Our team at Hunnarshala Foundation, Kutch, decided to take the participants of a training program on an excursion to a nearby forest retreat called Chhavda Rakhal. This serene place, home to a lake, a thriving water body system, native trees, and wildlife, seemed like the perfect destination. However, the journey was not without its challenges and interesting reflections.
Planning The Trip – An Unexpected Obstacle
To finalize our destination, we conducted a poll in our WhatsApp group, and the majority voted for Chhavda Rakhal. But what we didn’t anticipate was the apprehension that would follow. One of our participants’ brothers told her that the place was infamous for being where murdered bodies were secretly buried. She shared this in the group, and within moments, my colleague and I were flooded with calls from concerned participants.
We assured them of their safety and tried to ease their fears, emphasizing that it was our duty to ensure their security. However, the participant who initially raised the concern still felt uncomfortable. She ultimately decided to leave the group and even informed one of our youth leaders that she would not continue the workshop. Some of the youth leaders were upset by her abrupt departure, but things eventually settled down.
The Journey Begins
On the morning of the visit at 9AM, we all gathered at a pre decided meeting point and started our journey in three pre-booked cars. By 10AM, we arrived at Chhavda Rakhal, got our entry tickets, and began our trek on foot. The sun was harsh, and although we tried to stay in the shade of trees, the planned 20-minute walk stretched into a tiring 50-minute one, especially for those carrying water jars and lunch bags.
After much effort, we reached Pragsar Lake, our first stop. It was only 11AM, so we decided to rest and play some games. However, something unexpected happened.
While sitting by the lake, we noticed a tree branch floating rapidly toward the bank where we were resting. But as we looked closer, we realized it was not a tree branch at all—it was a crocodile! Panic spread among us, but luckily, the elevated banks prevented the crocodile from reaching us.
Some participants speculated that the crocodile might climb the bank, but that was unlikely. The real question was—why had it come so close to us? The answer soon became clear. Many of our participants had been feeding fish, and as a result, a large school had gathered in one spot. The crocodile had found its perfect hunting ground! In a flash, it lunged forward, opened its mouth, and devoured several fish in one swift movement. This was my first real-life encounter with a crocodile in the wild, and I found the experience both thrilling and awe-inspiring.
The Struggles Of The Trek
At noon, we had our lunch—a heavy Gujarati meal—and took an hour-long break before continuing our journey. Our next stop was two kilometers away, and we had to walk under the scorching sun. To make things manageable, we divided ourselves into three groups. One group walked continuously, while the others rested and followed later. I was in the first group, feeling brave—until I came across a sign that read ‘Leopard Crossing Zone’.
That moment gave me pause. Should I take another step? But since I was in a group, I gathered my courage and moved forward. Suddenly, I heard a strange cracking noise, which unsettled me. My nervousness grew when I heard the sound again. I turned around in fear, but saw nothing. Then I noticed some of my teammates giggling. It turned out that Imtiaz had been throwing stones into the cactus bushes just to spook us! We all burst into laughter, relieved that there was no real danger.
A Rewarding Sight At The Final Destination
After walking for some time, we heard buffalo grunts and saw a small water body ahead. The view was breathtaking—buffaloes were swimming, and migratory birds had gathered around the water. Eventually, we reached our final destination: Pashchimeshwar Mahadev Temple. Seeing the temple filled me with a sense of peace and accomplishment. Exhausted yet elated, we shouted “Har Har Mahadev!”
The temple itself was stunning, but the true marvel was an underground shrine hidden within. After offering our prayers, we waited for the rest of the group to arrive. Once everyone had gathered and rested for about an hour and a half, we began our return journey.
Reflections From The Trip
As we made our way back, we noticed something remarkable—our workshop participants had developed a strong sense of civic responsibility. When our car drivers were about to throw plastic plates on the ground, our youth volunteers immediately intervened, insisting that all trash be properly disposed of in garbage cans.
Another positive change I observed was the diminishing gender gap. The young men and women who participated in the workshop worked collectively, breaking societal barriers in the process. It was a heartening sight, reinforcing that our efforts toward youth engagement and empowerment were bearing fruit.
Finally, we took a group photo by the lake, marking the end of an unforgettable journey. This trip was not just about visiting Chhavda Rakhal; it was a reflection of our shared experiences, challenges, fears, and growth as a community. It showed us the beauty of nature, the thrill of the unknown, and the strength of togetherness.
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