So many people going out on hikes and treks near Mumbai these days. Out of curiosity, I was going through my email, and looking at the different hikes and treks that happened this monsoon that I came to know of.

In the lead to trak Sahyadris Rajmachi leads with 7 treks followed closely by Lohagad and Matheran with 5 and 6 respectively. Matheran weather in August seems to have a lot to do with this. Misty dreamy atmosphere in a town without motorized transport…… Other popular picnis spots near Mumbai seem to be Karnala, Peth trek, Lonavla in general and Sudhagad. The focus seemed to be (unsurprisingly) on places to visit in monsoon near Mumbai.

In terms of interests, wildlife and people seem to be made for each other followed by photography, trees and a small number of people engaged in waterfall rappelling. Figure 8 rappelling is a new term I have learnt these days after hearing it from at least 5 different sources in enquiries for programmes. As far as I am aware, there is no such thing. I assume people might be referring to the figure of 8 descender used in rappelling. Though why would an activity get its own seemingly different identity simply through the label of one of the equipment used, is anyone’s guess. We use that descender anyway. How would naming the activity after it be anything significant?

Adventure learning activities and leadership games seem to be a growing interest and one group of friends actually turned their trek into a thrilling and learning experience by including active reviewing into their plans.

Great feeling. So where have you been this season?