There are very few cities which are blessed with such a dense forest within its geographical boundaries. Mumbai is one such blessed city. Thankfully I grew up not far from this beautiful enclave. Most of our Sundays back then involved impromptu visits to the park. My father and I would take an auto and head straight into the park. During monsoons the streams would come alive with the force induced by the rains. We would take hamam soap, a pair of change and take baths in the streams. Now of course, this is not permitted. But being in the forest during the rains even now is as refreshing.
The fresh air and the bird call back then were just an additional bonus. The real fun of course was to see all the animals. Taking a safari and watching the lions was such a treat. It was sad to see the caged animals but seeing a wild animal, even in captivity was such a marvel to the 7 year old me. The rides in the Vanrani – the toy train that went through the park were most memorable. It would pass various enclosures and you were never sure of what to expect at the next corner.
The picnics at Gandhi tekdi which gave a panoramic view of Borivali was a nice climb each time. But walking up the ancient caves of Kanheri was an out-of-the-world experience. When it rained, there would be waterfalls over the caves, in the winter, unique forest birds would flit about. And in the summer, the small water tanks would still be full of water. The monastic order of Kanheri was an advanced one even in the 5th century AD.
Back then we didn’t understand history except that the Buddha had left his house at a young age in search of something. As I grew older the significance of the space increased and I have had renewed appreciation and respect for this space so close to home. The memories of national park have continued to be a part of my life.
Years later I would spend a night on a machhan – on a tree, in anticipation of seeing a leopard during the annual leopard census. Much later I would also walk on the periphery of the Vihar and Tulsi lakes which lie within the park in search of birds. And a few years after, I would celebrate the 5th anniversary of Breakfree Journeys atop Jambhulmal – the highest point of the city. I would go on long cycle rides and of course, I would go onto even do the only modeling assignment ever for the Root.
While growing up, National Park was always a constant. It strengthened the bond I shared with my father and helped to create a new bond with nature – both of which I cherish today.
They say nostalgia comes unexpectedly but this Sunday, I feel compelled to revel in the memories of all the Sundays spent at the National Park.