Travel Story: Forest, Lake and Palash Trees

Nestled in the green belt near backwaters of Waghur dam is a lake surrounded by Palash trees. I happened to discover this amazing place during my recent visit to Bhusawal. Here is my travel story.

In February this year, some of us cousins met at my maternal grandfathers’ place in Bhusawal, Maharashtra. Amidst the fun, frolic and some gossip one of my cousins introduced the idea of visiting a nearby lake surrounded by the Palash trees. Forest, Lake ,and Palash trees the idea was persuasive, we all agreed in unison.

PC: Chinmay Atrawalkar

Palash also known as forest fire can be commonly seen in almost all Indian states. This ordinary tree transforms into its most divine form in the spring season as it blooms with exquisite orange color flowers. I have always been amazed by the beauty of these extraordinary flowers and this magic of nature.

The plan was set, we decided to start for the lake post-lunch. The lake was near Manmodi village which is just an hour’s drive from Bhusawal. Equipped with some dry snacks and water we set off towards Jamner highway around 3 pm. Bhusawal is one of the largest producers of banana in Maharashtra evidently a lot of banana farms were visible on both sides of the road.

As we turned towards the village from the highway, we started spotting Palash trees. Bushy trees, huge farmlands, farmers, cattle and no traffic the scene outside the car window was soothing. I descended the car windows to take in some fresh air.

PC: Chinmay Atrawalkar

 As we passed through the cemented narrow lanes inside the Manmodi village, I could see ladies busy with daily chores, some men sitting in circles engrossed in discussions while some attending to their cattle. Children still in their school uniforms were playing outside their homes and smaller once were running behind our car, giggling and laughing. We took a short halt in the village to stretch our legs and savor some banana chips that we were carrying with us.

Gear up for a bumpy ride announced my cousin as he accelerated his vehicle, we should reach our spot in the next 10 minutes he said. We were speeding on an unpaved road which was wide enough for just one vehicle to pass at a time. The tall grass and trees beside the road were brushing through the vehicle making a loud thud. We were moving deeper and deeper into the green.

Before leaving for the lake elders had cautioned us about the threat of wild animals and robbers in this area. With no one to be seen in our proximity, I became apprehensive. We were in the wild and lonely and only.

Suddenly my cousin pressed the breaks very hard, I nearly lost a heartbeat fearing for the worse and shouted, “what happened?”, apparently a stream of water had cut the road ahead of us. We were stranded. I was too scared to step down the car while others were trying to figure out the way ahead.

PC: Nachiket Atrawalkar

It was close to sunset now, alarmed I requested all to return immediately. Others echoed the same and we started back, we had hardly traveled a mile when one of us spotted a farmer working in the nearby field. My enthusiastic cousin jumped out of the car and ran up to him inquiring for an alternate route. We all were looking at him hopefully, after all, going back empty-handed was not on our mind. He pointed us to the alternate route, and we decided to give it a try.

Following his directions, we finally reached the lake. To our utter dismay, the Lake was surrounded by marshy pits. Slowly holding each other’s hands, we climbed up the lake wall. The scene was picturesque with water and Palash trees in the background. A dense forest was visible behind the lake. The fact that we were the only was still on my mind.

We spotted a tent on the side of the lake; two guards were sitting there. These guards walked up to us on seeing us and assured us that the area was safe, and we could move around without any fear or hesitation. Finding them was a good morale booster for me. The sun was about to set so after clicking some pics we decided to retreat.  As we traveled back home, a smile lingered on my face, a smile of thrill and fulfillment.

I recommend this place to all nature enthusiasts. Remember this is not a commercially developed picnic spot so carry your own food and water. For directions click here.

Did you like my travel story? If yes do leave me a comment.

Also, check out my other blogs on travel and plant love.