text one Friday evening had me elated when he asked if i'd like to go along over the weekend. And, on a following Sunday morning when we set about, in the midst of nippy winter air, i had little clue of what was to come. Excitement turned into elation when we slipped out of the city and into unrestrained greenery, which to me is balm to the soul, or rather, its home.
Winding roads, thin clear air, rugged hills and rolling mountains later, Matheran presented itself and welcomed us like home would its inhabitants. I cannot justly describe the sights and sounds, for they are much more and beyond words. But walking about untroubled by time or intention and purely ecstatic at taking in all the marvel that was, i soon reached a point of not wanting to return; of the need to disappear into the consoling wilderness and remain lost forever!
Humbled, and in awe, i was once again reassured by the verity that meaning and purpose are nothing more than the synonyms of nature, the marvels of creation.
I cannot thank V and his friends enough for this splendid opportunity; the sojourn, feel, stillness, conversations. And V, and his family, particularly for some delightfully homemade Rajasthani fare of 'dal bati churma.'
I can at best sum up the day with one word, very distinctive of what it truly is - a 'blessing.'
And as i returned home and passed into time, another milestone, quite contrary of its just-relished predecessor stood in force to smother me - It was a Monday morning!
Matheran... I have never been there. Rakesh, we keep talking of foreign destinations without realizing that India has so many beautiful places of different variety which most of us have not yet explored.
ReplyDeleteSaji ettan, you must visit there! Yes, we do keep talking about so many places outside without realizing that our country has so much to offer and charm us.
DeleteYour poetic outpouring is so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYou must visit Matheran in the monsoons! It is heavenly!
Thank you so very much, Sir. Am glad you liked it. And yes, i will visit Matheran sometime in the monsoons too. I'm sure it is divine.
Deletematheran is a pretty place and well kept too :)
ReplyDeleteIts particularly beautiful in the monsoons... but like you said when friends are with you every place can be a blessing :) :)
Yes, Dhiren bhai, it is a wonderful place and very well kept too. I'm told it transforms into paradise during the monsoons.
DeleteAnd yes, nothing like an outing with friends! A blessing indeed :-)
A photo of the place could have helped us visualize it better. Not that your words aren't enough. Need to visit the western ghats sometime...
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
Yes, sir! And i have obliged! :D
DeleteOn another note, you must visit there.
Wow! I just read about the Matheran only on Sunday newspaper, on the decision of introducing night safari with Matheran Railways track with the latest Led lamps. which also seeks UNESCO status.
ReplyDeleteGlad u took the weekend trip to there. Your writing was fascinating and inspiring to visit.
Right you are! You've got such loads of information about places - the enthusiastic traveller that you are.
DeleteThank you so much for your kind words, Jeevan. Am glad you liked my post.
wonderful, i love reading how much you appreciate a chance to visit places like this one you describe, a blessing indeed!
ReplyDeleteIt is such a blessing to be able to visit places, BC. Nothing could offer me more happiness, i'm certain. Glad you liked it. Thanks very much.
DeleteI have heard of this place before, want to see it in person.
ReplyDeleteYou must! Matheran is an absolute must visit - particularly during the monsoons.
DeleteThanks for sharing info about a new place (for me)
ReplyDeleteSuch a pleasure, Krishna. Am glad you liked it.
DeleteNothing like being wrapped in nature's arms! Thanks for sharing about the place. Hopefully I can check it out one day. As always, beautifully expressed. :)
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Issam, nothing like being wrapped in nature's arms! Nature is the only ultimate, the true lover, the absolute healer and the best comfort.
DeleteThank you very much! Glad you liked it :-)
beautifully narrated
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! :-) So glad you liked it!
Delete