I had dreamt of this day since childhood, yearning to explore the lush jungle, witness the cascading waterfall, and revel in the untamed beauty that lay hidden. Tales of the dense forest, the mysterious river, and the delectable fruit-filled trees echoed in my mind, narrated by my brothers and cousins who had visited before. Yet, as a girl, I was denied this adventure, the fear of wild animals deterring them from taking me along.
Years later, with a family of my own, the opportunity finally arose. The roads had developed, and we could now reach the outskirts of the jungle by jeep. My cousins, who owned a house near the jungle, agreed to accompany me on this long-awaited journey. The jeep ride was treacherous, navigating pebbles, rocks, and dried riverbeds without bridges. Despite the challenges, the thrill of adventure surged through me.
Upon reaching my cousin’s house, we left my son with my sister-in-law, unable to bring him along for the arduous trek into the jungle. The hike was demanding, climbing steep mountains and leaping across challenging terrain. Armed with bamboo supports crafted by my cousin, I joined a few of my nephews: school-going boys on this exhilarating expedition. At times, breathless but determined, we forged ahead through rocks, caves, and perilous paths. My cousin, the guide, added an element of suspense, claiming to smell elephant dung, suggesting the proximity of these majestic creatures.
Finally, we reached the magnificent waterfall, a sight that surpassed my childhood dreams. We marveled at the surroundings, discovering the Moottithoori fruit, massive jackfruit trees, and the vibrant wildlife. The jungle revealed its wonders, from enormous fishes in the river to colossal squirrels and exquisite birds. Everything seemed larger than life in their natural habitat. We collected rocks, ferns, and even witnessed the extraction of valuable sap from a towering tree, used in the making of paints.
Our return journey was equally daring, with the risky jeep ride back home etching the adventure into my memory. The fulfillment of my childhood dream, this road trip into the heart of the jungle, remains the most unforgettable experience of my life.
#Jungle Adventure #Childhood Dream #Nature Exploration #Thrilling Road Trip #Unforgettable Memories
Your 'Holistic Health Nucleus’ 
You must be logged in to post a comment.