Trek to Vetal Tekdi

So Parth, Maria and Neha offered to take us to a trek on Vetal Tekdi, the hill that goes on from Paud Road to Chaturshringi and one that we can see all the way along the Law College Road. Apparently its the highest point within the Pune city limits and so named because of the  Vetala temple up on the hills. It's a beautiful place to walk and I had been there once before a decade ago chatting with Prakash and this would be the second time. I was game. 

Misty morning at 7 am

Into the woods

Fresh from the Simhagad experience, Anjali was all keen too. The only villain seemed to be a spot of rain that began the day before and kept at it, but we decided to go anyway if it wasn't raining at the appointed time. So Saturday morning 7 am sharp, Anjali and I showed up at the appointed place near Vikhe Patil school near Patrakar Nagar, past Mai maushi's famous house, and the adventurous trio were waiting for us already.

Deeper

Us four, Maria behind the lens

It was a lovely morning, foggy or misty, or whatever it was and we walked up the hill. It leads to a central part where people congregate for their many activities - gym, stretching, photography, dogs etc - around some structures built for those purposes, seating spaces and such kind. Parth led us away from that spot into a trail less travelled. 

A sip of water

Out of a Maniratnam movie

Get rid of the mud off the shoes

There were dogs running about wildly and we figured out later that they were with a young lady who seemed to be their friend. Up and down in every changing scenarios until we turned back and headed towards the quarry. On the way we saw an old building with a  high wall, clearly stuff that would interest the Famous Five. 

Descending

Tight-wall walk!

The quarry behind

Down the quarry

Heading back!

We came to the quarry which is quite a dramatic sight. We spotted a few birds, one Bharadwaj, which Maria later told me was a Crow Pheasant. There were young kids on bicycles, a young couple sitting dramatically close to the edge of the quarry like a Fear Factor challenge (there is also a path that goes right next to the quarry for the surefooted and stout hearted), all kinds of people young and old walking, jogging, cycling, etc. I saw a laughing club types which was chanting slokas loudly and so on.  

A selfie!

It took a good two hours but it was well worth it. Anjali and I celebrated with dosas at Pruthvi on the way back home.