Of Fields & Forests is presented to you by Vagabond Experiences

Just a short distance outside the borders of our concrete cityscapes of Bombay lies a plethora of tropical forests just waiting to be explored. The Palghar district, situated just beyond the western suburbs is the perfect example — lush forests, old temples, forts of lore, and the confluence of the vital rivers of Vaitarna and Tansa.

We begin our adventure from a hamlet in the foothills of the Western Ghats. Picture this: a carpet of paddy fields by your feet, a lush forest by the borders of the fields, and canopied mountains at the horizon — painting the entire sight in every shade of green. Now imagine a winding path that goes through these fields, meandering along a lazy river, through the woods, and leads you to a serene waterfall. If you like what you’re seeing, imagine what it’s like being there!

Difficulty level: Easy

Time taken to and fro: 1.5 – 2 hrs each way

Total distance of trail: 2 km each way

Duration: 1 day

Meeting point: Virar Stn ticket counter (7:30 am)

Departure point: Virar Stn ticket counter (5:00 pm)

Itinerary

7:30 am: We assemble at Virar station, on the east to be precise. Walk to our breakfast spot, and grab some breakfast.

8:30 am: After breakfast, we board our privately booked vehicles and head towards the base village.

9:30 am: On arrival, we embark on our adventure and explore the wonders of village life and witness simplicity and purpose intertwine seamlessly. We keep walking further into the woods as the diverse environment slowly unravels its beauty to us. We’ll make our way to the waterfall at an easy pace. Be prepared to cross the river a few times.

12:00 pm: After chilling at the waterfall, we’ll come down and chill by the river. When we’re tired of chilling, we’ll head to a good spot and eat lunch — community-style. We love people who bring extra food.

1:00 pm: We return to our starting point and board the vehicles, with a pocketful of that natural goodness and healing. We head back to Virar.

2:30 pm: Arrive at Virar Station and start your journey back to where you came from. Until next time Vagabonds!

This is a `Founders` Find`

If you've been a dedicated follower of Vagabond Experiences, chances are you've already had the pleasure of meeting one of our founders during your adventures. Throughout their years of exploring the vast outdoors, they've discovered numerous scenic spots, tucked away in and around the city, which remain relatively unexplored. These spots are relatively unique, and our founders intend to keep them a bit off the beaten path.

With our Founders` Finds, we offer you an opportunity to explore the great outdoors without the hassle of dealing with overwhelming crowds, challenging ascents, or finding good company. These carefully curated experiences promise a tranquil and immersive journey into nature's wonders.