One day Trek to Nepli Forest!

March 20, 2008 – 5:21 am

Under our Employee Engagement and Initiatives, one day trekking was being organized to Nepli Forest (or more popularly known as Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary).Nepli Forests is a nature trail within Chandigarh, which passes through the woods, hill slope, around water bodies with a gentle gradient. Apart from being an idyllic location for a quick getaway from city life, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary offers a great opportunity to raise our awareness about the floral and faunal heritage of our city.As decided we gathered at around 7am and with approximately 35 people we set off to the decided trekking spot in a bus. The funny part being that no one in the bus knew the exact way to the Nepli Forest. But we had a rough idea and after asking from few people, finally reached there in about half an hour.

(Click on the thumbnails above to view the larger version of the pictures)

At the entrance of Nepli Forest, we showed our permit (permission taken from forest officer well in advance) for the trek to the Incharge and unloaded things from the bus (brunch, water, juices, games like cricket, badminton, Frisbees etc) as we were not allowed to take bus inside. But we have obtained the permission for one car (Atul & Anuja’s) so that we do not have to carry those things along when we walk to the Inspection Hut as it was 4 kms walk.At around 8.30am all started walking to the first spot (Starting point of Kansal Hut Trekking). After reaching there, we set to our trek. In the way, we had lots of fun, sang songs and cracked jokes as well. The trekking up the hill was tough, little bit scary (since it had narrow and slippery paths) as well as adventurous. Some people were walking carrying bags (thankfully!) which had water and little snacks in it. To which everybody made sure they do made it lighter. After about 15kms of long and hard trekking, we finally made it to the Inspection Hut. The Inspection Hut was surrounded by a huge green park, had a lovely lake with a boat and small zoo with lots of deers. Everyone was so tired and thirsty. And had lots of water and juices which we carried along. Those who reached earlier cheered for those who came later on. There was one group (whom we feared had lost way) reached almost after an hour of first group!When we reached at the Nepli Inspection Hut we all hogged on to the brunch like anything. The brunch included hot and piping aloo puri and raita with achar.The food was so yummy that most of us ended up eating a little extra.

(Click on the thumbnails above to view the larger version of the pictures)

After half an hour or 45 minutes rest, all guys went to play cricket and rest of the group engaged in playing cards under the cool shade of the trees. Children played Frisbee while some brainy people engaged themselves with the game of chess.Around 2pm we all decided to pack up and leave for our homes. Anuja also told us some of stretching exercises so that we do not get cramps in legs next morning due to trekking. Before leaving for our home we had a cup of tea at a local tea stall with snacks (matthis and shakkar pare). And then finally boarded the bus to go back to our lovely homes (I was dying to reach home and fall on my bed..needed a good and sound sleep).Trek was full of fun and frolic and we’ll try organizing more such trips in future.