"Whoosh!" the chilled hilly wind brushed my face rejuvenating my weary senses at once. The road lined with a thick blanket of shrubs resembled a thin stretch of gray in the middle of a viridescent cloud. Perched on the backseat of my friend's Bullet (Royal Enfield), i smiled, happy for saying yes to this last-minute plan that fell perfectly in the right space.
3rd October 2020: After i munched down the fourth brownie in a dimly lit cafeteria, a wave of nostalgia speared through me. Last year, during this period, my pack and I trotted along the snow-capped mountains of Chitkul and gulped bowls full of Thukpa. Good old days. The mere flashbacks of Chitkul worked as gasoline to the fire of wanderlust brewing in me. In reflex, i picked the phone and dialed the numbers of the other two. It seemed, just like me, the fortress of their patience also got shattered by the waves of wanderlust. We desperately needed a trip. After a few minutes of discussion, the name Kopili came up. Camouflaged by the mountains of Patgaon, Kopili holds the best of nature's assets. No bagpcker is immune to the charms of a piece of nature's brilliance, and I was no exception. Hence, i happily agreed.
4th October 2020(Day 1): The afternoon sun blazed at our bodies as we made our way to Kopili. Perfect time to swim. After a two-hour-long journey from Guwahati city, the lush green mountains came into sight. The hazy air transformed into a fresh cold zephyr. It passed through my face ruffling my hair, and the touch felt like a soft caress of a long lost lover.
Kopili greeted us with a view that i yearned for months. A mighty mountain range made its way for a small stream to pass from the middle. As we approached closer to the hills, we heard the gushing sound of water crashing into the rocks. I knew that a treat awaits. What seemed like a small stream of water opened into a mighty vessel of waves tackling past the boulders covered in algae.
On a hot and humid afternoon, it was impossible to resist the urge to swim in a natural waterfall. We jumped in the water and spotted a few more students enjoying cigarettes, sitting on the boulders nearby. I settled on a big rock and gazed at the magnificence that stood in front. Tiny patches of sunlight glowed on the rippling waters. After a very long time, i experienced true serenity. As we saw the sun bleeding its hues in the water, we understood that evening stood near. We packed and left the place, but we left a piece of our heart in Kopili. Last-minute plans indeed are surprisingly good.
Directions:
A straight line route from Decathalon, Guwahati to Patgaon main market, followed by a sharp right. It is advisable to take a 2 wheeler as the final few kilometres are on a narrow muddy path.
Things to carry:
1. If you wish to swim you must carry an extra pair of clothes.
2. You must carry a pair of slippers as one has to cross areas filled with water.
3. You can carry food items, but dumping of plastic isn't allowed in the area so be careful with the wrappers.
Important Information:
1. There are parking charges in the area.
2. It is strictly prohibited to stay in the area post sunset as the place is also an active elephant corridor.