A Green Diwali was on my mind and an impromptu trip to Dhoni along with Ambika and Aditya  made it a reality literally- celebrating nature   !

We started off from home around 6.30 in the morning and drove down to Dhoni which was about 80 km away from Coimbatore. The fact that this  evergreen haven  was tucked away  hardly a few 15 km from the Palakkad town  was unbelievable! We entered the forest area , booked the morning trek and waited  (there are three batches (9.30 am,11.30 am,2.30 pm) for the forest guide  who accompanied us to the falls.

Butterflies and birds of all sizes and colours  flitted around all along as we undertook the 4 km trek uphill towards the waterfalls.  The sound of tiny rivulets flowing down the rocks was soothing and a welcome break from the  deafening noisy crackers all around  that had prevailed the evening before, on account of the festive celebrations .Experiencing the  jungle and the green cover is always  invigorating and we  trudged forward  admiring  the mountain views , dense thickets and the wild flowers that served to give a burst of colour to the  wilderness around.  The forest painted a pretty picture after the monsoons. After having completed 2 km, a bamboo bench awaited us along with a board that said it all : on how nature is the best therapy for the wearied soul!

We continued uphill craning our ears for the gush of the fall and finally after an hour,reached there !  The  sight of the  milky falls deep inside , amidst the trees , creepers and rocks  was exhilarating!

After having explored the premises soaking in the sights and sounds of the surroundings  we recharged ourselves for the return trek.

The very fact that its just you on a solitary  walk in symphony with the nature  in a rain forest  can literally liven your spirits .

The trek downhill was easier and soon we reached back at the base camp.   Yes – Dhoni made our day  -this Diwali in the Woods  is cherished and  in our minds to stay ! A strange sense of calm and peace descended as  we basked in the glow of the oil lamps lit up in the evening at home, reflecting on a day well spent.