Lonavala, rappelling

 

It was the sheer height,

That August day–

Thundering down,

Towering pillar, Rainwater’s test

Weekend’s Monsoon at its best

Others made

An agitated queue

Of adrenaline,

But You chose to walk away,

No need to scale Dudhiware

 

Acrophobia, you justified

Tallest falls around here

No need to dare

Yes, every human right you had

To display fear, your mortal scare

But before I could even convince you

You looked stunned

I knew those eyes that never lied

Already broken,

Something crumbled deep inside

 

I followed your eyes

Twin falls, you muttered

Almost as if

They are no longer streams

But the crying hills, with broken dreams

I looked behind

Indeed, not one

Dudhiware was two,

Tears streaming down the hills

But somewhere else, melancholy fills

Look, you dreamed away

Pool of bundled tears

This is how the hills, they bleed

And who else but us who note?

Their ilk, their pensive creed

You needed courage no more

You turned back,

To the very front of the queue

Helmet, harness

Yearning for a wet embrace

 

You took your time

Rappelling down the irate falls

Immersing yourself, very slow

In the very fear

Of the weeping, turgid river’s flow

I watched

Your every step, confused

Even when done, you looked above

Hugging tears

Somewhere seeking, absent love

 

There was no need

To dry, for then you moved

To the other fall, un-rappelled one

Looking above, monsoon clouds

Knowing there would be no sun

To drink sorrow

Like none of us could,

Solidarity, no more fears -

No more streams

But crying hills, broken dreams…

 

19^th December, 2025

Dudhiware Falls, located near Lonavala, is considered one of the highest waterfalls in the region around Mumbai and is a stunning natural attraction, especially during the monsoon season. Surrounded by lush green hills, misty air, and flowing streams, the waterfall cascades powerfully from a great height, creating a breathtaking view and a soothing atmosphere. A unique highlight of Dudhiware Falls is its twin waterfalls, where two parallel streams plunge down the rocky cliffs, enhancing its scenic charm. The name “Dudhiware” comes from the milky-white appearance of the water as it rushes down the rocks. Though slightly off the beaten path, the falls attract nature lovers, trekkers, and photographers seeking a peaceful escape amid Lonavala’s untouched beauty.