My association with Maharashtra (or Marathawada) has been long and fruitful. My first school excursion was at Nagpur. During my undergraduate studies, I did couple of field trips in Ramtek, Mansarovar, which are small villages close to Nagpur. I also completed my graduate studies from Mumbai. My first job was also in this city. It is no wonder that half of my soul belongs to this state, while the other half belongs to West Bengal!
Every year when I visit my brother's family at Nagpur, we try to undertake a small day trip. And since we have a toddler and a teenager in the family, we try to visit places which doesn't require long commute. This January we ventured out to Bordharan, a small village which is 60km South West of Nagpur. Highway 6 which connects Nagpur to Wardha, goes across Bordharan. We cruised along cotton fields, maize fields. Have you ever seen cotton fields? Cotton ( or Kapas in local language) looks like snow during full bloom!! This part of Central India is made up of fertile black soil, which are the byproduct of erosion of Deccan volcanic.
Bordharan is not a typical tourist place. It is a gentle forested gateway in the Sahyadri hills where the wind whispers incessantly throughout the day. Bor's wilderness unfolds across 120 sq. Km of dry decidious forest and grassland. The area hosts a sanctuary which is the home for tigers, bears, monkeys, three - striped palm squirrel and many more. At one end of the Bor reservoir lies small fishing village.
We had reservation at the MTDC guest house. The guest house opens towards the Bordharan dam and the back side is protected by the mighty wall of Sahyadris. There is a open courtyard where one could sit and enjoy beautiful sunset against the backdrop of Bor reservoir. It was already quite late, we settled for a quick simple lunch and decided to take a stroll outside. The lake front was covered with a whole assortment on ground plants like, wild watermelons, wild roses.
As the evening descended, we took out our barbeque gear. After a long time we had a barbeque party under the starry skies. The wind became chillier and the barbeque pit provided the much needed warmth!!!
Next morning I woke from sleep with the sounds from jungle erupting around me - Langurs were calling. After a hearty breakfast at the resort we made our way to the Huen-Tsang retreat center. Situated at the top of a hillock the temple the road to the stupa is paved with Ashoka and Shaal trees. The stupa offers a chance to meditate and reflect. The grand prayer hall 4 statues of Tathagata. As we prayed, the echo followed the sound, it provided a multiplying effect, soothing our souls.
Just when I thought I have finally found a spot to unwind, it was time to go, leaving behind the small cocoon of contentment.
While going back to Nagpur, I wondered what is in store for 2018? Like the previous years I want to continue my search towards a better me, I want to spend time with my family and near ones and I want to visit places like this. Places which are rustic , offer a space to unwind and to dream more!!!
