Andur Nature Trail with Suhasji Waingankar

I had an opportunity to participate in the nature trail in Andur forest, near Gagangbawada, Kolhapur. The trail was guided by Sir Suhasji Waingankar working in environment and wildlife protection and conservation for last 23 years.

We started around 6:30 am and reached our breakfast point that is Bapucha Mala. The breakfast was special Konkani delicacy known as Ghavan Chutney, made out of rice flour. It was very tasty and delicious. Before the food Mali Sir taught us a simple yet very meaningful prayer. The meaning of prayer is whatever energy I am going to get it from let it be useful for country and villages.

After delicious breakfast we started out nature trail. Suhas Sir gave information of various trees and flowers as we proceed. The various trees like Kusum, Dhayti, Rametha, Datpadi, Anjan, Tipani etc. Each tree has its unique significance and use. E.g Anjan tree indicates the presence of Bauxite beneath it. However Suhas sir explained if we cut the tree how it affects the whole food chain. Nature has tremendous things to offer that we only can wonder. How a small red flower was full of sweet nectar in it.  Some flower names are in local language depicting some humour. (e.g. Galfugi).  

       

After an one and half hour of trail we reached village Kavaltek. There is only couple of homes and a school. This school is only for three children and its being run without fail. After resting for a while, we tested Karvand sarbat made with special love from Krishnarao Mali Sir.  

After spending sometime on Andur dam we headed for lunch. The lunch was served on banana leaf and had a special presence of Raw Jackfuit vegetable another local dish. The food was served with lot of love and care. All the food was grown in their own farm with natural farming. 

After resting for a while we headed towards unique Katesavar tree which has two colour flowers red and yellow.  Normally the flowers are red however one branch has yellow colour flowers on it. This is a unique tree in the world. Nature does not like prototypes it loves diversity. Everyone now and then it comes with an exception that will surprise you and will make you feel WOW !!. Suhas sir recited one poem on jungle, the crux of the poem was how the jungle is diverse however still lives in support and coherence to each other.

Back from this tree we spent refreshing splashing time in Kumbhi river. It was a quite an experience. After that we had a tea and pledge not to use plastic and paper cups.          

When we spend time in the nature we get in tune with the rhythm of the nature. Our mind becomes calm, body relaxes, awareness get expanded. We feel very serene. As The Art of Living, founder Gurudev Sri Sri says nature is always giving we never feel anger or jealousy when we are in nature. Only with humans we get all sort of negative emotions. 

With our responsibilities we have to live in the world and deal with this negative emotions. One way to get rid is come back to nature again and again. However it is not feasible and possible for everyone. Meditation is the way to get rid of and handle these negative emotions. With meditation we get the same experience as that of being with the nature. With meditation our mind gets in rhythm of the nature and we feel peace that is our nature.  

Looking forward to many such a exceptional nature trails.

Jai Gurudev