With a three-day weekend upon us, Mumbaikars who are planning picnics to monsoon destinations need to tread with caution and common sense. Most importantly, keep the alcohol away
With a three-day weekend upon us, Mumbaikars who are planning picnics to monsoon destinations need to tread with caution and common sense. Most importantly, keep the alcohol away
For Mumbaikars, waterfalls and dams outside the city have always been popular weekend destinations.
The Oshane Koshane waterfall, two kilometres from Bhivpuri railway station (Karjat end) attracts many nature lovers from Mumbai.
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Kundeshwar, Badlapur
Santosh Kunde, a software engineer from Ghansoli, Navi Mumbai said, "I have been visiting the Oshane Koshane waterfall for the last three years. I come here with my friends during the monsoon.
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A welcome respite from city life, we don't feel like leaving this place at all. It is a picnic for us."
Chandrakala Jadhav (60) from Ambernath, who had come to the Oshane Koshane waterfall lamented, "Many college students were drinking while having fun.
This could be dangerous. The police are not vigilant at all. Some local people were telling me that the police come after 5 pm to ensure that no one stays back after dark."
A lot of these waterfalls are situated far from the station.
Reaching the destination can also be challenging for visitors.
Said Amol Bhandari from Sion, who was spotted at Kundeshwar waterfall in Badlapur, "The autorickshaw drivers charge somewhere between Rs 200-Rs 300 from Badlapur station and we have to give in to their demands as we have no other option. Somebody should keep a check on this."
Bhoj dam, Badlapur
In spite of warning boards at various spots, which clearly mention that alcohol is banned in the area, this reporter noticed that people were drinking.
For many, cleanliness was an issue. Said a picnicker at the Bhagirath waterfall Vangani, "There are liquor bottles lying all over the place. Local authorities can at least ensure that the place is kept clean."u00a0
Travel tips
Green landscapes, captivating valleys and stunning views of the Sahyadri range a perfect weekend getaway for Mumbaikars during the rainy season.
To take a break from the city's monotonous and hectic life, people often travel alone or in small groups to nearby trekking destinations during the monsoon.u00a0
Said Hrishikesh Yadav, who organises trekking expeditions during the monsoon, "Treks are really pleasant during the rainy season. At the same time, one must remember that the ground also gets slippery when it rains.
A lot of people underestimate the force of water currents and get washed away. Irrespective of whether you are a good swimmer or not, there are chances that you might get drowned due to the immense force of the water."
Milind Vhide, owner of Countryside Outdoor Programmes Pvt. Ltd, an adventure club says that one needs to be "observant" and "alert" while trekking. 
Warning board at the Pali Bhutavali dam and waterfall near
Bhivpuri, cautioning visitors to stay away from rough water
as there is a risk of drowning . Pics/Shrikant Khuperkar
"One has to carefully observe the route while travelling. Since it is foggy during the monsoon, there chances of people losing the trail.
Hence, it is important that someone in the group should have good knowledge of the area." But, a few precautions, say trekking experts, can help avert accidents to a great extent.
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Said Yadav, "Wear shoes with rubber soles, which can help you to get a proper grip. Plastic shoes should be completely avoided.
One should avoid wearing shorts while trekking. If your legs are exposed, there are chances that you might get minor cuts or bruises.
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So the best option is to cover your legs. Avoid wearing cotton clothes, as they soak water." A bottle of water, a small torch and a well-stocked first aid kit can come in handy, say experts.
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"Novices should carefully follow instructions from the guide. One should avoid alcohol under all circumstances."
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