04 August,2011 07:14 AM IST | | Surekha S
The River Trail Camp, located on the banks of Kundalika River, provides an intimate setting to help you forget urban woes and soak in the monsoon mood. Spending a rain-drenched weekend at the eco-friendly resort makes for a perfect getaway
On a rainy Saturday morning, we joined a group of 15 enthusiastic 20-somethings, on a journey towards a tiny eco-resort called The River Camp Trail. The resort held a promise of enough activities to keep us occupied but most of all it promised to be a place we would not have to think about honking cars and blaring music. We started the journey at about 8 am on a rainy Saturday morning. What was supposed to be a three-hour journey ended up being a little longer than four hours thanks to a long break for breakfast and the incessant rain. But no one cared to complain. We were busy watching the rains lash against the windows of our car as we sped across the green hillsu00a0-- we couldn't have asked for a better start to the monsoon trip.
The River resort
A few minutes past noon, we were told we were getting close to our destination. But all we could see was the Kundalika River right ahead. Across the river, we spotted a resort that looked more like wooden shacks, with a canopy of trees covering most of the view. We soon realised that this was going to be our home for the next day and a half. Boats came to take us across the river to our abode and we were soon standing in front of The River Trail Camp, a resort that had been constructed by the villagers using wood, mud, bricks and cow dung.
The resort, owned by Ecomantra Nature Adventures, has been constructed using material found in the neighbourhood and without the use of any foreign or polluting material. The rooms were basic, without televisions and air conditioners but abundant mosquito nets. The simplicity and beauty of life, we were just introduced to, was enchanting. As was the serenity of the river, which we stared at for hours, while lying on comfortable wooden benches.
Grow your own paddy
After gorging on a hearty lunch prepared by the villagers, we decided to rest for a while and then headed straight for the fields to try our hand at rice planting. We must warn you, though the women make it look extremely easy as they go about singing and working on the fields, it is honestly a lot harder than it looks. The women of the Gove village have been tirelessly working on the fields for the last 15 days and we couldn't go on for more than a few hours. But the experience was awesome. Wading through knee-deep slush, we carefully tried planting the paddy. It was an arduous task maintaining our balance and moving backwards in an attempt to plant the field evenly. Amazed at the strength of the women, we did our bit for a few hours. Not to be deterred, we also tried ploughing the field with bullock carts. This proved to be even tougher, as we struggled to keep pace with the bullocks loosening the soil with ease. At the end, however, we were more than happy to just be walking around in the mud. The women informed us that the crop, sowed on the 50-60 acres of land, would be harvested during Diwali.
Crab Trail
Covered in mud from head to toe, we headed straight towards the river for a cleansing dip. Next, we embarked on the crab trail to find large crustaceans. As we once again ventured into the mud, our search not only yielded a few crabs but a few snakes too. A shriek and a stunned friend alerted our guides (local villagers) of the snake we had seen. What ensued was a heated debate on whether the snake was poisonous or not. After a few minutes it was settled that the snake was non-poisonous and we proceeded with our trail. Nursing aching bones after the long eventful day, we decided to sit by the river for sometime. There, engulfed by silence, a sense of peace and tranquility took over and not one of us felt like leaving the place. We were beginning to understand the quiet and beauty of village life.
Kayaking
One of the most adventurous activities we engaged in at the riverside camp was kayaking. We received a short training after which we bravely entered the waters (wearing life jackets, of course). After rowing the kayak for a few minutes your hands start to hurt, but not for long. Eventually, your hands either become accustomed to the task or the limbs become numb to the pain. Nevertheless, once in the water, we just didn't feel like coming back. A little practice and we could also navigate the kayak with ease. It was an experience we're surely not going to forget.
Waterfall Trek
The next day morning, we woke up early, put on our trekking shoes and headed for a waterfall trek. The waterfall is located near the Pale Khurd village and according to villagers it is still not known to most people, hence is still unpolluted. After a half an hour ride, we started the trek, which wasn't very steep or difficult. A path seemed to have been cut out in the hill, by trekkers or cattle we aren't sure. We were simply glad to have a path that meandered through bushes, trees and jumped over rocks and stones. About an hour later we neared the waterfall. Going further ahead, we reached what could be called the highest point under the waterfall. We sat under the gushing water, feeling the force of nature hit us gently. Strangely, we were told, the waterfall has no name nor does the hill from which it stems. Though the trek was a tad tiring, we came back feeling refreshed and elated with the wonderful experience.
