The best of the journeys are the ones that are least planned. This strikes me as we are travelling in winds through the snaky and precipitous roads heading towards Amargarh Falls. The drive brings back the memories of Pachmarhi, I visited last month when I journeyed in the reckless and rickety Satpura Hills of Pachmarhi along the treacherous, hilly stretches. But what breath-taking surroundings!
📷Sachin Joshi | IG Bhopal
The ambience looks spectacularly beautiful and serene in the fading monsoon/ cloudy light. We were a group of 9, mainly from Bhopal and Hoshangabad. Our trek leader was a passionate photographer, who is in love with the mountains and jungles. We started the trek after reaching the common point which is the farm house (almost 200 meters from the temple while going towards Shahganj). The trekkers exchanged pleasantries, strike up conversations with each other and then we started the trek during the early hours of the day.
The sky was cloudy and it was drizzling gradually, while we were heading towards the waterfall which is almost 7 kms from our start point. Before we started the trek the villagers warned us to hire the tractor for Rs 2000/- (one way) towards the waterfall but everyone was so excited that we straight went inside via slushy and muddy climb along a village track, we entered the Ratapani forests. A “walk to remember ” moment for all of us since the land/ path was too marshy because of the tractors and rains and we couldn’t take the straight path towards the fall. However, there were small – small trails uphill and downhill besides the track made by tractors and one can easily follow them.
It’s good to carry a better pair of shoes, since the walk-in and out of the forests are too slippery. We carried a good amount of eatables/ snacks and took the lunch break near the stream of water. The water was clear and clean and none of us had any hesitation in quenching our thirst or clicking the best pictures or making reels for instagram with the ravines of water. There were also few who got natural foot manicures by the small fishes (minnow) in the water stream.
While trekking towards the fall, I also took a quick peek at the small holes (snake holes) and got a glimpse of teak wood trees and birds. It started raining and the weather has started showing the colors of the monsoon. We walk in the constant drizzle and yes the Ponchos and raincoats are back. The walk is a bit tedious and there are many trees, small water ravines now which flushes off the footmarks. A few trekkers were tired but marched on bravely. The toughest part was crossing the rivers. It is not dangerous but the water level is slowly rising. The chill tickles the legs and the force almost sweeps us off and that was a call for a “Human Chain”. Yes, we all made human-chain to cross the river to prevent us from sliding into the water. After wading through streams, the shoes were completely drenched in water which kinda cleared all the mud over the shoes.
By noon, many were exhausted and all were hungry but we were still walking toward the target point. Almost within 20 mins of the walk we could hear the sound of water flowing from the top of the cliff. This satiated all of our hunger and quenched the thirst we had and we started walking fast towards the sound. Butterflies bask on flowers and small-small water pockets briefly mirror clouds and trees around. One can see the chemistry between the shadow of the tree and sky on these pockets of water between the rocks. What a panorama! Green undulating grasslands interspersed with clear brooks. Dense forest all around. Ground carpeted with blossoms of indescribable beauty.
As said by Mehmet Murat Ildan, “A waterfall cannot be silent, Just as wisdom! When they speak, the voice of power speaks!”.
This was the first time we saw the beauty of a waterfall. You don’t need words. There is so much to see, so much to appreciate, so much to soak in. It’s huge and charming which looks innocuous from afar but intimidating now as we started walking close-by to the fall. It feels wonderful to walk slowly around the waterfall and more so if you walk alone. The skies and the waterfall continue to entice the shutterbugs to capture the best of pictures with their masterpiece. The weather is windy and chilly, with a wide array of stunning trees, high and magnificent waterfalls and a bewildering variety of flora and fauna, everyone of us were stunned and mesmerized. All rejoice at the successful scaling and treat each other with bottles of water, hot corns (bhutta) which can be bought from the vendors sitting near the waterfalls and my homemade chillas and parathas.
As we reached early and had lots of time to explore the area. We spent around 2 hours at the waterfall and now is the time to say “see you next time” . The return was easy and relaxed, as now we know the exact path towards the vehicles waiting for us near the farmhouse we left them.
This has been one of the best days of my life. No internet, no phone, no TV and of course, no work. Absolute company of nature and new friends. Hills, brooks, rivers and above all, a paradise. I can’t wait to hit them back again.
FAQ 😉
How to Reach?
Best would be just enter the location on Google Maps and you are all set. Amargarh Waterfall is an hour drive from Bhopal ISBT (Inter-State Bus Terminal). The distance between ISBT and Amargarh Waterfall is approximately 60km. The point to start the trek is on the way to Shahganj. You would find a temple, go ahead approximately 200 meters. There would be lots of small shops selling bhutta (corn). You need to enter the jungle from there only to start your trek.
P.S. Villagers will be a great help.
How is Network Coverage?
Only Reliance Jio was working. Rest all the networks were dead.
Can we go to this place with elder people in the family?
Well, the 7km Trek (One Way) was quite adventurous- going through muddy trails, crossing water streams, climbing rocks. So yeah, it is best if the youngsters go to this place. And as far as elders are considered, think through and go with them only if they are really fit.
What to Carry?
Your checklist:
- Food
- Water
- First Aid Kit and necessary medicines
- Mask
- Sanitizer
- Trekking / Sports Shoes
- Comfortable Clothing
- Powerbank
- Waterproof Jacket/ Raincoat/ Umbrella
- Some Dry Clothes (Required After Trek)
- Shoulder Bag
- And of course………CAMERAS 😍
Any Guide we can get?
For us, we fortunately had friends who have been to Amargarh Waterfall earlier. But you can definitely ask the locals about it on the main road.
Honestly, the way is very simple, you just need to follow the tractor’s trail.
Any other alternative to reach waterfall than trekking?
You can hire a tractor from the main road but that also will leave you 500 meters before the waterfall as there is a big water stream needs to be crossed. Also, the last patch is very rocky.
The tractor will charge you Rs. 2000 per trip.
Gadgets I Love 😍
Vlogging Camera: https://amzn.to/3x3iZgB
Go Pro: https://amzn.to/3rAUhmy
Smartphone Gimbal: https://amzn.to/3rCDKys
DIGITEK Mobile Tripod: https://amzn.to/3fffyNW
Phone: https://amzn.to/2Xkmfs1
Leave a Reply