The rain gods are here. Finally. And they have brought joy and cheer to all quarters. A tiny yet important sector within the city that must also be breathing a sigh of relief are travel companies. They are the folks who give us the time and ideas-starved urban junta loads to look forward to on our weekends with their tempting getaways and activities that reach a crescendo every monsoon.

Blessed with fascinatingly diverse topography, flora and fauna, the Sahyadris come to life in the monsoon. Naturally, soaking in the sights, sounds and smells of these natural wonders, is a must on the travel calendar. Sometime in the middle of June, when Mumbai, and its surroundings were still in the grip of an unforgiving hot spell, one recalls an operator sharing his concern over the no-show (until then) as far as the rains were concerned.