Sounds of nature

Thereon, the tranquillity of the hill which forms a part of the Erandwane- Law College-Chatuhshrungi ridge, entraps you. You suddenly encounter a brook that gurgles its way down the slope through thick bushes. The cooing peacocks tempt you to have a glimpse of them. Like a school, the green foliage seated here, belongs to every age. Plenty of them play godfathers to the feathered visitors and insects that interrupt the music of the birds with their senseless monotones.

The Bhamburda Hill, is now a jewel in the necklace of the Western skyline of the city. Its radical change of complexion from a barren, pock-marked surface to a lush green one is evident. Born with a natural cover of an impressive growth of trees it lived a carefree life under the Forest Department. But bleak times came its way when the Animal Husbandry Department sprang up in the forties. Bleating sheep from the newly set up Sheep Breeding Farm made a meal out of the foliage on Bhamburda Hill surface. For over three decades, after that, the hill was brutally shorn off its right to green clothing.

But the proverbial silver lining arrived during the 70s when the Forest Department was literally on the greening spree, having just adopted the Panchgaon Parvati Hill. Their denial to renew the lease with the Animal Husbandry Department which expired in 1979 was a fresh lease of life to Bhamburda. Apart from the prompt action that the Forest Department undertook by a massive tree plantation drive, its efficiency in warding off the area by fencing and even deploying guards of the saplings ensured that Bhamburda would be restored to its past glory.

The Bhamburda Hill range which forms the background of Gokhale Nagar and its vicinity promises to be a rejuvenating experience right from when the climb to the ARAI begins. The curved one km slightly steep road reminds you of one of the undulating drives that mark the feature of Lonavla-Khandala. As you gain heights, the land below, studded with patches of green and concrete jungles offers a delightful treat to the eyes. Once atop, you could take a halt near the shed of the Forest Department. Venture out into the open grassland which invigorates you with its fresh whiff of breeze. This 100-metre high hill has two pathways here bordered by trees of varying heights. A glimpse towards the southern end provides a verdant green landscape of the Panchgaon Parvati plateau and that of the Katraj Ghat, a little beyond.

Silhouettes of the Sinhagad Fort and the Khadakvasla lake towards the southeast offers a breathtaking view. This hill-top lends a kaleidoscopic view of Pune. Towards the northwest you cannot miss the tiny match-box structures that dot Kothrud. The University of Pune tucked amidst its unique landscape and even the PCMC township unveil a little of themselves to the Bhamburda Hill northward. If you are searching for the Deccan Gymkhana, then look towards the southeast. You will also be a witness to the Sangam, that lends a sparkling touch to the spread out vista straight to the east.

On the right side however, an iron gate beckons you to yet another pathway descending down the hill through thick vegetation that opens out straight into the premises of the Working Women’s Hostel. Here, you are in a tranquil world pleasantly trapped in the maze of a mini-forest with its winged inhabitants adding a breath of life to the stillness. It is a mini-trek route, like the one you witness in Mahabaleshwar. The scenario is awesome.

Some of the great grand trees are nearly a 100 years old. Possibly convinced that they would not be vulnerable to the outside world, the dignified species of peacocks are present in large numbers. You are sure to hear their shrill cry, at times, in proximity. If you have the patience to stay silent for a while, chances are that you might have a glimpse of one of these majestic species. You do not have to go on a long journey for a respite from the clamour. Get to Bhamburda and to a refreshing world of tranquillity – a panacea for all kinds of stress.