After lengthy discussions for finalizing a trekking spot (which went around for days!), one of my friend came up with a very hysterical suggestion; "Lets go to Cypress"! Hysterical, because of from what I had heard, it was a place near Mulund (A Mumbai Suburb), where young and just-in-college couples came to do their "thing". However, not once did it cross my mind that, it was an excellent trekking spot. Naturally, I was reluctant at first to wake up at 7 in the morning on a Sunday to see juvenile yokes making out in open. However, persistent requests and a few death threats later, I finally relented to drag myself along. Now, when I look back upon the entire experience, I have only one thing to ask myself; How wrong could I be!!!

The day started at 8 (that is the least you can expect people will start coming when you ask them to come at 7) in the morning. The foothill of Cypress was a half hour drive from our place. No sooner did the trek began than we were lost. All we could see was a 10 feet wall bordering the entire area. Some of the daredevils amongst us decided to climb over, while some Gandhian's protested. Finally, when we all crossed the wall, we noticed that there was a small opening in the wall some 200 meters away which was used by most of the people to go across! Then came the tough part, the Climb Uphill. The hill was a dangerous mix of jagged rocks, slippery slopes and lose mud. Halfway through the trek, some of our "Nawabi" team members had already given up any hope of climbing further. But that hope was rejuvenated when a flock of energetic (and good-looking!) female trekkers zipped past us. 45 minutes and a lot of cribbing later, we finally managed to reach the top! And that is when it felt like it was all worth it! Contrasting view of Vihar lake nestled amongst lush green Sahyadri hills on one side and towering skyline of Mulund and Thane on the other was enough to render anyone mesmerized. Seeing the dissonant existence of concrete forest vis-a-vis an authentic forest evoked a bemused image of how would have Mumbai turned up to be had it not been for such a wanton felling of trees for human settlement. Lying down on the grass, gazing upon the gently passing clouds above with tranquil and cool breeze blowing against you; the only thought which raced through our mind was, Is this how it must be to be in heaven? We spent 1 hour on the peak, but it felt like only few minutes had passed by.



(i) Towering Mulund Skyline (ii) Vihar Lake (iii) Mission Accomplished

A few quick snaps and we were ready to start our downward journey. Our climb downstairs was the funniest part of the entire trip, with people slipping, climbing and swinging on trees and masquerading for picture in the most weirdest poses imaginable.




Once at the foothill, we had a hearty breakfast, a "chai" and a "sutta" to conclude one of the most remarkable and memorable trek of my life.