While I've always been keen on walking I've never been a "group walker", prefering the tranquility of my own company as well as the ability to stop or go as I pleased rather than having to fit in with the needs of others. However I soon found that walking in India is very different from walking in Britain - basically there are no footpath signs and no Ordinance Survey maps to show the trails. Walking in the countryside, away from the beaches and a few well trodden headlands was virtually impossible. Then last year I discovered that there were several "trekking groups" in Goa.
"Off Trail adventures" is my favourite, and its organised and led by two amazing ladies - Bianca and Theresa.
Peak time for trekking in Goa is during monsoon, which seems a bit odd coming from UK and always hoping for a fine day when a walk is planned. In Goa waterfalls are the most popular destination for a hike, and during the dry season (November to June) many of the falls become dry or mere trickles. In the monsoon the same falls become torrents tumbling into deep pools, beautiful to watch, and fun to jump into
A private bus is provided, at a cost of around 300rps per person. It picks up in the main towns, and the journey to the start of the trek can take a couple of hours (including a chai stop) Most of the participants are in their 20's or 30's and for many trekking in the countryside is a totally new experience. .Even when its not raining there is little chance of getting home dry as a trek to a waterfall will usually involve several crossings of the rivers which lead from it. The trek to Vazra had three such crossings, where strong currents made it necessary to use ropes to prevent being swept away, then when we seemed to be almost there the ropes were out again to help with a steep scramble up to a point where the fall was within sight and sound.
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