We are at Mr. Sabir’s place after the seeing the viewpoints. He has to attend an urgent meeting in the village and takes our leave. Shortly, Nasir and Jamil, sons of Mr. Sabir and Mr. Kifayat respectively, make an appearance. Nasir, as described earlier, studies in the local ITI. They are to guide us to a waterfall located about 30 minutes inland. Mr. Sabir’s youngest daughter, Mantshaa, would also accompany us.
The waterfall is to the south-east of the village. We cross the small stream just beyond the last of the houses that is fed by the waterfall and ascend along the left (southern) bank. The path makes its way gradually in to the thick forest. We pass a small waterfall along the way followed by a small meadow of pink wildflowers. The forest is denser from here on.
Out path is blocked twice by huge spider webs under which we duck to pass through.
The path has overgrown bushes throughout. Nasir has carried a sickle for precisely this task and clears them. The path, it seems, was not used frequently.
The roar of the waterfall announced its proximity before we had an opportunity to see it. Even then, the waterfall had us in awe once we saw it. Water fell heavily from a stream for about 100 feet into a pool of clear water. The pool was not too deep and was safe for a quick dip. Behind the waterfall, the waters had carved out a very cozy cavern.
We lazed around the waterfall for a good part of the hour before our guides decided it was time we moved on. The waterfall belonged to the forest folks after dark - peacocks and other birds, deer, boar and leopards.
After descending about halfway through the trail, our guides asked us to halt for some time and promptly disappeared along a side trail. Waiting for about 15 minutes, and hearing their not so distant voices, got the better of my curiosity and I decided to follow. To my surprise, I saw Jamil halfway up a coconut tree, trying to desperately scythe free some fresh coconuts for the lot of us. Nasir, wearing jeans, belted instructions from below. It was quite a scene.
The duo returned with their loot of one coconut for each of us. i tried my luck with scything open one, but it ultimately had to be done by Nasir.
As we returned to the main road, the sun had already painted the sky crimson-orange as it prepared to set. We sat down on a grassy knoll to watch the view as peacocks kee-oik-ed in the distance.
By the time we returned to Mr. Sabir’s house, the last of the evening light was cast over the horizon. We freshened up and settled down for a lazy evening chat.
© Kapil Pilankar
Pink bloom
Out path is blocked twice by huge spider webs under which we duck to pass through.
The spider guardian
The path has overgrown bushes throughout. Nasir has carried a sickle for precisely this task and clears them. The path, it seems, was not used frequently.
Clearing up the path
The roar of the waterfall announced its proximity before we had an opportunity to see it. Even then, the waterfall had us in awe once we saw it. Water fell heavily from a stream for about 100 feet into a pool of clear water. The pool was not too deep and was safe for a quick dip. Behind the waterfall, the waters had carved out a very cozy cavern.
The waterfall and the small cavern
We lazed around the waterfall for a good part of the hour before our guides decided it was time we moved on. The waterfall belonged to the forest folks after dark - peacocks and other birds, deer, boar and leopards.
A view from the cavern
After descending about halfway through the trail, our guides asked us to halt for some time and promptly disappeared along a side trail. Waiting for about 15 minutes, and hearing their not so distant voices, got the better of my curiosity and I decided to follow. To my surprise, I saw Jamil halfway up a coconut tree, trying to desperately scythe free some fresh coconuts for the lot of us. Nasir, wearing jeans, belted instructions from below. It was quite a scene.
Caught in the act ...
The duo returned with their loot of one coconut for each of us. i tried my luck with scything open one, but it ultimately had to be done by Nasir.
Nasir scything coconuts
Jamil in action
As we returned to the main road, the sun had already painted the sky crimson-orange as it prepared to set. We sat down on a grassy knoll to watch the view as peacocks kee-oik-ed in the distance.
Evening colours
The setting sun
By the time we returned to Mr. Sabir’s house, the last of the evening light was cast over the horizon. We freshened up and settled down for a lazy evening chat.
Twilight by the sea ...
© Kapil Pilankar
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