Looking for something more than just treks around Mumbai in the monsoon?
Here's a location that will let you experience the real authentic form of India's rural villages. Just a little over 80kms away from the hustle-bustle of the financial capital of India, there is a small village called Dehene. Dehene is surrounded by mountains that offer breathtaking views with lots of waterfalls and streams decorating the landscape to make it even more beautiful.
Our search for a monsoon weekend getaway led us to Grassroutes Journeys. Enabling livelihood opportunities and promoting rural tourism for the betterment of rural India, Grassroutes is a social enterprise that has won awards for their commendable work done through this initiative. They offer day trips and overnight stay at Dehene village. We opted for an overnight stay to experience life in the village.
We started early to avoid the traffic, and after a quick stop for breakfast, headed towards Dehene. Once you get off the highway, the drive gets bumpy yet fun to be on while you relish the greenery around you. The green landscape in the backdrop of mountains and waterfalls make the road journey even more enjoyable as you arrive at Dehene.
Dehene is a small village with around 20 houses surrounded by green fields. Farming is the primary source of the livelihood of these families. We were basking in the village's pleasant aura filled with the simplicity and authenticity of rural lifestyle unspoiled by the modern developments. The Mobile networks signals are very weak here, and there is no wi-fi in the village.
Day 1
Our guide - Nilesh, greeted us and took us to the campsite. The warm traditional Maharashtrian style welcome with white cap and red tikka instilled a sense of belonging in all of us.
Nilesh briefed us on all the activities that we could in the village and around.
We checked into our tents, which were not luxurious yet very comfortable. The shared washrooms were clean and well maintained.
Freshened up and a bit relaxed from our journey, we were ready to experience the adventure of village life.
We took a walk around the village. The villagers were very friendly, especially the kids.
For lunch, we were taken to a villager's home. The villagers host the guests arriving at Dehene, and they take turns cooking meals for the guests. The food is cooked using their authentic Maharashtrian spices.
After lunch, Nilesh led us out on a short trek to the waterfall. We were a family with senior citizens (my parents) and a couple of children under 10yrs of age. Nilesh made sure to the best possible extent that the trail we took to the waterfall was not too difficult for them. This 45minute trek took us through the rice fields and other farms, crossed a couple of streams, and strolled through walk paths drawn in the green grass to reach the waterfall.
It was amazing since there was no one else around and we felt as if we owned that waterfall. Surprisingly, despite a knee problem, my Mom was the first to get up to the waterfall. That's the magic of nature and such untouched natural habitats that got her so excited that she forgot about her knee pain and enjoyed the waterfall.
Nilesh told us that a bigger waterfall was a bit further away, but the trek to that one is a lot more difficult than this one.
We got back to our tents, freshened up and rested for a bit. Nilesh arrived a while later to escort us to our host's home in the village for dinner. Nothing can beat the flavor of food cooked in Maharashtrian spices using homegrown produce served hot on a plate.
After a delicious meal, we sat outside our tents, talking and watching the stars above us in the clear skies. The fireflies twinkled on the distant trees and fields in the pleasant weather as we retired into our tents for the night.
Day 2
We woke up to the chirping of birds and whistling of trees early in the morning. Stepping out to the pleasant sight of vast fields in the mountains' backdrop is an amazingly refreshing experience.
We got ready and headed to the village for our breakfast, again hosted in one of the village homes.
After breakfast, Nilesh took us to a different home. It was a lovely home with an attached cowshed. There were cattle in it with a couple of calves too. Kids were very excited and fascinated to see the cow and calves.
There was this very old lady whom everyone called 'Aaji' (meaning grandmother in Marathi). She took us into a room where she told us how they process the rice before it is ready to use for cooking. She did not know Hindi, so she spoke mostly in Marathi, and Nilesh was kind enough to translate and help the kids understand.
She told us that we have to process the rice, grind it, and make 'bhakri' (flat-rolled round bread) using the rice flour. However, it was easier said than done!
Aaji guided us through each step, trying her best to teach us by showing how it is done. It seemed very simple the way she did it. She looked frail but was very strong. We had either read about these village methods or seen it on TV, but today we were to experience it. Excited at the opportunity, each of us took turns trying it out and failed miserably at cleaning and grinding the grains. Aaji was smiling and encouraging us all the time, saying, "It's Ok. You need more practice! Stay with me for a week, and you will learn everything"
Next, we headed to their kitchen to make rice bhakri. The kitchen had a stove that burned using firewood. We made bhakris of all shapes and sizes except the one desired shape - round!
These are unique experiences that our kids nor we would ever find in the city. Aaji is a jolly lady and lovely to be with.
After a fun-filled morning, we went about exploring the outskirts of the village and returned for lunch.
Post lunch, Nilesh took us on a short trek leading to the nearby river. It was a beautiful trek through lush greenery with butterflies all around.
Crystal clear water flowing through the river was a lovely sight. It wasn't deep, but the current was strong. There were a few villagers catching crabs alongside the river. A short walk up the river took us to the confluence of two tributaries. The kids had to be dragged out of the river so we could head back to the tents.
I guess no amount of time seems satisfactory when enjoying your time at a river or waterfall!
We got back to our tents to be treated to a nice hot cup of tea.
Recollecting our adventures and experiences over the past two days - Trek to the waterfalls, stroll through the fields, walk to the river, experience the village activities such as cleaning and grinding of grains, making rice bhakri and savor their home-cooked delicious meals, merely relaxing at the campsite along-side your tent and enjoy the lush greenery all around. Each of these was a memorable experience of a lifetime. We packed our bags and bid farewell to the villagers of this beautiful village called Dehene!
If you are planning on a budget weekend getaway, then drive out to the village of Dehene. Contact Grassroutes for details.
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