It was a very rainy morning, with thunderstorms and lightning striking the sky with mighty force. We had planned to visit the Leopard Trail that morning. When we woke up at 4 am, our spirits sank. However, we decided not to let go of the plan. Aha! The skies cleared up in half an hour and there we were ready to begin our journey for the Leopard Trail.
Misnomer
Though named after the mighty Leopard, this trail has rare or no sightings of the creature. Set amongst the Aravalli hills, it is a 1-hour drive from the heart of Gurgaon. On the way, we enjoyed the rain-washed Aravallis on both sides of the winding road.
The trees looked lush green, and the peacocks were enjoying the cool breeze and drizzle; in all, a perfect set-up for an early morning light trek to the top of the Aravallis.
The Trek
The trek up the Leopard Trail is not very difficult. It is a 5 km long trek to the top of the hillock to enjoy the awesome view. All you would need:
- Good trekking shoes
- Comfortable clothes
- A bottle of water
- A face towel based on the weather conditions
- A camera, as there are several picturesque spots along the trail
- And last but not least, friends and family
After every few meters, you would find a spot to rest your legs and feast your eyes on and create memories via captures.
- The spot with a view of the winding roads
- The picturesque hills set against the beautiful sunrise or sunset view – if you in time for them
- Birds chirping and singing
- An occasional wildflower bush
- A less trodden trail to climb faster than your mates to the top
You could also pack your breakfast and carry along so that you can have it among the greenery and wilderness – and of course, without the fear of a Leopard crouching among the tall grasses.
The Main Attraction
As we continued our trek up the trail, we came across a fenced area with a small ungated entrance.
When we started to enter, what we saw was mesmerizing – there was a small pond in the middle, and adorning it were tens of beautiful blooming and unblooming lotuses. I have never seen such big, pink, beautiful lotuses in real life except for the fake ones I have at home.
We stood there a while, gazing and admiring their beauty. Truly –
“Just as the lotus remains unstained by the mud it grows in, we can retain our inner purity and strength in the face of life’s trials”.
Just when we were about to step a little closer for a better look, a village guard called out to us. It seems he had been guarding these flowers all along from the visitors. He almost got camouflaged in the bushes on the other side of the pond. The other side also housed a mud hut of the guard, a small temple, and a fleet of buffalo. But alas, we were trespassers there, it seemed.
We took a few photos of the mesmerizing beauties and started the downhill trek. We were very hungry by the time we reached the foothills.
Breakfast Time
The road a few kilometres away from the trek site is now sprawling with cafes, each one with its own unique theme.
- The Throttle Shottle – an off-roader’s paradise. We went there and clicked a few snaps before heading for the next.
- Desi Thaat – The yellow and green huts are very Instagram worthy. Plus, you get to sit in the open nature surrounded by hills on all sides.
- We finally settled for Rathi Café – the environment was very informal. We sat there on a charpoi (woven cot) as we enjoyed the cool breeze. The sprawling fields nearby was a soothing view with occasional sightings of peacocks. The fresh breakfast of stuffed parathas (flatbreads) and butter/pickle was heavenly. It was accompanied by Lassi (sweet buttermilk). What a combination it was!
After the grand breakfast, it was our turn to return back to home. But it was a beautiful rainy morning, well spent amongst nature, trek, beautiful view, fresh air, lush greenery, and a breakfast amidst a rain-washed nature.
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